One of the music industry's most conversational features receives a documentary in Peacock's "Diddy : The Makings of a Bad Boy." The documentary special "Diddy: The Makings of a Bad Boy" is presented in a concise ninety-minute format and chronicles the early years of Sean Combs, detailing his transformative journey from Puffy to Diddy over several decades. The documentary provides valuable insights into the influences that shaped his character and the circumstances that may have contributed to his complex personality.
Featured in the documentary are candid, revealing interviews with individuals who have closely interacted with Diddy, including his childhood friend Tim Patterson, aka "Buttnaked" Tim Dawg, his former bodyguard Gene Deal, and Sara Stokes, a winner from the "Making the Band" series. Additionally, singer, songwriter, and producer Al B. Sure!, who was previously a label mate at Uptown Records and had a relationship with Kim Porter before she began dating Diddy, offers his perspective for the first time.
The documentary commences with footage recorded on December 2, 2022, depicting Mr. Combs in one of his residences, exhibiting displeasure at being filmed. The notorious Cassie video follows this segment and transitions to the initial interview with Patterson.
Following this, the narrative delves into Mr. Combs' origin story and his upbringing, which encompassed experiences such as bullying, social ostracism, and enrollment in a Jewish private school. Every individual possesses an origin story; through this exploration, the documentary provides valuable insights into his background and the challenges he encountered throughout his formative years.
Growing up as a Hip Hop head, I knew the basics about some events and backstories covered, including Combs's dad being a gangster and the City College stampede. Regarding I had never heard any of the victims speak. So, in that regard, hearing painful testimonies from everyday folk added an extra layer of realism to the documentary. Additionally, hearing Patterson speak on Diddy's childhood makes sense as to what caused the domino effect of his adult behavior.
The primary question of viewers' minds, though, with the documentary is the industry's perspective on Diddy. In consideration of potential viewers, I will keep this review free of any spoilers. It is evident that there was a collective awareness regarding his actions; however, through both unethical and occasionally legal means, Combs managed to maintain a veil of secrecy, allowing the behavior to go on for so long.
One commendable aspect of the documentary is that sans a few interviewees, it refrains from attempting to humanize him or rationalize his behavior. Instead, it presents a comprehensive portrayal of an individual whose arrogance ultimately led to believing in his invulnerability.
Since I'm sure NDAs were signed when Diddy gave some of his former artists their masters back, I wish more former nineties were interviewed to truly bring the message home. Diddy worked with numerous artists so hearing from the likes of say Gina Thompson would've have given it more flair. Nevertheless, I was engaged for the duration.
While "Diddy: The Makings of a Bad Boy" isn't the first, nor will it be the last on the disgraced mogul while he awaits trial, it will be the talk of the town for weeks to come.
Final Grade: B
"Diddy: The Makings of a Bad Boy" is available to stream tomorrow on Peacock.