Together, the threesome create a new sound: train music, an electro-hip hop soul funk experience. Their debut CD, Last Train to Paris, is the embodiment of this new sound, which reveals an intense love story that defies today's musical status quo. Case in point is the freestyle energy of the first single, "Love Come Down." Diddy-Dirty Money then effortlessly counters that energy on “Angels,” a mellow track that unveils the fearless trio’s more personal and vulnerable sides. These songs are just two of the surprises in store on Diddy-Dirty Money's upcoming release in 2010.
“Diddy-Dirty Money is a movement that represents a change in music,” declares Richard. “It’s different from what most people expect. But if they take the chance to listen, they will respect it.”
“All that Hollywood stuff doesn’t work for us,” adds Kalenna. “Dawn and I aren’t background singers simply standing next to Diddy, and Diddy-Dirty Money isn’t just more of the same. It’s an organic group that grew out of a shared passion for music.”
Known for having his finger on the pulse of what’s next, Combs had a notion that Richard and Kalenna were kindred spirits when he brought the two together to write songs in 2009. At the time, Richard was a member of the Diddy girl group Danity Kane, discovered through the MTV reality show “Making the Band 3.”
Born and raised in New Orleans, Richard grew up on music. Her father, a musician and choir director, was also a member of the RCA R&B group Chocolate Milk. “I’d sneak underneath his piano and watch him perform,” recalls Richard. She later joined her dad’s choir and also began performing with a local group called Realiti.
“Growing up, I was more into alternative music,” says Richard, whose influences range from the Cranberries and Sheryl Crow to Green Day and Melissa Etheridge. “I saw myself as the leader of a rock band with pink hair, singing the music I love.”
Attending the University of New Orleans under a full scholarship, Richard claimed her first major break when she was selected as the opening act for Anthony Hamilton in 2000. Five years later, she auditioned for “Making the Band.” All the while, she continued to hone her songwriting skills. Richard wrote several songs on Danity Kane’s 2008 platinum Bad Boy album “Welcome to the Dollhouse,” the follow-up to the group’s 2006 self-titled platinum debut.
Following a similar path was Kalenna (Harper). The daughter of an Army father who was also a rapper, Kalenna began spending time in the recording studio with him at 11 years old. By 17—having lived in Alaska, Germany and Hawaii—the poetry writer began pursuing a singing career. But after being told she was too dark and not skinny or pretty enough, she took her father’s advice and pursued songwriting. Signed to EMI Music Publishing in 2008, her diverse list of credits includes songs written for Jill Scott and Jennifer Lopez, Bad Boy Entertainment and award-winning producers Bryan-Michael Cox, Rodney Jerkins and Timbaland.
“Growing up, I understood how music can take you away and help you escape,” says Kalenna, whose influences stretch from Michael Jackson and R. Kelly to gospel’s Karen Clarke-Sheard and rock’s Marilyn Manson. “At the same time I began learning how music brings people together; how it can heal and comfort.”
Describing the teaming with Combs as “divine intervention,” Richard notes, “We mirror each other: perfectionists with a strong work ethic. We push and challenge each other.”
And what about detractors who may be quick to dismiss the Diddy-Dirty Money vision?
“Anything great will always have its naysayers,” says Richard. “We’re just going to let the music speak for itself.”
Adds Kalenna, “At the end of the day, tomorrow is not promised. But I know we’re here now—and we don’t plan on going anywhere for a long while."
