Diddy — Press Play

We all know the quote, "Don't worry if I write rhymes, I write cheques." It's the most memorable, honest thing Diddy's ever paid anyone to write. The rapper probably developed carpal tunnel syndrome hiring all the help for his fourth album. Mary J. Blige, Big Boi, Nas, Ciara and Christina Aguilera are just some of the talented artists who sell their soul to the Diddy. The results vary from mediocre (Twista's played-out Micromachine Man flow) to magnificent (Cee-Lo's infectiously crazy squeal), as do the various high-priced beats. Timbaland continues his recent renaissance with the melodic "After Love," and Kanye West laces the thumping, triumphal track "Everything I Love" with giant horns and organ fills. But Diddy seems most at home posing as rap's Kylie Minogue on flamboyant fun-boy tracks like "Special Feeling," which sounds like the soundtrack to some '80s step aerobics video. You can only hope he's wearing biker shorts as he works up a sweat trying to rhyme. Sure, Diddy's hired some great producers and strong ghostwriters, but sometimes you wish he'd hire a ghost-rapper as well.

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