Today (Sept. 15) is officially Diddy Day in New York City! This morning, after the Bad Boy icon unveiled The Love Album: Off The Grid, he paid a visit to Times Square where he was awarded the key to the city by New York Mayor Eric Adams for “his contributions to music, business, and philanthropy.”
“Today, I accept this key not just for me, but for every dreamer, every hustler, every artist, and every kid from New York who dares to dream big,” Diddy said in response to the incredible honor. “To Mayor Adams and the city of New York: I promise to keep giving to this city that made me, Thank you for recognizing my journey and my mission to uplift and empower. Let’s continue to make history together.”
Mayor Adams added: “Sean Combs is the embodiment of the New York City attitude. A son of Harlem, Combs worked his way to the top, becoming a successful musical talent both in front of and behind the mic. Despite all of his successes, Sean has never forgotten where he came from — giving back to New York City, donating millions to underserved communities, and supporting aspiring Black entrepreneurs. ‘Every step he takes, every move he makes,’ Sean Combs has proven to be a singular, generational talent. For his contributions to music, business, and philanthropy, I am honored to present Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, with a Key to the City of New York.”
In an Instagram video, he kept the energy high while riding around Manhattan with the key in hand. “We f**kin’ did it! Harlem, we did it! Mount Vernon, we did it! The Bronx, we f**kin’ did it! Let’s go!” the billionaire mogul exclaimed.
A short while before the historic occasion, Diddy sat down for an interview with “TODAY” where he spoke on The Love Album and the hard work that led to its creation.
“I feel like I just had a newborn baby,” he explained. “It’s been three years in the making. I stepped away from music for a while, just going through life’s peaks and valleys. To be able to return back to music, my first love, and to put out some great R&B music for y’all today, is incredible.”
He also opened up about why he decided to return to making music in the first place. “I was asking myself, ‘What really makes me happy?’ I’ve had a lot of success, but making music is the No. 1 thing that makes me happy. That’s how y’all know me, that’s what got me here,” Diddy stated to the “TODAY” hosts. “In R&B, as far as the genre of music, I feel it was missing that love frequency. That baby-making music… something for you and your wife or significant other to enjoy.”
You can watch that interview and Diddy’s big key to the city moment below. If you missed it, you can press play on The Love Album: Off The Grid here.