Rapper Puff Daddy Changes Name

NEW YORK â€“ Sean Combs says he's not blowing smoke, he's getting rid of his much played-upon "Puffy" moniker.<br><br>The rap mogul, who was acquitted earlier this month of bribery and weapons

Friday, March 30th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NEW YORK â€“ Sean Combs says he's not blowing smoke, he's getting rid of his much played-upon "Puffy" moniker.

The rap mogul, who was acquitted earlier this month of bribery and weapons charges, told MTV News on Wednesday that he's dumping the nickname when he comes out with a new album.

"I'm not doing it as serious as Prince. I'm not just going to be crazy with it," he said. "I just need a fresh start. That's all."

So what will be his new rap name? Actually, he said he will just take one of his other nicknames, P. Diddy. The rapper said he can even envision a name change ceremony, with another beleaguered celebrity helping him out.

"So probably, like, the first week in June we are going to have a name change ceremony. Clinton is probably going to change my name. Bill Clinton, I like his style," Combs said. "He is a survivor, they went at him, he is still standing."