Had a great time on The Beat Break Morning Show. We touch on music, responsibility and being aware of who we are. Give it a listen…leave a comment
Buy/Listen to “It’s On Me” produced by Tye Hill and D.J. Thunder below.
In 2014 the thought of being “out of touch” is kind of strange. Think about it, everyone is a Facebook, Twitter, Google+ status update or text away from the latest and greatest news or breaking story. If you happened to miss the event there just might be audio or video of it. I guess from one perspective that can be viewed as progressive, however, I can think of a few reasons that life was better without cell phones. I have 10 reasons below. POW!
10. People had conversations at dinner parties.
How many times have you been out at a dinner party or even out for a bite with a friend and every time you look up from your phone they are hypnotized by theirs.
9. You didn’t have to worry about the “context” of your message
It seems like we are at the mercy of autocomplete and spell check these days. How many times have you been confused by a text, or even pissed off by a message you received just to be informed that it was “taken out of context”? Back in the “good ole days” you would pick up a phone and actually say what you mean.
8. Concerts were much better.
I have to say I have been guilty of snapping a few pics during a concert or two. Plus its easier holding your cell phone up when the lights go down in the stadium, and it doesn’t burn your hand like a lighter. However watching a show I paid $50 dollars for through the screen of the person in front of me is not my idea of a good time. Plus, all the mystery of the show is gone when you can see the footage of the show an hour later on your latest blog.
7. You could miss calls without the guilt.
These days you can block numbers, reroute calls, send them to voicemail or just flat out ignore the call. We are all free to choose. Sometimes our phones run out of juice and calls go straight to voicemail and on more than one occasion I have felt guilty for missing a call. I shouldn’t feel guilty because you know what? Sometimes I am busy! Some people are so attached to their phones that they feel slighted when you don’t answer yours every single time. The days when the phone rang indefinitely were classic.
6. You could remember phone numbers.
I have about 4000 contacts on my amazing iPhone 4s (don’t laugh at me, I’m upgrading soon). Anyway, the other day all the names disappeared from my contacts so I was only left with the numbers and I could only recognize a few of them. The only way I’ve been able to associate a name with a number is by reviewing old text messages. Years ago I could rattle off the numbers of my closest friends with no problem at all.
5. Getting a “number” was an accomplishment.
This one might be just for the fellas. I remember going to school dances with the intention of getting phone numbers from girls and at the end of the night we would have a tally of how many numbers we got…HA!! I know its childish, but I was a teenager. The excitement was calling the number the next day to determine if you got the right number and having a conversation with someone new. These days you might get the number just to be ignored when you call cause you have been named “thirsty” or “weirdo” when the call comes through on their phone….HA!!
4. Party Lines
Party lines were so much fun!! You could call an 800 number and talk all night with a group of people you knew or didn’t know. The only drawback was the ridiculous charges to your phone bill. The plus side was when you were done with the group you could just hang up the phone. These days when you become part of a group message its eternal whether you like it or not.
3. Meeting people face to face
Phones have become an extension of our lives. Sometimes we can carry on relationships via text messaging and video chats, however nothing beats the human touch.
2. We had privacy.
I’ve had my share of embarrassing moments. I’ve even had some fights where I didnt fare so well. NONE of those made it to World Star.These days if you hear the word “World Staaaaaaaaaaaaar” rest assured it will be shown to millions over the world wide web because someone is recording it via their cell phone. As of late, I understand that the NSA has been tracking the cell phone usage of American citizens providing the type of insight that was not involved before the advent of cell phones. MIND YOUR BUSINESS, YO!!!
1. WE HAD FUN IN THE MOMENT!!
There is something about being tethered to a phone. Taking pictures updating statuses, sharing news all take away from enjoying our time in the moment of what we are experiencing. Be present! Have Fun! PUT THE PHONES DOWN!!
What do you think? Was life better before cell phones or not? Leave a comment and share.
Listen/Buy “Ladies Love Mixtapes The EP”
I had such an amazing time at The 25th Annual African Festival of The Arts. What makes this such a rewarding experiece is to think that my group Nubearth was kicked off the stage at this very same festival 20 years earlier for cussing on stage. NO CUSSING AT THE AFRICAN FEST!!!…LOL!
Anyway I had an awesome time. Check out the video and the pics below.
Listen/Buy “Ladies Love Mixtapes The EP”
Last night at the Silver Room for the official release of “Ladies Love Mixtapes The EP” was truly one of the best experiences of my career. After putting in so many nights of work and focus on this project it is fulfilling to see so may people come out to support it.
My sister Joelle Lamarre kicked off the festivities with her rendition of “Summer Time” from the George Gershwin production of Porgy and Bess. She totally brought the house down.
Jennifer Ligaya of Intellectual Radio held down her duties as the hostess impeccably. The discussion about relationships covered everything from the first date to the first “kiss”. She also did a piece called “Curiosity Killed The Cat”…lets just say the room was STEAMING!!!…lol
Simple Beauty Naturals provided well needed spa treatments and provided some amazing gift bags to a few guests who were able to answer some tough questions.
Nicole Malcolm the amazing artist provided her flair with some live art.
Dj Kwest On on the 1’s and 2’s
As we played the EP I was surveying the room checking for responses and I loved what I saw. “I Like It” and “Take Our Time” seemed to get the best responses. My supporters let me know how much they loved the project.
K Love The Poet being her usual amazing self.
Shanara The Mouthpeace
Fanta doing henna tattooing
I am so very grateful for the success of this event. I want to give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who was involved. A Special shout goes out to Eric Williams the owner of The Silver Room who opens up his doors for artist throughout the city. We truly appreciate him.
If you were there I would love to know what you thought about it. Would you attend another “Love Sessions”? Let me know in the comments and please share.
“Ladies Love Mixtapes The EP” is available on bandcamp and itunes NOW!! The bandcamp embed is below. Physical Cds will be available on May 27th. Email eddylamarre@gmail.com if you would like one.
Thank you so much for your support.
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“Ladies Love Mixtapes The Ep” Listening/Official Release
Come out and celebrate the release of Precise newest project “Ladies Love Mixtapes The Ep” produced by Tye Hill
This project was inspired by love, women and relationships.
Come have a good night of relaxation, great music and conversation.
It’s Spring Time lets SHINE!!!
Spa Treatments by Simple Beauty Naturals
Hosted by Jennifer Ligaya
Poetry by K Love Thepoet
Music by D.j. Kwest-on
Live Art by Nicole Malcolm
Drinks and Refreshments will be served and its FREE 99!!
Donations WILL BE ACCEPTED!! :-)
Listen/Buy The Lead Single from “Ladies Love Mixtapes The Ep” Take Our Time (Right Away)
Along with a New Year…We also celebrate Haitian Independence.
The Haitian Revolution was the only slave revolt that led to the the slaves creating there own republic. The Haitians defeated both the French and Spanish military.
Soup Joumou is winter squash soup, it is symbolic because the Slaves were not allowed to eat it. So it is served every year in Haitian households as a reminder of this revolution and our ancestors.
My Mom makes it best. Of course I’m biased…lol
L’Union Fait La Force
-Precise
In November of 2012 I decided that I would not set a resolution for 2013. My goal was to be deliberate and purposeful as to what I wanted to attract into my life during 2013. I listed my Top 10 Intentions for 2013.
About a week ago a good friend of mine Lashawn Williams the Arts and Culture Editor of Gapers Block reached out to me with an idea. She suggested that I do a recap of my year in order to be clear about the accomplishments that I have made.
I thought that was a great idea, and because I did The Top 10 Intentions for 2013 it has afforded me the ability to look back and see how my intentions have panned out over the past 12 months.
Now…let’s take a look at my year…..
2013 Precise Year in Review
1. Have a stronger connection to the creator and keep my vibration high.
This is an ongoing journey and after this amazing year I know for a fact that this connection has grown and is continuing to get stronger in each moment. I know the creator is real and I understand that we have been given the tools to achieve greatness. My eyes are open wide and I am more in tune with who I am and the ability and gifts that I have been blessed with. I am grateful to the creator for this.
2. Develop stronger more meaningful relationships with my family and friends.
I have been blessed to have a circle of family and friends that are very supportive. This year has allowed me to be more attentive and has given me insight as to who has my back. I have met so many new people and strengthened relationships that I thought were over. The treasure is with our friends and family and I honor them.
3. Be the creator I am supposed to be.
This year I have embraced the fact that I am a creator. I have been more deliberate as to how this message of positivity and power is and will continue to be delivered to the world. I wrote some great video treatments and some amazing songs. The more creative and bold that I am the more I attract other creative people. Let’s continue to build. Greatness is on the horizon.
4. Finish 5 projects sell 100k independently
I didn’t finish 5 projects; However I did finally finish “Ladies Love Mixtapes”, filmed the video for the lead single “Take Our Time”. The listening session for ‘The Anti Skinny Jeans LP” at The silver Room was successful and “A Hate You Can Trust” by The Guild a project I am prominently featured on was released.
5. Go on World Tour and perform for sold out stadiums.
The world tour and sold out stadiums didn’t happen YET, but I did A LOT of shows, the most notable was The Main Stage at The Silver Room Block Party. I also made a couple of trips to Indiana. One trip was to perform at Hype Magazines 11 year celebration, then I went to Indianapolis to perform at Pure Passion West and I was interviewed by Taj Longino of TWTTV.com
6. Be more fearless.
Eliminating fear from our lives is what allows us to move without doubt. The moment we tear down this wall the blessing come. Im knocking down a brick in each moment. I am more open and more willing to be vulnerable.
7. Increase the flow of prosperity to me in the form of money and health.
I lost 30lbs this year!!!! WOOOHOOO!!!! I got a new car!!! As a result of the shows that I have done the prosperity continues to flow.
8. Be the voice of Hip Hop Conscious Artists
I was featured in Yahoo Voices as Chicago’s most motivational Hip-Hop Artist. Thank you Jolie du Pre.
In July I was interviewed by City Vanguard’s David Weathersby
9. Buy Mansion of Star Island and Move To Miami
Still catching up to this and I am encouraged.
10. Buy Condo in Chicago Museum Park.
As the prosperity continues to flow and I know I am moving closer to this.
I am so encouraged after seeing what has been accomplished in 2013. This makes me more determined and focused. I am ready for 2014…Are you?
Stay Focused, Positive and Productive
How was your year? Tell me about it. Leave a comment…share.. :-)
BREAKING: PART 1 ON MY CONVERSATION WITH CHI TOWNS OWN PRECISE CHECK IT OUT RIGHT NOW! TWTTV
When it comes to this blog my intention is to share my experience and provide something uplifting and positive for the mass. The past month has been a whirlwind when it comes to what is happening in the news. The way that the news is reported via television and the internet is extremely immediate. Everyone has an opinion as to what is right or wrong. So much of what is reported in sensational and tends to spark discussions that are impassioned and driven by emotion. Generally I strive to stay away from these type of discussions. I am in the process of retraining my mind body and soul. In order to maintain a sense of peace and balance I work to feed myself things that add to the awesomeness that the creator has blessed us with.
Fruitvale Station is an amazing movie starring Michael B Jordan in the role of Oscar Grant. Oscar Grant was shot on the mass transit platform by an Oakland Police officer while being detained New Years Day 2009. The murder of Oscar Grant prompted riots and demonstrations that ultimately led to the resignation of the police chief and a 2 year prison term for the officer who killed Oscar. The Officer only served 11 months.
After watching the movie I was moved to tears. I knew what happened already however as with many of these type of stories when they are told in 140 characters or less or on the nightly news something is always missing. The spirit and soul of the person who lost his/her life is hardly ever focused on. These young men are loosing their lives. They have families and loved ones. They are human. Michael B Jordan’s portrayal of Oscar Grant reminds the world of this.
Oscar Grant and his daughter Tatiana
The release of this movie was timely. In light of George Zimmerman who killed Trayvon Martin but was found innocent because of the Stand Your Ground law in the state of Florida.
I didn’t watch the proceedings up until the last few minutes when the words innocent rang through the courtroom. I was shocked. During the trial I would check my Facebook feed and notice how attention was being focused on Trayvon’s friend, on how Trayvon looked his drug usage and other issues that have nothing to do with why he was murdered. His life was taken and it feels as though no justice was given. He was a young man with his life in front of him. He had family and friends who love him. He was human.
Trayvon Martin and his father Tracy Martin
The media is all around us and is embedded in every facet of our lives. It is not some benign force that does not affect change. Used properly it can change lives and change the world. In this shift that is happening in our universe in this moment there seems to be a determined focus on those things that do not promote our good.
More specifically black men are being portrayed as heartless, uneducated and hopeless individuals.
Whenever I tell people I am from Chicago these days I get “The Questions”. They ask me… “Whats going on in Chicago?” “Are you scared for your life?” “Are you going to move?”
Most of these people only know what they are being fed in the media. Chicago is NOT the war zone that people will have you believe. The youth have not lost their minds. They are warriors for change with limited direction. There is a lack of focus as to what is causing this violence. The focus is on the killing and not the change. In the midst of all of this The “Concealed Carry” Law was just implemented in Illinois.
In the midst of this killing among our youth one of the most powerful tools of the media is being used to promote the lifestyle that is adding the dehumanization of black men throughout the world. Poverty is being exploited and our youth who are looking for a way out are providing the mass with what the media wants.
Music specifically Rap Music and the culture of Hip Hop has been hijacked and is being used as a tool drive our young men into free labor. Its not a secret. Its hidden in plain sight.
A portrait is being painted of our youth that is not true. They are not savages. They have SOULS!
Keith (Chief Keef) Cozart and his daughter Kayden
This is for the world to know. We are living breathing human beings with souls. Our lives have value.
Refocus our energy on this connection to our soul. We are great and can change this world. Life is AWESOME!!! LETS LIVE!!! Are you with me?
What are your thoughts on this? I would like to know. Leave A Comment, Like and Share this post.
Listen to and Buy “It’s On Me” produced by Tye Hill and D.J. Thunder.
The summer officially kicks off with the 11th Annual Sound System Silver Room Block Party. I’m rocking the main stage aka The Silver Stage with my band Knights Ova Egypt. Show time is 5:30. This is going to be an Amazing Day!!! BE THERE!!!
Buy/Listen to The Hit Single “Take Our Time (Right Away)” produced by Tye Hill from the soon to be released Ep “Ladies Love Mixtapes”
Precise 