(Photo: Richard Phibbs)

P. Diddy
P. Diddy—we think that’s what we’re currently supposed to call him—has always been a figure of controversy. Partly because he’s evolved before our eyes—rap star, producer, hip-hop squire in a white suit, boyfriend of J.Lo, fashion entrepreneur, TV star—what is he, exactly? But this year, he produced the soundtrack to Bad Boys II (with a four-week stint at the top of the album charts), another Sean John collection (which earned him his fourth straight CFDA award nomination), and Making the Band, his MTV show. He’s become a New York institution, one of the city’s most exciting creative engines. It’s a command performance—on several stages at once. His running of the marathon this year (and the $2 million he raised for, yes, the kids) is a metaphor for his staying power. He’s definitely not finished yet—whatever his name is.—JOHN HOMANS