Q Parker, formerly of the band 112, took a moment to revisit a topic that’s been bothering him for a year while promoting his new R&B solo album Evolution of Romance. 112 was one of the original members of Bad Boy Records.
The singer says his support for Bad Boy founder Sean “Diddy” Combs has not wavered, even as he continues to fight lawsuits that reshape the public conversation around him.
The comments come amid an upcoming interview with AllHipHop, in which Parker candidly spoke about their connection and the importance of their shared history within the powerful brand. He said the headlines or sentiment surrounding Combs did not change the way he acted.
“I still feel the same way [as earlier in the year]”I don’t believe in cancel culture,” Parker said. When someone makes a mistake, you don’t just throw them away. When I get frustrated with you, I get frustrated with you. This doesn’t mean I condone your behavior…it means I support you. “
The Atlanta native said his stance is not one of blind loyalty but a commitment to letting responsibility and grace coexist.
“Nobody’s perfect, I’m not planning heaven or hell for anybody,” he told Chuck Jigsaw Creekmur. “I’m not going to be overly judgmental of people who changed my life.”
One of the key moments discussed involved Parker’s last communication with music mogul Combs before he was detained. Parker said Combs listened to early cuts of “Romance Evolved” and gave him encouragement the day before authorities detained him.
“He gave me his blessing the day before he was taken away,” Parker said. “I played him three or four songs to get his opinion. He has an incredible ear for music. I really enjoyed that time. It ended up being the day before he was taken away.”
Parker said Combs’ imprint remains in his creative decisions as an independent performer. He points to 112’s lessons in branding, rehearsal and discipline during the rise of the “bad boys” in the 1990s.
“I learned a lot from him — marketing, promotions, how to work hard,” Parker said. “I still take those lessons to heart and pass them on to the people I mentor.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Combs’ future, Parker believes the music executive will ultimately achieve extraordinary returns.
“As far as I know, whenever he was released, there was a celebration,” Parker said. “He doesn’t do anything small. I look forward to seeing him celebrated and celebrated.”
Parker’s new album aims to return emotional R&B to the center of the genre, which is what Diddy attempted to do on his final project.
