Music

Diddy Celebrates Ten Years Of ‘Last Train To Paris’ With Studio Footage Of Kid Cudi And Busta Rhymes

Cudi can be seen testing out a verse while Busta praises the album’s ‘future’ sound in some behind-the-scenes clips. …

It’s been exactly ten years since Diddy released his seminal album Last Train To Paris and the rapper is celebrating the anniversary by reliving memorable moments in the studio. He shared a handful of behind-the-scenes videos of him working on the album and the clips depict Kid Cudi, Busta Rhymes, and Jay Electronica offering their two cents on the recording process.

In the never-before-seen footage, Kid Cudi can be seen trying out a verse while Busta Rhymes notes the album’s “future” sound. In one of Diddy’s resurfaced clips, he describes how Pharrell complimented the album’s sound:

“So I played this sh*t for Pharrell in the infantile stages. That n***a ain’t never amp me up. He said, ‘I ain’t gon’ front, n***a. You on to the new Black. And I’m running with that. This sh*t is the new Black. We got a lot of sh*t inspiring us to be who we can be. We got Obama. We entering our f*ckin’ 20th year doing this sh*t. We should be able to be the essence of who we want to be. This sh*t is the new. We making new Black all around.”

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While the behind-the-scenes footage was shared for The Last Train To Paris‘ ten-year anniversary, the video arrives at an apt time, as Kid Cudi and Busta Rhymes both just released anticipated albums. The former debuted Man On The Moon III: The Chosen last week, while the latter shared a deluxe version of his 2020 LP Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath Of God in November.

Watch Kid Cudi, Busta Rhymes, and Jay Electronia in the studio with Diddy above.

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Album Review

Dian Sheng explores identity, life and love with “Sid” album

Dian Sheng releases his long-awaited first English-language album, “Sid,” a genre-defying collection of songs that includes pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. “Sid” is a deep, meditative exploration of identity, relationships, and self-growth, spanning 29 minutes and 12 seconds across eight tracks. This album is a personal exploration of the complex emotions of mankind and the vitality and jubilation of life.

From the opening track, “Right Now,” Dian Sheng establishes a sense of urgency and reflection. The upbeat song “I Come From Far” examines the connection between the self and one’s environment. It has joyful beats and layers that make you think and feel like part of the narrative.

The jazz ballad “Undecided Love” delves into the complexities of modern romance, featuring tender vocals and instrumentation that showcase Sheng’s delicate touch as a songwriter. “It Will Be Alright” is an empowering anthem about overcoming life’s biggest obstacles, combining electronic beats with a rock influence.

“Seventeen” is bursting with youthful energy, and its production captures the restlessness and emotionality of adolescent life. Two introspective songs with similar atmospheres, “The Way Before” and “This Life,” match chilling melodies with moving lyrics that touch on bygone relationships, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning we all experience.

The album concludes with “Shining As Your Name,” and the final few minutes of this piece alone evoke a strong sense of hope. Dian Sheng demonstrates his ability to join emotional depth with new styles. “Sid” is an invitation into the rich musical universe of Dian Sheng, where you can both consider yourself and feel influenced.

Written by:

Faith Koch

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Artist Spotlight

Feel the vibe with Sporty-O’s new EP “The P.L.U.R. Project,” a blend of emotions and sound

“The P.L.U.R. Project” begins like a rush of light across a crowded dance floor as jubilant, purposeful, and very human. This seven-song, 29-minute journey from the EDM pioneer Sporty-O is a cultural reset built around peace, love, unity, and respect.

Sporty-O establishes the emotional timbre for the entire project from the first track of its lead single, “Spirit Higher.” The song is anthemic, its purposes well outlined despite a high-gloss production. It’s a centerpiece that establishes the mood of an intensive exploration of sound and self-awareness.

“The P.L.U.R. Project” is just as much about managing your feelings as it is about moving. Sporty-O creates each record with intention, writing things that make people think on the dance floor. Another high-energy song is “Happy Together,” with Lorme and Chris Willis, pulsing warmth and togetherness. “SOLD!” has a clean, feel-good sound that embodies the community spirit of EDM culture.

Sporty-O embraces a multi-genre EDM palette on the EP, fusing forward-thinking sounds with uptempo beats. Tracks like “Revolution” with Specimen A and “Geek’d Up” with Baby Sweet provide lots of energy and edge. “Piece Of My Mind” is more introspective, while “Cheveyo” features a diverse array of collaborators and culminates in a rich, layered sound, all while maintaining a global welcoming spirit.

What makes this project unique is that it serves both and reminds people of the origins of dance culture. Sporty-O aims to help people rediscover the heartbeat of the community. “The P.L.U.R. Project” is an EDM experience that reaches beyond the speakers, colorful and thoughtful about meaning in music-based culture.