Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 67: The Incredible Diddy]

"You've got some seriously popular songs, and I'm really happy for you, aren't I?" Sean "Diddy" Combs, clad in white and wearing black sunglasses, leaned in close to Ryan's ear after posing for a picture, tightening his grip on Ryan's shoulder for emphasis.

"Even though you only have two tracks, you're definitely at the top of my party playlist!" Diddy continued.

Party-goers loved Ryan; his electronic music had an energizing effect that could get anyone hyped up.

"You're welcome to come by anytime. I'll get you my private number; only my closest friends have it. No matter where you are, whether it's the top of the Himalayas or the frozen wasteland of Antarctica, just give me a call, and someone will pick you up and bring you straight to my party!

Want to know why? Because your music is freaking amazing. Which record label did you sign with?" Diddy asked.

Scooter, who was nearby, quickly jumped into the conversation, bringing up Schoolboy Records, Republic Records, and Jermaine Dupri. Diddy nodded and didn't say much else.

Ryan felt a shiver run down his spine. He couldn't just turn on his heels and run away after this guy had come over and asked for a picture, could he?

As the camera flash went off, Ryan knew he had made the guest list. If Diddy ever stumbled, it would tarnish his image, and he might get dragged down with him.

A quick online search would reveal that this entertainment mogul had quite a notorious past. In 1999, because of NAS's new song MV DISS, Sean rushed into NAS's manager's office with two people, and beat him up.

In the same year, there was a shootout in a New York nightclub over a disagreement, with his then-girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, present. His partners had accused him of threats, and last year someone was violently assaulted just for talking to his girlfriend. Another man connected to her had even had his car blown up.

All the lawsuits Diddy faced were discreetly swept under the rug. These were just the incidents that made headlines; who knew what went down behind closed doors?

After the photo op, Diddy walked over to Rachel, striking the same pose and placing his hand on her waist. He whispered something in her ear while she flashed him a smile.

Next, he mingled with other guests. Out of the six DJs, he had only taken photos with Ryan and Rachel.

...

Ryan checked the time; it was only 3:30 PM. He had already achieved his goal and didn't want to linger longer.

"I need to find Scooter," Ryan said to Joel.

"Okay," Joel replied, seeming distracted and likely still thinking about the beautiful woman in the room.

Ryan searched for a while before finally locating Scooter, who was standing with Robin, deep in discussion. Upon seeing Ryan approach, they both paused their conversation instinctively.

Ryan shared his wish to leave early, citing that he wasn't feeling well as his excuse.

"You have to stick around at least until nightfall. We have to do our job right, plus there's the main event coming up. Don't you want to see something incredible? It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a real historical artifact!" Scooter reminded him.

...

About half an hour later, Ryan learned what the "incredible artifact" was: a Dunlap version of the Declaration of Independence.

Of course, it wasn't the original housed in the National Archives; that was the handwritten document on parchment. John Dunlap had printed about 200 copies on the night of July 4, 1776, sending them to the colonies, marking the document's first public distribution.

Currently, only 25 copies existed, with two still in the UK. 

What appeared at the event was one of the copies from Hollywood producer Norman Lear's private collection, elegantly framed and carried in by four security personnel.

The atmosphere soared as this historical piece revealed itself, and a few guests shouted, "USA!"

"Quiet down. I want to say a few words at this moment," Diddy announced, standing at a height above the crowd, resting his hand on the upright frame while addressing everyone.

"Today, I doubt anyone would think a young Black man would bring the Declaration of Independence to a party. But it came here with me, and I promise not to spill champagne on it..." He patted his chest while delivering an impassioned speech filled with words like "love for this land" and "unity," making the crowd solemn.

Then Diddy shifted his tone, becoming fervent: "But this year, our values faced serious challenges..." He spoke about several competitors in the entertainment industry, calling them "hypocrites," "liars," and "inept," while lavishing praise on his own group, urging support for the Black candidates.

The crowd responded with whistles and applause.

...

"Are you laughing?" A young woman, Rachel, spoke up next to Ryan.

"Isn't this a dark comedy?" Ryan shot back.

"Indeed," Rachel chuckled.

Ryan spotted the Black man who had been conversing with Rachel, now standing beside Diddy. This bald guy was unmistakable and clearly one of Diddy's trusted aides.

"How did you get here?" Another voice interrupted their talk.

It was Paris Hilton, cheerfully wrapping her arm around Rachel's, revealing a close friendship.

"Come with me, I want to introduce you to a few people," Paris said as she pulled Rachel away, glancing back meaningfully at Ryan, hinting him not to forget the upcoming event.

...

Ryan stayed a bit longer at the DJ booth. Although Scooter insisted on playing more laid-back party music, Ryan decided to mix it up with the Harlem Shake.

Most people knew the song's melody, and as soon as the line "Do the Harlem Shake!" played, several guests began to mimic the dance moves. Ryan spotted Mariah Carey, still with a drink in hand, joining in, and Nicole Scherzinger was even swaying her hips, making him feel genuinely happy for her boyfriend, Hamilton.

Ryan nonchalantly took out the camera he had prepared and captured this precious moment of celebrities dancing together, knowing it would enhance the song's popularity.

Unfortunately, midway through the song, security came over and abruptly halted the music. If not for that, Ryan could have shot more footage, but the few seconds he managed to capture were worth it.

...

As the sun gradually set and the outdoor lights turned on, Ryan noticed several "ladies in black" showing up. Their form-fitting black dresses accentuated their figures while they interacted with the guests. Their distinct attire made them stand out in the crowd.

Clearly, this was part of Diddy's plan, and Scooter had hired them as "servers."

Finally, Ryan figured out who the "VIP guests" were: L.A. Reid, whom he had heard of before, and Neil Portnow, the CEO of the Recording Academy.

The Recording Academy, officially known as the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, was more of an association with the Grammys being its most important asset.

Neil Portnow had once served as L.A. Reid's assistant, and now they were both top guests at Diddy's gathering. They arrived quietly, heading directly into the inner venue, not giving the flocking artists a chance to engage with them, or else they would have been mobbed.

Ryan felt that this white party had been a fruitful experience; he had not only found a possible collaborator but also filmed a stars-version of the Harlem Shake that had promotional value.

...

Just as Ryan was about to gather his belongings and leave, he suddenly heard a woman scream in the distance.

He turned to see Joel being "escorted" out by security, his upper body bare. Paris Hilton was wrapped in a towel, looking panicked, and she turned just in time to see Ryan hastily trying to make his exit.

"You bastard, you're not going anywhere!" she pointed at Ryan.

*****

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