Watching Tv While Black – The Empire Scandal

Ok I get it. The Cosby show is no longer on television. Serious allegations are swirling around someone many considered the nations dad. Positive representation of African Americans are almost non-existent. The Oscars are too white according to most media outlets and Iggy Azalea and Macklemore are stealing Hip Hop. OK I GET IT!!

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The truth of the matter is that all forms of media are influential and have an effect on our psyches. With that being said, I have a confession to make.

Hello ….My name is Precise and I watch Scandal and Empire. 

Now that I have confessed to the world one of my deepest darkest secrets allow me to say that even though I watch these shows I am STILL a BLACK MAN and an Awesome guy.

For some reason there is a divide in our community. Those who label themselves “conscious” have a total disdain for these telvision shows and feel like they are setting black people back 100’s of years.

Many black men have decided that these shows are for women, and if a man watches them his masculinity is questionable.

WTF?

Look…some of you take yourselves much to seriously. I agree that the portrayal of black people on television leaves a lot to be desired. Around the world we are viewed a specific way because of what is being fed through the media. It is important for us to take responsibility with regards to this.

Shonda Rhimes and Lee Daniels have taken some of this responsibility and boldly share a narrative of our lives that is complex and interesting.

I don’t know about you but I like to peel back the layers of who we are. It’s interesting and our experience extends past the history of slavery and civil rights.

We all have complexities and quirks. Just because I’m black doesn’t mean I should have to watch Eyes On The Prize  and Hidden Colors Vol 1, 2 and 3 all the time.

I like watching television with my 5k friends on Fb and sharing reactions in my status. I don’t post “spoilers” contrary to what some people (my sister) may think. Wendsday and Thursday nights are cool. It gives us the opportunity to come together and share something, even if it’s just a television show.

Precise

What do you think about Empire and Scandal? Do you feel these shows are horrible or great? Let me know in the comments. 🙂

Ladies love Mixtapes by Precise produced by Tye Hill and D.J. Thunder was recognized as one of the BEST RELEASES of 2014 

BUY – LISTEN – SHARE

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Where are they? – NOW!!!

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?

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

Where are they?

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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?

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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

Top 3 Albums of 2014

It’s been an interesting year in music. If you have been paying attention you can see the shift has all but solidified itself with respect to how music is consumed. Streaming and mobile consumption has taken over. The amount of times a release has been streamed is now included in the 1st week album sales. The landscape is truly different.

As a result of such a different industry the idea of a full project almost seems foreign. We are in a single driven world. Artists are given multi million dollar deals based off of one song. It is because of this that everything in my humble opinion has been watered down.

The full release or complete album is now an anomaly. I heard my share of music in 2014 some was great and some was not so great.

Here is my list of the Top 3 Albums of 2014

3. Flying Lotus “You’re Dead”

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I first caught wind of this project about a month ago. I never really considered myself a fan of Flying Lotus. I have always known who he is and his pedigree, however I never really plugged in. When I saw the video for “Never Catch Me” with Kendrick Lamar I was intrigued. I needed to hear more.

“You’re Dead” is like an palate of sounds used to paint a beautiful picture. It brings to mind a Herbie Hancock sort of vibe. The Hip Hop influence is there and so are traces of Trance, R&B, EDM and Soul. With that being the case it still manages to be it’s own thing. If you are looking to get lost in a tapestry of sound then this is the album for you.

2. D’Angelo and The Vanguard “Black Messiah”

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Let me start this out by saying FINALLY!!! After 14 years of will he or won’t he, flipped cars, drug arrests and Questlove statuses, D’Angelo finally returns with “Black Messiah”

Autotune has been the standard for the past few years and at this point it’s almost unimaginable to hear an artist not use it. It becomes tiresome and repetitive. Hearing D’Angelos voice is nostalgic. It reminds us that people are still making music and it’s ok if people don’t know what you are saying if the groove is funky. “Really Love” is one of the stand out tracks. It feels so good to hear that groove. The way the internet blew up when this album dropped proves I am not the only one who finds some satisfaction that D’Angelo decided to comeback.

1. Precise “Ladies Love Mixtapes”

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If you are wondering if I am making this my number one pick because it is my release , then I would say you are 50% right. The other 50% is that I delivered the world a concept driven album. The production on this project if amazing. Tye Hill and D.J Thunder deliver amazing lush soulful music that is complimented extremely well by Precise (thats me). The stand out tracks are “Im Dreaming” and “Take Our Time”.

If you truly want to experience what I call Adult Hip Hop this is the release for you. I am not ashamed to say I am proud of this album and I cant wait to deliver more classics to you in 2015.

-Precise

Those are my favorites. What are yours? Let me know below. Leave a comment!!

Listen/Buy Ladies Love Mixtapes!!

 

 

 

Precise Interview on The Beat Break Morning Show

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.

Precise – Ladies Love Mixtapes The EP – Official Release – Silver Room – Recap

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 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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Nicole Malcolm the amazing artist provided her flair with some live art.

IMG_6769 Dj Kwest On on the 1’s and 2’s

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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.

10338290_10203177246046310_604409226259205954_nK Love The Poet being her usual amazing self.

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Shanara The Mouthpeace

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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.

-Precise

Precise – Ladies Love Mixtapes The Ep – Listening/Release – May 24th 2014 – The Silver Room

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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!! 🙂

Precise

 

Listen/Buy The Lead Single from “Ladies Love Mixtapes The Ep” Take Our Time (Right Away)

 

What Ladies Love – What is your idea of a soulmate? How do you know when you have found yours? Have you found your soulmate?

Whats Good World!!!

Welcome to the fifth topic in this series entitled What Ladies Love.

Last week I asked “When is the right time to introduce your mate to your children? How do you do it?” I can tell by many of the responses and the comments that I read that our children are paramount in our lives. We should take precaution when involving them in our relationships. Many of the choices we make for our own lives affect our children deeply. Thank you to all of you who took the time to answer last weeks question.

This weeks question comes from my cousin Cool V. I think thats awesome because the ladies have been asking fo some input by the gentleman. So…Here it is!!…..

Question

What is your idea of a soulmate? How do you know when you have found them? Have you found your soulmate?

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Cool V has had the privilege of finding his soulmate. WAY TO GO CUZ!!! Check out a few comments below. Leave comments. Im curious to read what you think. 🙂

Ebonie said: “To me I think people misconstrue what a real soul mate is. To me it’s not a perfect person it’s not the perfect man is the person who takes all of your fault and looks at you for who you are and said I still want to be with that person I can be with that person forever no matter what if they’d never changed from this day forth that is the person for me. And vise versa. Everything in your being attractions to this person no matter if they make you mad one day piss you off to next that person is forever connected to you by some type of force and if it’s not something that you can let go. You will fight to the ends of the earth to stay with this person. And that person will also fight for you. What you lack they make up and vise versa. That’s my take on it.”

Danita said: “My idea of a soul mate is someone who you honestly are not seeking out but someone who lives you for who you are. The love that is shared may be unknown to the woman but as it says in the Bible…a man is suppose to seek his wife and not the other way around. You have to be patient and wait. You can not rush or try to make someone your soul mate. It’s natural!!”

Charlene said: “Good question. I believe you will just know. It is something I can’t put into words. I believe in soul mates only because I have seen people so connected to each other they must be soul mates.”

Gwen said: “A soulmate is someone who is totally connected to you mentally physically and emotionally. You know you have found that person when they instinctively know what and how you are feeling as do you there is an ease of communication..and yes i have found mine.”

Carmella said: “Our souls must be connected to God in order to be directed to our Soulmate. You must both put God first in order to Love each other! Remember God Is Love! I knew I found mine when his love for God was as deep as mine! I also believe the eyes are the key to our souls and the truth. No matter our differences our flaws we will stay strong as long as our foundation (Which is God) can not be destroyed. What God put together may no man tear under! So stop looking for perfect love in imperfect people and let him lead the way!”

 

I love that these ladies are being so honest. As for me, at one time I thought that I did find my soulmate.However I was mistaken. I still believe they do exist. Sometimes I think I forced the issue as if I wanted this person to be ment for me so bad that they had to be my soulmate. I must admit I am kind of a romantic at heart. What I think is important is that the idea of the search has to be eliminated. I feel as though we are always connected to the people that we should be connected to. The moment that we come across the one who is the mate for our souls, our soul will tell us. I get excited just thinking about that moment. Anyway…I want to read what you you have to say about the subject. Leave a comment below. –Precise

Check out the single from “Ladies Love Mixtapes the Ep” called “Take Our Time (Right Away) below

What Ladies Love – What do you consider A Deal Breaker in a relationship?

Whats Good World!!!!

Welcome to the third topic in this series entitled What Ladies Love.

The last few weeks have been eye opening. Once you are blessed to meet the person who can meet a majority of what you seek and can add joy to your life you must cherish them. I know Im not the only one who has been on this “search” for a while. I have been in a few relationships and we have parted ways for a number of reasons. Most times we separate is because of something that either of us could not tolerate. A #DealBreaker.

Question:

What do you consider a deal breaker in a relationship?

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Im anticipating some great answers to this…check out a few below. Leave comments. Im curious to read what you think? 🙂

Nakisha said: “The deal breaker for me is allowing me to be with u and u never really wanted to be with me, and lying not giving me a choice.

Carita said: “No comprise and not wanting children.”

Shaquira said: “This could be a good or bad thing but truthfully, a deal breaker would be the fact that the attraction is not there anymore, and this maybe selfish but maybe the relationship is just not what you want anymore.”

The Pr Guru said: “I won’t date man with kids, who smokes,gambles and drinks excessively! My type of man is a manly man sort of speak! Lol he takes charge and wears the pants and goes beyond to make me feel loved and safe!”

I know there are going to be some interesting answers to this. Comment…click the area right beneath the blog that says “reply” or the speech bubble at the top of this blog entry. -Precise

Check out the single from “Ladies Love Mixtapes the Ep” called “Take Our Time (Right Away) below

What Ladies Love – What are the Top 5 Qualities you look for in a man?

Whats Good World!!!!!!

Welcome to the second topic in this series entitled What Ladies Love.

I’ve been in a few relationships the operative word is “been”. For some reason or another they ended. I was in a seven year marriage that ended mainly because I dont think we REALLY knew each other at all. Ultimately I would say it was because we were not compatible and speaking for myself I wasn’t really clear about what I wanted.

Im at a point in my growth where I have a clear understanding of what Im looking for and I know when I see it. Im interested in what you think.

Question:

What are the Top 5 qualities you look for in a man?

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I got some good answers to this. Leave your answer in the comments.Im curious to read what you think. 🙂

Nicole said:

1. Sense of humor (I love to laugh)
2. Driven (definitely needs goals)
3. Style (gotta be fly at all times)
4. Kindness/romantic (no one  likes a grouch)
5. Secure (trust issues are a definite turn off)

Natacha  said

I always look in a man to be

  1. serious
  2. not a player,
  3. honest,
  4. know how to love 
  5. always make me happy

I know there are going to be some interesting answers to this. Comment…click the area right beneath the blog that says “reply” or the speech bubble at the top of this blog entry. -Precise

Check out the single from “Ladies Love Mixtapes the Ep” called “Take Our Time (Right Away) below