Monday, March 30, 2009

"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

Sunday, March 29, 2009

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!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

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!

Monday, March 9, 2009

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

Saturday, March 7, 2009

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"