Watch P. Diddy’s Secret to Success and Revolt Music Conference Highlights

The 2015 REVOLT Music Conference (RMC) kicked off this weekend at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida.

The four-day conference, themed The Merging of Music, Technology and Innovation, allowed attendees to gain insight from trailblazers such as Troy Carter, Marc Ecko, Andre Harrell, Ericka Pittman, Angie Martinez, Karen Civil and, of course, the legendary hitmaker and Revolt Chairman, Sean “Diddy” Combs.

If there’s one thing you can expect from REVOLT, it’s an enjoyable combination of knowledge and exclusive performances from a few heavy hitters in music–Rick Ross, Lil Kim, Lil Wayne, French Montana, Los, and Busta Rhymes just to name a few.

On the first day, city of Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine presented Sean “Diddy” Combs with the keys to Miami, followed by a Q&A with Keith Clinkscales (CEO of REVOLT) and Marc Ecko (CEO of Mark Ecko Enterprises and founder of Complex Media.)

“I’ve learned that young people are so determined and very much in control. They know what they want. You just can’t speak to this audience, you have to incorporate what they say in what you do,” Clinkscales told BlackEnterprise.com exclusively. “Our vision is to make sure we’re on a billion devices and that the audience has a billion different ways to consume our content–whether it’s a hybrid, on-demand, or themed fashion–all of these things have to be available to a younger audience.”

Revolt’s format, which provides a rare opportunity for young aspiring artists, creators, and producers to connect and collaborate with the most influential innovators in entertainment, proves the tide is turning on how the music industry engages audiences. During Q & A sessions, several courageous attendees took the opportunity to grab the microphone and sing in front of the audience. While some attendees were met with a standing ovation from the crowd—and even walked away with record label contacts—others received constructive criticism on the spot on how to perfect their craft.

The #AskDiddy LIVE segment, in which attendees at the conference and around the world via Twitter and Google

had the opportunity to ask Diddy anything, was definitely a highlight. In typical P-Diddy style, he didn’t shy away from providing a few candid gems on what it takes to “get the money” and be successful:

On the secrets to his success:
“Everybody hustles like there’s a tomorrow, but I hustle like there’s only one more second left. Self-accountability is the #1 habit that contributes to my success. If I say I’m going to do something I’m going to do it,” said Combs. “I’m not going to make any excuses. It’s no one else’s responsibility. If my team is told to do something, I’m going to be there to make sure it gets done.”

“The relentless pursuit of my goal is another secret to my success. You cannot let up, not one second. You have to keep your foot on the neck of your dreams.”

The biggest mistakes you can make in the initial stages of a career: 
“Trying to fit in is one of the biggest mistakes

you can make. And not having the courage to tell the truth. We all have unique dreams. We all have our own point of view, so nobody’s music should sound the same. Everybody wants something that is unique. So we just want you to tell the truth.”

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On a person’s best asset for making moves in the entertainment industry:
“You have to have a game-plan. I sit down with a pad and pen. I play music and jot down everything in my head and then I organize it. Then I take the dream out of it and become a realist and then figure out how I am going to do it.  You have to understand what it’s going to take to be the greatest. You don’t have time to play, so let’s go.”

One piece of advice you would give your younger self:
“Not [to] get so caught up in the industry, success and fame. Sometimes I’ve gotten off track. I can make money, but I can’t make time. I missed time with my kids and my mother. The most important thing that matters to me is my family and relationship with God.”

Each night, attendees also enjoyed exclusive evening concerts by Puff Daddy & the Family, Lil Kim, Lil Wayne, French Montana, Los, Christian Combs, and Busta Rhymes. Diddy performed his new song Workin, as well as classic hits with his friends along with performances by Jidenna, Dej Loaf, Travis Scott, and Post Malone. The concert was followed by the exclusive Apple Yacht Party, which featured special performances from Rick Ross and Nas on board the SeaFair Miami.

The event concluded with the 2015 Revolt Music Conference Gala Dinner, featuring special performances by Grammy-nominated artist Robin Thicke and BJ the Chicago Kid. During the evening, Sean “Diddy” Combs also presented Antonio “L.A.” Reid, chairman and CEO of Epic Records, with the Started From The Bottom Award.

In case you missed it, here’s a video of #ASKDIDDY  and the content creators panel: