MJ:
I’m hyped for tonight’s interview as it’s always a pleasure to chop it
up with Chicago’s own Hip Hop Artist, Actor, Motivational Speaker, and
Writer Eddy Lamarre, known worldwide as Precise. Here we are 4 years
later and I want to first and foremost thank you for taking time from
your industry moves for another interview! Let me also say that 4 years
later I still listen to “Ladies Love Mixtapes” on a regular basis!
Precise: Hey MJ, thank you so much for that. I really appreciate you and the fact that you still listen to LLM, means so much.
MJ: For
those who are not familiar you grew up in a Haitian household where
music was as natural as eating! Your father was in a band and played
instruments. What was it like for you to watch your father in his
element? Was that the initial spark that ignited your passion and love
for music?
Precise: What
I remember mostly was being surrounded by music all the time. The
camaraderie and creativity always intrigued me. I knew it was something I
always wanted to do. Hip-Hop provided the vehicle for me to follow this
dream.
MJ: You mention how you always dreamed about becoming a rapper. But your first taste of Hip Hop and the culture was deejaying. How did that evolve? From there you went on to join a Hip Hop group. Did you feel that something was missing? Did you feel the need to experience and emerge into more within the culture? Is that when you decided to begin a solo career?
Precise: As
a Chicagoan from the south side of the city House Music was always
prevalent. I was always impressed by the blends and one of my friends
John Evans who is a master at blending showed me the ropes. As I was
learning how to deejay rap was evolving. I could always write and
decided to write some rhymes the first verse I wrote was to Aaron Halls
“Don’t be afraid”. It was mad wack but it got me started. I did a few
talent shows sharpened my skills then met two of my closest friends Vic
“Creole the Individual” Moore and Christopher “Ideal” Rice, may he rest
in peace. We formed Nub Earth and gained some notoriety in the city.
Soon after life happened, we split and I decided not to put my pen on
the shelf. I linked with Tye Hill and DJ Thunder of the Produktionix and
we did my song “It’s On Me” and I was able to get back to what I love.
MJ: You
credit KRS-One, Slick Rick, Mos Def, Rakim, among other Hip Hop
pioneers and legends for your style of lyricism. You credit them as
your canvas to paint beautiful images through lyrics. I have followed
you since our first interview about 4 years ago. There are many
attributes that classify you as unique and genuine. The one attribute
that stands out the most for me is your dedication to the culture of Hip
Hop and not conforming to what media portrays as Hip Hop. Hip Hop is
not a genre of Music; it is a lifestyle. Conforming to the latest
trends that involve zero talent is a lane you refuse to follow. Talk a
little bit about that.
Precise: At
some point in the evolution of Hip-Hop so many people would use rap and
Hip-Hop interchangeably. I always want to make it clear that Hip-Hop is
the culture and rap is one of the ways I express the culture. This
culture has spread all over the world and it’s important not to lose
sight of how it started and why its origins are important.
MJ: 22
years ago you had a life altering experience that continues to impact
your life. Share your Million Man March enlightenment. What kind of
influence did that historical event have on you as a man and as artist?
Precise: The
Million March changed me in so many ways. The main way was it made me
realize that I had to grow up and be a better man and a better father.
Black men have a tough struggle around the world. To see one million
black men gather for change was a transformation and always serves as a
reference point in my development. I became more spiritual and self
aware. I continue to grow every day.
MJ: I
want to thank you! Thank you for creating music not for the now, not
for popular hits, but for the longevity! “That Ol’ Boom Bap” is a
perfect example of that music. It is and will remain a timeless classic
regardless of release date! Share with us the story behind that track
and how important that track is to you and to your fans, and to the
culture of Hip Hop.
Precise: My
manager Redell Drakeford linked me with an amazing DJ by the name of Dj
Tekwun from New York. He was working on a release and I was fortunate
enough to make the cut. “That Ol’ Boom Bap” is an ode to the culture and
a nod to what is new. We can’t have one without the other.
MJ: I
want to also take this time to salute you! Not only are you a
phenomenal lyricist, but you are also an Actor, Writer, and Motivational
Speaker. How did those roles come about in your career?
Precise: All
of us have a plethora of gifts. These are things that I was inspired to
do. In this day and age there really is no excuse not to pursue your
dreams. Nothing can stop you. I’ve done some sketch comedy, I write for
the national publication Rollingout.com and I use my words to effect change. I speak truth to power. I speak life to the world.
MJ: Talk
about the youth! Tell us the first three words that come to mind when
you think of our youth. Why has educating our youth become such a
mission for you?
Precise: The
first three words are love, future, and blessing. Educating the youth
properly is important to not only their future but to ours because they
are the leaders of tomorrow. We need to feed them properly and share
positive vibes that lend to growth and a better world.
MJ: For all your fans, supporters, and followers take a minute to share about current and upcoming projects.
Precise: I’m
currently working on a project called “Man of the Ages”. I have a song
called “Speak Life” on all the streaming services that’s been picking
up some steam. Right now I’m focused on getting better in all aspects of
my life.
MJ: Give
us some fun facts! Why Precise as your artist name? What 3 artists
are in your personal play list? Where are your favorite places to tour?
Precise: I
got my name from a Gangstarr song called “Precisely The Right Rhymes”…
Right now the three artists I have in my playlist are Rapsody, Tyler the
Creator, and G Herbo… I like New York, New Orleans, and Miami as places
to tour.
MJ: When we come back to the table in another 4 years what will we be catching up on?
MJ: When we come back to the table in another 4 years what will we be catching up on?
Precise: 4
years from now when we catch up I hope to have grown as an artist and
as someone who can influence others. My project would have broken some
records and I’ll be moving on into the next phase of my career doing
speaking tours.
MJ: Is there anything else you would like the world to know about Precise?
Precise: I
would like the world to know that I am doing this for a purpose. The
reason I speak into a mic is for the uplifting of my people and the
culture. I would also like people to know that I am grateful and
appreciative to the creator for all the blessings that have been
bestowed upon me. Also, stay focused, positive, and productive.
MJ: I
want to thank you again for taking the time out for this exclusive. I
want to thank you for being true to the culture and for creating that
feel good music, that undeniable bona fide Hip Hop!
Management: Redell Drakeford takeaxshun@gmail.com
Follow MJ @MJsHipHopConnex