Setting aside fashion lines, reality show talent searches and marathons, Diddy most importantly still knows how to drop a beat. Four years have passed since Sean Combs released an LP and he has a lot to say.

“Press Play” is an encouraging, well-executed album. In its entirety, the release nears 80 minutes, giving you every bang for your Benjamin.

The release contains one intro track, three interludes and enough singers to form a football team. Who wouldn’t turn down a cameo on a Diddy song?

Christina Aguilera is one such a person who lent her voice to “Tell Me.” During the last season of “Making the Band” — the Diddy-led reality television show that resulted in the quintet female group known as Danity Kane — a demo of this track was featured on one episode. Yes, Diddy knows how to multitask and he also understands singers’ voices. Aguilera’s robust tone brings the backbeat alive and creates just enough tension to dramatize the lyrics.

“Diddy Rock” features a triple threat of Timbaland, Twista and Shawnna. “I’m your burger/ You’re my fries,” is the only true way of explaining the way you feel to a loved one. This song starts off at a steady tempo and progresses to a grittier verbal assault by badboy Twista. The Chicago native passes the mic to Shawnna who showcases her freestyling skills and harmonization. “Diddy Rock” is the most diversified track on the album with warping loops and is beyond good from start to finish.

As a lengthy release, there are bound to be a few shortcomings, but Diddy balances them out with successes.

“Press Play” contains some brilliant samples and instrumentation that really enhance the vocals. The only subpar aspect of this album is the mixing that is expected to be clean. Several sounds are difficult to differentiate and a tad fuzzy.

So whether it’s Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Diddy or just Sean Combs, it doesn’t matter. This release is solid.

Adrian Finiak is a music critic for the Northern Star.