Touré says drug addiction drove Diddy to more extreme “freak offs”

Music journalist Toure says he has uncovered new connections, Diddy's downfall … claiming the rap mogul's drug use led him to host X-rated “freak off” parties.

We caught up with the author on Monday on TMZ Live, where he discussed his connection with the Bad Boy Records founder and how he believes drugs have changed Diddy's mindset over the years.

Touré put it this way: Diddy was a different person decades ago. He described the rapper as “extremely sharp, motivating, [and] very strategic” in the early days of his career. While Touré did not go into detail, he said he believes Diddy's mind has been “clouded” over the past 15 years.

He added: “He is not in his right mind… He was plagued by substance abuse and that is why he is making these terrible decisions.”

Touré made it clear that his intention was not to excuse Diddy's behavior, but rather to highlight how Diddy got into this situation.

TMZ uncovered the story… Diddy was arrested last Monday at the Park Hyatt in Midtown Manhattan, six months after his homes in Los Angeles and Miami were searched in connection with a federal criminal investigation.

The rapper was arraigned the next day in a New York courtroom, where he was charged with sex trafficking, organized crime and transportation for prostitution. Prosecutors say Diddy's “freak offs” are at the heart of their case … and claim the rap mogul “used violence and intimidation” to compel participation in the X-rated activities.

After Diddy’s arrest, his lawyer said, Marc Agnifilosaid his client was “not a perfect person” and confirmed that his client had been involved in “drug use” and “toxic relationships” … but assured the media that Diddy was an “innocent man who had nothing to hide.”

Diddy has pleaded not guilty to the federal indictment.