Rating:
Genre:
Rap
Release Date: 05/14/2002
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs isn't your standard remixer. He doesn't just alter the beats of his songs; he re-writes his songs -- new beats, new vocalists, new lyrics, new everything. Of course,
Combs doesn't actually do this himself. Rather, he outsources the work to his roster of producers (
the Hit Men) and some of the biggest names in
urban music. So, even if you question
Combs' artistry, it's difficult to question his hitmaking ability. Money doesn't seem to be an issue for
Combs. He wants to make hit songs, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to do so, whether that means bringing in superstars like
Usher or hiring sure-fire producers like
Irv Gotti. And he indeed offers many songs on
We Invented the Remix that are chart-topping quality, in particular the two versions of
"I Need a Girl" and the
Ashanti/
Notorious B.I.G. duet
"Unfoolish." In fact, in many ways,
We Invented the Remix is better than
Combs' previous album,
The Saga Continues. Most every song here was -- or became -- a hit, and the abundance of guests spare you
We Invented the Remix's weakest characteristic,
Combs himself. He seems much more reserved here than he had on
The Saga Continues, and since this album is of a modest length at only 12 songs, there isn't much space for filler. As a result,
We Invented the Remix confirms
Combs' return to the top of the
urban music world after a few years of struggle.
~Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide