Photo Credit: Montez Miller
Detroit’s players came out to play at the Bad Boy Family Reunion concert this past Labor Day weekend at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Day one fans recited lyrics in unison as music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and his musical family put on a production with hits from the ’90s to the millennium. Diddy and his crew took us down memory lane with the Harlem Shake while dressed in chic costumes, delivering stunning dance moves and stimulating vocals. They enthralled the audience filled with people of various ages and races.
Earlier daytime events that complemented the concert were a Bad Boy vs Everybody pop-up shop at the Detroit apparel store, Detroit vs Everybody, and an empowerment brunch hosted by the Women of Bad Boy.
Puffy opened the show dressed in a bright red blazer and heavy gold chains. Kaboom! Always in extravagant form, he put on quite a show complete with pyrotechnics: fire balls and fireworks.
He performed snippets of just about every hit from the Bad Boy music vault including “One More Chance,” “Bad Boy For Life” and “Victory.” Diddy’s right-hand-rhymer Mase joined in and carried the vibe as if he had never left the rap game. They performed other chart toppers including, “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down” and “Been Around the World Remix” (sans Mario Winans), getting the crowd hot and ready for sets from 112, Total, The Lox, Carl Thomas, Faith Evans and Lil Kim.
(Photo Credit: Porsha Mitchell for Steed Media except where noted)
The audience’s throbbing itch was scratched and massaged as the Bad Boy fam delivered signature joints like 112’s “Peaches and Cream” and “It’s Over Now.”
And Total had everyone’s nose wide open with “Trippin” and “Kissing You.” Keeping the energy flowing, The Lox stepped in with Jadakiss’ “We Gonna Make It” and Styles P’s “I Get High.”
Putting a lil’ romance into the atmosphere, Carl Thomas got everyone ‘Emotional’ with his suave tenor and his sensual, “Summer Rain.”
The first lady of Bad Boy, Faith Evans, exuded the grace and poise she’s known for, while snatched for the gods in a black catsuit. The R&B Diva gave infinite life with her soothing vocals as she sang favorites like, “You Used to Love Me and “Soon As I Get Home.”
The Queen Bee, Lil Kim, greeted her loyal subjects like a bawse—reinforcing that she’s still of one of the dopest femcees ever. Starting off with her verse from Mobb Deep’s “Quiet Storm,” Kim wasted, ‘No Time’ slaying the mic, getting the arena extra lit with “No Lighters,” “Get Money” and “Queen B****.” Her dance moves were a bit suspect, but her flow was sick as ever.
Bad Boy’s newest member, French Montana rocked the crowd with his club bangers, mimicking Diddy’s over-the-top style as they wore matching white mink coats with trains that seemed to stretch as far as Diddy’s dirty money.
Former Bad Boy, Craig Mack was noticeably missing from the lineup. Reportedly, he now kicks flava in God’s ear as he is actively involved with his church.
There were a few moments where Diddy’s inflated ego commanded the stage, luckily he’s smart enough to know that he can’t be a one man show.
A consummate entertainer, Diddy showed how he remains relevant by performing a few of his recent jams including the Pharrell assisted “Finna Get Loose.” Despite his sometimes flashy presentation, Diddy showed flashes of humility. He acknowledged the mutual love and respect between Bad Boy and Detroit.
“Every time we tour Detroit, we find like minded individuals. We like to get our own money. We like to hustle … We like to take care of our families … We’re from the same cloth … Detroit has the livest arena in the world,” he noted.
A touching mid-show video montage featuring icons, Michael Jackson, Maya Angelou and Muhammed Ali along with 2 Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. paid homage to the “angels above” who have inspired Diddy’s empire. Another Detroit gem, the Selected of God choir, accompanied “I’ll Be Missing You,” a tribute to Bad Boy’s flagship artist, The Notorious B.I.G., whose spirit was felt throughout the night. The Bad Boy Family closed the show with über hits like “All About The Benjamins” and “Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems.” A surprise appearance by Black Rob made peeps say, ‘Whoa,” while 112, Total and Faith Evans sealed their sets performing “Cupid,” “Can’t You See” and “Love Like This.”
A family man at heart, Diddy introduced his sons, Justin and Christian—giving a glimpse into Bad Boy’s future.
Despite the changes of these past 20 years, the Bad Boy legacy has survived and continues to thrive because the artists and fans are devoted to Bad Boy for life.
