Bab 19: Strategic Timing
The Sony offices occupied three floors of a Manhattan high-rise, all chrome and glass that reflected the morning sun. Mitchell had scheduled our meeting for nine AM – early enough to demonstrate commitment, late enough to handle school appearances. In my original timeline, this meeting had happened by chance. This time, I'd orchestrated it precisely.
"The new tracks are generating serious interest," Mitchell said, leading me into a conference room overlooking the city. "Especially from one particular artist who's planning a solo debut."
I maintained careful composure, despite knowing exactly who he meant. In my previous life, Beyoncé's transition from Destiny's Child had revolutionized popular music. This time, I could help shape that revolution from the beginning.
"The beat structures are unique," Mitchell continued, queuing up one of my recent productions on the room's sound system. "Traditional enough to feel familiar, but with innovations we haven't heard before. Perfect for someone looking to establish a distinctive solo identity."
"Interesting timing," I responded, measuring my words. "I heard Destiny's Child might be evolving soon."
Mitchell's eyebrows rose slightly. The group's pending changes weren't public knowledge yet, but in my original timeline, this period had been well documented. I had to be careful not to reveal too much foreknowledge.
"Her management team wants to meet," he said. "Tomorrow, if you're available. They're particularly interested in your ideas about sonic evolution and genre fusion."
I nodded, remembering how these same production techniques had defined a decade of music in my previous life. "I've been developing some concepts. Ways to bridge R&B, pop, and hip-hop while maintaining artistic authenticity."
My phone vibrated – Mom texting about the warehouse contractors. Our empire's foundation was taking shape in the Bronx while I laid groundwork for its cultural impact in Manhattan.
"One thing, Marcus," Mitchell leaned forward, his expression serious. "You're young. Incredibly talented, but young. Beyoncé's team will be looking for more than just good beats. They need someone who understands artistic growth, brand evolution, cultural impact. You sure you're ready for that level?"
In my other life, I'd helped shape the cultural landscape for three decades. But here, I was just a teenager from the Bronx with surprisingly sophisticated ideas about music production.
"Sometimes the youngest voices have the clearest vision of the future," I replied, quoting words Beyoncé herself would say in 2019. "I see where music is going. Not just sound, but culture. The whole landscape is about to change."
Mitchell studied me with renewed interest. In our original timeline, he'd become a mentor before his untimely death. This time, I hoped to change that trajectory too.
"The meeting's at ten tomorrow," he said finally. "Bring your best work. And Marcus? Bring that vision too. Something tells me you're seeing things the rest of us haven't caught up to yet."
As I left the Sony building, my mind raced with possibilities. In my previous life, Beyoncé's solo debut had marked a crucial turning point in popular music. Now I had the chance to enhance that evolution, to introduce innovations that wouldn't emerge naturally for years.
But it had to be handled delicately. Success that came too easily would raise questions. Innovation that arrived too early would create suspicion. I had to guide the future while appearing to discover it.
Time to reshape music history. Note by carefully calculated note.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone