Sean “Diddy” Combs, formerly known as Puff Daddy, celebrated his birthday in 2015 by gifting fans with his latest album, MMM (Money Making Mitch). Released online for free, the album sparked immediate buzz across social media, leaving many wondering if this “sonic motion picture,” as Diddy dubbed it, lived up to the hype. While I spent my birthday watching less inspiring events unfold, Diddy’s approach certainly seemed more celebratory. But does free automatically equal fantastic? Let’s dive into the tracks of Money Making Mitch to see if this no-cost collection is a sound investment of your listening time.
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Image: Album cover of Money Making Mitch featuring Diddy, reflecting the album’s themes of wealth and ambition.
MMM (Money Making Mitch), Diddy’s sixth solo venture, is presented as a “sonic motion picture,” a concept rooted in the “hustler’s spirit and drive,” as declared in the opening track “Facts.” Putting aside the slightly cliché cinematic description, at its core, MMM embodies the quintessential Diddy album formula: high-profile guest appearances, top-tier production value, and lyrics that, while not always profound, are undeniably delivered with confidence befitting a mogul.
While Diddy isn’t renowned for lyrical dexterity in the vein of a Rakim or Nas, his discography boasts albums with undeniable hits. Both No Way Out and Press Play contained their share of chart-topping tracks. The formula for a successful Diddy album hinges on two crucial elements: exceptional production and a strong ensemble of featured artists. The initial half of Money Making Mitch benefits significantly from these factors, making for an engaging listening experience.
Production quality is clearly a priority on MMM. Tracks like “Harlem” deliver a powerful sonic punch, while Sevyn Streeter’s vocals glide effortlessly over the smooth backdrop of “Help Me.” Diddy’s lyrical content largely revolves around themes of wealth and success – the “Money Making Mitch” persona in full effect. However, when paired with such expertly crafted instrumentals, his boasts become less of a lyrical burden and more of an atmospheric element within the overall soundscape.
The album truly ignites when Diddy steps back and allows his featured guests to take center stage. “Everyday (Amor)” stands out as a highlight, featuring Jadakiss, Styles P, and Pusha T, each delivering potent verses. Jadakiss sets the tone with his signature wordplay, Styles P embodies his seasoned status, and Pusha T offers a glimpse into the complexities of his past.
I’m tryna find peace for the love of my brother
Who dodged the white powder, I couldn’t, I’m covered
The price of blood diamonds is killing our cousins
While high blood sugar just killing my mother
This track alone is a strong contender for one of the year’s best collaborations. “Auction,” while not reaching the heights of “Everyday,” is still a solid offering, featuring Lil Kim, King Los, and Styles P, all backed by a compelling blaxploitation-inspired horn arrangement. King Los particularly shines on this track.
Image: Twitter share icon, indicating social media engagement around the Money Making Mitch album release.
However, the album’s momentum wanes as the caliber of guest features declines. Future, despite his popularity, unfortunately detracts from the title track, overshadowing a potentially strong beat. “All or Nothing” suffers from awkward deliveries by both Diddy and French Montana on the hook. Wiz Khalifa’s contribution feels recycled, echoing verses he’s delivered countless times before. “You Could Be My Love” flirts with success, primarily due to its production reminiscent of 112’s late-90s R&B sound. Yet, Ty Dolla Sign, while talented, doesn’t quite capture the same magic as 112, and his duet with an auto-tuned Diddy falls short of classics like “Anywhere.” Even the captivating production of “Workin’” is somewhat squandered, although Big Sean manages to deliver a more focused performance than usual.
It’s tempting to dismiss criticisms by pointing out Money Making Mitch is a free release. However, offering something for free doesn’t negate the right to evaluate its quality. Imagine receiving a complimentary meal with questionable ingredients – the price doesn’t excuse the flaws.
Despite its inconsistencies, MMM is not without merit. There are genuinely enjoyable tracks within this collection. However, Money Making Mitch ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. With its resources and connections, it could have been a more impactful and cohesive project.
Best Tracks: “Everyday (Amor),” “Auction,” “Help Me”
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
