Diddy, the renowned music mogul, is about to release his first solo album in 13 years, titled "The Love Album: Off the Grid." In an exclusive interview with ET, he shared insights into the inspiration behind his new music and his journey to this album.
After a long hiatus from music, Diddy decided to return to his passion because he wanted to do something that truly made him happy. He explained that he had put his creativity and music on hold for a while, but his love for making music eventually led him back into the studio. Despite the 13-year gap since his last album, he believes that this new project sounds fresh and marks a new era in his career.
Diddy's journey into his "Love Era" began in 2021 when he legally changed his name to Love, though he later clarified that he prefers to be called Diddy. He emphasized that "Love" is his real name, and he even got it tattooed on his body.
"The Love Album: Off the Grid" revolves around the theme of love, particularly his personal experiences with love and relationships. Diddy explained that he wanted to connect with the R&B genre and bring back the romantic, baby-making R&B music that he felt was missing. He encouraged listeners to embrace the album's theme by going "off the grid" with their loved ones, disconnecting from technology for a 48-hour love immersion.
Diddy's inspiration for the album came from his own experiences, including his relationship with the late Kim Porter, with whom he shared four children. He revealed that he had always made music with their love in mind and shared a touching story about waiting for her phone call in the pre-internet era, which inspired a song on the album.
When asked if he believes he will find love again, Diddy expressed optimism while acknowledging that he can't predict the future. He emphasized the importance of cherishing the love he had and not chasing a past love.
"The Love Album: Off the Grid" boasts an impressive lineup of guest artists, including The-Dream, Busta Rhymes, The Weeknd, and more. Diddy shared that he secured The Weeknd's collaboration even after the rapper had stated he wouldn't do guest features until Daft Punk reunited. Diddy collaborated with artists based on their voices and not their social media followings, emphasizing his love for their talent.
In summary, Diddy's new album, "The Love Album: Off the Grid," is a celebration of love and R&B music, inspired by his personal experiences and relationships, including his late partner Kim Porter. It represents a new chapter in his career and features a star-studded lineup of collaborators. Diddy remains hopeful about finding love again while cherishing the love he has experienced in the past.