Category Archives: Power Up

Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Posted on by
Reply

26734026_10216183713365383_8121578368987424998_n

When we view the news clippings and headlines it is clear who Dr. King was fighting for. The fact that he was 33 years young had a family and was a pastor of his own church tends to be overlooked. I am always amazed at what he was able to accomplish in his short time on earth and how his influence continues to reverberate throughout the world.

Dr. King thank you for your bravery, resolve, and determination that has changed the circumstance of so many black people over the years. Thank you for inspiring those who continue to fight for our freedom and equality. Thank you for your family who has continued to push your legacy forward. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.

Your birthday will always serve as a reminder that none of us are free until we are all free and injustice will not be swept under the rug. We continue to strive for freedom. We are thankful for you and we honor you.

Happy Birthday Dr. King

-Precise

Buy/Listen to “Speak Life” by Precise

 

We owe our freedom to Haiti – Happy Haitian Independence Day

Posted on by
Reply

As fireworks and gunshots fill the air to bring in a New Year I need for the world specifically Black people to understand the significance of this day with regards to our freedom.

On January 1st 1804 Haiti became the first and only Independent Black Republic in the Western Hemisphere. The Spanish and French armies were defeated handily as slaves armed themselves ready to die in order to realize freedom. Great Haitian leaders like Toussaint Loveture and Jean Jacques Dessalines are celebrated but not as they should be.

Since reclaiming their freedom Haiti has descended into third world status. They have been paying a debt to France because of it. In the 1824 Franco-Haitian Agreement, France agreed to recognize Haitian independence if Haiti paid a large indemnity. This kept Haiti in a constant state of debt and placed France in a position of power over Haiti’s trade and finances. Almost every nation has set up some type of post there. Since America’s occupation of Haiti from 1915 to 1934 the country has remained destabilized. America has always had an interest in Haiti even before the occupation. The earthquake in 2010 and the essential robbery by the Clinton’s and Red Cross has added even more despair. All of this has happened under the nose of the diaspora. Let’s be clear, there is no diaspora without a free Haiti.

Haiti, often described as the poorest country on this side of the earth is also one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The resilience of the Haitian people serves as an example that even when the world continues to turn a blind eye to your suffering our dignity will not be erased.

Black people all over the planet should take notice, and honor the contribution Haiti has made to their lives and then do something about changing the circumstance of the country that opened up the door to the idea and reality of being free.

White supremacy can and will be defeated. Haiti has already proven this by defeating two world powers in order to reclaim their freedom. Check the records.

“La Union Fait La Force”

Together we are strong.

Happy Haitian Independence Day.

-Precise

Buy/Listen to “Speak Life” by Precise

Live your purpose – 25 years later #TBT

Video

Reply

This is me, Precise rocking the mic at an Olive Harvey talent show 25 years ago. This show is the day I decided I could do this rap thing and consequently was the same day I met one of my best friends and producer Chris Rice, May he Rest In Peace. As I watched the video I felt myself being reenergized as if I was being reminded that it is time to claim my spot and do what I was sent here to do, Live in My Purpose.

What does it mean for one to “Live in their purpose?” How does that benefit the individual and the universe as a whole? All of us have been given tools and talents that are provided to us to open up doors and add value to this world. When we neglect these talents our growth is stagnated and we never fully realize why we are here and what we are here for.

We waste time in fear and doubt. It is a disservice to the creator when we don’t honor our gifts.

We find ourselves at the time of the year when we take an assessment of our lives and look to catapult ourselves into a better circumstance. We must understand that the better circumstance is waiting for us.

I recently received word from two people very close to me that they have accepted their purpose and hearing that from them paired with the surfacing of this video is a message that I hear loud and clear. GO FOR IT! God got you and you will not be forsaken.

Let this message serve as a reminder not to bury your talents. Allow these talents to grow to make a way for you and live in the fullness of your purpose.

God is Awesome and so are YOU!

Now what you gonna do?

-Precise

Listen/Buy “Speak Life” ft Precise produced by B Carter

Atonement – The spirit of The Million Man March 

Posted on by
Reply

22 years ago I paid $50 for a round trip bus ticket that would change my life. The trip would take me to Washington DC for the Million Man March organized by Minister Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam. I was 23 years old with no direction or focus trying to find out more about me. Injustice towards Black people was just as prevalent as it is today. This injustice and economic empowerment were the focal point. A sea of Black men came together in order for the world to take notice and make a change.

There were a few things I came back to Chicago with after my trip. I recognized the power of coming together for one common cause. I developed an understanding of what the Black man means to our families and to our country. I also learned the concept of being self sustaining through ownership and business The most important lesson I learned on that day was the one of forgiveness. 
October 16th 1995 was more than a gathering of one million Black men calling for freedom justice and equality. It was also the day of atonement. A day to ask for forgiveness for anything that you may have done that harmed someone. It was a day to sincerely work towards making a mends. 

22 years later Black people find themselves in a situation where it feels like the establishment is looking to turn back time. The only difference now is that so many of us are so distracted from the reality of this and we don’t even notice what is happening. We have relinquished our freedom to a screen. In this moment it is imperative that we claim our freedom and get better at the same time. 

In the spirit of The Million Man March I am taking this moment to apologize to anyone I have wronged in any way. I am atoning for my sins before the creator. I do this in order to move forward with a clear focus and mind in order to change my circumstance and the circumstance of Black people. Long Live The Spirit of The Million Man March.
-Precise

Listen/Buy “Speak Life” by Precise

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ME!! – It’s my Birthday!!

Posted on by
Reply

Wow! I’m here for another year! I would write something all deep and insightful but mostly I am so grateful to be alive. 

Today is my birthday, my new year and as I reflect on the greatness that that I was blessed to experience in 2016 I am even more focused on what is with me in this moment. I have some goals and expectations for 2017 and they will be achieved. This year is different because 
I am overcome with a sense of urgency. The passage of time is not lost on me. Even though I understand that there is not an expiration date on what we can accomplish, I feel more determined and inspires to break down any boundaries and make greatness happen now. 

I’ve struggled with my weight this year. I’ve had issues with romance, I’m not fulfilled in my career and I’m not making the money that I should be making. This all changes now. I made some great accomplishments last year and will continue to move deliberately with purpose this year to accomplish even more. I will add value to the lives of others and be more of a giver.
I am grateful to the creator. I am filled with love for my family and friends and I look forward to see all of the AWESOME that happens this year. 

Stay Focused, Positive and Productive

-Precise

Buy/Listen to “That Ol’Boom Bap’ ft Precise produced by Dj Tekwun

Dr. King – Selma – Victor Benoit – Social Change – Happy Birthday

Posted on by
Reply

gty_martin_luther_king_jr_ll_130115_wmain

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would be 86 years old today, had he not been assassinated in April 4,1968. Dr. Kings life has been examined and studied extensively by academics, scholars, politicians and social activists around the world. The world speaks highly of Dr. King and his accomplishments. Today we celebrate his birth and his work on a nationally recognized holiday.

As I write this blog, my mother calls me and informs me that my uncle Victor Benoit has just been appointed as minister of Social Affairs and Labor in Haiti’s political cabinet. I am so very proud of him. He has worked hard for the Haitian people all of his life and this appointment is well deserved. This news immediately causes me to draw parallels.

victorbenoit

There is a certain type of boldness and audacity that would allow someone to believe that the work that they do can affect change. Everyone does not have this type of courage; however when one does have this type of courage they can change the world.

selma2

I just watched Selma recently and what I appreciate most about the film is the human perspective that was given. From the time I was a child up until my adult years Dr. King always had this iconic persona that almost made him seem infallible. The director of the film Ava DuVernay showed Dr. King as a human being, someone who had faults and fears and doubts. Take a moment and think about what it took to challenge the status quo in the sixties. His life and the lives of others who were associated with him in any way were always in danger, but they stayed the course. The issue at hand at that time and even now is our FREEDOM. The ability to be who we are without any apologies.

selma_march

Socially we are at a tipping point in the world. Uprisings worldwide have challenged political norms and changed lives. The United States is currently in the midst of this kind of change. Let us channel the spirit of Dr. King and others who had the courage to fight and bring about the necessary shift in our reality.

Congratulations Uncle Victor!!

Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King and Thank You! 

-Precise

How do you feel about Dr. King and our world today. Let me know in the comments.

Buy/Listen/Share “It’s On Me” by Precise produced by Tye Hill and D.J. Thunder

Precise – Man Of The Ages

Posted on by
6

IMG_9319

Today is January 7, 2015. I was born 43 years ago today. This isn’t particularly interesting; however if you think of the fact that I was born at 7 months premature to Haitian Immigrants who met on a plane on their way to America, I would say its pretty AWESOME!!!

I’m at an interesting place in my life right now. I am so grateful and full of life. I am surrounded by people who love me and support me. Im also at a place in my life where I feel like I should have accomplished so much more and sometimes it feels like Im getting too old.

You see, Im a rapper, an emcee and I rip mics for a living. If you ask anyone they would probably say I’m pretty dope. I’ve been doing this with a strong focus for about 5 years, but overall I’ve been rapping for about 20 years as a solo artist and with my group Nubearth. I bring this up because many say this rap thing is a young mans sport and by the looks of what is fed to the people in the mainstream I would almost have to agree. I remember when I was 27 I told my self I would not be a 30 year old rapper. HA!! That didn’t pan out like I thought. I almost quit a few times, but something keeps pulling me back in. I was never sure what it was, then I figured it out. This is MY PASSION!

You see the thing about being alive is that it affords you the opportunity to LIVE! When I say LIVE I mean live your life by your standards deliberately and intentionally driven by your PASSION. What I have found is that the universe aligns with you when you are bold enough to tap into who you are with no apologies. There are no limits to what we can accomplish. Our only limitations are the ones we place on ourselves.

So guess what…Im going to keep rapping till I can’t rap no more. I have something to say. I have something of substance to share with the world. My experience and life is unique to me and should be shared with people now and into the future.

I am A Man Of The Ages who understands who he is in this vast universe. I know who my source is. I am connected and powerful and I get stronger everyday.

Be your truest self and live your life to the fullest.

-Precise

What do you think? Let me know in the comments.

If you want to hear some of this great music I provide check out my Bandcamp page, and if you want to do something nice for my birthday feel free to make a purchase.

Ladies Love Mixtapes by Precise was selected as one of the best releases of 2014 by the Chicago Reader.

Buy/Listen to Ladies Love Mixtapes by Precise produced by Tye Hill and D.J. Thunder

Where are they? – NOW!!!

Posted on by
Reply

We are in the midst of an awakening. None of the events that you hear of in the media are independent of each other. More of us are aware and have the ability to see clearly. This is why we have to ask questions and challenge the status quo. Our lives are important, we are more than pawns of the oligarchy. In the spirit of asking questions and expecting answers, I ask, WHERE ARE THEY? NOW!!

ZDI2YjdkNDFiZiMvUzJoTFdQcFZQdUFxY2g3TDJ4aS1GNEJaMEZVPS84eDExMTo0Mjg4eDI4MTAvODQweDUzMC9zMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tL3BvbGljeW1pYy1pbWFnZXMvZTRlYTU4NDc0NmFlZjJlZWU5MmQ3OWU3NGUxZjI0NDljNDgyODE1M2Y5ZDQxODJiMTViMDA4YTcwNTEyYzdiMy5qcGc=In April of 2014 over 400 young female Nigerian students were abducted by Boko Haram never to be returned home to their families.

Where are they?

Mexico Violence-1

In September of 2014. 43 Mexican students disappeared on their way to a protest. They have yet to be found.

Where are they?

la-afp-getty-topshots-china-malaysia-malaysiaairli-20140325

In March of 2014 Malaysia Airlines flight 370 disappeared from air traffic radar. The flight had 227 passengers. It has not been found.

Where are they?

airplane-indonesia-airasia

Today Air Asia flight 8501 went missing with 162 passengers on board.

Passengers have been found from this tragedy. 

First Identified Victim From AirAsia Flight 8501 Crash Returned To Her Family

My thoughts and prayers are with these families. I do believe all things work for our good and as I mentioned before this is clearly part of something bigger than all of us.

My request to all of you reading this blog is to focus your energy on all that is good in this world. Focus your energy on each and every one of those spirits that are missing and pray that their souls are at peace.

The shift is happening now. Stay Awake. Find Yourself. Love Yourself. NOW!

-Precise

Buy/Listen to “It’s On Me” by Precise produced by Tye Hill and D.J Thunder

JRW Saves Chicago – United States World Series Champions – South Side Greatness – Thank You

Posted on by
2

Baseball: Little League World Series-West Region vs Great Lakes Region

So…I’m at the gas station today and as I walk in a gentleman is smiling ear to ear and engages me in a conversation about JRW (Jackie Robinson West). His exact words were “They saved Chicago.” In a sense I would have to agree. In the midst of this mire of negativity that seems to have showered us in the past few weeks, paired with the reputation that Chicago has earned in recent years due to all the violence, it is truly refreshing to see these youth grab the hearts and minds of Chicago and the world.

Watching the city embrace these young men provided the type of encouragement that galvanized a city and has given a glimpse of what we can do. We can be better. We can choose who we are. We can feel good and spread love. We are champions.

JRW came up short in the final game of the world series, however it does not make their impact any less powerful.

Thank you to Jackie Robinson West for being the spark that will move all of us into the direction of our greatness. All things are possible when we believe, and even in the moments when we may falter allow them to serve as a reminder that the treasure is in the journey and each and every one of us can help to save the world.

-Precise

How did Jackie Robinson West make you feel? I would love to know what you think. Leave a comment and share the blog. 

Listen/Buy “It’s On Me” produced by Tye Hill and D.J. Thunder.