You wanna know something funny about Marcus Troy….it’s that you have all met him. Like seriously…you have- some of you have around 3-5 times (maybe even more). But what’s even more funny is that most of you didn’t take notice. You have of course (ironically it seems) taken note in recent times (most likely because you heard of his blog, or that he’s been rumoured to be a ghost blogger for a producer/rapper/icon or that brands have chosen to bestow him with product to break it the way Clue or Flex did in the 90’s). It’s puzzling however that when in person he didn’t stand out, yet his online/media persona has? Are people only worth while if they are blogged, tagged or tweeted? This seems to be a trend in that people don’t notice local talent until someone else across the border does…but I’ll save that convo for another time.
Now MT and I have had this discussion in regards to his previous (and sometime current) anonymity a few times in the past, and I never understood why people didn’t get the “it” about him right away. Yes he’s quiet and unassuming but true style is in the details. MT gets the details. From tying in a topstitch, to a lace-lock or a seam tag to an embellishment, MT has always looked to boldly state his understated flair. Its always been hidden right in front of your eyes and in a world where everyone looks to climb the highest peaks and scream to the heavens how dope they are; MT has taken the path in where sometimes the loudest noise is silence. His recent collaboration with Nike Bespoke illustrates this perfectly and deftly pairs subtly and restraint in his execution. With a juxtaposition of textures and fabrications and the inclusion of a singular cyan accent Marcus Troy has put together a shoe the perfectly embodies his sensibilities. But much like him, if you don’t pay attention to the minutia of things you could over look this as just another Force 1.
With that said I implore you all take notice the first time around of the perfection my brother has created and to additionally take the time to let him know your thoughts (and possibly re-introduce yourself again - I kid).
CLICK HERE to view more of the Marcus Troy x Nike Bespoke Air Force 1
Last year was a time of change and evolution for me and one moment made me step back and take account of everything. I lost my Grandfather to cancer - at that moment I pulled away from my posts on Built From The Ground Up to take stock. I began to adjust my life, my relationships, my creative alliances, allegiances and overall perspective.
My passion for the arts has brought me in touch with some dynamic talent and exceptional people and has allowed me to create and foster deep passionate relationships. Relationships that have lasted through the ups and downs, because anyone that truly knows me, knows that my passion is paired (fortunately or unfortunately) with an honesty and stubborn, unwavering drive. This is taxing to deal with and often can be (and has) misinterpreted; but the select few that can and have stood by me through those moments and these past months gave me the insight to carry on.
I learned that I come by these traits naturally and that my words can cut deep but can also inspire and motivate. Through learning more about my Grand Dad and the traits carried through lineage to my father and me and now my son I gained clarity and focus. I am placed on this earth to do one thing - To fulfill the potential I have been blessed with and with that potential I will continue to strive to leave an indelible mark on popular culture.
I needed inspiration and sought out new experiences, references and perspectives. I cut ties with some, loved, lost and learned and through that I made my circle tight. I chose to live in the same manner as I design and direct. Less is more. I hope you forgive my absence and stick around for what is to come.
Took a step back so I could take the next steps forward on the right path. Thank you to all that have stood by me. I’ve only just begun. Just watch me.
It’s 2003 and Hip-Hop’s reign of popular culture is cemented. It’s impact is resonating as it’s artists top the charts, sponsor international brands and influence buying trends. It’s that year that Athlete’s World approached me about creating a in-store re-design and marketing initiative to refresh their brand and create a connective between their buys and their market (their buying team was, young, trail blazing and way ahead of the curve showcasing premium urban brands in big-box outlets in urban centers and suburban malls). It was a bold move on their part but thankfully the brand had youth in the corporate office which pushed hard for a young guy like me to be the one to direct this campaign. This was my first major project and one that I am to this day very proud of.
As a response to the needs of the brand I conceived “The World Is Yours”. I looked to create something that had substance and weight to it- a visual and message that was authentic and resonated deeply into our culture. I sought out young talent, that like myself were or were about leave an indelible mark on the world. The tag line was a double entendre (Nas and Scarface reference was the undertone) spoke to the culture saying that this store is yours and that the world at large is yours to conquer as well. I enlisted a collective of young upstarts that would later go on to blaze paths for the culture. Bellow are some of the examples of the signage that was placed in stores nationwide exposing the country to the young bright faces.
My father got me in Leica’s the way I got him into Apple. Now the whole fam is brand loyal to both. So when I saw this I flipped out.
The special edition of Leica M8 - “White” - was announced. It features a white finished body. The Leica M8 “White” edition camera model comes in a durable white paint finish that is characterised by a particularly comfortable feel and grip. It is presented as part of a special edition set that includes a Leica M8 white finished camera body and silver Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH lens with a metal lens shade in classical design and a silver UV/IR filter. Additionally a real leather white carrying strap was especially made for it.
This is not the first time Leica camera produced with a unique colour scheme. The olive green colour was previously used for two other Leica cameras: in the 1960’s, olive green-painted Leica cameras were supplied to the military and used for surveillance and documentary photography. The second olive green camera model, the Leica R3 ‘Safari,’ was first introduced in 1977.
The Leica M8 “White” set will be available from Leica specialist dealers from late June 2009. ShotAddict
I’m in love with the TX™ Watches branding and the usage of the classic Timex orange (Pantone 1655 C). I remember days of me just sitting at my desk in school staring at the Timex and Ironman branding, admiring its simplicity and visual strength. The clip uses the strength of the brands clarity as a backbone and carries the colour palette throughout. It is an excellent piece in positioning, placing the timepieces with the aspired lifestyle usage. Overtures of classic international espionage films of the past and undertones of the graphic/film execution used on Sin City make this memorable. Props to Marcus Troy for the download and upload of the MP4. Hit the break to find out more. Read the rest of this entry »
Back in the 1998 when the only reality show on TV was The Real World and the MTV network still played music videos (if you didn’t know, it stands for Music Television) and when platinum plaques were stacked by the dozens and diamonds glistened while champagne popped MTV enlisted a trio of Hip-Hop’s elite for a classic series of print ads. Only focussing on crop’d areas of each of their bodies, these 3 stars images are so well known that even a smile, arm and hairstyle make them instantaneous identifiable. The simplicity and clarity of the messaging paired with the graphic approach is vivid and left an indelible imprint on me. 10+ years later it still resonates. Here’s a quiz for those that can read between the lines…Can you see what connects each of these 3 stars?
Jahvon will be Live on air this Friday April 17th @ 7pm on Flow93.5fm in the Trauma Unit with J-Wyze and Jus Red. Call in with questions or even just to talk to Jahvon! For our people outside of Toronto hit up www.flow935.com to tune in.
Marcus Troy was in The Dot recently and documented his trip. Me and big homie connected and caught up and as always was snapping pics. I see I landed on the front page of his super successful blog. MT has the ability to detect trends well ahead of the curve and points out where people should be looking for what’s next. You might have heard about him from the rumor that he’s KanYe’s ghost blogger. Make sure you add him to your Blog Roll.
