Watch Common and Pete Rock’s ‘Dreamin’’ Video and Catch Them on Their U.S. Tour

Posted on August 27, 2024 by Precise

Today, Common and Pete Rock released the music video for “Dreamin’”—watch it HERE. The video, filmed in New York City, features both artists alongside a collection of personal home videos from Common’s career, offering fans a unique glimpse into his life. It includes rare clips with legends like J Dilla, Dr. Maya Angelou, and Queen Latifah, as well as intimate moments with his daughter, family, and friends. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Raven Jackson and produced by Kristian King, Pulse Films, and There We Go Films, the video beautifully captures the theme of dreams becoming real and the song’s heartfelt vibe.

Tomorrow, Common and Pete Rock kick off The Auditorium Tour in Del Mar, CA, bringing their new album to life on stage. The tour includes 18 stops, hitting cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, Nashville, and Boston, before wrapping up with a three-night residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City from September 23-25.

The Auditorium Tour Dates:

Wed, Aug 28 – Del Mar, CA – The Sound
Thurs, Aug 29 – Los Angeles, CA – United Theatre
Fri, Aug 30 – Napa, CA – Blue Note Jazz Festival
Tues, Sept 3 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre
Fri, Sept 6 – Dallas, TX – The Echo Lounge
Sat, Sept 7 – Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theatre
Mon, Sept 9 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
Tues, Sept 10 – Charlotte, NC – Fillmore
Wed, Sept 11 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
Fri, Sept 13 – Norfolk, VA – The Norva
Sat, Sept 14 – Baltimore, MD – Soundstage
Sun, Sept 15 – Washington DC – 930 Club
Tues, Sept 17 – Red Bank, NJ – The Vogel
Wed, Sept 18 – Boston, MA – House Of Blues
Fri, Sept 20 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
Mon, Sept 23 – New York, NY – Blue Note Jazz Club (2 shows per night)
Tues, Sept 24 – New York, NY – Blue Note Jazz Club (2 shows per night)
Wed, Sept 25 – New York, NY – Blue Note Jazz Club (2 shows per night)

Catch them live for a tour unlike any other!

Robert Glasper and J. Ivy hit the Ravinia stage on August 14, 2024

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Precise

Summertime Chi is in full swing! On August 14, 2024 two Grammy-award winning artists take the Ravinia stage to offer up their amazing talents. Robert Glasper and Chicago’s very own J. Ivy are guaranteed to deliver a night of music and spoken word that will be unforgettable.

Robert Glasper, an otherworldly pianist also known for his jazz, rap and R&B fusion is a musician who is sought after all over the world. He has worked with Herbie Hancock, Brittany Howard, Talib Kweli, Common, Lalah Hathaway and so many more. The five time Grammy-award winner brought home the Best R&B album in 2013 with Black Radio and Best R&B song with “Better Than I Imagined” featuring HER and MeShell Ndegeocello. He also won an Emmy in 2013 for Original Music and Lyrics in Ava Duvernay’s documentary 13th.

Glasper is a genre bender who has the ability to tap into the senses of his audience and deliver a message through his music. His live performances are a soundscape that opens up the world to the imagination and genius composition of one of the world’s greatest musicians.

J. Ivy, a world renowned spoken word artist, hit the burgeoning poetry scene in Chicago in the late 90’s and was introduced to the world via Kanye West’s aka Ye’s debut album College Dropout. Ivy’s poem on the song “Never Let Me Down” ft. Jay Z and Kanye West is one of the most inspirational spoken word pieces ever shared with the world. Ivy’s insightful wordplay and motivational nature has allowed him to travel the world uplifting hearts and minds. In 2023 Ivy won the Best Spoken Word Album Grammy for his project The Poet Who Sat By The Door and followed it up in 2024 by winning it again with his album The Light Inside.

The pairing of these two powerhouses will be an evening filled with great music and high inspiration. Check them out on the Ravinia stage on August 14, 2024. Buy tickets here.

Kendrick Lamar drops video for “They Not Like Us”

Posted on July 4, 2024 by Precise

Kendrick Lamar dropped his highly anticipated music video, for “They Not Like Us” on July 4th. Its already making noise and sparking up conversation. Directed by Dave Free and Kendrick Lamar the video showcases Kendricks approach to his rap feud with Drake. This battle, a clash of titans is at its core a profound exploration of authenticity, Black culture and Hip Hop.

Kendrick having his show, “The Pop Out – Ken and Friends ” happen on Juneteenth and releasing the video for “They Not Like Us on July 4th, displays the intensity, precision and intentionality of his assault on Drake. The video features Kendrick dancing with his children and his fiancée Whitney, He also gives Dave Free directors credit for the video. These glimpses into his personal and business life look to dispel any rumors surrounding a relationship between Dave Free and Whitney, something that Drake spoke to on “Family Matters. Kendrick asserts himself sharing a glimpse of his personal journey showcasing unwavering confidence and resilience to the culture.

The battle between Drake and Kendrick is unprecedented in its intensity and strategic timing, all the way down to how and when songs were released along with the artwork that accompanied them. Drake’s use of AI to mimic Tupac and Snoop Doggs voice on “Taylor Made” freestyle showcased a new approach to battling. Even with that bold approach Kendrick has managed to stay ten steps ahead through his lyrical prowess and sometimes haunting delivery.

The video for “They Not Like Us’ might be the final blow of this battle unless Drake has something up his sleeve. Kendrick has delivered some impactful blows and has left significant dents in Drake’s armor. In this moment Kendrick is king. He is carrying the weight of rap on his shoulders while simultaneously uniting the west coast.

In many peoples minds what Kendrick has been able to accomplish has positioned him among the greats of the culture. What do you think?

Check out the video below.

Mayor Brandon Johnson officially designates May as Haitian Heritage Month in Chicago, celebrating the city’s rich cultural history

Posted on May 23, 2024 by Precise

In a significant stride towards recognizing the contributions of Haitian Americans, the City of Chicago has officially designated May as Haitian Heritage Month. This resolution honors the city’s founding by Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, a Haitian man, and his indigenous wife Kitihawa in 1780. Chicago, which was incorporated in 1837, now pays homage to its roots and the vibrant Haitian community within its bounds.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, in a celebratory address, remarked, “In our modern history, the city of Chicago has taken strides honoring the legacy of the incredible Jean Baptiste Point DuSable. Today, we continue to remember and uplift the contributions of Haitian Americans in our city through this resolution. This community enriches our neighborhoods, schools, local government, business, and by celebrating the culture and traditions, this is what makes Chicago stronger. It’s what makes Chicago a very vibrant place. I’m truly honored to celebrate alongside you all today and as mayor, I will always celebrate the diversity of our city.”

This new resolution is more than just a symbolic gesture; it is a testament to the enduring impact of Haitian Americans on the city’s fabric. Rolling Out reached out to Cyndee Montes Newman, Executive Director and Founding Member of Daughters of Haiti, for her insights on the importance of this recognition. Newman passionately responded, “Chicago was founded by a Haitian man. It is only natural that this city, which he built, should honor and recognize his descendants! We have done a lot of work in the city to showcase the great work of Haitian Americans today. This resolution shows the Haitian Americans living in Chicago that we are seen, that our work is recognized, and that our culture is valued. The resolution is a positive step in advancing the profile of our community in many areas and is key to continued growth as a vibrant and culturally diverse, world-class city.”

Patrick Brutus, Cyndee Montes Newman and Mayor Brandon Johnson presenting the resolution that recognizes May as Haitian Heritage Month in Chicago (Photo credit: Daughters Of Haiti)

Newman’s words highlight the significance of this recognition, especially in a time when Haiti faces political turmoil and widespread suffering. While the resolution celebrates cultural heritage, it also serves as an emblem of solidarity, with aspirations that these moments of recognition will translate into tangible support for Haitians, both locally and abroad.

The acknowledgment of Haitian Heritage Month in Chicago not only celebrates the historical significance of DuSable’s contributions but also shines a light on the current achievements and challenges of Haitian Americans. This resolution fosters a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity and strengthens the city’s commitment to inclusivity. As Chicago moves forward, the celebration of Haitian Heritage Month will undoubtedly enhance the city’s rich cultural tapestry, reaffirming the values of unity and community spirit.

Apple Music Reveals Their Top 10 Albums – and It’s Not What You’d Expect!

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Precise

After a week of building anticipation with their countdown of the top 100 albums, Apple Music has finally unveiled their list of the top 10 albums, and the results are surprising. While the usual legends make appearances, it’s Lauryn Hill’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” that claims the top spot. This choice might throw many for a loop, especially those who expected the likes of Michael Jackson or Stevie Wonder to dominate. Instead, Michael Jackson’s record-breaking “Thriller” sits at #2, and Stevie Wonder’s often-hailed best album of all time, “Songs in the Key of Life,” is placed at #6. These placements alone are sure to stir up controversy and conversation.

Crafting a list like this was undoubtedly a daunting task, and some of the greatest albums, like Kanye West’s “College Dropout” or “Graduation,” didn’t even make the cut.

“Putting this list together was a true labor of love, both in that it was incredibly difficult to do and in that we are all so passionate about it,” said Zane Lowe, Apple Music’s global creative director and lead anchor for Apple Music 1. “We were tasked with selecting the 100 best — that’s practically mission impossible. But as music fans, it was also amazing to really take a minute and sit and think about the music and albums and artists that we love so much in this context. If this list sparks more debate among fans outside of Apple Music and gets people talking passionately about the music they love, then we’ve done what we set out to do.”

We surprised @MsLaurynHill at an intimate dinner in New York to tell her that The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was No. 1 on our #100BestAlbums list. 🏆 What does this album mean to you? pic.twitter.com/BslciRVEm0
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) May 22, 2024

Given her achievements, it’s not entirely shocking that Lauryn Hill would take the top spot. In 1999, she swept the GRAMMYs, taking home five awards for “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” including Album of the Year, Best R&B Album, Best New Artist, Best R&B Song, and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance – the latter two both for “Doo Wop (That Thing).” Hill has toured for nearly 30 years on the strength of one major release and continues to sell out shows.

Does Lauryn deserve the top spot? Let us know what you think. Check out Apple Music’s top 10 of the top 100 list below:

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Lauryn Hill
Thriller – Michael Jackson
Abbey Road – The Beatles
Purple Rain – Prince & The Revolution
Blonde – Frank Ocean
Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder
good kid, m.A.A.d city (Deluxe Version) – Kendrick Lamar
Back to Black – Amy Winehouse
Nevermind – Nirvana
Lemonade – Beyoncé

Common and Pete Rock speak wise words on new single ‘Wise Up’

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Precise

Real rap is making a comeback. Off the heels of what might be the greatest rap battle ever between Drake and Kendrick Lamar (Kendrick took the win), super producer Pete Rock and the Grammy, Oscar, and Emmy award-winning Common have dropped a video for their single “Wise Up.” This track is the lead-up to a highly anticipated album from these hip-hop legends. Common has publicly said this project could be some of his best work yet.

“‘Wise Up’ represents the union of a New York producer and a Chicago MC doing the hip-hop we love. It embodies the spirit of where we come from—the boom bap, the basement—but it also feels fresh and new. We chose this as the first joint because it captures a new sound and a new light while speaking directly to our hip-hop family,” says Common.

To launch “Wise Up,” Common and Pete Rock teamed up with director Marleaux Desiré to create an inspiring and creative visual presentation. Many of the shots are in Harlem, in front of Allah School in Mecca, home of the 5% Nation. This setting strengthens the release’s message, as “Wise Up” is a mantra that brings about understanding, the best part of life.

The video captures the street-level community stories they represent in their new single, visually depicting the themes of the song. It features visual ideations from ILLIMITÉWORLD and still photography by creative director Alonzo Hellerbach.

Pete Rock says, “Working with Common was a breath of fresh air. We both connected to a higher power, which helped us tap into our greatest level of creativity. We constructed an amazing project! Common has an incredible soul, so it was easy to connect with someone on the same page as me.”

Happy Birthday to me! – I’m at that age where….

Posted on January 9, 2024 by Precise

Just had another birthday recently and I am so grateful. I thank God for this life, my family and my experiences and I pray I am blessed to see many more.

As I get older I realize my tolerance changes for many things and there are a few things that are more important than others.

Check out my list below.

I’m at that age where….

1. My relationship with God, my family, friends and my peace of mind are of the utmost importance.

2. Leaving my house to spend money and stand in line just to enter a packed room where I can’t move around is NOT my idea of fun

3. Creating memories means more to me than impressing anyone.

4. Yeah, you fine AF, but can we actually talk about something besides what’s trending on social media?

5. I don’t take anything personally. I know what people think about me is their business.

6. Everybody does not need to know my business.

7. The songs I grew up with randomly come on in the grocery store while I’m shopping.

Thank you so much for taking a moment out of your day to acknowledge mine. I am so grateful for you and I wish all the great things you wish for me to be extended to you.

God is Awesome!

– Eddy Lamarre