Idolator

Over the weekend, the Los Angeles Times reviewed the first night of Prince's stint at Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel; in addition to performing two full sets and hugging Penelope Cruz, Prince managed to drive away some of hip-hop's biggest names:

Only one awkward moment emerged during Prince's forays into the crowd. He approached the daunting bunch on what could have been dubbed the "hip-hop power couch" — it included Diddy, Death Row Records founder Suge Knight, Erykah Badu and Nas, among others — and tried to hand the microphone to Nas.

The rapper declined to ad-lib, however, simply muttering, "I love Prince," and handing back the hot potato. Prince then tried to work his charm on Badu; she gave up a half-hearted rhyme about sisterhood, but it fizzled out. About half of those seated on the couch then abruptly departed (although Nas and Badu both stayed).

This must have been one of the most terrifying moments in Diddy's life: With Suge and Nas by his side and Prince standing right in front of him, he's faced with the prospect of having to rap—in public! If only he'd sprung an extra $3,121 and grabbed an extra seat for his ghostwriter.

Prince charming at the Roosevelt [LATimes]