Diddy

Sean "P. Diddy" Combs isn't your standard remixer. He doesn't just alter the beats of his songs; he re-writes his songs -- new beats, new vocalists, new lyrics, new everything. Of course, Combs doesn't actually do this himself. Rather, he outsources the work to his roster of producers (the Hit Men) and some of the biggest names in urban music. So, even if you question Combs' artistry, it's difficult to question his hitmaking ability. Money doesn't seem to be an issue for Combs. He wants to make hit songs, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to do so, whether that means bringing in superstars like Usher or hiring sure-fire producers like Irv Gotti. And he indeed offers many songs on We Invented the Remix that are chart-topping quality, in particular the two versions of "I Need a Girl" and the Ashanti/Notorious B.I.G. duet "Unfoolish." In fact, in many ways, We Invented the Remix is better than Combs' previous album, The Saga Continues. Most every song here was -- or became -- a hit, and the abundance of guests spare you We Invented the Remix's weakest characteristic, Combs himself. He seems much more reserved here than he had been on The Saga Continues, and since this album is of a modest length at only 12 songs, there isn't much space for filler. As a result, We Invented the Remix confirms Combs' return to the top of the urban music world after a few years of struggle. [The clean version of this album censors all moments of profanity.] ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide