By April MacIntyre Jul 28, 2009, 3:34 GMT
Sean “Diddy” Combs returns to MTV in his latest reality series “Making His Band” premiering Monday, July 27 at 10:00PM ET/PT.
07/04/2009 - Sean Combs - Throughout four cycles of “Making The Band,” viewers have seen Diddy as a tough critic whose hard work and high expectations created successful groups ranging from hip-hop to pop to R&B. © IAKONA / PR Photos
Witness a personal side of Diddy as he launches a nationwide search for the musicians to back him up on tour for his new album. The album features a sound that Combs describes as electro-hip hop soul funk.
Throughout four cycles of “Making The Band,” viewers have seen Diddy as a tough critic whose hard work and high expectations created successful groups ranging from hip-hop to pop to R&B.
Covering choreography, song writing and production, Diddy will call upon five judges to mentor the contestants and help select the members of his back-up band. Pulled from a diverse pool of untapped talent, the artists selected will live together in Los Angeles as they vie for a spot to join Diddy on tour.
"In ‘Making His Band’, Combs says, “They will walk away knowing that this project is a personal and refreshing look at the man behind the music."
Meet the Judges:
Laurie Ann Gibson:
Making the Band’s favorite choreographer is back. After training with the world famous Alvin Ailey School of Dance, Gibson has choreographed megastars like Lady Gaga, the Jonas Brothers, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and Diddy. Whether she’s bringing the “boom kack” or warning artists about the “gotcha gotcha,” Laurie Ann gives guidance like no else in the business. Now Diddy wants her to apply her distinctive style to not just dancers but musicians, too.
Romeo Johnson
Romeo has been a vocal coach for 15 years in both Atlanta and Los Angeles. His career includes touring with Rufus, Teddy Riley & Guy, Blackstreet, Patti Austin, Xzibit and Queen Latifah, among others. On top of that, he has the distinction of being the only vocalist ever to tour with both Janet and Michael Jackson. When Diddy needs a vocal coach, he calls Romeo. His depth of experience gives Romeo the tools he needs to sort out the complex harmonies of any music - especially Diddy’s fresh new sound.
Om’Mas Keith:
Om'Mas is a historian, producer, composer, lyricist, educator and co-founder of the iconic performance group SA-RA™. He’s worked with Kanye West, Dr. Dre, Andre 3000, Fergie, 50 Cent, Jill Scott, John Legend, Will i am, Erykah Badu & Alicia Keyes, and he draws his musical prowess from his formal studies since age 3 with mentors Max Roach, T.S. Monk, Jam Master Jay & Gary Bartz. A tastemaker “Professor Om’Mas” always injects his own off-beat sensibility to the proceedings.
Rob Lewis:
Rob Lewis is a music producer, songwriter, arranger, and musical director. Originally from Chicago, Rob went to school at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. His clients include New Kids On The Block, Babyface, Christina Aguilera, The Pussycat Dolls, Toni Braxton, and Patti LaBelle. Diddy is counting on Rob’s familiarity with a broad range of musical styles and his expertise on keyboards to help him find the right members of his band.
Nisan Stewart:
Nisan Stewart was born in Southern California and spent his early years as a drummer in his father’s church. Nisan was "discovered" by world-renowned producer, Timberland. Since then he’s toured with and produced for artists such as JayZ, Diddy, Beyonce, Missy Elliott, and 50 Cent. Nisan’s been on the road with Diddy as both drummer and musical director, so he knows better than anyone what kind of musician and personality Diddy’s looking for.
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