by SCOTT C

Now, before you get beat about the head and face with an inane Toronto fashionista "exclusive" on the Sean John camp from the boneheads over at E-Talk Daily, you should probably know that Montreal will be privy to a few fleeting hours with P Diddy on Monday, March 28. In town to officially mark the launch of the Sean John Collection in Canada, Sean "Puffy" Combs has been making some moves that will not only keep him one of the most recognizable black people on the planet, but also ensure that the P Diddy Empire has more staying power than the avian flu. Music, movies, publishing, fashion, restaurants, Broadway - what could possibly be next? If you said wireless content and communications, move to the front of the class! That's right, the billion-dollar Bad Boy is cutting himself a piece of the exploding mobile entertainment and wireless pie. What does P Diddy know about wireless communications? Well, what does P Diddy know about acting? If he can survive being devoured by seething and unimpressed New York theatre critics, he can ride his wave of dollar bills right through this new venture. Check him out live on MusiquePlus's Plus sur commande next Monday at 5 p.m.

Kops Crew offshoot Dead Messenger shook things up a little for an unsuspecting audience at a recent Ark of Infinity show, stating at the top of their set that "graffiti isn't just hip hop, it's rock 'n' roll too." They'll be headlining a show at le Swimming tonight, Thursday, March 24.

Those of you who were fiending for a little bit of Detroit are going to get your wish, coming up in April. The Family Tree Tour: A Taste of Detroit, featuring Royce da 5'9, Phat Kat, B.R. Gunna and Slum Village, rolls into Montreal for an April 6 date at Club Dôme. Phat Kat and the dynamic duo of Curtis "Black" Cross and Ralph "Young R.J." Rice, aka B.R. Gunna, have never set foot in MTL before, so don't miss. Tix are $25 and available at Off the Hook.

Even though I never got the chance to talk to the Game before game-time, (tonight, Thursday, March 24 at Club Dôme), I will be at the show armed with a recording device. I've got some burning questions for Chuck Taylor, and something tells me I'm about to get some answers.

Turf Builder time again! Beat-makers and producers, get at me with your five-song CDs before the next listening session on Wednesday, March 30, and try to include one remix of a known track for good measure. Hit me up for info.

Hey now...

War Is War Breakdance Competition, Saturday, March 26, Club Soda, $10–$15

The Goods, Saturday, March 26, la Sala Rossa, $8

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings with DJ Kobal, Thursday, April 28,

El Salon Roots Manuva with Airborn Audio, Friday, May 6, La Tulipe

MY MOTHER IS NOT PLEASED... fathead@videotron.ca

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