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Chicago’s Growing Icon Precise Talks Hip Hop, Youth, Million Man March, & More (@Precise_chi)

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MJ: MJ here with On The Scene NY.   I’m excited 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?

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 MJ.  I want to thank you for being true to the culture and for creating that feel good music, that undeniable bona fide Hip Hop!

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Management: Redell Drakeford takeaxshun@gmail.com

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DeeYounginn Releases New Visual “Right Now”

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Fast-rising Charlotte recording artist DeeYounginn makes 2024 his moment and it starts with his latest single, “Right Now.”

In the latest visual, he cruises the streets in a foreign rapping about his undeniable impact, living a lavish lifestyle, and more. After gaining popularity with previous hits, the latest release is the perfect origin point for newfound fans as DeeYounginn rises to the moment as one of the year’s hottest new stars in modern hip-hop.

“Right Now” sets up the rising star’s upcoming album arriving in 2024. Check out the new video below, and, afterward, follow the rising star on social media for daily updates and more.

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Behind the Scenes: Deja Destinee’s Creative Process and Musical Inspiration

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The music industry is an ever-evolving landscape where artists must find their unique voice to stand out. In a detailed conversation, the grind of music and creativity were dissected with candor and passion by Shah Cypha and the multi-talented artist, Deja Destinée. They unpack the essence of Deja’s brand, her perspective on the music industry, and her multifaceted ventures beyond music.

The Genesis of a Brand: A Personal Story Through Music

The brand an artist creates is often a tapestry woven from their personal stories. For Deja Destinée, her name carries a legacy and an inspiration that fuels her artistic presence. “Deja Destiny is destiny… My first name was by my sister… Named after Tyra Banks’ character in Higher Learning… Destiny was named by my grandmother before I was born,” she recounts. This personal lineage adds depth to her music and offers her audience a piece of her narrative, creating a genuine connection that transcends the rhythms and lyrics.

In the music industry, the background behind a name often holds a significant weight, and Deja’s is intertwined deeply with her familial ties. Her music doesn’t just offer sound; it provides listeners with resonance, a shared experience that taps into the emotional fabric of the listener. This personal touch has become a beacon for her brand and her music, positioning her as an artist with a story to tell, a history to honor, and a future to shape.

Commanding the Stage: Performance as a Reflection of the Artist

A major theme from the discussion centered around Deja’s approach to performance. Stating that music comes as “first nature,” it’s evident that her on-stage persona is where she truly shines. Describing her performances, Deja says, “I give a lot of cocky energy. When I get on the stage, I usually bring my dancers, I have, you know, the flashy custom outfits… it makes them feel good, and for it to make them feel like they really that b\*\*\*h.”

This attitude exemplifies the confidence and showmanship that Deja brings to her craft, setting her apart in a crowded industry. The energy of a live performance, where the artist and audience feed off each other’s enthusiasm, is particularly crucial for Deja. Each show becomes an intimate conversation between them, a shared moment of empowerment and celebration of talent. It’s in these details that Deja’s commitment to her artistry, and her desire to elevate the music experience, shines brightest.

A Nexus of Creativity: Beyond Music

During the conversation, it became apparent that Deja is not content with being pigeonholed as just a musician. With interests in acting and entrepreneurship, such as her unique skincare line *Co-Skin*, she relays, “I do hair, I do makeup, I have my own like, skincare line doing shea butter… It’s so many things that I feel like I can tap into.”

Her tenacity to take on multiple creative endeavors showcases not only her talent but her understanding of the importance of diversification in a modern artist’s career. Deja leverages her platform in music to venture into other areas of interest, broadening her reach and solidifying her presence both in and out of the music world. This blend of artistry and enterprise spotlights a new generation of artists who are as business-minded as they are creative, indicative of the changing tides within the industry.

The Future Sounds of Success: Deja’s Continual Growth

As the conversation turned towards future prospects, Deja Destinée laid out her vision of evolving within the industry and her plans to be a game-changer. With new music on the horizon, including the engagingly titled single “ATE”, and a role in the upcoming film premiere set for June 6th at Newark Cinema, Deja’s grind is relentless.

Echoing her earlier sentiments on the significance of grinding, she reiterates, “To work and put in the work… when you don’t want to do it, put in the work then, too, because in the end, it’s gonna pay off.” It’s with this unwavering dedication and drive that Deja Destinée forges ahead, paving her path with an unshakeable belief in her art and her ability to influence the industry.

Deja’s narrative is one that is building upon the foundations of authenticity, perseverance, and an uncompromising vision for what she wants to achieve. With a solid grounding in the values instilled in her name and approach to music, the future beckons with infinite possibilities, each one an opportunity to further the imprint of Deja Destinée on the world.

STREAM THE LATEST SINGLE SHE/HER ON ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS NOW

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From New York to the World: D-Kno Money’s Impact on Hip Hop

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The world of hip-hop is a constantly evolving tapestry, colored by the individual stories and passionate endeavors of artists navigating their craft. A recent candid conversation with Southside Jamaica, Queens representative, D-Kno Money, sheds light on the sincerity and grind of an artist dedicated to originality amidst an industry prone to imitation.

Dedication to Hip-Hop’s Essence

In the heart of the discussion, D-Kno Money underlines a stronghold on the authentic sound of hip-hop, an element that often feels lost in today’s market. “\[…] if you like hip-hop in its essence, you like rapping in its essence. I always stick to those roots,” D-Kno Money asserts, emphasizing his commitment to preserving the genre’s true spirit. He maneuvers through the contemporary soundscape while ensuring his music retains a timeless quality. His approach crafts a bridge between the nostalgic and the innovative, appealing to both old-school enthusiasts and modern listeners. Quoting the artist, “If you listen to D-Kno Money for the first time, you’re not gonna hear what’s out like at the moment. \[…] I still have an authentic sound.”

This balance between tradition and evolution in the hip-hop genre is vital. It functions not only as a gateway for diverse expression within the art form but also exemplifies the genre’s ability to adapt without losing its core identity. D-Kno Money’s music serves as a beacon for what hip-hop can continue to be—an insightful, powerful, and expressive outlet for creativity.

Crafting an Artistic Identity

D-Kno Money’s story is a narrative of relentless ambition channeling into artistry since early childhood, heavily influenced by the monumental group Wu-Tang Clan and solo artists like Jay-Z and Nas. His musical journey, which began in 2003, highlights the dedication and passion required to make a mark in the industry. Taking his artistic vocation seriously from his first mixtape in 2006 to dropping over 15 projects, he proves that consistency is the key to a substantial body of work. The discussion emphasizes the importance of investing in one’s craft, pointing out, “My body of work put me in an advantageous state over a lot of my fellow peers.”

For D-Kno Money, the art of creating music is only part of the equation. The multifaceted lifestyle he leads speaks to the entrepreneurial spirit and the various roles artists must play to sustain and elevate their brand. Tackling responsibilities like personal management and business ventures, such as the Blue Exclusive beverage liquor brand, reinforces the narrative that today’s artist must also be an astute businessperson.

Revitalizing New York’s Hip-Hop Scene

Touching on a subject close to many New Yorkers’ hearts, D-Kno Money shares his perspective on the current state of New York hip-hop, particularly noting the dominance of drill music. “Everything different. So, like with D-no Money, that’s all I really stand on,” he remarks, articulating his desire for the return of artistic diversity. The artist yearns for an era where uniqueness was celebrated rather than subdued, hoping for a resurgence of the individual sound that made New York a hip-hop powerhouse.

This standpoint resonates with a broader sentiment within the hip-hop community. The craving for originality isn’t a rejection of new trends, but rather a call to honor the genre’s rich, varied history. By advocating for diversity in sound and content, D-Kno Money echoes a larger directive—a call to action to reinvigorate the scene with the uniqueness that made it a global phenomenon.

The music industry, and hip-hop in particular, stands at a crossroads where the choices of artists like D-Kno Money can shape its trajectory. His advocacy for authenticity, commitment to craftsmanship, and emphasis on innovation could very well be the catalysts needed to relight the fires of the hip-hop scene in New York and beyond. As the landscape evolves, artists like D-Kno Money remind us of the importance of preserving the heart of the genre while creatively advancing into the future.

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