Diddy Subway Takeover Just Made People Angry, Confused

Right photo: Erin Slonaker, Left: Twitter user Nicole Cardoza

Yesterday, rapper Diddy and a crew of savvy PR folk took over a few subway stations with signs and conductors to promote his new album, Last Train to Paris. Because what could make you want to buy an album more than people in costumes yelling at you during your morning commute? The MTA took down the magnetic signs yesterday morning, but one new rider was mildly concerned! One tourist said, "It could definitely mess me up. It's my first time in the subway. Paris could be a part of the city." And there could be only one train left.

According to a few "twitnesses," the Diddy team has moved on to promoting the album with posters made to look like subway signs. But one girl wrote on Twitter, "Dear Dirty Diddy Money. You are not a band. Stay away from my neighborhood. Stop ruining subway art." Well, bad publicity is still publicity, right?

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By Jaya Saxena in News on December 15, 2010 12:01 PM

Comments [rss]

NlGGAZ

I'm amazed that diddy is hasn't been shot dead yet from Biggie's murder retaliation. He must have really good bodyguards.

ktinnyc

Why would Diddy have BIG murdered? He was the engine driving the gravy train.

justthinkin

I saw some of the condusctors on my way home and felt so bad for them, having to wear those absurd outfits that looked like a Michael Jackson/Captain Kangaroo mash-up.

John Fernandez

Glad I wasn't the only one who felt a strong Captain Kangaroo emanating from the "conductors". I just thought it was some performance art weirdness. They seemed a bit unhappy and ridiculous feeling.

Timothy Krause

Thanks for blowing up my Flickr stream! w00t! :D

WarmSleepy

boogpowell

As long as the MTA is getting paid for this its fine. It would be smart of the MTA to try to earn money in new ways like this. I think something like this should demand alot more money than just a simple subway ad. I really hope MTA is holding out for alot of money for these ads.

WetButt

Ruining subway art??

Tower18

Haha, no shit.

1. The signs are totally correct (except including the W), minus the album name and date, which clearly don't match the rest of the sign.
2. This isn't art, or affecting art. Did it cover one of her friends' "tags?"
3. If it were a dance band (maybe with beards?), it'd be okay then?
4. I'm throwing down a pre-emptive "you're suspect" on the "my neighborhood" claim.

Kevin P.

"The signs are totally correct (except including the W)"

There's no crossunder at Prince Street. Passengers need to see the "Downtown & Brooklyn" portion of the sign, but it's covered up in the photo. This is a good way to inconvenience and annoy transit customers.