Dancing With the Devil: How Puff Burned the Bad Boys of Hip-Hop by Mark Curry

by MarK Curry

Dancing with the Devil( How Puff Burned the Bad Boys of Hip-Hop) <> Paperback <> MarkCurry <> NewMarkBooks

Genres: Hip Hop, Biography, Music

Paperback

First published February 2, 2009

Reviews

[Byron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is exactly what you'd hope it would be. It's riddled with errors (but honestly not that poorly written) and weirdly formatted, and clearly the author has an axe to grind, having been signed to Diddy for something like a decade, only to eventually end up like seemingly everyone else who was ever signed to Bad Boy, i.e. sad, broke, alone and probably on drugs. At least he's not dead or in jail. But he's also surprisingly knowledgeable about the history of Bad Boy, especially the chain of events that led up to the assassinations of 2Pac and Biggie Smalls, and obviously he's not holding anything back out of respect for Diddy, for of reprisal or anything like that. At one point, he more or less admits that he started working on the book in an attempt to blackmail Diddy with it, for money -- which may or may not be legal. Curry's own story is interesting enough that it could have been turned into a real book, by a legit publisher, if there was more of a market for books by black people that aren't trashy crime and romance novels, and the dirt on Diddy is scathing enough that it would have been all over the hip-hop Internets a few years ago, if any of these bloggers could read.

[lp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mark Curry is not a writer, he's a hip hop artist. So it's not like surprising that the book wasn't exactly the most eloquent thing I've ever read. I needed my Urban Dictionary for some parts, and there were often typos or places where I thought, "I bet Mark Curry meant to say ______." But I actually couldn't put this book down. He does a great job telling his story, his father's story, and the story about how P Diddy is a fucking asshole. I never really grasped what really went down with the Bad Boys of Hip Hop on the 90's -- Tupac, Biggie Smalls, and a slew of other artists who recorded with Puff Daddy. And while I know you shouldn't believe everything you read, I feel Mark Curry is a reliable narrator. I was too busy being a happy-go-lucky second grader when all this shit was going down and people were being shot. So I was grateful to be filled in on this very important American tale.

[Mark Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must read... now available in Kindle format..

[Karena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book it gave alot of insight into the music business, and what these artists go through. I had heard the horror stories about Bad Boy and Diddy and how he treated his artists before, but I didn't know that it stretched this deep. I think that Mark did a good job in writing his story, I could tell that he did his research. The only thing that distracted from his writing were the grammatical errors through out the book. I believe that he may have self-published this book so maybe that explains why there were so many errors, but still I wondered if he had anyone proof-read the material before he made his submission. I know that even editors aren't perfect because I've read books before that had words missing and some grammatical errors. I know its impossible to catch every mistake sometimes and I'm not downing Mark because I think he's very talented as an artist but the errors just took away from the storyline, maybe he'll do better when and if there is another book to be written.
I appreciate him for this book because so many aspiring artists don't know about the music business. And that's way its easy for them to fall prey to rip-offs and tragedies, it was heartbreaking to read in the book about some of the artists who I used to listen to in my teen years stuggle so much to make a living doing what they loved because they got taken advantage of by Diddy. I don't know how "some" people sleep at night, I felt sorry for Mark because he put so much faith in Diddy that he would honor his word and put Mark's album out. I know how it can be too put too much faith in someone thinking that they would have your back, so I related at some parts to what Mark was going through. But after a while you'd have to figure that this person was using you for your talents and had no intentions of releasing your album. Mark was left penniless when he stopped dealing with Bad Boy, he didn't get his h.s. diploma and so therefore had no plan b. He says currently that he drives an old Honda car and can't afford life insurance.
I don't believe that he can't reinvent himself, if he can't make it as a rapper he should pursue to be a producer because its been proven that he has talent. These days times are hard on everyone because of the economy but I hope that he's planning his next move because he has a family to provide for, no insurance for himself means no insurance for the son that he has...
His story is a cautionary tale indeed and should be read by every aspiring singer, actress, and dancer....

[Diya Shakoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book solidified what everyone already knew about puff… this book needs way more attention. It was a solid read.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dancing with the Devil is Mark Curry's story of his years at Bad Boy Entertainment. He discloses his version on Puff Daddy's role in the East/West feud, his involvement in a nightclub shooting which resulted in Shyne's encarceration, his exploitation of artists and more.

The book itself reads like a series of conversations with Mark Curry. The style is engaging and easy to understand. However, he meanders through certain topics, often going on tangents or bouncing around chronologically. There are also typographical errors throughout. Curry could have used a better editor.

There are also inaccuracies in the book that tend to detract from his overall credibility. You're left wondering how truthful the details in his story are. In spite of this, I found it to be entertaining and engaging.

He does a good job drawing you in by filling in details to events in hip-hop that are still shrouded in mystery.

A good read for fans of hip-hop, especially in the early-to-mid nineties. Just take the stories with a grain of salt.

[Kojo Baffoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Puff Daddy (Diddy, etc) is a business and social phenomenon who has achieved a great deal over the last decade in the music and entertainment industries. There have always been lingering question marks around some of his actions. Mark Curry was part of his inner circle through a lot of his trials and triumphs. This book had the potential to come across as being very bitter but it doesn't. While all of it is from Curry's perspective - and so can't be taken as fact - it does give interesting insight into the world behind the scenes. It seems Diddy's world is solely about Diddy, at the expense of everyone else. And yes, the Devil he refers to in the title of the book is Sean Combs himself.

It is a quick and easy read, written in a conversational style, and touches the surface of a lot of incidents and events. It isn't backed up by clear fact but it does make one think

[DEMCAEA LARKIN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puff Puff Burn!!

Some of the things in this book I already knew but their was a lot I didn't. Reading this book put a lot of things in perspective. In reading this it makes you wonder if the music industry is even worth pursuing, with so many bad things going on.

[tarenta payne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not Worth it

The author tells us everything that we already know. The book is all over the place and the author talks about everybody but only gives you a little insight on his life. Everything that is in the book has already been put out by the media.

[Dequeasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

This was a good Read. Finished this book in 1 day. A lot of good behind the scenes stories. But sad too.

[Tasha Milteer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very informative on Puff handled his business. I've been wanting to read it for so long and want disappointed.

[TISHA · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, this book does have a lot of typos, but if you can get pass that, then you will enjoy this book. I always found Puffy to be a little "snakeish". It is just something about him that rubs me the wrong way. I don't personally know him, but he is not my cup of tea. Once I started getting to the meat and potatoes of this book that dealt with Puffy, I became even more disgusted, just down right nauseated. No one on Bad Boy has ever thrived, and I see why, Sean Combs makes devilish contracts. People who love hip hop will know that Biggie was the cash cow of Bad Boy, and once he died, Puffy kept looking for his next cash cow. What solidified it for me that Puffy was an ass, when he made Babs, Choppa, and a few others walk to Juniors to get him some cheesecake in the freezing winter. That was just pure evil and how is that teaching anyone about the music business and how to thrive. He did that embarrassing nonsense because he could and he's an ass. I applaud this gentleman for writing this book, typos and all. It must feel liberating to finally tell his side of the story. I pray that Mark Curry is finally free from the clutches of Bad Boy. Yes, there will be memories, but I hope only the good memories remain.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Curry is speaking his truth in his way. He gave the readers an inside look at some of the foul things that Sean "Diddy" Combs did to other people, in order to become the music mogul that is portrayed to the public. From charging his artists for being in their videos, to taking credit for songs he didn't write, not delivering albums as promised to artists and the numerous cover-ups of illegal activity, Mark is disclosing it in this book.

The most shocking part to me, is knowing that the same people he wronged over the years, are back cool with him (I.e. Mary J Blige). Now that several other allegations have come out about Brother Love, I wonder if we'll get an update.

I rated the book 💎💎💎💎, because there's were pasta that literally dragged, but once it picked up…it was on!

[Tanesha Abernathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book after going down the Diddy hole…this was one of the recommended books to read. Unlike the last book I read by Terrence Dean, this book actually named names and made me recall some events that we heard about in the past.

Now that I live in the Atlanta area and have heard of some of the places mentioned everything comes into perspective. It just shows how Diddy has gotten away with several crimes and others have gone down for his shenanigans. Having read this book makes me really believe the lawsuits coming out about him and his peers. My only hope is that more people decide to come out, whether they write books or file lawsuits their stories should be heard.

[Aondongu Tivzenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

You can tell Mark curry was a songwriter, because he has a way with words. This story is so gripping, I finished it in two days.

If you want to hear an amazing story, you will love this book. If you are a music business aspirant, or in the business, you will love this book. It is story filled with tragedy, sad stories, and redemption.

Mark navigated all of his hardships with his faith, and that is powerful; this book chronicles a dreamer and a believer as he walks holds on to the light in his life while navigating darkness.

[Michelle Marquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A serious can't stop reading account of just how BAD Bad Boy Entertainment really was!

This was an excellent book! My only problem with it was there are a lot of typos and mistakes, but other than that, it's a great read for anyone who followed hip hop in the late 90's and early 2000's. The music business is a horrible racket!! And Sean Puffy Combs IS the devil if you believe what's in this book, and I believe it!

[B. Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows the dark side of Hollywood.
Every celebrity has a boss, and every boss has a boss and then they have a boss.
Hollywood has covered up other peoples reality since the beginning of their existance. Many people have the mindset that if they don't see it or experience it first hand, then it must not happen.
Mark details his ten year span under Bad Boy entertainment and its not a pretty journey. Its quite heartbreaking and I'm glad he has the courage to speak his truth.

[Camille Bolton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Save you money

The author of the book reminds me of a battered woman. There are NO “fair” deals in the industry. There are NO friends in the industry. The author sounds like a immature child who is constantly seeking validation from Puff. Moral of the story...love yourself and know your worth.

[Ernest Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye Opener

Phenomenal read and insight into the circus that so many wish to be a part of. People are willing to sell their soul and those of so many others for the perceived fortune and fame. This book pulled the cover off of the hidden. Thank you Mark Curry and much success to you and your Family!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was really interesting. I tip my hat to Mark for having the courage to share his experience. There were many talented artists under that label that met a similar fate or worse. I took a star off only because you could've benefitted from an editor; there were many errors throughout the book.

[Aprille Trotman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good.

Except for some grammatical errors... The book was pretty decent. I had been waiting to read this for a long time until I discovered it on Kindle. Paints a portrait of how the music industry really is.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

IT WAS OK

It really didn't reveal wasnt already public knowledge, only somewhat confirmed it, some was second hand knowledge not from what he saw with his own eyes but I'm glad he got HIS story out

[NayNay Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing with the devil

I really enjoyed this book. It's shocking to read about the shady underworld of the music business. I saw Mark interviewed and that's how I discovered his book. I will recommend it and it's also a quick read.

[Betsy Korb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Music Mogul or Thief? The Business Side of Diddy

Mark Curry, a talented rapper and song writer, exposes Diddy's shady business practices managing his record label that earned him enemies and respect through fear.

[Jerome · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good read. Not much to reveal. Good storytelling and writing. The hype was better than the finished project. Would definitely recommend to the Hip-Hop community.

[LaMaud Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book!

Informational and insightful to how certain people move or operate in the industry that we may be blind about in regards to what the media doesn't put out.

[Jak Krumholtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content makes up for the lack of revisions this book could use. Thankful Curry shared his experience at Bad Boy and for him helping Black Rob.

[Daneika bynum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaw Dropping

I heard and read about some of these occurrences in Mark’s book, but whewww…this book puts a lot of things into perspective. Great read! God Bless you Mark. You definitely danced with the devil.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting to read another perspective of allegations that have circulated around the music industry for decades. For those who love hip hop and grew up in the 90’s, recommend.

[Erika Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was very interesting and kept me wanting to read more, however, it was filled with typos.