Mighty Mos Def gets 2 GRAMMY Nods!...Others?

Its about time our man Mos Def got not 1 but 2 Grammy nominations from off his stellar/still slept on album ESTATIC. Even though the committee is like 1o yrs behind its kool for the moment. If you haven't copped-downloaded and a must PAID for it you are definitely missing out on a serious music experience. Now if he can only get his chops up to get that win on the Oscar side of things...hmmmmm

P.S. Common and Q-tip got a nod too!!!!!!
K-easy


http://www.grammy.com/grammy_awards/52nd_show/list.aspx#07

Add-2 "Starter Jacket" Video is here!

Official Add-2 "Starter Jacket" video by PreciseMinds/Tori Boyd from Add-2 on Vimeo.

The video is finally here for your pleasure! It's an interesting story behind this video we shot this summer, but that's def for another time. If you were fortunate during your adolescence you had a starter jacket growing up because this def brings back memories. Or, if you didn't, peep the message ADD-2's laying on this song He's one to watch people, no question the boy got flow!! OHHH!
- K:Easy
p.s. i had the Orlando magic and black 49ers jacket;)

Derek B. - R.I.P. Derek Boland (1965-2009)

Yes, gotta pay respects to this brother here for being a trailblazer over the pond in the UK for Hip Hop. Real talk ya'll we trying bring it globally, BLESS!! -K:EZ

Check out what www.djsemtex.com had to say:

Rapper Derek B has passed away after reportedly suffering a heart attack yesterday (November 15).

The musician, real name Derek Boland, is said to have been taken to London’s Charing Cross hospital early yesterday morning. Paramedics were unable to resuscitate him, reports Mad News. He was 44.

Damn, this is very sad. Back in the day, Derek B was one of the first UK MC’s to hit the charts.

Legendary producer Simon Harris told the NME today:

“Derek was always a huge inspiration to me and can never be replaced, his tragic death at such a young age is a great loss to everyone who has known him and also his many fans. May I offer my love and sincere condolences to his family especially to his dear mother Jenny. Rest in peace Derek B, Bad Young Brother.”

He was a pioneer for UK music, I grew up watching him on Top of The Pops. He opened the doors for everyone doing it in the UK today. RIP.

Cypher-rific

Da proof is in the video..jus listen...jus listen

DJ Hero is here! Is it good for the culture??

Yo i got a chance to play the demo through a good friend of mine about a week ago and I must say I was impressed. I remember back in the summer when I heard about it on the internet. I was kinda skeptical because how do you successfully DJ on a game AND not make it EXTRA corny?? They even got my the legendary Grandmaster Flash down on the game and everything. I will say I wasn't too crazy about the song selections but they informed me that you'll be able to download other songs from from popular artist and DJs. So, that I cant wait to experience. They did a decent job and it looks like it may be the new hit "it" thing for the xmas holiday. Real DJs shouldn't be worried..WE know who you are and just continue to represent in the block parties-clubs..real recognize Skill. Aight! Gotta get back to the store and play this thing soon ..oh and watch out for that damn crossfader....ugh!

Obama's secret HipHop mental soundtrack right now

If Obama is really into Hip Hop as he says, this song has gotta be playing in his subconsciousness in dealing with his people on Capitol Hill...I KNOW it is in mine!

-K:EZ

Do the Humpty on a hump day!

Yo, as silly as it looks now it was just as silly in the 90's. But if you got stress listen-look at the video from the Oakland group Digital Underground. It's guaranteed to work some of that mid-week stress off. Oh-Oh do it baybay!!

-Keasy

JAPAN: Zeebra

Zeebra began his hip hop career in 1993, joining the rap group King Giddra. While with his group King Giddra, he played an important role in the development of the Japanese hip hop scene. In the mid 90s, King Giddra was an underground rap group that was addressing social issues of the time. King Giddra’s 1995 album “The Power from the Sky” discussed contemporary issues, particularly the economic recession and the inability of many Japanese college graduates to find employment. Zeebra addressed this issue of working towards a good education and being unable to find employment(sounds familiar!) in his song “Bullet of Truth”. Through their music, Zeebra and King Giddra “challenged youth not only to recognize the difficulties faced by Japanese society but also to speak up about them.” In 1999 he released the single “Mr. Dynamite”, which became the first hip-hop single to make it into the top 50 on the Japanese Oricon pop charts. [1] Through his early and newer work, Zeebra became one of the most popular and influential, yet controversial, Japanese hip hop artists.
So Zeebra let us holla at you!!! Oh and enjoy this slick video! Hip Hop wont STOP!!
-Keasy

I See(hear) Hip-Hop!...Tide

Yes my peoples just hitting you with a little update and commercial I just peeped. This time it happens to be our clothes cleaning, friendly product TIDE/Proctor & Gamble using a popular 90's Hip Hop song to highlight their new detergent. Now, I can't say I'm mad at them because it was probably someone behind the scenes that pushed for them to use that song. I just hope Butterfly-Ladybug-Doodlebug got some of that paper! I can't front though. I use Tide to keep my clothes "so fresh and so clean-clean(sorry couldn't help it) Anyway, ya'll should know the song in this piece, if you don't, get familiar quickly, you wont regret it....O and TTL is still in effect yo we just on serious grind mode, aight (2 fingers)
-KEASY

QTIP and How ATCQ came to be!

All i got to say is that Q-Tip, Phife, Ali Shaheed, and Jarobi make up the legendary group, A Tribe Called Quest. Q-Tip explains how the group met and formed their collective. Str8 no chaser from the talented MC, producer, DJ, actor. Cop seat, shut ya yap and just listen and ya def will learn sumthin- Keasy

http://www1.loud.com/audio-video/q-tip-talks-about-how-a-tribe-called-quest-started/

Lyrics to go- "Black Thought/Malik B"- 100% Dundee"

One of the most slept on lyricist in the MC realm is Black Thought of The Roots, hands down! And despite his absence with the group for a number of years, Malik B on a bad day is still a threat. These two keep their tongue blades sharp by going back and forth on this song 100% Dundee off of the Things Fall Apart album. Even though this is my favorite group of all time, their flows speak for themselves, pure rawness. -K-Easy

[Black Thought]
Yo! On these seventy-three keys, of ivory and ebony
I swear solemnly that I'll forever rock steadily
People wanna know where Malik? He right next to me
The weaponry, the secret recipe
Hard to peep this, deep shit, shows I eat with
Contaminated thoughts I walk the street with
I bayonnet cassettes and chop beats with
this olympic lyricism you can't, compete with
Globe travellin, throwin your verse like a javelin
Things Fall Apart and MC's unravellin
Backstage whisperin to management like
"change the order, it's no way that we can rock after them"
My man sport the 'fro like _What's Happenin?_
From the latest hi-atus, The Roots back again
Your crew practicin to catch this natural blend
They packages read "care when handlin"
It's all soft shit, batteries not included with
Matter of fact, your whole front's a re-enactment
I blow your ba-tty ass into fragments, P-5-D
The new testament, mic specialist, what?

Yeah
Check it out, yo (3X)
Yo yo, Black Thought, I represent the Fifth Dynasty
Lyrical click, 100% Dundee

[Malik B]
Malik B, I represent the P-5-D
Guerilla click, 100% Dundee

The Milli-illitant-tant, 'pon cock, ready to rock
Power out, in the clout, it seems out, all through your block
Posse don't play the cut, but what, you get sheist
Got the personality named trife, ready to heist
Smashin 'graphs, snatch the ice, crush your mental device
Thought twice, shoulda thought once, got played for the dunce
Dialogues I moderate, cool out, we outta state
Just blendin in the great, give me room to ventilate
Most niggaz is fraudulent, the rap seargeant
Bargin, through your regiment, call your president
Hittin all targets cuz it's a cause that's lost
Between the killers when they probably Teddy Ruxpin talk
Droppin tears of steel, two drops up in the bucket
Facin three ? and a cop so yo fuck it
If I get abducted, trapped up in the belly
Wacked up my celly, get known like Dawn Stanley
You know the deally on the daily in the ?
If I sense you got a bend to your kite, then send it up
We press up on your corner with windows they're tinted up
Lay our props face down on the ground and get it up, what?
Face on the ground and get it up

(Repeat chorus)

[Black Thought]
Check it out
While you pose for pictures, I'm the invisible enigma
Down low, scope you off the roof like the fiddler
Cage you up in the vocal booth, you're held prisoner
Watch, while I'm bangin out this hot shit from Sigma
Illa-del-P-A, live without a DJ
And it's been that way, since Sergio Vallente
Yo, The Roots holdin it down, is all you can say
Plus the Black Thought em-cey, professional-lay
Push pen to paper like Chinua Achebe
Thumpin, what was your assumption
I lace your function, make it a Black Thought production
Word up I'm on somethin, stellar hold off course
I'm gone bluntin, travel light and broadcast
via satellite, Illa-Fifth Dynamite
Lyrically calculus in this arithametic hip-hop metropolis
But loyal fiends coppin this hot shit
Yaknahmsayin? Hot shit, word up
Illa-Fifth hot shit y'all

(repeat chorus)

A Truth....And Some Updates....

If you make moves from the heart you can never go wrong. You'll either win or learn but you can't fail. Trust me on this. I think it's one of the things that has defined my life in one way or another, as a director and as a man. Your value starts with you. Switching gears can be difficult, but hey...rotting in obscurity isn't an option.

Today I'm conceptualizing this short that's really about what intimacy means...between a man and a woman. Physical closeness, the kind that is sexy and sensual but not sexual...the kind that never goes away if you have it. Sparks can die....but that kind of spiritual closeness/fire never goes out. I personally want that fire. Don't know where this idea came from but I'm kind of excited about it. Think I'll shoot it in a couple of weeks. You know lifes' rough patches can be kind of theraputic and inspirational. Mine your pain people...there's gold up in it!!!!

In TTL news, did an interview in VA last week with my homie Darnell...a talented emcee. It went well. Obviously searching ardently for funding. What's new about that huh? But...a new trailer is coming soon. A much needed website revamp for precisemindsfilms.com is coming really soon. Three music videos on deck for us to shoot in this next month, plus the aforementioned short. Plus writing...obviously. Did some preliminary shooting on this new documentary project with producers Erin & Kristina Walden called "Shades of Grey". More on that later...I like to keep a few good things to myself occasionally.

Anyway, I'm personally sorry it's been so long since I dropped some lines. Life has been crazy, and it looks like it's about to be crazier...but summer has arrived...and I love summer without question. Keep your eyes peeled...because some things are going down. So people...Are You Still Down? The Saga Contines.....

K. Smalls

Precise Minds x ADD-2 = Starter Jacket! coming soon

Check da article link peeps! Its soon come on this dope song by emcee ADD-2, UH HUH!

http://fakeshoredrive.com/2009/04/add-2-starter-jacket.html

Prince Paul and 3 ft. High and Rising for 20 years

Alright for those of you who missed it because you weren't an "80's baby", didn't quite mess with them, or you just didn't know. It has been 20 years since De La Soul(my fav rap group of all time) released their 1st and classic album(yes a-l-b-u-m) 3 Feet High and Rising. I recently went to see DJ Prince Paul do his thang @ Zentra night club in which he tore it down for 2 hrs straight playing cuts from Apache/Sugar Hill Gang to Black Moon, Special Ed, 50 Cent, Gangstarr, (90's)Snoop Dogg. He had everybody sweating in that joint. I digress, Prince Paul is responsible for finding, signing, and producing their breakout album. The members Trugoy, Posdnous, and Baby Huey aka Plug one, two, and three have continued puttin it down and this was our first glimpse into their world of daisies, physcadelic, quirkiness-off the beaten path intelligence mixed with pure silly, to produce songs that we still love to hear comin thru any speaker. Joints like "Me,Myself and I", "Buddy", "Millie Pulled a Pistol on Santa", and Potholes in my Lawn" I can say growing up they were NOT the norm of gold rope necklaces, velour track suits, and fly rides. They were more your African medallions, regular tshirts/dashikis, and bus/train riders type of cats which made them more tangible to the ever growing hip hop community back then. It's still the reason why people love them to this very day. I can't lie. As a shorty of age 10 coming up then I thought "potholes" song was wack. I didn't really get into them until their second single "Me Myself and I" and i've been "pluged" ever since.
Below is an audio link from the De La about how they made 3ft High and everything else that made it a classic...take time to listen and enjoy. d.a.i.s.y.!


http://hiphopblips.dailyradar.com/story/behind_the_making_of_de_la_soul_s_3_feet_high_rising/

Lyrics to go- Bahamadia "3 the Hard Way"

Emcee/Femcee out of Philly who is one of the illest when it comes to blessing with mic with razor sharp wordplay. There ain't no question if she can go toe to toe with any dude on any day. During the mid 90's she was doin her thang but as we got closer to 2000 you didn't see or hear her as much. Its a shame cuz we need an artist like her more than ever now with all this CRap(commerical Rap) out now. This song is off her Kollage album, a hip hop must have so cop it and enjoy it like you will these lyrics. peace

"Salutes 2 action be tha latest enter-ree 4 illadel colonies da get da
cream like cherry jubalee - my steeze put cha at ease like
methamphetamines or like Tony Shakks "fan-na-cees" about his wallabess
slice fit-een yo meen Big East be comin' through ghetto magic plusa da
bullies back it what me now Buddah Blessed 4 I and I provide da
Greatest Natur-role pure as life that exit from Nah gent-ta-tillc
styles interna-sha-nile likde direct connects to internet verbal text
blossum like chia pets per-fect wit da mic devices Bahama-dee be tha'
nices bringin' nix rap thing 2 the light like osyrus - 4 tha' 9 pound
ex-ced-da-ra-saaloom 2 GangStarr and my nigga K-Sarrah

Like Salt & Pepa, I take it to the next platoe niggaz scream nay what
dis Brown Sugar like D'Angelo I make it better fo' fantanics fienin
for da Buttaz Boo like 25 to lifers do from lack of gettin' douce
u-oou, I put my little thing in action smoother, than sat-tin or
special Ed when he was taxin' headz relax and play tha' back when I
spill I regulate a flow like chicks on birth control pills-ill anitics
keep it movin' on bouncin' like nylon from illadel 2 Lebanon - (no doubt)"

DJ PREMIER speaks..so listen

Had to post this interview of DJ Premier aka Primo/Preme one of the most revered, copied, praised, etc. DJ/Producers in this culture of Hip Hop. If you don't know about him, then you are definitely missing out BIG TIME. Do ya research, get ya ears and neck ready cuz they won't be the same after a Primo track graces your personal space. And if you don't believe me, its cool. Just mention the name around some random Hip Hop cats and they'll tell ya...word life. So Preme is def someone we want to interview for the film if we get a chance to so Primo let us holla at you YO!!!
Enjoy!
"Keasy"

Twilite @ LAVA

What up just had to let yall know briefly about my homey DJ Twilite Tone doin his thang last thurs @ Lava Lounge in Wicker Park section of Chi-City. Coming by way of NYC, he tore it down as usual doing his eclectic yet head nodding set "Great Weekend". He currently holds it down @ club APT in the Big Apple so check em out if u up that way. If you don't know about him, he is partly responsible for some of Common(Sense) songs on his 1st two albums and appeared with him in his 1st couple of music vids. So, he is def a Chi-City Hip Hop torch bearer. Peace to my people @ the joint gud seeing U: ADD2, Prime Meridian, JMB(Yaw & Phenom), and Duane of Dr. Wax. Gud Vibes. Gud time. And enough Hip Hop to go around!

KEASY

Pulse of the people: We Feel you stic

I had to post for 2 reasons, one this is one of my favorite groups. Hate or love em they have not wavered from there plan to inform the people through music from day uno. Two, I LOVE what stic. man says in this interview. We def gotta get them for TOUGHER THAN LEATHER.... YO stic let us holla at you!!!(again).....

Peace up, Bullsh*t down.

KEASY

P.s. We actually interviewed them for our other film a few years back and were mad cool so give they cd a listen, stop simpin.

Its our Anniversary!...WE DONT STOP...take dat take dat!!!!

Well peeps we been in the game 4 years now and we still in it to win it. It seems like it was just last year when KRIS and I decided to make our dreams official become a legal entity and do what we love. We've been through(and continue to) various scenarios that would've made even the most strong-willed, optimistic, energetic, person bow out for sake of sanity, but not us. Like the saying used by older Black folks, "Keep on keeping on." That's all we know how to do over here at PRECISE MINDS. Through mistakes, misfortunes, victories, (hella)meetings, ideas, networking, drama, misinformation, miscommunication, friendships, guidance, research, creativity, and ingenuity, we are STILL HERE and will continue to be. We know our mission we have our goal in MIND and we will partake on our journey learning/growing along the way. For all of those who have assisted us throughout our process to progress, we say a huge THANK YOU!!!! Stay tuned cuz we aint done yet.....oh no, we aint even begun to snap off yet. There is MORE to COME!

I see Dead People(HIP HOP)....

The title above is a take from the movie The 6th Sense's main character Cole Sear played by Haley Osmet. He has a sense to actually see dead people(spirits) as if their alive. He eventually tells his Moms whose of course in shocked by his ability and......look just see the movie, which is good by the way and you'll get my comparison. But our version is to show the relevance of the culture being used in everything companies see fit to sell to the general consumer for maximum profit, i.e. Hip Hop. It's literally everywhere and this "dead people" series you'll see from time to time will help you to realize/remind you of that. okay...you got it...im out

p.s. i know ya'll can be busy/lazy sumtimes, so here's a link..dont say i neva did nathan for ya family..peace;)

THE 6th SENSE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDOq_HY_rnU&feature=related

"KEASY"

"It's been a long time"..... since we checked our health!

I was just sitting here eating a salad with homemade avocado salsa, sunflower seeds and grapes when I thought...I totally need to blog...it's been a long time. And you're probably thinking what does salad have to do with blogging or Hip Hop, well alot actually, and thanks K-Easy for the inspiration and the shout outs (on the healthy eating tip...I try not to be a vegetable nazi...which I have been called before, lol). Presently myself and K. Smalls are doing this spring rejuvenation detox...we just started today, but have been preparing for like a week or so. We have all these awesome (but not so tasty) herbs to take, and all these super veggies, fruits and grains to eat prepared with out salt or sugar. I know some people might be thinking, yall are tripping, no salt or sugar. And so, this brings me to the point of this entry. In Hip Hop culture we are constantly checking things including, our sneakers, our swag, our mics, and even other emcees but not so often do we check our health, especially this generation. Think about it, media and commercial hip-pop culture has got our minds consumed with everything from rims to bling, but not our health. And I don't just mean going to the doctor for your regular check up. Your health is your responsibility, not necessarily that of the doctor who is gonna get paid whether you follow his good, or not so good advice or not. Hip Hop is used to market and promote everything, including carbonated beverages and snacks (not to call any one/brand out). Associate a popular rappers name with a new high fructose, sodium, or caffeine loaded snack and you have something people are willing to buy. I personally think, it's kinda like using rappers to push crack (not to take it too another level), but recognize how much junk is packed in the food we eat everyday that we aren't even really aware of, now multiply that times the crack, I mean crap they push and we eat, that we know isn't good for us. We've gotta make better choices, and stop allowing the excuses, "this is all I know, or all I've ever done" to keep us from living optimal lives. Just the other day I went to this international food market. It was beautiful, there was a variety of not so pretty (yes fresh food sometimes have bugs on them), but all natural fruits and veggies, and a myriad of healthier food options including beans, grains, and even less sodium filled condiments. But as I walked a lil further down near the store exit what did I (actually my mom) notice right away but some potato chips and soda, and her words were exactly "I guess we've reached the American food section." It's sad, but true. But, just because they're pushing it, doesn't mean we have to buy it, or that we don't have other options. The other day I spoke to a brother (who is also doing the detox)who said, "I didn't grow up eating vegetables" (and trust me, I acknowledge the many social factors that influence why some people don't eat like they should), "but I eat them now, not necessarily because I have a taste for them, but because they are good for my health." This is what I call "checking your self and your health." We all know that many of our ancestors, ate unhealthy because they had no or very little choices (literally they were eating to survive), but now we do have a choice, and even a responsibility (I would say) to make better choices... Eat to prosper, not just to survive. And that doesn't mean you can't enjoy what you eat, or that you have to give up everything cold turkey... it means be conscious about the choices you make. Baby steps are better than no steps at all. So, before I part with this PSA I want to suggest that Hip Hop be used just as much to promote truth, health, and wellness as it's used to promote some one's hood/block, fancy car, or decadent lifestyle that could be compromising their health. Peace and prosperity!
~PositiveKK

Joey of TPA, March Madness, mucho ensalada pt. 2

So I shall… proceed…. and continue….(c) The Roots(Do You Want More Album)

Yes, so like I was sayin previously we got a lot to do on our end, therefore, we’re trying to stay fit and eat little better thanks to "Positive KK” for the reinforcement. The least we could do is eat a salad with our meal get our proper nutrition on. WE can’t afford to not perform at our best(or close to it). So salads for everyone!!
We talked with our good friend “Joey of TPA” and he gave us sum knowledgable jewels(ideas) and people to possibly contact for the project. Plus his clothing line SL-9 is sick. Check him out on his blog as well: www.sl-9.blogspot.com . With resolve and our peoples assistance, we are moving forward to make this project, word. Now for those b-ball heads like myself, this is the time where we can't get enough of the NCAA tourney i.e. picking brackets for your team(s), taking that extra 15 min. lunch to check the scores of games that day, debating with friends/co-workers of what player at what school has “the goods.” , etc. Myself included, I get swept up in the craziness even though I have to admit I'm not as deeply rooted in it as I was growing up but its still interesting to see how these “kids” perform under pressure in these “ one(loss) and u done” games. They come as a team they go out as a team…we here at PRECISE MINDS follow that same mindset. Our tourney is this film and we don’t play to lose, so stay up with us because even though we not be the the top pick on poeple’s list don’t count us out…we gotta a lot of games(projects) to win do and goals to fulfill…….see u in the championship mayne.


"K-Easy"

TTL, Pete Rock, NYC, sliced cucumbers pt. 1

Its late….. we know….. I know. We are doing like 9 things at once( 3 things for each person) over here. That’s the ways it beez when you doin independent film, hell anything independently, everyone has to pitch in and do multiple jobs. Plus with the Pres. Obama trying to get us out of this recession, its hard work, yet very fulfilling. At least we can say that this company and project is something that we whole-heartedly want to do. So, we see the struggle, stress, and sleep(lack thereof) well worth it. Anyway, we wanted to film my man Bobbito aka DJ Cucumber Sliiiice(echo) coming to the CHI for a DJ event but the promoters cancelled it(sigh). We were ready for his vibes and insight, but we will def catch up to him later. To take away the disappointment I ate a nice, healthy salad wit what else ,but sliced cucumbers!(peace KK!) I digress, next I saw my man DJ/Producer Pete Rock last week at an in-store signing @ the clothing boutique Jugernaut(whatup Joker & Eric)!) I asked him if he was down to be interviewed for the film he seemed wit it and told me to hit em up on myspace so we’ll see. Also we getting ready for our NYC shoot next month, Positive KK is almost finished securing the contacts of the people we plan on interviewing. Its gonna be da bidness. So that puts smiles on our faces once again besides my re-listening of The Main Ingredient album…yes I said album. So, stay tuned blogites we got more in store bcuz u don’t even know the(other) half…..yet….CEY word!

The Roots perform "Bring the Noise" with Public Enemy

HIPHOP is in the (late night) Building!! Two dope groups The Roots and Public Enemy..it just makes the late night that much better for a us, big ups to Jimmy Fallon..keep em coming mayne!

March 9th

March 9th has once again dropped on us....another anniversary for us to remember my main man B.I.G. I was on Twitter today and there was an ignorant comment made by this mostly cool dude that I know....rash statements about why Big wasn't the best because he "only made two hot albums and then had some bad luck". It amazes me how this useless debate comes up every year. While it may be a personal opinion, March 9th really isn't the time to argue online, or anywhere else for that matter, about who's the "best". THERE IS NO BEST! While hip hop has always been and always will be a competitive "sport", what makes Big's legacy so powerful and potent twelve years later (12years!!!!) was HIS INFLUENCE. There can be no blind denial that Big's style, clever wordplay, and "everyman" appeal still resonate in hip hop music to this day. He has been venerated. Imitated. Hated. His rhymes have been quoted, bitten, and downright jacked by so many emcees, rappers, and wannabees so many times it would make your head spin if you actually thought about it. Christopher Wallace brought storytelling and wit back to the game, and many people say when he died the baton was passed to people like Jay-Z , Nas, Mos Def, etc. I would fill up too many pages making a list of people who either loved or hated Big for some reason...and that proves my point. He left us way too early, but while he was here he made an undeniable mark on this planet. We can sat the same thing about Tupac Shakur, without a doubt. But this isn't about 2Pac. Today is March 9th.

So today remember Biggie. CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, DON'T DEBATE IT. Play your albums and mixtapes, break out your old Source mags if you got em, and maybe light a candle. Remember how it was back when....and then make yourself a promise to live life to the fullest...because you never know when it's gonna be your time. Live your best life every single day, and do your thing. If anything, I learned that on this day back in 1997.

"Ain't no stopping/Big Poppa/I'M A BAD BOY......."

We miss you B.I.G.

K. Smalls

MARC ECKO talks (BIG)business

This culture has definitely grown up, got a job, started a company and made boucoup dollars and influence. An example of this is our guy Marc Ecko whom I remember back when. When his shirts dropped back in the early 90's I had to go ALLL the way to ATL to get a shirt becuase it was THAT hard to find in the South(TN). I still have all of em back when Ecko brand was spelled E-C-H-O. Now this dude's influence spreads across internet, fashion, viral video, and magazines(Complex)....he banking....HARD. It aint all about the money though. He had a love jones for his vision and wouldn't let anyone or a huge amount of debt (millions)to stop him. Go to the link and get a tip or two. Oh and we definitely want to holla at Marc for our film too. Go get learned on how Hip Hop does Big Bidness....peace

http://www.inc.com/magazine/20090301/its-going-to-be-big.html

"K-Easy"

What GIVES!?... This Aint No Joke!

Maybe I’m out the loop of the music scene here(Chicago), or I’m just working my job(s) too hard to look up from the daily routine, or maybe all these factors just don’t matter!?? What I speak of is the fact that, in Chicago, where we reside, This occurrence keeps happening over and over since I’ve been here. Especially with us trying to do this film, its HIGHLY annoying. I’m talking about the the Hip Hop artist /legends that come thru the city and know one knows until the very last minute. Even the so called “Headz” wont find out and be just as puzzled as the everyday fan who just loves to listen to a dope show. Just recently despite me looking on the internet and asking around no one knew Rakim was coming this weekend. Therefore, because its so last minute neither I or any of our crew can adjust our schedules to possibly get an interview with him. This is RAKIM, yall!! Ya feel me!? He doesn’t do as many shows as when we was in the videos when I was coming up. Although when he is touring he’s difficult to get on camera. So RA, aka, The God MC, aka, The Seventh Letter, bka, Rakim-Allah if you read this let us get at you brethren, it’ll def not be a waste of time, let us know when u come back through or we’ll break bread later. Sigh, i ve ranted enuff today, but fo real as a scene-city, this gotta stop, yo. Until we meet i got the memries...and so do you ...enjoy!

"K-Easy"

European Vacation..I want to go!!

Just recently, I was looking at one of my fave movies I grew up on during the the mid 1980’s, "National Lampoon European Vacation" starring Chevy Chase. It’s still gets more than a few laughs out of me every time I watch it; a good stress reliever. I should own it by now, but go figure. Although this is a hilarious parody of an All-American family the "Griswolds" winning a contest and going on a world tour trip, It really hit more home to me while watching it this time around. I can honestly say that them traveling to Paris, London, Italy, Rome is what we’re in some way attempting to do but through filming our own p.o.v. with hiphop thrown in the mix there and hey there ya go!. As goofy as Chevy is and the zany things that happen to his family, it really sparked my interest to travel abroad then as “wee lad.” I saw past the silly and saw these different places with various cityscapes, people, fashion, etc. and it really interested me. So now in the present I/we strive to make it work despite the economy and the stimulus bill, which I’m hopeful will be somewhat effective. We cant wait on that, our idea….This MOVEMENT-CULTURE didn’t wait on things to be perfect, and neither can we. So we’ll use what the ancestors(foremothers and forefathers) gave us and get it poppin, dun –sun!

"K-Easy"

NPR Radio Honoring J Dilla's Music and His Legacy

Check out this link sent to us by one of our good friends that's honoring the dope legacy of music producer/DJ Jay Dee bka "J-Dilla" who past away 3 yrs. ago due to Lupus. Make sure to check for his music and be preapred to head nod...word! ....If you didn't know...now you knowwww!


http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100628822&sc=emaf

I Should Be Writing...or Other stuff I'm working on besides Tougher Than Leather...

I have often spoken at length to various people about the importance of the year 1988 in my life. Recently I have been drumming up ideas for other projects outside of "Tougher Than Leather", and have been inspired by some of the projects from the past that I've left unfinished. One of these projects began in the spring of 1988, back when I had very big aspirations to be a writer for comic books. I was eleven years old. What follows is the "synopsis" for my story about a world class assassin who, after having an life altering experience, decides to stop killing....

"There is no weapon. You are the weapon. This sword is only an extension of you, and instrument of your will. There must be elegance in what we do. The least amount of violence with the maximum effect. We are not savages. Respect your prey. Send them on their way with silence. With speed. Leave no trace in your passing. Be like the wind, the lone wolf in the grass. The panther in the jungle. Be a shadow, a single fleeting thought. We are the unseen hand, the unblinking eye. We are the Seven. And you will be my greatest creation...the perfect assassin."

These words were those of the story's antagonist, a "bad guy" with complex motivations not revealed until much later in the tale. I never finished this story, but in 1996 I began revising it only to put it down again. Last summer the same thing happened: more revisions and note taking. But now, almost 21 years later, I've been seriously inspired (thanks Karin!) to actually bring what is probably my favorite piece of story work that I've done to life. It was always inspired by great fiction, awesome comic book writers (Frank Miller, Chuck Dixon, etc), kung fu films, and japanese manga, especially Lone Wolf & Cub (a classic). It has mobsters, assassins, bounty hunters, crooked cops, thieves, fixers, and even a few ninjas in it. It's a dark, complex story about choices, vows, love, and death. I love stories with anti-heroes, and this is my version of one.

So....I should be writing!!! In digging up all of my story notes from '88 (yep...i have them!) I also found a few other tales I wrote that year...stuff that might also finally see the light of day. I didn't co-found this company just to shoot docs about hip hop you know. STAY TUNED....

K. Smalls!!!

De La Soul x Nike Project: "Are You In"

One of our fav groups De la Soul gettin up with Nike on the collab tip again. Just keepin ya'll posted on the culture being represented on the corporate level. By the way If you don't have their "Grind Date" album/cd/music file...u are doin ur self an injustice...If you have whats ur favorite song???

"K-Easy"

Lyrics to Go....DAS EFX

In this series-L.T.G. from time to time I/We may post lyrics of classic joints past and present to show the artisrtry of words and concepts, for example, these lyrics from Das Efx's classic song "They Want Efx". For those who are movie-cartoon-commercial junkies you'll catch a lot of phrases that passed over a lot of peoples' heads then and those just reading it now, lol. This is a lyrical blast from the past when orignality was "massively" celebrated...enjoy ya'll
-K-Easy"



Bum stiggedy bum stiggedy bum, hon, I got the old pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
But I can fe-fi-fo-fum, diddly-bum, here I come
So Peter Piper, I'm hyper than Pinocchio's nose
I'm the supercalafragilistic tic-tac pro
I gave my oopsy, daisy, now you've got the crazy
Crazy with the books, Googley-goo where's the gravy
So one two, unbuckle my, um shoe
Yabba Doo, hippity-hoo, crack a brew
So trick or treat, smell my feet, yup I drippedy-dropped a hit
So books get on your mark and spark that old censorship
Drats and double drats, I smiggedy-smacked some whiz kids
The boogedy-woogedly Brooklyn boy's about to get his, dig
My waist bone's connected to my hip bone
My hip bone's connected to my thigh bone
My thigh bone's connected to my knee bone
My knee bone's connected to my hardy-har-har-har
The jibbedy-jabber jaw ja-jabbing at your funny bone, um
Skip the ovaltine, I'd rather have a honeycomb
Or preferably the sesame, Let's spiggedy-spark the blunts, um
Dun dun dun dun dun, dun dun

They want EFX, some live EFX
They want EFX, some live EFX
They want EFX, some live EFX
Snap a neck for some live EFX

Well I'll be darned, shiver me timbers yo, head for the hills!
I picked a weeping willow, and a daffodil
So back up bucko or I'll pulverize McGruff
Cause, this little piggy gets, busy and stuff
Arrivederci, heavens to mercy, honky tonk I get swift
I caught a Snuffleupagus and smoked a boogaloo spliff
I got the nooks, the cranies, the nitty gritty 40 doe
So all aboard, castaway, hey where's my boogaloo?
Oh-h-h-h-h-h-hhh I'm steamin, a-go-ny!
Why's everybody always pickin on me?

They call me Puddin' Tane, and rap's my game
You ask me again and I'll t-tell you the same
Since I'm the vocal vegemintarian, stick 'em up freeze so
More Parks sausages, mom, please?
A-Blitz shoots the breeze, twiddly-dee shoots his lip
Crazy Drayzie shot the sheriff yup, and I shot the gift
And that's PRET-TY SNEA-KY SIS, oh yo
I got my socks off, my rocks off, my Nestle's cup of cocoa
Holly Hobbie tried to slob me, tried to rob me silly stunt
Diggedy-dun dun dun dun dun, DUN DUN!

They want EFX, some live EFX
They want EFX, some live EFX
They want EFX, some live EFX
Snap a neck for some live EFX

Yahoo, hidee-ho yup I'm coming around the stretch
So here Fido boy, fetch, boy, fetch
I got the rope-a-dope a slippery choker, look at me get raw
And I'm the hickory-dickory top of morning boogoloo big jaw
With the yippedy zippedy Winnie the Pooh bad boy blue,
Yo crazy got the gusto, what up, I swing that too
So nincompoop give a hoot and stomp a troop without a strain
Like Rosco P.-P. Coltrane
I spiggedy-spark a spiff and give a twist like Chubby Checker
I take my Froot Loops with two scoops, make it double decker
Oh Vince, the baby come to Papa Duke
A babaloo, ooh, a babaloo boogedy boo
I went from Gucci to Stussy, to fliggedy-flam a groupie
To Zsa Zsa, to yibbedy-yabba dabba hoochie koochie
Tally ho I-I'll take my Stove Top instead of potatoes, so
Maybe I'll shoot 'em now, nope maybe I'll shoot 'em later, yep
I used to have a dog and Bingo was his name oh, so uh
B - I - N - G - O-oh
You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around, hon, so uh
Dun dun dun dun dun, dun dun

Q-Tip on Tavis Smiley

Q-Tip - Tavis Smiley Show - Interview - 2/5/2009
Uploaded by 3030fm

Short interview but really worthwhile to hear how seriously he takes his artistry. He's a legend in the culture and has always been a purveyor of quality which is what we try to be/do here at Precise Minds. He respects the culture and his craft so what else should you expect though??! We really hope to be able to interview Q-Tip for our film(let us holla at you TIP!) and make sure you checkout his new album, "The Renaissance"..its niiiice.
"K-Easy"

Run-DMC inducted into Rock Hall of Fame

Rap pioneers Run DMC, heavy-metal band Metallica and soul singer-songwriter Bobby Womack have made the cut to join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

"I'm a rap dude, I'm an MC from Hollis [a New York neighbourhood], just rockin' the mic, and to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with the Beatles, and [Bob] Dylan, and the rock 'n' roll gods? It's ridiculous! Ridiculous in a good way," Darryl (DMC) McDaniels said.

This year's artists will be celebrated at the 24th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction gala on April 4, with the festivities returning to the hall's home in Cleveland after a few years of celebrating in New York. Tickets for the music-filled show will also be open to the public.

Recording artists are eligible to join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first single or album. More than 500 musicians, music journalists and industry representatives then vote for who will join the U.S. musical institution, and the new inductees are then featured in an exhibit at the Cleveland museum.


post by K-Easy

Before Bel-Air Academy.....wack moment?

Who knew Carlton was breakdancing too??

Allow me to introduce myself...

Yes yes yall, this is Kyle "K-Easy" Dixon. I am the production manager/producer of the "Tougher Than Leather" Documentary and one half of Precise Minds Filmworks. I have always been involved with the culture of Hip Hop way before we decided to do this project. Its so much I could discuss on how the culture has affected my life for the better. By not being from a major urban city (Nashville), I had to get my fix through my older bro( D what up!) his rap tapes, and Mtv-Bet Hip Hop programs along with my first ever concert which was the Run DMC - Beastie Boys tour August 1, 1987. Even though the media can sometimes have a skewed perception, this culture was so new that they didn't know how to take it or what its impact would really be on society. I attached to it immediately because here were these young black men and women who were doing these profound things with so much style it was hard not to take notice. Especially being in the Dirty South it was a rarity to see an abundance of black folks on TV or in your community that were undeniably talented with this type creative energy. These Mcs DJs, Bboys/Bgirls, Graff writers gave me a sense of pride. They had the courage to do these things and say things that were against the status quo, because it needed to be said/done. I found out about various topics (vegetarianism, black history, cultural genocide, Africa..thru Hip Hop! Defiant...intelligent...creativity.
I absorbed it, practiced it and became a faithful citizen (Zulu Nation member since 2000). This project is my dedication for the culture that helped me understand that we a have a collective spirit that won't be extinguished and its magnitude of potential has yet to be fully realized. As WE are, Hip Hop is. 'We' are the citizens of the world. What is true Hip Hop? Well, with this project we plan to do our part to shed sum light on that.... word-life!

"K-Easy"

In this Economy.....

Hey it's Friday and don't forget to enjoy yourself in this state of U.S. drudgery. Don't be tempted to fall off the righteous path so just remember my man Redhead Kingpin from back in the day when Hip Hop was fun but not buffoonery so please people DO THE RIGHT THING!...Peace

"K-Easy"

Da Rare Jems

Chances are great that there’s something on here you haven’t heard before.


01. Notorious B.I.G - Intro
02. Shakespeare - KingsCounty (Brooklyn Bullshit Anthem)
03. biggie spittin at 12
04. biggie - music video box freestyle
05. biggie - soul power197 rhymes
06. Fulton St. battle at 17
07. big daddy kane & jayz - bday party freestyle 9-10-91
08. biggie - guranteed raw
09. big daddy kane/kool g rap - raw (demo)
10. jay-z/sauce money - rippin it up
11. big daddy kane - aint no half steppin (demo)
12. biggie - blind alley freestyle (demo)
13. biggie-i love you (teenage recording)
14. biggie - dont love no hoe
15. jay-z/sauce money - nothing but love (demo)
16. biggie - biggie got the hype shit (demo)
17. big daddy kane - raw attitude (unreleased)
18. jay-z - high powered (at age 17)
19. jay-z/sauce money - broken english & drug selling (demo)
20. notorious big - party and bullshit (extended version)
21. biggie - 16 bars at the lyrical lounge in 1993
22. jay-z - whats in a name (demo)
23. big daddy kane - sing my song (unreleased)
24. jay-z - pass the roc
25. big daddy kane - set it off (unreleased remix)
26. big daddy kane - for your own concern (demo)
27. biggie - childhood rhymes
28. jay-z - greatest mc (demo)
29. biggie/sadat x - come on (1st take demo version)
30. biggie - niggaz bleed
31. notorious big - big millionaire (unreleased verse)

DJ Mike Nice - Broooklyn Bullshit (Mixtape) (OS)

Just like Hip Hop We Don't Quit!!

So, today we received some not so great news from a TTL supporter....the news was that Bush and this recession got folks holding tight to their wallets like old women clinching their purses when young "hip hoppers" come around. Well, maybe that's no real news flash. We all know what the current state of the economy has us all (or most of us..besides...well u know) doing...pinching pennies. Those who want to invest are reluctant, because they too gotta watch their pockets. I dig that, but it's scary to think that worthwhile projects like ours, that aim to tell the truth about this beautiful culture, will get pushed to the side while music industry big wigs will still fill the pockets (or atleast hang chains around the necks) of pop culture rappers or shall I say puppets. But just like the music, we don't stop...we will keep pushing forward. Today's news is a minor setback if any, but not enough to keep us quiet (I wonder where we learned that?! Hip Hop has never and will never shut up). It is our mission to produce a message of greater possibilities for today's Hip Hop generation. These young kids can't believe that most of what they are seeing on these video shows is what Hip Hop is all about...be forreal...if our youth relied on this stuff to feed them they would starve. We can't let them starve. Help feed us so we can feed them. We won't stop... one closed door just means we have to take it back to the lab to regroup and plan our attack. We will do whatever it takes (well mostly...but we won't compromise the art...that's the problem with so much of this so called music that's out now). So, thanks to Hip Hop for teaching us another lifelong lesson...just like it, we don't quit. If you wanna learn of ways in which you can support this film and Hip Hop, follow the blog for updates and/or get at me at PositiveKK@aol.com. Peace and Progress!
~PositiveKK

"It Was All A Dream...."

K. Smalls here people...welcoming you to the new year. 2009....or as a good friend of mine put it...2000-Mine. Today I was riding the Red Line on my way to work...just vibing. I started thinking about this endeavor we began in the spring of 2008...this thing that I named "Tougher Than Leather" one night during a long shower. Yes, that makes me a RUN DMC fan to the heart, without question. But today, on the train I was listening to my main man Biggie Smalls....feeling like today was the beginning of an amazing....kind of like the way I felt the first time I heard Ready To Die way back in 1995. When "Juicy" hit the air it was some inspirational shit man. No question. And I realized that in the last ten years whenever I felt like I needed to restart my internal clock....I played this record. Why? Because what Big represented was THE DREAM. The dead end kid gone legit....the dude that made good on his drive and his talent. BIGGER than LIFE. BIGGER than DEATH. Forever....

You might wonder what in the hell this has to do with the film I'm looking to shoot come springtime (funding pending), right? Well...I'll tell you...EVERYTHING. My commute to work, and how BIG or Big Daddy Kane or Slick Rick or any of the other real emcees that were on my mix made me feel...that's HIP HOP. How it has shaped and molded and enriched my entire life: how I walk and talk and dress and write and feel. How I express myself. How I even ended up in film in the first place. And to think...it all started (at least in a serious way) in a bedroom in Livorno Italy in the summer of 1988....

We are pushing to have the funding for TTL by spring....and I look to be directing the shoots in Europe by summertime. For those of you holding us down with prayers and side gigs and encouragement...or even just interest...We Love You. For those of you who may just check out my blogs on myspace or hit me up on the email tip from time to time and enquire about things...thanks to you too. To my crew: K-Easy, PostiveKK, Jellybean (see how we all have hip hop nicknames) and extended fam....Let's Do This!!!! GO SEE NOTORIOUS WHEN IT HITS THE THEATER. WE MISS YOU BIG.

IT WAS ALL A DREAM....

K.SMALLS

TTL interviews

So far making this film has been an amazing experience for me. I am not a filmmaker of any sorts...I respect the craft but my art is organizing. I am the Assistant Production Manager for the Tougher Than Leather Hip Hop documentary. My film experience pales in comparison to the awesome "precise minds" that I have the pleasure to work with and learn from while working on this project. Using my talent and skill of organizing people and tasks to see this project come into fruition has become a passion of mine. Why did I get involved? Well I love to be apart of anything progressive and its just a plus that this project combines my love of indie film and Hip Hop. Hip Hop, I am apart of this culture, and as an elder once asked me, "well, what is it that you are contribuiting to it?"...I agree it is critical that we be much more than just consumers...especially in this day in time when bogus rap music is masquerading as Hip Hop. Well, Im not going to get on a soapbox about that, but instead express my gratitude to be able to contribute to this magnificent culture in such a way.
Thus far on our journey, we have interviewed noteworthy and respected figures that in their own rights have contributed much to the culture. Those interviews include Charlie Ahearn, Bom 5, Alex Shtaerman and Sonia Sanchez. Each interview was absolutely amazing and unique in its own way. Charlie was easy going and straight to the point; he is a humble servant who has been able to capture the culture through film. Bom 5 is a true "street griot," retelling stories from his many experiences b-boying and tagging during Hip Hop's early years in NY. Alex was honest and laid back; he has continued to offer his talents to assist our project. Every interview was a jewel, but the one I wish to expound on at this time was with our beloved sister and renowned poet Sonia Sanchez. What a gracious lady. From the very first time I spoke with her over the phone she was encouraging and willing to help with the film. When myself and director Kris Smallwood met with her in her home, we were welcomed by a tiny woman with a spirit the size of a giant. Being in her presence you can't help but to be absorbed. She spoke casually from the moment we entered and we listened intently. It was like sitting at the feet of a grandparent listening closely as they tell stories and impart wisdom. She spoke of the Black Arts Movement, Revolution, Womanhood, Respect, Art and Hip Hop; beautifully and effortlessly intertwined like poetry. She showed us photographs of herself and respected Hip Hop artists such as the legendary Rakim. The interview lasted probably close to two hours. Two hours of complete inspiration. She is the type of woman that a every hungry, driven, and progressive young sister like myself aspires to be like. Before we left she sent us with offerings of bottled spring water, fresh peaches that had been cleansed with peppermint soap, and copies of her most recent cd. What more could we ask for?! My small contribution to the culture has once again given me so much more.
We at Precise Minds want to thank all persons that have so graciously been apart of our project, and also those that we have yet to interview, but have agreed to help manifest our vision. The time is soon coming.
I've said enough for now, but will return with many more tales along our amazing journey of Hip Hop and filmmaking.
Peace and Progress!
~Kristina W. "PositiveKK"
Assistant Production Manager