Grandmaster Flash News

(10/5/98, 2 p.m. PDT) - Sean "Puffy" Combs apologized for not being able to attend the photo shoot for XXL Magazine's "A Great Day In Harlem '98" on Sept. 29. The leading rap/ R&B producer placed a personal call to one of the organizers of the event that united 178 hip-hop artists for a three-fold cover photo. The cover is meant to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Esquire magazine's Jazz Portrait that captured such greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and Count Basie.

Noted figures from hip-hop's past and present were on hand, including Deborah Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie, Joseph "Run" Simmons of Run-DMC, Grandmaster Flash, A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, and Fugees members Wyclef Jean and Pras.

"It was an emotional event," said a spokeswoman. "Everyone started to cry when we saw Run [of Run-DMC] running to make the picture."

Coverage of the event will include a pictorial and stories about well-wishers such as Will Smith, Queen Latifah and Ice Cube, whose film and tour commitments prevented them from attending.

Proceeds from a poster and documentary on the event will be donated to the Boys Choir Of Harlem.

-- Billy Johnson, Los Angeles