A little piece of you...
This is the one you've all been waiting for confirmation or denial of. Has David Bowie recently re-recorded 'This Is Not America' with Mr Sean Combs? Well, a recording session did take place last Sunday (22nd) at P. Diddy's Times Square studio, and present at that session was one David Bowie (formerly known as David Jones, Ziggy Stardust, Halloween Jack, The Thin White Duke and various others) and indeed Sean "P. Diddy" Combs (formerly known as Puff Daddy).
The pair have taken elements from the 1985 David Bowie/Pat Metheny song 'This Is Not America', originally recorded for the soundtrack of 'The Falcon And The Snowman' movie, and have added new lyrics performed by Rappers Black Rob, Marc Curry, Big Azz Ko, and Kain . This new version has also been recorded for a soundtrack, for 'Training Day' (starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke) to be precise, and the film opens on September 21st.
The original recording was just as much an unexpected partnership as this latest one would appear to be, but the song is now regarded a classic among Bowie fans, and was in fact played live for the first time, fifteen years after its release, during David's string of dates last year. This live version was immortalised on the live CD from David's performance at the BBC Radio Theatre.
Here's what David had to say about the session with P. Diddy:
"I threw down a lot of lines and melodic pieces from which Sean will make a sort of assemblage piece, with contributing rappers. The beats have a definite techno/hiphop drive."
When the two met for the session, P. Diddy was moved to comment on David's firm handshake: "Man, I want to know what exercise machine you use?" the rapper enquired. "It's called holding onto your money." was David's quick-as-a-flash rejoinder.
Of course this isn't the first time the two have graced the same recording. You will remember the smash hit, (taken from Puff Daddy & The Family's 'No Way Out' album) 'Been Around The World', that sampled Let's Dance as the basis for the backing track. It's also not the first time David and Sean have met. They were both present for the NetAid press conference in New York back in 1999.
The Training Day soundtrack will be released on Priority Records.