Diddy's 'Last Train To Paris' make it just in time for the holidays.
Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Sean Combs aka Diddy's last album was meant to be the last time the rapper pressed play on a solo release. Technically it was. The music mogul has got his Diana Ross on enlisting two Supreme talents to form his group 'Diddy Dirty Money'. Seah John has fashioned a good looking dance/rap outfit consisting of him and singers Dawn Richard of Danity Kane and Kaleena Harper. These three finally deliver Diddy's 'Last Train To Paris'. A much delayed album that has missed many a due date and yet again has been given the 'last album' tag.
Still after listening to this great set deliver a versatile disc of digital dance music hopefully it isn't the last they have to offer. Although throughout the 'Last Trains' journey Diddy gives up seats in the carriages to some A star talent (his albums are always ensemble pieces). It's him and his group, not just his famous friends that keep this gunning on the right track. Even the 'Intro' of this album is just the ticket and with production from Swizz Beatz, Darkchild and Danja this machine has the right people behind it motoring it along.
Throughout this piece Diddy and his 'Dirty Money' ladies work and look good together like Beyonce's 'Single Ladies'. They put a decent ring on it with their energetic, catchy, get up and go motivational singles. From The Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z 'Where Your From' sampling 'Angels' with Rick Ross to the T.I. featured 'Hello, Good Morning' which sounds as glittery as the glossy, Los Angeles downtown, epileptics beware music video looks. Rick Ross even adds more shine on the remix to this single.
Ross isn't the only frequent flier on this trip. Chris Brown also breezes through on the cool, crisp tracks 'Yesterday' and 'I Know'. It's Lil' Wayne that makes the most of his miles however, looking flashy on 'Strobe Lights' and even cooler on 'Shades'. Lowering his glasses for some awesome poetry with Diddy, Justin Timberlake, James Fauntleroy and the "OOOOOOOOH" so good Bilal.
Mr. Combs guest list is longer than most honor rolls as he brings out some crazy legends. On the albums opener 'Yeah Yeah You Would' Grace Jones comes back like a 'Hurricane' as she and Dirty Money are a slave to Swizz Beatz rhythm. From his spoken word intro, you know your in for something big and Diddy's divas even hold their own next to one of the most iconic of them ever. Swizz Beatz delivers even more dance worthy shaking beats with 'A** On The Floor' and believe me yours will be as well.
After growing up with him and needing a girl with him, Diddy once again brings out the real best in Usher with 'Looking For Love', but surely these guys aren't still looking. Diddy is at his best however saving 'Your Love' with Trey Songz, the heir to Usher's R&B throne. When the love gets old however Diddy Dirty Money and Drake get as cold as ice on the last single 'Loving You No More' and this ice is as cool as they come. The groups current single 'Coming Home' with Skylar Gray really does feel right there amongst the other big bass tracks. The group may not stray away from their comfort zone but they do build an energetic, uplifting single that makes this Winter feel like a Summers day as hot as this track.
Even when the group go it alone they still feel as welcome as 'Paris'' featuring guest spots. From the first piano key of 'I Hate That You Love Me', your with Diddy, turning up the music. While 'Someone to Love Me' samples the best of what the Diddy dubbed "futuristic soul" has to offer. 'Hate You Now' may sound like the Diddy assisted Nas classic, but instead it's a great study of relationships (like this whole album) where Diddy shows a lot of character.
This album may not be the most lyrical but Diddy's always been a catchy cat that writes cheques not rhymes. This rap, R&B, dance fused album is different and fresh just like Diddy's house infused, 'Last Train To Paris Mixtape' as Lectro Black with Felix Da Housecat (a sound which would have been good to hear more of here as well). 'Last Train To Paris' is a great ride from start to finish. Plus if you travel first class and order the deluxe edition you'll get some more cool tracks including Diddy's 'Last Night (Part 2)', a sequel to his and Keyshia Cole's classic. All you need will be provided on this musical trip even if the impressive, Jay-Z, "Show ‘em how to move in a room full of vultures,” sampling 'Love Come Down' doesn't make the final journey. From start to finish your attention and enjoyment will be maintained. So sit back and relax, because the man that's produced so many classic hits over the decades will be your driver for this evening. Daddy's back. Let's hope he isn't ready for his departure just yet. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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