Changing one's moniker is no easy feat. While the jump from Puff Daddy to Diddy proved trying for nineties babies nationwide, the idea of abandoning Diddy in favor of "Love" seems nigh impossible. Yet try we must, as Love is serious about his latest handle. As well he should be; in his new cover story with GQ, the artist formerly known as Combs is a bastion of positivity. It's clear that the Bad Boy mogul is on a winning streak, and throughout the extensive interview, he opens up about a variety of intriguing topics, including the Notorious B.I.G, black excellence, and more.
A few weeks back marked the anniversary of Big's untimely death, a trauma that Love still carries to this day. When asked if he ever spoke to a therapist about the unresolved murder, Love shook his head. “I haven't dealt with any of that yet. I try to get into it, but...that's something that just hurts so bad. That's a time that's still suppressed." It's easy to forget that the mogul and Big were so close. The Notorious one's presence is felt throughout the conversation. When asked if any current artists might have given a younger Love the same excitement as Big, he took a minute to consider.
"No," he said, before saying "Kendrick Lamar. But Kendrick's already made it." He proceeds to name a few of his favorite current artists, and while they might not be on Big's level, it's still a ringing endorsement; Drake, SZA, Jay-Z, Nas, Migos, Lil Baby, Future and all landed the coveted Diddy co-sign.
For more from Love, be sure to check out the full cover story here.
