The king of hype has taken the art to a new level, announcing plans to release the high-concept album Last Train to Paris this fall, a would-be "electro-hip-hop soul funk" masterpiece that culminates in a love-seeking Eurail journey from London to Paris.
"I'm ushering in a new movement called 'train music,' " the rapper turned wannabe-serious actor said.
It's also coming part and parcel with a movie version of the album, starring—who else?—Diddy himself.
Trapped in the Closet's got nothing on him.
Combs told MTV News this week that the album will not be a solo effort, instead will be a group endeavor comprised of Diddy and two as-yet-unnamed female bandmates. The arc will follow Diddy's character as he tours overseas and finds the woman of his dreams—only to lose her, find her, lose her again and, (spoiler alert?) find her a final time.
"We get together, she's attached to my hip…I tell her to come to New York, Miami, all the places where I get it poppin', where I really do s---t," he said. "You know how men pop s---t like men do sometimes when they're trying to make a woman fall in love."
The duo experiences a misunderstanding and parts ways again.
"So, I go on tour, and I'm in London," the storyboarder extraordinaire told MTV News. "I get a tip that she's in Paris, and it's 9:45 p.m. or something. It's one of the foggiest days in London, so I can't take my plane. I can't drive, the road is shut down. The only way I can get there is the last train to Paris…
"It's that whole intensity of what happens on the train ride—and will she be there when I get there—is something else you'll hear."
Diddy is expected to go into production on the accompanying movie in May, though was quick to rebut claims that this would be his Purple Rain.
"It's not like I'm playing Prince and s---t," he said.
The album, due out Sept. 22, will be Diddy's first since 2007's Press Play and features collaborations with producers the Neptunes, T-Pain, Rodney Jerkins, Tricky and The-Dream, among other hot shots.
"I've been a businessman for the past two years. It's time for me to focus on being an artist again. I am going to show the world a new refreshing side of me. Get on or get off!"
··· THEY SAID WHAT? Get today's most commented stories now at www.eonline.com
Sean Combs' Bad Boy in deal with Interscope
Sep 29, 2009 2:00 pm PDT
Hip hop artist and fashion mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs has signed with Universal Music Group's Interscope Geffen A&M label in a deal which includes his future albums and creates a new joint venture with Combs' Bad Boy label. ...
Sep 25, 2009 1:00 pm PDT
After a five-year run, Sean "Diddy" Combs confirmed to Billboard that he is exiting his exclusive deal with Warner Music Group/Atlantic Records at the end of September. A new, not yet officially announced deal is in place, according to hi...
Mariah Carey, Diddy, Lil Wayne albums delayed
Jul 27, 2009 2:50 pm PDT
Some of the most highly anticipated albums of the summer have been delayed, including Mariah Carey's "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel," Sean "Diddy" Combs' "Last Train to Paris" and Lil Wayne's rock and roll album "Rebirth." C...
Feb 8, 2009 11:00 am PST
Usher was supposed to be one of the performers at music mogul Clive Davis' star-studded bash, but he had to back out for what Davis called a serious illness in his family. Davis made the announcement moments before Usher was slated to per...
Celebrity parties going head-to-head at Super Bowl
Jan 29, 2009 6:00 am PST
Kevin Costner signed on to host a glitzy Super Bowl party this year, but the truth is he doesn't really like parties all that much. Too much glad-handing, picture-taking and standing around. The 54-year-old Hollywood star would much rathe...