Monday, December 27, 2010

@MarcusTroy Thoughts: My 10 Rules to Personal Growth & Success | Marcus Troy

My 10 Rules to Personal Growth & Success
Since I get asked these type of questions all the time, I decided to just put it in a post. Enjoy


1. Don’t use people

Never call upon people only when you need something. If you haven’t called someone for months, even to just say hello, but the minute you know they can help you, you give them a shout, that is not cool. My first thought when I see certain numbers on my phone is: “I wonder what this person wants from me now?” You never want to be that person in someone’s phone book.


2. Offer help first

You should always offer your help or services first! The minute you offer help or your services I promise you that phone call won’t seem so awkward. Always take care of the people who help you out, do it any way you can and no matter what.

3. Invest in your progress.

If you have to spend money to make a long distance call just to talk about an opportunity, make it happen. If you have to drive out of your way and spend money on gas just for a potential opportunity, make it happen. If you need to get on a plane just to connect with someone for 5 minutes, do what you have to do. Too many people decide not to make that call, or take that trip and that can be a life-changer. I myself have gotten on planes just to make a meeting happen. I knew the opportunity had the potential to be great, so I made it happen. (It never worked out mind you, but it was still worth the personal growth.)

4. Don’t hide behind emails or text messages.

If you have to call someone to talk about something, make it happen. It is really easy to say: “Oh I sent you an email and I never heard back from you.” Connect with people face-to-face or on the phone. Too many times people rather send you an email of bad news, or even send you an email to avoid talking to you, or just to say they reached out.

5. Be generous 
Share your time, thoughts, ideas and things.

I’ve noticed the people who decide to be greedy and keep everything to themselves lose the most in the long run. The more you give, the more you receive, it is just the law of the universe. If you get two give away one, it is as simple as that. Sometimes if you don’t have, still give what you can. Don’t be greedy, share. There is enough of everything for everyone.

6. Don’t be annoying

Allow things to happen organically, which means give it its time. If something is urgent you are always more than welcome to follow up and you have a right to be persistent, but don’t become a bother. It is easier for someone to cut you off than to put you on.

7. Don’t abuse your friendships or put people in compromising situations.

Never put people in a situation where you put their back up against a wall, they will start to despise you. Don’t ever namedrop a friend’s name or bring a friend into a situation that he or she has nothing to do with, especially in business. Some people will use your name in order to make things happen for themselves, that’s not cool. You know those kind of people: “Hey I know so and so make this happen for me?”

8. Don’t abuse the power of social media

We are all part of social media networks for different reasons, so it does not mean we want to be spammed or bombarded with your music of your new projects. There is an etiquette that needs to be followed. When you are constantly @’ing people who don’t even follow you about your projects, you are doing yourself a great disservice. They start to hate everything you stand for and will never give you the shine you are looking for.  Don’t constantly promote your projects on other people’s Facebook walls, that is the most annoying thing you can do, especially since a lot of people use Facebook as a personal media network.
If people choose to follow you or be your friend you have every right to promote your projects on your respective side, but don’t start abusing the people who have not subscribed to what you are doing.

9. Be respectful

You never know who is going to be who, or who you might need to call upon, or do a favor for, or even work for, so always be kind and respectful. The person you might shit on might end up being the person who opens or closes a door for you.

10. Become a person of your word.

No one likes excuses, even the most compelling ones. If you say you are going to do something, like make a phone call, submit a project or pay someone, whatever it may be, try and stick to what you say! People put a lot of stock in what you tell them, so you don’t want the reputation of someone who is unreliable.
People love working with people that they can depend on and that are reliable. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you are not reliable you are worthless.
These are just some of the rules that I try to abide by. They have been extremely instrumental on my journey to success.
Thanks and I hope this can help you!
Marcus Troy

Great list of rules to be successful! Hope you enjoyed as I did. Also check out www.Marcustroy.com Awesome content.

Posted via email from Mogulnomics: Music.Media.Marketing.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Did @iamdiddy sign the economy? Puffy is Poison!!!

S/O to @Maronzino for this HILARIOUS Video. (Please Follow Him) This is Puffy is Poison Pt 3. I havnt even seen Pts 1-2 but I can only imagine!

Posted via email from Mogulnomics: Music.Media.Marketing.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Diddy-Dirty Money: Last Train To Paris *The Power Review*

This is an exclusive OT the Power Mogul review of Diddy-Dirty Money's Last Train To Paris. (I'm doing this review as I chop up samples of the album to give away to you guys)

Intro: It seemed a bit long. I liked the feeling of not knowing what to expect. I skipped it the first listen.

Yeah Yeah You Would: Feat. Grace Jones
Caught my attention instantly. The drum track is so rugged over the smooth pads and synths. I also like the buzz lead that sounds like an alarm or something is happening. Great dance track and I love the energy.

I Hate that You Love Me:
Nice Piano groove on top of a tribal like dance beat. this song is nice sounds like a filler.

Ass on the Floor: Feat. Swizz Beats
One of the best songs on the album! This song is crazy! It's one of those songs that you can't forget once u hear it. I feel like I'm in the club when this song comes on.. On the dance floor "drunker than a MFer." Lyrics like Theres no me if there's no you.. I'll give my soul to you." this record is classic with Swizz beats on the hook. The drum track sounds like an Acid Jazz loop over synth strings! It's dope.

Looking For Love:
This song is featuring Usher. The beat bangs. I liked that I couldn't predict where the track was going with the chord changes at first. Nice track. Sounds like a possible radio single.

Someone to Love Me: Featuring Jerry Duplessis, Watson
This sounds like one of those tracks that Diddy wants to rap by himself. I know he is Talking about how he is lonely chasing money and his dreams. The only thing that saves this song is the Jamaican style riddim reminiscent of Shyne Po. (which would have made an awesome feature but considering the circumstances) so this song is really just an album filler to me.

Hate You Now:
This is an overall ok track but it starts out horrible. The chorus is nice. The drums switch up halfway through the song. Really nice.

Yesterday: Feat. Chris Brown.
This is a stand out track definitely. Real pain music, "I feel like a killer hit me" Yesterday I fell in love today feels like my funeral." one of my favorites on the album. Also one of the few songs that Kaleena and Dawn do not sing on.

Shades: Feat. Lil Wayne, Justin Timberlake, Bilal, James Fauntleroy.
I thought this poem intro by Weezy was cool. The quote that got me was "I'll pour a gallon of gasoline on my heart just to light your cigarette." this song will grow on me. I will jam this every night in like 3 months. I also like the mix of features on this song. Very un conventional.

Angels: Feat. Rick Ross and Notorious B.I.G.
Ok I o like Ross' verse however I don't like how Diddy trying to make us believe Ross is the new BIG. Other than this, it's a great track. The "Streets is Watching" sample is timeless. Diddy nailed it on this one as far as channeling the spirits of the souls we have lost through the journey of life. (Sidenote I used to play this every night when my father was in the hospital before he died.) Great song. "The Angels are flying so low."

Your Love: Feat. Trey Songz
Club banger for sure. Sounds like bottoms up part 2. The DM girls sound great. They sound Keri Hilson ish however I like it.

Strobe Lights: feat Lil Wayne
I didn't like this track when I first heard the leak but I give it a C for effort. It's a new sound for Diddy and Wayne. It might grow on me but I know the Djs will play it to death in the Dance/Trance clubs.

Hello Goodmorning: feat T.I.
Love this songs energy. Everybodys heard this. Moving on

Last Night pt.2:
I liked part 1 much better. It's a filler but still flows with the album theme. The Prince sounding music always catches you.

I Know: Feat. Chris Brown and Wiz Khalifa
This song hits the heart string deep! I LOVE this song. It starts off slow and then that kick drum drive is the heartbeat of the song. Also I appreciate Diddy using CB again for this song. So appropriate. "I Know I Fd Up" "Baby I need U" is on point! Wiz Khalifa's verse was hot. I love the way he comes back in to finish the verse over the hook. Brilliance.

Loving You No More: Feat Drake
Great single. Drake always kills. Take note of the Church chord progressions that really give this song it's soul. Reminds mr of old Mary J Blige. I would love to hear a remix with her on it.

Change:
By far one of the most challenging songs for Sean P.Diddy Combs to perform. Simply because it's featuring him alone. Singing. I was truly impressed by this record. It fully embodied the Last Train to Paris feel. It takes u on the train ride of his love life in one song. Tricky Stewart and the Dream Nailed this one. It's probably my number 3 favorite song on the album. "Now I'm on this train that's falling off the edge.." (note the trademark vocal fall that Dream and Tricky use right there.) Classic

Coming Home: Feat Skylar Grey
The perfect ending of and album song. Diddy looks himself in the mirror and shows us his flaws and all. "It's easy to be Puff but it's harder to be Sean." The huge pianos and orchestra sounding violins are what make this song feel triumphant. This is the victory lap track in what sounds like the making of a masterpiece.

Summary:
This album plays like your favorite scene in your favorite movie 18 times. It takes you from the vanity and insanity of the club and night life to the introspection and inside thoughts of how a troubled man really feels. Success is a drug and it can ruin your love life if you let it. This train ride to Paris is symbolic of a man who has it all except one thing. Love. This is his last chance to get on board.

Posted via email from Mogulnomics: Music.Media.Marketing.

Diddy-Dirty Money: Last Train To Paris *The Power Review*

This is an exclusive OT the Power Mogul review of Diddy-Dirty Money's Last Train To Paris. (I'm doing this review as I chop up samples of the album to give away to you guys)

Intro: It seemed a bit long. I liked the feeling of not knowing what to expect. I skipped it the first listen.

Yeah Yeah You Would: Feat. Grace Jones
Caught my attention instantly. The drum track is so rugged over the smooth pads and synths. I also like the buzz lead that sounds like an alarm or something is happening. Great dance track and I love the energy.

I Hate that You Love Me:
Nice Piano groove on top of a tribal like dance beat. this song is nice sounds like a filler.

Ass on the Floor: Feat. Swizz Beats
One of the best songs on the album! This song is crazy! It's one of those songs that you can't forget once u hear it. I feel like I'm in the club when this song comes on.. On the dance floor "drunker than a MFer." Lyrics like Theres no me if there's no you.. I'll give my soul to you." this record is classic with Swizz beats on the hook. The drum track sounds like an Acid Jazz loop over synth strings! It's dope.

Looking For Love:
This song is featuring Usher. The beat bangs. I liked that I couldn't predict where the track was going with the chord changes at first. Nice track. Sounds like a possible radio single.

Someone to Love Me: Featuring Jerry Duplessis, Watson
This sounds like one of those tracks that Diddy wants to rap by himself. I know he is Talking about how he is lonely chasing money and his dreams. The only thing that saves this song is the Jamaican style riddim reminiscent of Shyne Po. (which would have made an awesome feature but considering the circumstances) so this song is really just an album filler to me.

Hate You Now:
This is an overall ok track but it starts out horrible. The chorus is nice. The drums switch up halfway through the song. Really nice.

Yesterday: Feat. Chris Brown.
This is a stand out track definitely. Real pain music, "I feel like a killer hit me" Yesterday I fell in love today feels like my funeral." one of my favorites on the album. Also one of the few songs that Kaleena and Dawn do not sing on.

Shades: Feat. Lil Wayne, Justin Timberlake, Bilal, James Fauntleroy.
I thought this poem intro by Weezy was cool. The quote that got me was "I'll pour a gallon of gasoline on my heart just to light your cigarette." this song will grow on me. I will jam this every night in like 3 months. I also like the mix of features on this song. Very un conventional.

Angels: Feat. Rick Ross and Notorious B.I.G.
Ok I o like Ross' verse however I don't like how Diddy trying to make us believe Ross is the new BIG. Other than this, it's a great track. The "Streets is Watching" sample is timeless. Diddy nailed it on this one as far as channeling the spirits of the souls we have lost through the journey of life. (Sidenote I used to play this every night when my father was in the hospital before he died.) Great song. "The Angels are flying so low."

Your Love: Feat. Trey Songz
Club banger for sure. Sounds like bottoms up part 2. The DM girls sound great. They sound Keri Hilson ish however I like it.

Strobe Lights: feat Lil Wayne
I didn't like this track when I first heard the leak but I give it a C for effort. It's a new sound for Diddy and Wayne. It might grow on me but I know the Djs will play it to death in the Dance/Trance clubs.

Hello Goodmorning: feat T.I.
Love this songs energy. Everybodys heard this. Moving on

Last Night pt.2:
I liked part 1 much better. It's a filler but still flows with the album theme. The Prince sounding music always catches you.

I Know: Feat. Chris Brown and Wiz Khalifa
This song hits the heart string deep! I LOVE this song. It starts off slow and then that kick drum drive is the heartbeat of the song. Also I appreciate Diddy using CB again for this song. So appropriate. "I Know I Fd Up" "Baby I need U" is on point! Wiz Khalifa's verse was hot. I love the way he comes back in to finish the verse over the hook. Brilliance.

Loving You No More: Feat Drake
Great single. Drake always kills. Take note of the Church chord progressions that really give this song it's soul. Reminds mr of old Mary J Blige. I would love to hear a remix with her on it.

Change:
By far one of the most challenging songs for Sean P.Diddy Combs to perform. Simply because it's featuring him alone. Singing. I was truly impressed by this record. It fully embodied the Last Train to Paris feel. It takes u on the train ride of his love life in one song. Tricky Stewart and the Dream Nailed this one. It's probably my number 3 favorite song on the album. "Now I'm on this train that's falling off the edge.." (note the trademark vocal fall that Dream and Tricky use right there.) Classic

Coming Home: Feat Skylar Grey
The perfect ending of and album song. Diddy looks himself in the mirror and shows us his flaws and all. "It's easy to be Puff but it's harder to be Sean." The huge pianos and orchestra sounding violins are what make this song feel triumphant. This is the victory lap track in what sounds like the making of a masterpiece.

Summary:
This album plays like your favorite scene in your favorite movie 18 times. It takes you from the vanity and insanity of the club and night life to the introspection and inside thoughts of how a troubled man really feels. Success is a drug and it can ruin your love life if you let it. This train ride to Paris is symbolic of a man who has it all except one thing. Love. This is his last chance to get on board.

Posted via email from Mogulnomics: Music.Media.Marketing.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Is Hip Hop Still Dead? I Don't Think So: Here's Why

(B.o.B. & Wiz Khalifa)

Is Hip Hop Dead? That's a question that has been the topic of discussion for over 10 years. As I'm listening to the new Diddy-Dirty Money album (Last Train To Paris Exclusive Music Heads Review Coming Soon) I realized something. This is actually the BEST music that Hip Hop has ever made. I know some won't agree and before you start cussing and click the x in the browser tab think about this. Kanye West just released "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" (which I Love btw)and in my opinion I think Rap music fans are finally embracing real music being a part of the great culture of Hip Hop. There is a emerging genre of music that is finally seeming to peak it's head out of Hip Hop (Rap) music. New artists like Drake, B.o.B., Kid Cudi, Nicki Minaj & Wiz Khalifa are bringing real music to the forefront. The new Hip Hop music is starting to have much more electronic and Trip Hop feel mixed with touches of Acid Jazz. Listen to "Ass on the Floor" by Diddy-Dirty Money, or "All of the Lights" by Kanye West. These songs embody influences from other genres that aren't Hip Hop. Drake's "So Far Gone" would not have been as accepted even 5 years ago when "Crunk was King." Jay Electronica is probably the most eclectic artist to recently sign to Jay Z's Roc-Nation has a sound that can only be explained as brilliantly genius. When I first heard "The Pledge" I knew that Electronica was on to something. (Jay E sampled the movie Eternal Sunshine of-the Spotless Mind)
I think the music has always been there but I am proud to see an audience hungry for music with actual substance production wise and lyrically. Today's Hip Hop fan is smarter, more intelligent and more scrupulous than ever and we as creators of music have a duty to give the fans what they want.

O.T. Griffin

Posted via email from Mogulnomics: Music.Media.Marketing.