‘It’s Still My Song’: Sting Reflects On Diddy’s Sample Of ‘Every Breath You Take’

by

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at Sting’s unwavering dedication to his art and legacy. His life experience, spanning decades of music-making and evolution, has given him an unique perspective that few artists possess. The way he handles the connection between Every Breath You Take and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a testament to his resilience and commitment to the power of music.

Sting has openly stated that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ contentious legal issues do not influence his feelings towards Every Breath You Take. In a recent conversation with the Los Angeles Times on November 11, the lead singer of The Police expressed no intention of allowing Diddy’s association with the song to alter its historical significance.

As a devoted follower, when inquired about whether Diddy’s ongoing legal matters influenced my perception of his song, I shared that it did not. To be clear, I am unaware of the specific details involving Diddy. However, for me personally, these issues do not affect the song in any way. It remains my track.

Back in 1983, I was part of a groundbreaking trio known as The Police, and our single became a monumental piece in our discography. It was the only one to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, holding that position for an impressive eight weeks. Fast-forward fourteen years, and music legend Diddy paid homage to the late Notorious B.I.G. by sampling this iconic track for his hit tribute song “I’ll Be Missing You.” Just like us, it soared up the charts and made a lasting impact on pop culture.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the creator of Bad Boy Records, is currently under scrutiny for troubling allegations. He’s been taken into custody, facing a range of severe accusations such as sexual misconduct, racketeering, coercive labor practices, and bribery. The arrest occurred on September 16, 2024, and he has been denied bail on several occasions. His trial is set for May 5, 2025.

On November 8th, a judge refused to issue a gag order requested by Diddy, as he wanted to prevent his accusers and their legal representatives from making harmful public statements. The court decided that while ensuring a fair trial for Diddy is crucial, the freedom of speech rights enshrined in the First Amendment must also be upheld for the accusers.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but declare that every beat of my heart echoes with the immortal rhythm of Every Breath You Take. Penned by the genius of Sting and unveiled in 1983, this song swiftly transformed into The Police’s anthem. Its chilling melody and Sting’s profound lyrics have left an indelible mark on music history, resonating with listeners even today.

1997 saw Diddy’s emotional track “I’ll Be Missing You,” which incorporated Sting’s original, as a poignant tribute to the deceased rapper Notorious B.I.G. Featuring Faith Evans and 112, this song became a commercial hit, staying at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for 11 consecutive weeks.

As he looks back at the past, Sting is also welcoming a return to his original beginnings. At present, he’s on tour alongside guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas, forming a trio similar to The Police’s three-member setup consisting of Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland.

During the interview, Sting said, “I’ve always been with The Police. To be honest, I can’t recall exactly what happened. I simply recorded an album, just like the others did, and I found greater pleasure in it than I did being part of a band. And here I am once more.

For Sting, keeping his audience guessing is a priority. “My whole modus is surprise. I don’t want people to be entirely confident about what I’m going to do next. That’s the essence of music for me. And no one expected a trio at this point.”

Read More

2024-11-12 15:08