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 – Take Our Time (Right Away)

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Take Our Time (Right Away) is the lead single off the most recently released project by Precise entitled “Ladies Love Mixtapes The EP” with production by Tye Hill, D.j. Thunder and Eddy Lamarre.

The video is set with Chicago as a beautiful backdrop and features actress Morissa Lewis and painter Nicole Malcolm.

Precise cant seem to make up his mind, but he does know that he wants to take his time right away.

Please subscribe, comment and like on youtube and share this video with all of your people. Lets go for One Million Views!!! WE CAN DO IT!!

Enjoy.

-Precise

Buy “Take Our Time (Right Away)” Here

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

SCANDAL-LESS Thursday – First Lady – Mellie – Stepford Wife – Bellamy Young

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Let me ask you a question. How many of you would knowingly allow your spouse to engage in an extra marital affair? Ok..Another question for you…How many of you would stay in a marriage when it is clear that you do not love your spouse? Ok here is another question…What do Jaccquline Onasis Kennedy and Mellie Grant have in common?

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Bellamy Young is the extremely talented actress who plays the wife of Fitzgerald Grant on the hit ABC television show SCANDAL. Her pedigree is that of an Ivy Leaguer. She holds 2 degrees from Yale. She has a degree in English and a degree in theater studies. She followed her passion for the theatre and parlayed it into roles along side Mel Gibson, Tom Cruise and Ving Rhames. If we look at the surface of her upbringing if would not be a stretch to say that she could have been easily groomed to be a First Lady. 

Bellamy provides different levels to the character of Mellie. Mellie is the first lady of the United States who was essentially married off to Fitz because of the relationship he had with Fitz’s father. It was an arranged marriage and Mellie has been groomed for this all of her life. She does an amazing job with the press and the American people, but guess what….I CAN’T STAND MELLIE!!!

I want to sympathize with this woman who on the surface has her husbands back and is on the tail end of this love triangle. She has a child thinking it would bring her and her husband closer together, but Fitz is looking for the mysteries of the universe between Olivia magical thighs. 

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That should be enough for me to feel for her. It doesn’t feel good to be cheated on and its being flaunted in your face…dang…I should feel sorry for this woman…but I don’t. 

Mellie sees this as part of the design. She helped conspire to get Fitz in Office and she loves being the First Lady. She wishes to keep this status and has her own aspirations of becoming President. It’s these aspirations and attitude that cause her to do some bone headed stuff. Im always left looking at Mellie like…Dang…you get on my nerves.

Mellie is robotic in her approach at times its as though she does not have any feelings. She outed her husband on national Tv and told the world he was having an affair. She is looking for sympathy from the American people. I would assume from the media level that she receives this sympathy. However the viewer gets to see this conniving and callous woman up close and personal. We see that she really does not love her husband. We know that she has other intentions. I think this is why people root for Olivia so much. 

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There are moments when you can see glimpses of some type of connection between Mellie and Fitz. The moment right before he gets shot she spills her heart out to him and the very last scene of last season Fitz after being jilted by his mistress. 

So this is what I think is going happen. I think Mellie takes Fitz back under the condition that he tells the American public that he has been sleeping with a man. Then Mellie Divorces him and makes her run for the presidency. She wins the presidency and marries Olivias ex beau Edison and makes him First Man. Yeah…that could happen. But maybe not…LOL!!

I asked a series of questions at the beginning of this post answer them for me. Im curious to know your thoughts.

Do you feel sorry for Mellie? What do you like about her? What don’t you like about her. I want to know. Leave a comment, like and share. 🙂

-Precise

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” 

What Ladies Love -”Take Our Time (Right Away)” Video Shoot DAY 2 – ITS A WRAP – Pictures

The release of Ladies Love Mixtapes is almost here. We just wrapped the last day of shooting and I am looking forward to seeing the end results.

You are gonna love this one.

I’ve posted a few pics below.

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Just a few behind the scenes pictures. Take a listen to the song below.

-Precise

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” 

SCANDAL-LESS Thursday – Harrison Wright – Little Walter – Gladiator – Columbus Short

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I know I’m a day late!!!…HA! So…Im not really sure when Scandal returns however I know all of you have been anticipating the next amazing installment of SCANDAL LESS Thursday…. WOOO HOOOO!!!! ITS BACK! 😉

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Harrisson Wright is probably the most mysterious Gladiator in Olivia’s camp. He is extremely loyal and is good for a pep talk when things get rough. We still don’t know too much about him. Im thinking Shonda is writing some great back story about him at this very moment. What we do know is that he was in jail for something and Olivia helped him out….hmmmmmm

We may not know much about Harrison however the actor by the name of Columbus Short has an extremely solid resume very early in his career. Columbus started his career as a dancer and is first role was in “You Got Served” His first lead role was in Save The Last Dance 2. It went straight to DVD. His next role that I think most people especially the ladies now him from is “Stomp The Yard” , a realistic look at Greek Culture on Historically Black College campuses. Not so much on the second part of that last sentence…HA! Anyway the brother can dance.

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His acting chops are tested in the movie “Cadillac Records” where he plays the part of Little Walter. Columbus has been in a few films I have seen but did not know it was him. He has a way of becoming immersed in his role.

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Last season every ones story was able to be told. Harrison’s is still a great mystery. Let me tell you what I think happened. I think he was in a dance battle and was trying one of his most dangerous signature moves, and he caused a melee in the midst of a family doing the wobble at a barbecue in Atlanta. Someone lost their life and he was charged with murder during a line dance. Olivia being a fan of line dancing and Stompin the yard felt bad for him and arranged to have him released and become a gladiator because of his great dancing skills and his ability to rally the troops. Well….maybe thats not what happened at all. Shonda’s probably writing his story right now.

Im looking forward to the new season of Scandal? Are you? What do you think about Harrison Wright? Where does he come from?

Like the blog, Leave a comment, Share. 🙂

-Precise

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”

ANNNND…Check out last weeks blog if you missed it.

SCANDAL-LESS Thursday – Olivia Pope – “I’s Married Now!” – Kerry Washington

SCANDAL-LESS Thursday – Olivia Pope – “I’s Married Now!” – Kerry Washington

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Kerry Washington pulled a Shug Avery this week “She’s Married Now!” My plans were to deliver some information regarding another character…but uhhhh…thats not gonna happen.

Kerry-Washington-Nnamdi-AsomughaCongratulations Kerry Washington – Asomugha. 🙂

Kerry Washington is an amazing actress and has appeared in various movies throughout the years. Her portrayal of BroomHilda Von Schaft in the controversial Quentin Tarrentino film “Django” adds to her resume of great work. Her performance as Nikki Tru in the Chris Rock film “I Think I Love My Wife” is my favorite. She was a powerful, seductive and sultry woman trying her best to get Chris Rock’s character to cheat on his wife. Without giving away any spoilers lets just say that Chris Rock was having a difficult time staying faithful. Her power of persuasion rivals only that of Olivia Pope.

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Kerry’s portrayal of Olivia Pope is sexy, confident and vulnerable. Not to mention the fact that SHE IS SO FINE!!! DANG!…….Ok… let me get back on track…The moments when she introspective and vulnerable are the times when I understand the depth of Olivia. This powerful woman who has the ability to wreak havoc on the most powerful government in the world and has everything that a person could possibly want still desires one thing. She wants to be loved. I understand that. I can relate to that. This is probably why the affair she is having with Fitz touches the fans so deeply. So many are in search of love with such a passion that they will overlook immoral and unethical behavior to have love. No judgements. 🙂

Some of Kerry’s best moments are when she delivers her range of the emotion with just one look.

olivia-pope-fitz-hookup-in-closet-episode-14-w724When we last saw Olivia she officially kicked Fitz to the curb (Yeah Right) and he went and laid his head on Mellie’s lap asking for forgiveness.. (Whatever)…lol. Im sure these two will find themselves in some computer room somewhere in the White House again. Maybe they’ll get really creative and pledge their love on the White House lawn. Whatever happens she is going to have to answer A LOT of questions. The cameras are on her this time and the media will be focused. I expect Olivia to be her own client for the bulk of next season. And who knows, maybe Kerry being a married woman will affect her portrayal of Oliva….hmmmmmm.

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So…do you think married life will change Olivia? What do you like about Olivia? What do you hate? I would love to know. Leave a comment, like the blog and share. 🙂

-Precise

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”

ANNNND…Check out last weeks blog if you missed it.

SCANDAL-LESS Thursday – Huck – Complex Assassin – Guillermo Díaz

POWER UP!! – How are you feeling? – Be Deliberate

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Inhale….Hold it….Exhale….Breathe

I found myself having to do that a few times today. I know what it means to be centered and I know that we ultimately have control over how we feel, but its so easy to get swept up by emotion.

I have been guilty of this a lot lately. Sometimes I find myself trying to pawn off the way I’m feeling on what someone else has said or done to me. That’s the biggest cop out.

What’s important to remember is that we have dominion over all things, including our feelings. We don’t have to feel bad if we don’t want to. We have to remain in a state of appreciation and be grateful for life.

It definitely takes practice. Yes I’m talkin bout practice…HA! Practice makes perfect.

So right now I’m feeling Amazingly Awesome Truly Grateful. I appreciate my life and all the goodness that comes to me NOW!!!

Inhale……Hold it….Exhale….Breathe

-Precise

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”

SCANDAL-LESS Thursday – Joe Morton – Olivia’s Father – Rowan – BYRAAAAAN!

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Father knows best. In Olivias case, Father knows EVERYTHING.

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Rowan played by Joe Morton surfaced towards the end of the season barking demands and pulling strings all over Washington. He has everybody who is anybody in that town in his back pocket. He’s the boss of the assassins G16. He orders Cyrus around and knows about everything that is going on with Fitz and his daughter Olivia. He seems to be running something. What is he running? What else does he know? Where does he come from?

I have my own answers to those questions. I will address them later. Lets talk about Joe Morton the actor who plays Rowan.

Joe Morton has been acting for over 40 yrs and has stared in a vast array of movies and television shows. He stared as Hal Marshall on the hit show “Sanford and Son” and played the same character on the spinoff called “Grady”. I had no idea Grady had a spinoff. Good Googly Moogly…lol He went on to play the Brother (Alien) from the cult classic “The Brother from Another Planet” He was also Dr. Miles Bennett Dyson from “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”. I could go on and on with a list of characters that Joe Morton has played. Its a long list. However one character stands out to me and provides me with great background when it comes to my imagination and the origins of Rowan.

Senator Byron Douglas III from a Different World is Joe Morton’s most memorable character in my opinion. Check out one of my all time favorite moments in television.

ImageAfter watching this I think I know exactly where Rowan came from. Rowan formerly known as Byron (BYRAAAAAAAAN) for all my Tyler Perry fans, HA!..Anyway…After Byron gets left at the alter he is too embarrassed to be seen and he leaves town changes his name and becomes a spy for the CIA. As a result of his exemplary work during the Gulf War, the Monica Lewinsky scandal with President Clinton, The East Coast West Coast beef and Affirmative Action he was promoted to head up the super duper top secret G16.

He started hearing stories about his daughter in the streets and knew it was time to put the hammer down..then….BOOM he is in the limo with his daughter and they are going to have a heart to heart.

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Well.. thats what I think happened…lol. Im sure Shonda Rhimes has her own thoughts.

Im looking forward to see what Rowan and Olivia are going to discuss. Are you?

I want to hear what you think. Like the blog. Leave a comment. 🙂

-Precise

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” 

ANNNND…Check out last weeks blog if you missed it

Olivia Pope is Judy Smith – SCANDAL-LESS Thursday

What Ladies Love -“Take Our Time (Right Away)” Video Shoot – Pictures

The release of Ladies Love Mixtapes is getting closer everyday. I am so excited about this project.

We started production on the first video for the lead single “Take Our Time (Right Away”) It was so much fun. I cant wait for all of you to see it.

I’ve posted a few pics below.

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Just a few behind the scenes pictures. Take a listen to the song below.

-Precise

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”