What did Quincy Jones say about Diddy? Record producer's 2012 comment about rapper's music credibility, explored

On Sunday, November 3, Quincy Jones - the celebrated musician and producer - passed away in his Bel-Air, Los Angeles home. Everyone from politicians to celebrities came forward to pay their tributes to the iconic composer in the wake of his death.

Oprah Winfrey called him "the world's beloved Q" in her Instagram post, revealing that he had "discovered" the TV host by giving her her big break in The Color Purple. Former President Barack Obama thanked him for paving "the way for generations of Black executives to leave their mark on the entertainment business."

The death of the 91-year-old has also led to some of his old interviews resurfacing, in one of which Jones talked about Diddy. In a 2012 Spotify launch event, Quincy said Diddy "couldn't recognize a B-flat if it hit him."

Quincy Jones praised Diddy's marketing prowess

While Quincy Jones didn't appear to have a high regard for Diddy as a musician, he did praise the Last Night rapper's talent as a marketer, adding:

"P Diddy has a doctorate in marketing... he’s got clothes companies and Ciroc vodka."

Jones also remarked that it was important for musicians to "learn your craft" in the interview - a comment that appeared to be hinting at Diddy, but no names were mentioned.

The interview was published on June 27, and the very next day, Quincy uploaded a Facebook post, clarifying that his comments didn't mean any harm to the Bad Boys record owner. The producer wrote in his post:

"No controversy, no diss. I have nothing but love and respect for Diddy and all that he has achieved as an artist and an executive. Always have and always will."

On his part, Diddy didn't publicly react to Quincy Jones' initial comment or his Facebook post.

Quincy Jones made a controversial comment about Donald Trump

Beyond Quincy Jones' comment about Diddy, the music producer also spoke about Donald Trump in a 2018 Vulture interview. His unfiltered comments about the then-president quickly went viral, leading to Jones later apologizing for them.

Revealing that he used to hang out with Trump, Quincy called him mentally limited, a "megalomaniac" and "narcissistic". Further commenting on his skills as a businessman and a leader, Jones added:

"A symphony conductor knows more about how to lead than most businesspeople – more than Trump does. He doesn’t know s**t. Someone who knows about real leadership wouldn’t have as many people against him as he does. He’s a f***ing idiot."

Elsewhere in the interview, Quincy Jones also claimed that he had once dated Trump's daughter, Ivanka. According to the producer, Ivanka, who was over 40 years younger than him, requested a dinner with him when she was 25, through Tommy Hilfiger.

Jones added:

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"I said, ‘No problem’. She’s a fine motherf***er. She had the most beautiful legs I ever saw in my life. Wrong father, though."

Ivanka never made any public comment on the allegations made by Jones, with the truth about their dating rumor still being a mystery.

Other celebrities who have paid tribute to Quincy Jones

Following Quincy Jones's death last week, many other celebrities have paid their tributes, including Will Smith and Peter Hook.

Smith called Jones "the true definition of a mentor, a father, and a friend," adding:

"He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself. He defended me. He nurtured me. He encouraged me. He inspired me. He checked me when he needed to. He let me use his wings until mine were strong enough to fly."

Hook - the co-founder of Joy Divison and New Order - said Jones was "so humble & sweet" that anyone would immediately fall in love with him.

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