Do you like Diddy?

Diddy? Like, the rapper?

That’s the one.

Uh, yeah. I like him.

Are you aware that his birthday is Nov. 4?

No.

Yeah, try to guess how old he is now.

36?

Nope. Try 40.

40? Oh wow.

I know, right? The guy who used to be known as Puff Daddy is now 40 years old. What do you think about that?

(Laughs) Um, that’s kind of surprising I guess because he’s older than I thought. Like, I don’t know. Listening to some of his songs and then realizing (he’s) that old, I mean he’s older than my dad.

(Laughs) That’s what I’m saying. With his new “”making a band”” show, why would a 40-year-old “”rap icon”” need help making a band?

I don’t know. Maybe because the economy sucks and he’s trying to get back out there.

(Laughs) That’s a pretty good theory. Are you a fan of his music?

Um, I mean I listen to it when it comes on. It’s pretty chill I guess.

What advice would you give to Diddy now that he’s an old man?

I think that, I mean some of the songs that he does are a little (pauses) I don’t know. I guess 40’s not really that old, but maybe just change his music a little to act his age I guess.

Should he change his name again?

Mmm, I don’t know.

But if you’re 40, and your name is just Diddy, how can people take you seriously?

Yeah, that’s actually a good point. I don’t think that anyone can take him seriously. (Laughs)

What should his new name be then?

I don’t know. Like, Lil’ Bow Wow, when he grew up he cut out the “”Lil”” you know? So maybe  there’s some way he can do it. Some way sophisticated that matches his age but is still cool in his little area of music.

— Brian Kimball