Singing Guide: Diddy

Singing Guide: Diddy

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

Sean “Diddy” Combs is a legendary producer, rapper, and entrepreneur. But did you know that he also has a unique singing style? In this article, we will explore Diddy’s vocal technique and learn how to sing like him.

Vocal Technique

Diddy’s singing style can be described as a mix of rapping and singing, with a heavy emphasis on rhythm and tone. He often uses a falsetto voice when singing higher notes, but also incorporates a low, breathy tone in his lower register. Here are some tips on how to achieve Diddy’s vocal style:

1. Focus on rhythm and tone

When singing like Diddy, it’s important to emphasize rhythm and tone. Pay attention to the timing and flow of his lyrics, and try to replicate the same rhythm in your own singing. Additionally, Diddy’s tone is unique - he often uses a breathy voice with a low timbre, which provides a contrast to his higher falsetto.

2. Practice falsetto

Diddy is known for his high falsetto notes in songs like “I Need a Girl” and “Last Night”. To achieve this, practice shifting your voice to a higher register, and adjusting your breath control to accommodate the change in tone. Experiment with different falsetto notes until you find the right range for your voice.

3. Utilize breath control

As mentioned, Diddy’s lower register often features a breathy, whispered quality. To achieve this, focus on your breath control while singing, and use controlled breaths to create a whisper effect. Be sure to alternate between breathy and more traditional notes to create the contrast that is characteristic of Diddy’s style.

4. Sing with emotion

Diddy’s singing is known for its emotionally charged quality, particularly in his ballads. Try to channel that same sense of emotion when singing songs in his style. Whether it’s longing, passion, or heartbreak, try to convey those same feelings through your voice.

Songs to practice

Here are some of Diddy’s most famous songs, along with specific techniques to focus on:

  • “I Need a Girl”: Focus on falsetto notes in the chorus, and breathy vocals in the verses.
  • “Last Night”: Pay attention to the range of falsetto notes in the chorus, and sing with a sense of emotion and urgency.
  • “Coming Home”: Experiment with breathy, whispered vocals to match the song’s mood.

Resources

Use Singing Carrots’ vocal range test to determine your own vocal range and find appropriate Diddy songs to practice. For further information, check out the articles on how to learn a song effectively, how to improve vocal breathing, and how to open your mouth and throat while singing.

Conclusion

Diddy’s unique singing style is characterized by a mix of falsetto, breathy vocals, and emotionally charged delivery. By following the tips in this article and using Singing Carrots’ tools and resources, you can learn to sing like him and develop your own style along the way.

Learn more about this artist vocal range, voice type and repertoire.