Diddy has to wait Even Longer for the "Last Train"
Diddy’s Last Train to Paris Faces Another Delay Amid High Expectations
Despite years of anticipation, Diddy’s highly conceptual album, Last Train to Paris, continues to be pushed further down the calendar. Originally scheduled for release in late 2009, the project has since suffered multiple delays. Now, it carries a new release date of September 20, 2010. According to Diddy himself, the album simply isn’t ready yet—and he’s in no rush to drop something that doesn’t meet his standard.
Some fans are growing weary of the wait. Meanwhile, others remain excited, believing Last Train to Paris will be worth the delay. As the release date shifts yet again, the album is fast becoming one of the most talked-about projects in recent hip hop history. However, it’s not because of what it has done. Instead, it’s because of what it still promises to be.
A History of Delays: From 2007 to Now
The journey for Last Train to Paris began well before the public even heard the title. Following the release of 2006’s Press Play, Diddy dove into various projects—including a now-shelved We Invented the Remix Vol. 2—before deciding to develop a conceptual, genre-blending album centered around love, heartbreak, and transformation.
Initially, the album was expected in fall 2009, but Diddy’s new distribution deal with Atlantic Records pushed the release to April 2010. Then came more tweaks and fine-tuning, and a tentative June 2010 date was floated. That too has now been pushed, with the latest announcement placing the release firmly on September 20, 2010, via Bad Boy/Interscope Records.
Creative Freedom Over Commercial Rush
Fans may be frustrated, Diddy’s team insists the delays are a result of artistic integrity. However, not label issues. Ghostwriter and producer Rico Love recently praised Diddy’s decision to take his time. Thus, citing the pressure of delivering something truly impactful.
“If he comes out and the record is not good, then y’all are gonna trash him,” Love said. “So he said, ‘I’m gonna take my time until I’m happy with what I’m delivering.’ I take my hat off to Puff.”
Love even goes so far as to predict that Last Train to Paris will be ranked among the most iconic albums of the last decade, comparing it to Kanye’s 808s & Heartbreak, Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3, and Beyoncé’s Dangerously in Love.
Dirty Money and a New Musical Identity
Part of the intrigue surrounding Diddy’s Last Train to Paris is the introduction of Dirty Money, a duo consisting of Dawn Richard (formerly of Danity Kane) and singer Kalenna Harper. Together, the group aims to bring a new kind of energy to hip hop and R&B—a fusion of European electro-pop, soul, and hip hop storytelling.
The single “Angels,” released late last year, introduced the sound Diddy is experimenting with. While it didn’t top charts, it garnered critical interest for its brooding vibe and haunting vocals. The remix featuring Rick Ross gave it some additional radio life, but it was far from a breakout hit.
“Hello Good Morning” Doesn’t Boost Momentum
Hoping to spark mainstream traction, Diddy recently dropped the T.I.-assisted single “Hello Good Morning.” The track found moderate success in clubs and urban radio. However, it failed to create the album momentum that Diddy was likely hoping for. The lukewarm response contributed to the album’s most recent delay. So, Diddy reportedly decided to revisit parts of the project before committing to a final version.
Despite the setback, Diddy appears unfazed. In a recent BBC interview with Scott Mills, he confirmed that Last Train to Paris will now hit stores in September, and emphasized that quality—not deadlines—is the priority. In other words, Diddy is tweaking the album to ensure it is considered a classic.
Industry Critics and Supporters Speak Out
Some insiders are praising the ambition behind Last Train to Paris. Meanwhile, others have been more skeptical—particularly 50 Cent, who has never shied away from critiquing Diddy’s music.
“His music sucks,” 50 said bluntly. “He’s not an artist anyway. Now he’s a singer? Puff is just buying a record and singing.”
The G-Unit rapper went on to say that Diddy himself doesn’t care about album sales, and that the album is more about promotion than artistic legacy. Whether this is just typical rap banter or a fair critique remains to be seen.
On the other hand, Mista Raja, one of Diddy’s ghostwriters, had a more measured take.
“It’s experimental. I’d lean more toward 808s & Heartbreak than Blueprint 3,” he said. “He’s got a solid eight tracks that I could see myself bumping. You can never count Diddy out.”
Raja emphasized that it’s the public—not the artist—who decides if something becomes a classic.
Will Last Train to Paris Live Up to the Hype?
At this point, Last Train to Paris has taken on near-mythical proportions. The album is being described as a love story told through music, with Diddy playing a character who chases after his soulmate through cities, time zones, and emotional phases. The concept is bold and refreshingly different—but will it resonate with fans used to Diddy’s club anthems and braggadocious energy?
With the inclusion of Dirty Money and the European sonic palette, this isn’t No Way Out or Press Play. It’s something else entirely. And whether it becomes a classic or a curiosity will ultimately depend on how the final product is received this fall.
Final Thoughts: A Long Wait for a Lasting Statement?
Diddy has always viewed himself as more than just a rapper or producer—he’s a visionary, a brand, and a culture shaper. With Last Train to Paris, he’s betting big on an emotional, experimental sound that could either redefine his career or fall flat.
But as of today, one thing is clear: fans will have to wait a little longer. Whether that wait results in a masterstroke or a misfire, we’ll find out when the album finally arrives—on September 20, 2010.
Until then, the only train Diddy’s fans can ride is the hype train.