Go to a Latino 80’s themed party and you’ll only hear this music. Most of these acts didn’t go mainstream. Normies don’t know this music. Freestyle was most famous in large cities. And their popularity was mostly limited to poor Latino neighborhoods. I moved to the suburbs in the early 90’s. The Latinos that grew up in that neighborhood weren’t fans.
We are still listening to Freestyle here in Germany, Freestyle will never die! Love you all! For me it all started with Lil Suzy, the Radio stations here in Germany were playing Take me in your Arms all the time. I do have to say that I would have liked to see Lil Suzy, Nyasia, Trinere, Daize, and a few more Artists mentioned as well. What kicked the door open for Freestyle in Germany were Freestyle Songs with that legendary PlanetRock beat. Germans, at the time, were crazy about Break Dancing, and Planet Rock with its unique beat played a huge part in the whole Freestyle success here in Germany.
I think Freestyle was huge in Miami and continues to be due to Power 96 and specifically DJ LAZ. ❤️❤️❤️ It was SO BIG in MIA, I thought it was born there! Much Love to NY 💕
Congrets to all of my free style family,for making the best feel good music out there,this music never died,we are growing old togther,true legends,Thanks!
Thank you Mr. Stanulis for this production. I am so glad to have heard first hand accounts of what I witnessed externally as a kid from the Bronx. Thanks to all the various ethnic groups from NYC for playing a vital role in making this incredible creation called Latin Hip Hop Freestyle. It brung and brings so much joy to all who breath it.
For a few years now I've been contemplating doing a thorough, in depth and polished documentary on the subject of Freestyle music. Giving it the articulate recognition that it surely deserves. From the earliest days of its inception, when the line between dance and hip hop (not exclusively rap) was by nature... inextricable. To this day I still get chills and adrenalin goosebumps when I hear Shannon's "Let the music play" just as I did as a 12 year old B-Boy in the Bronx. To it's hey-day as it loomed pervasive enough to influence many of the most successful artists in pop culture (ask Madonna) and on to it's tentative, undying "mystique " in the current state of "club" music. I want to have it be something that I would be satisfied with as being a defining contribution to the sublime voices of an undeniably and spiritually pervasive inner city demographic. A vibe and a feeling you had to live to easily understand. In fact, I'm determined that it will be. It's Coming. Edit* Big props and Eternal gratitude to the producers of this documentary. Well done. It is a phenomenal effort and inspires me to add my 2 cents.
@@clifhellner1493 Good question. I couldn't agree more. I'm exhausted just thinking about it😅. I'm thinking it can be acheived with a copious dose of detailed research into it's beginnings and a focused, dedicated examination of the aural and spiritual elements that gives it it's unique vibe and demographic appeal. It's bespoke, broodingly romantic, underground flavor ...so to speak.
Sure, but logistically how do you pull it off? What’s your budget? It’s an awesome idea, and I’m certainly not saying it can’t be be done, but that’s a big task.
Liss said it best… it was an era, the time, the moment in your life that captured u, And the memories that came with it. That’s why it resonates with us
I still love Freestyle 20 Plus Years, Shannon, Coro, TKA, Stevie B, Cynthia, Expose, Seduction, Giggles, Safire and more..ps you don't have be Latin to love this kind of music.
Absolutely..I was thinking the same thing before I saw your comment..Absolutely Angel,caroline,Margo, and sunshine is the cover girls..No disrespect to Evelyn..Your songs don't stop now,and funk boutique are amazing..But the cover girls are the ones I mentioned...PERIOD
Really great doc. Would love to hear from the original Exposé ladies (Alé and Laurie Miller--sadly Sandèe is no longer with us). I think Exposé were pillars of Freestyle and originators. The Miami freestyle scene was amazing. Obviously Debbie Deb, Trinere and Sequal are also hugely important.
Latin Freestyle Por Vida!!! All Love to All the Artists who are part of the Sound Tracks to So Many Lives Here in San Anto! SATX! Thanks To All the Arttists From Ny to All the States, Gone Global!!! Keep Dancing!
Yeah--there are quite a few of the foundational artists that are missing. The original Exposé (Alé, Laurie and Sandee) were innovators for sure. And what about Nayobe, Tina B?
Good points made here. I always wondered how a genre with such a unique and addictive sound, could have, and still to this day, slip through the cracks to lose the recognition it very clearly deserves... it simply didnt have the serious backing it needed or deserved, for it to have been properly nurtured and worked with for it to have been able to grow on bigger and further, as it deserved to... it became stagnant and flooded with repetitive mediocrity, NOT BECAUSE it was a sound that COULDNT be utilized and developed further (open ya ears, it influenced so much in the days after its heyday!), but because, for whatever reason, it wasn't given the care and attention it needed from those who had the power in the mainstream to grow bigger and better... The freestyle sound developed so much musically outside of the Latin freestyle aspect of itself, though I haven't seen anyone dig deep enough into it to it all (and I mean that by, this sound influenced this sound and this producer went on to produce this, this person did backup vocals for that, "you can hear this drum sound/beat pattern carry on here into this song; influencing this whole genre", so on and so forth) to show the trail it blazed through the 80s sounds into the 90s and on, even into big name artists sampling those signature songs and sounds into today. Though this documentary did great at documenting these artists and their stories, an INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT thing to do for the sake of history itself, it's only scraped the surface of something SO much deeper! And I cannot be more happy to have had someone do this. I've wanted this since I discovered latin freestyle when I was a teenager (in the mid-late 2000s at that lol - I'm thankful to youtube and social media for linking one song and artist from another and on to the next for me! Songs I didn't know the names of, though I knew they were my favorite things to hear at the skating rink!), I literally wanted something like this back when I was discovering the sound! But I will always want, and it will always deserve a much more deeper and thorough dive into, and documentation OF, for kids like me and for those in the future, for it to live on *Forever*
For a few years now I've been contemplating doing a thorough, in depth and polished documentary on the subject of Freestyle music. Giving it the articulate recognition that it surely deserves. From the earliest days of its inception, when the line between dance and hip hop (not exclusively rap) was by nature... inextricable. To it's hey-day as it loomed pervasive enough to influence many of the most successful artists in pop culture (ask Madonna) and on to it's tentative, undying "mystique " in the current state of "club" music. I want to have it be something that I would be satisfied with as being a defining contribution to the sublime voices of an undeniably and spiritually pervasive inner city demographic. A vibe and a feeling you had to live to easily understand. In fact, I'm determined that it will be. Coming soon.
@@PaulPaidAnd as a "One hit wonder" freestyle artist myself...it would be nice if we were recognized for the contributions of blood and sweat we contributed in an attempt to keep the genre alive.
So true. I will also say that Lisa Lisa was right, many were one hit wonders or just not talented. For instance, I always equated freestyle to low budget beats, production and off key singing. I hate to say it like that but I was introduced when Cynthia and Lil Suzy were popular and I just thought ALL freestyle artists sang just a bit off key. Once I found out more like Expose, Cover Girls, Safire etc...I was like "Oh..so they can sing and have good production"...Some just werent supported even if the songs were great. Sad.
Aqui no Brasil, eu fundei e resgatei os encontros de Djs para ouvir e tocar Freestyle music and Miami Bass . Clube do Miami Recife Fundado em 12 de outubro de 2006. Viva o Freestyle music and Miami Bass! Nunca morrerá!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you Steve Stanulus. This was enjoyable to watch. Greedy producers, promoters, and record labels, powerful radio stations that were making/breaking artists, and all those who took advantage of the artists back then, really killed the genre. So many artists could have gone so much further if they weren't wronged and taken advantage of by people back then. The music industry is known to be ruthless, and freestyle music in the 80's and 90's perfectly illustrates that. This documentary touches on all of the main reasons why freestyle lit up the airwaves for a short time, left its mark, and then quickly faded out. Some would say it evolved into Latin Dance or Latin House (think Angelina), but in reality, it just disappeared. I think Lisa Lisa and Coro described why the best. For the most part, it's thought of as an underground style of "urban" music that was around for almost a decade, with a decent amount of popular tracks that got radio exposure. But it got saturated with songs that were filled with repetitive lyrics and sounds, and the vocal talent dropped off dramatically as more producers and labels tried to take advantage of the genre's popularity, putting out songs that weren't nearly as good. Once the music trends started shifting and evolving, all those in power dropped the artists and moved on to other trends. This documentary tells a sad story overall, with some bright spots sprinkled in here and there. It's a genre that has a relatively small, but passionate following. Those who grew up with it, and loved it, still listen to it. For some, it's engrained in them and a part of who they are. It resonates with them more than any other style of music. You can't help but wonder if radio stations and studio execs and producers didn't have all the power back then, how the genre would have faired. I've got a playlist with about 200 songs that I listen to weekly. I can probably count on one hand how many people I know that remember, or have even heard this music though. If you didn't grow up in a major metro area with heavy Latin influence, where the radio stations played music from the night clubs in the late 80's, you probably didn't hear these songs.
Amo este género, hoy en día en la ciudad de Medellín Colombia lo estamos haciendo, somos fanáticos de corazón de esta hermosa música, nos basamos en los estilos de esa escuela del freestyle que predomino y enamoro nuestro corazón, a veces me preguntó el por qué está hermosa música no ha tenido una cabida más fuerte en el mundo , que falta ? Que podemos hacer? Que debemos de aportar como comunidad ? Que falta!! Vamos freestyle siempre para adelante con Tigo, este género me ha regalado mis mas hermosos momentos, es un pilar hemocional que mueve mis fibras y estados mentales , en definitiva te amo freestyle.
The real freestyle music was booming during 85-91. That was the real freestyle music the freestyle music nowadays is garbage. I’m sorry I’m bashing the new freestyle but it’s non singers who think they can sing, write lyrics and get a beat done and they sing however they think they can. I remember those days as if it was yesterday. The best time of my life was during that time for sure. Thanks for the memories and looking forward to see this doc. Thanks for making it. K€€pbroCKing Fre€St¥£€
I'm having a hard time believing that those are the original Cover Girls. However, I do agree that Sa-Fire is one of the Freestyle Queens... Judy Torres, Cynthia, Lisette Melendez were among the other Qs
@@angelbaby8472 Producers. They start with casting original talent to be replaced by the next person they can exploit. It's about the dolla dolla bill y'all, not the humans who made them rich.
This music was HUGE in NorCal......Im 52 and grew up when it all happened,,,,,I was a young DJ and bought pretty much everything freestyle related.....just gotta say dont forget bout Trinere, Debbie Deb, Connie and producer "Pretty" Tony Butler.....and numerous other artists on Cutting and Mic Mac labels
In my opinion, Nayobe and Judy Torres are the Queens of Freestyle. They have the vocals down pat! But no mention of Corina and "Temptation" which I think was the highest peaking Freestyle song at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. My opinions only. ❤
First and foremost freestyle forever. This was the era when it was a real singer. The voice today still sounds great. The music proves it is a timeless error and will live forever
I don't think that Stevie B got as much love as he deserves from this documentary. He had so many hits. He also, puts these artists to his Freestyle Explosion and I don't believe any other of these artists can do that.
My sister and I got to go to the freestyle concert in San Antonio years back. We had such a blast and I’ll never forget how much it took us back in time when that was the sound! Sad thing though is that Debbie Deb sang over her music. You could hear it in recording of the show 🤷🏻♀️
I remember freestyle 90 I was 12 year old at the time I born year 1979 I am 40 years old I remember we not have no internet no cell phone only house phone go out side to play and dance watching mtv vh1 bet and radio station power 96 music all day
Im glad freestyle died off after early 90s cuz it didnt get corrupted & commercialized like house hip hop reggae salsa bachata reggaeton freestyle remains pure to this day love it👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
@@frankiefingerz8047 It got to the point that they were using the music from one song for every song they made. They only changed the lyrics, lyrics that were cringe. I think Freestyle died worse than the ones you mention. They slowly faded away. Freestyle crashed and burned.
What I have noticed through several other testimonies, in addition to this one, is that there was a commercial refusal for various reasons. Andy even talks about racism, which in this case I don't doubt. There is a question; If Freestyle were undeground and if all artists and their songs were sold on mix tapes, what would happen in the world of music with producers and the recording industry? In the end for many Freestyle became a community all over the world. The analog sound of that time translates a lot into this. along with the sound of voices that differentiated its artists and producers, regardless of whether they were from NY, the East Coast, the West Coast, the South.
Lisa Lisa is generally the Queen. She did the crossover. Cover Girls and Sweet Sensation, too, Lisette Melendez.But I love SaFire and Cynthia. I agree with SaFire. But when it comes down to it, Expose reign supreme. They weren't exactly labeled freestyle, but they came from the Miami machine and are still remembered to this day.
I first heard Stevie B and the Cover Girls in 88 and in 1989 power 102 in El Paso put on Johnny Os Fantasy Girl and man I was blown away to freestyle verse
Freestyle, similar to Oldies , is considered timeless US Latino music listened to by generations of Hispanics from east coast to west coast, from Midwest to Southeast n Southwest. As for the soloist Rey y Reina of this genre? The Kings are: George LaMond Stevie B Johnny O The Queens are: Judy Torres Lil Suzy Cynthia Best male group? TKA Best female group? Expose and Cover Girls tie Viva PS It's 100% true that Hispanics age like fine wine! Just look at how well all these artists have aged. Especially the females!!! Amor
I was around and a Mobile DJ at the time out Costa Mesa, Ca. and it was the audience in the 90 s started to shift to Gangsta rap and House Music. 1989 was last good Freestyle. If they had the Budget like some big name artist it would have stayed and a lot Radio station other than Power 106.9 FM was the only Radio station in L.A. that would mix live on Friday nights.
Not sure how I feel about this documentary. Stevie B is the headliner of every freestyle concert, including concerts where Lisa Lisa is a part of. Not sure why they don’t see him as the face of freestyle.
I have to disagree with Fascination about the videos. SaFire had many videos and also was signed to a major label. Such as Lisa Lisa etc. However, Fascination’s songs were ALL BANGERS!! ♥️♥️♥️
Good documentary. All artists across all genres mention getting ripped-off by record labels, unfortunately. Also, did any of the artists mention Stevie B or Johnny O as their face of freestyle? Was it a regional thing?
They should have had the original Cover Girls in this movie not the ones that replaced them, because they were not the ones that sang the hit songs the Cover Girls are known for.
2023 and still listening to freestyle music. Long live freestyle
People in Philly, especially in the predominantly Puerto Rican areas, are still rocking freestyle.
I’m still rocking it in my house and car lol
I’m Pakistani American, and I’m rockin it still, in Philly.
I'm in redneck Nebraska and I rock it!...but you won't hear it on our radio stations.😢
I live in Philly I'm still banging to this shit..I'm going in November
@@roc1063Keep it going papa!
I call this Genre the "other 80's". Everytime I go to an "80's" party these songs are never played!! FREESTYLE FOREVER!!!!
Damn straight!
Go to a Latino 80’s themed party and you’ll only hear this music.
Most of these acts didn’t go mainstream. Normies don’t know this music. Freestyle was most famous in large cities. And their popularity was mostly limited to poor Latino neighborhoods. I moved to the suburbs in the early 90’s. The Latinos that grew up in that neighborhood weren’t fans.
@KingzofSwing Chicago
Clever. So true!
I play freestyle all day long in my truck out here in Cali. Best music growing up in the 80's. My kids are learning to love the music as well today.
Right on man
🙏 a great father you are.
lol...I moved to mexico and blast it all day long..the Mexicans know the "gringo" lives there ..
It’s March 7 2024 and freestyle is played all day all night everyday in queens New York forever
Wow… The face of Freestyle are the fans who still listen… Soave is great with those TRUE words!!
We are still listening to Freestyle here in Germany, Freestyle will never die! Love you all!
For me it all started with Lil Suzy, the Radio stations here in Germany were playing Take me in your Arms all the time.
I do have to say that I would have liked to see Lil Suzy, Nyasia, Trinere, Daize, and a few more Artists mentioned as well.
What kicked the door open for Freestyle in Germany were Freestyle Songs with that legendary PlanetRock beat. Germans, at the time, were crazy about Break Dancing, and Planet Rock with its unique beat played a huge part in the whole Freestyle success here in Germany.
Freestyle Forever ! 2024 and its still being played all over the world ! Soave put it best : Fans are the face of Freestyle !
I think Freestyle was huge in Miami and continues to be due to Power 96 and specifically DJ LAZ. ❤️❤️❤️ It was SO BIG in MIA, I thought it was born there! Much Love to NY 💕
Such a great era of dance music!
There should definitely be a part 2. This is one of the best music Docs I've seen in a long time.
needs more videos and substance n the stories a bit longer but loved it
I agree wish there was more historical footage but pretty good
Totally agree but also was wondering why was Lil Suzy not mentioned.
A part 2 with all the other fabulous freestyle singers.
Congrets to all of my free style family,for making the best feel good music out there,this music never died,we are growing old togther,true legends,Thanks!
Thank you Mr. Stanulis for this production. I am so glad to have heard first hand accounts of what I witnessed externally as a kid from the Bronx. Thanks to all the various ethnic groups from NYC for playing a vital role in making this incredible creation called Latin Hip Hop Freestyle. It brung and brings so much joy to all who breath it.
For a few years now I've been contemplating doing a thorough, in depth and polished documentary on the subject of Freestyle music. Giving it the articulate recognition that it surely deserves. From the earliest days of its inception, when the line between dance and hip hop (not exclusively rap) was by nature... inextricable. To this day I still get chills and adrenalin goosebumps when I hear Shannon's "Let the music play" just as I did as a 12 year old B-Boy in the Bronx. To it's hey-day as it loomed pervasive enough to influence many of the most successful artists in pop culture (ask Madonna) and on to it's tentative, undying "mystique " in the current state of "club" music. I want to have it be something that I would be satisfied with as being a defining contribution to the sublime voices of an undeniably and spiritually pervasive inner city demographic. A vibe and a feeling you had to live to easily understand. In fact, I'm determined that it will be. It's Coming.
Edit* Big props and Eternal gratitude to the producers of this documentary. Well done. It is a phenomenal effort and inspires me to add my 2 cents.
Great idea, but a huge task at hand. How do you plan on pulling it off?
@@clifhellner1493 Good question. I couldn't agree more. I'm exhausted just thinking about it😅. I'm thinking it can be acheived with a copious dose of detailed research into it's beginnings and a focused, dedicated examination of the aural and spiritual elements that gives it it's unique vibe and demographic appeal. It's bespoke, broodingly romantic, underground flavor ...so to speak.
Sure, but logistically how do you pull it off? What’s your budget? It’s an awesome idea, and I’m certainly not saying it can’t be be done, but that’s a big task.
Sounds like an amazing idea. You got my support!
Do it and I can’t wait to see it! I’ve been into freestyle since the very beginning but I’m in the west coast.
At 56 I'm still keeping the best years of my youth alive. #BESTMUSIC....Long live freestyle ❤❤❤
Liss said it best… it was an era, the time, the moment in your life that captured u, And the memories that came with it. That’s why it resonates with us
I still love Freestyle 20 Plus Years, Shannon, Coro, TKA, Stevie B, Cynthia, Expose, Seduction, Giggles, Safire and more..ps you don't have be Latin to love this kind of music.
I have a huge Freestyle and House record/vinyl collection. I started collecting when I had 2 jobs as a teen back in the late 80's. ❤😂😂
Lisa Lisa is so 100% correct. "The majority of them are one hit wonders"
Angel for me is the face of the cover girls I love freestyle it makes me happy they are all doing shows still
Angel is The Cover Girls!!
Angel,Margo,and Caroline OCG! Concerts flooding the west coast with the original cover girls. This documentary is a flop not mentioning the truth!
Absolutely..I was thinking the same thing before I saw your comment..Absolutely Angel,caroline,Margo, and sunshine is the cover girls..No disrespect to Evelyn..Your songs don't stop now,and funk boutique are amazing..But the cover girls are the ones I mentioned...PERIOD
Does anyone know why the original cover girls weren't in this so-called documentary???
The cover girls should of been in this documentery.
Really great doc. Would love to hear from the original Exposé ladies (Alé and Laurie Miller--sadly Sandèe is no longer with us). I think Exposé were pillars of Freestyle and originators. The Miami freestyle scene was amazing. Obviously Debbie Deb, Trinere and Sequal are also hugely important.
i personally comparare freestyle music with old salsa music. The sound can't never be reproduce. Special era! still playing frestyle!!!
Latin Freestyle Por Vida!!! All Love to All the Artists who are part of the Sound Tracks to So Many Lives Here in San Anto! SATX! Thanks To All the Arttists From Ny to All the States, Gone Global!!! Keep Dancing!
Where is Expose and Sweet Sensation? Those are legends of freestyle with more than one hit
trinere was awesome
Yeah--there are quite a few of the foundational artists that are missing. The original Exposé (Alé, Laurie and Sandee) were innovators for sure. And what about Nayobe, Tina B?
There was just so many dang good latin freestyle singers during that time Texas loves Latin Freestyle
I remember touring Texas in 96 promoting our track "Look into your eyes" with Triad
Still rocking Freestyle in Los Angeles in 2023!✊🏽
Such an underrated Genre of music!
Good points made here. I always wondered how a genre with such a unique and addictive sound, could have, and still to this day, slip through the cracks to lose the recognition it very clearly deserves... it simply didnt have the serious backing it needed or deserved, for it to have been properly nurtured and worked with for it to have been able to grow on bigger and further, as it deserved to... it became stagnant and flooded with repetitive mediocrity, NOT BECAUSE it was a sound that COULDNT be utilized and developed further (open ya ears, it influenced so much in the days after its heyday!), but because, for whatever reason, it wasn't given the care and attention it needed from those who had the power in the mainstream to grow bigger and better... The freestyle sound developed so much musically outside of the Latin freestyle aspect of itself, though I haven't seen anyone dig deep enough into it to it all (and I mean that by, this sound influenced this sound and this producer went on to produce this, this person did backup vocals for that, "you can hear this drum sound/beat pattern carry on here into this song; influencing this whole genre", so on and so forth) to show the trail it blazed through the 80s sounds into the 90s and on, even into big name artists sampling those signature songs and sounds into today.
Though this documentary did great at documenting these artists and their stories, an INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT thing to do for the sake of history itself, it's only scraped the surface of something SO much deeper! And I cannot be more happy to have had someone do this. I've wanted this since I discovered latin freestyle when I was a teenager (in the mid-late 2000s at that lol - I'm thankful to youtube and social media for linking one song and artist from another and on to the next for me! Songs I didn't know the names of, though I knew they were my favorite things to hear at the skating rink!), I literally wanted something like this back when I was discovering the sound! But I will always want, and it will always deserve a much more deeper and thorough dive into, and documentation OF, for kids like me and for those in the future, for it to live on *Forever*
For a few years now I've been contemplating doing a thorough, in depth and polished documentary on the subject of Freestyle music. Giving it the articulate recognition that it surely deserves. From the earliest days of its inception, when the line between dance and hip hop (not exclusively rap) was by nature... inextricable. To it's hey-day as it loomed pervasive enough to influence many of the most successful artists in pop culture (ask Madonna) and on to it's tentative, undying "mystique " in the current state of "club" music. I want to have it be something that I would be satisfied with as being a defining contribution to the sublime voices of an undeniably and spiritually pervasive inner city demographic. A vibe and a feeling you had to live to easily understand. In fact, I'm determined that it will be. Coming soon.
@@PaulPaidAnd as a "One hit wonder" freestyle artist myself...it would be nice if we were recognized for the contributions of blood and sweat we contributed in an attempt to keep the genre alive.
So true. I will also say that Lisa Lisa was right, many were one hit wonders or just not talented. For instance, I always equated freestyle to low budget beats, production and off key singing. I hate to say it like that but I was introduced when Cynthia and Lil Suzy were popular and I just thought ALL freestyle artists sang just a bit off key. Once I found out more like Expose, Cover Girls, Safire etc...I was like "Oh..so they can sing and have good production"...Some just werent supported even if the songs were great. Sad.
Aqui no Brasil, eu fundei e resgatei os encontros de Djs para ouvir e tocar Freestyle music and Miami Bass . Clube do Miami Recife Fundado em 12 de outubro de 2006. Viva o Freestyle music and Miami Bass! Nunca morrerá!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
40:20 Stevie B is the Barry Manilow of Freestyle
Stevie b killed the genre
I started DJing because of Latin Freestyle music. Thank you for the upload of this video.
-Ricky Rick from DJ Express
Thank you Steve Stanulus. This was enjoyable to watch.
Greedy producers, promoters, and record labels, powerful radio stations that were making/breaking artists, and all those who took advantage of the artists back then, really killed the genre. So many artists could have gone so much further if they weren't wronged and taken advantage of by people back then.
The music industry is known to be ruthless, and freestyle music in the 80's and 90's perfectly illustrates that. This documentary touches on all of the main reasons why freestyle lit up the airwaves for a short time, left its mark, and then quickly faded out. Some would say it evolved into Latin Dance or Latin House (think Angelina), but in reality, it just disappeared. I think Lisa Lisa and Coro described why the best.
For the most part, it's thought of as an underground style of "urban" music that was around for almost a decade, with a decent amount of popular tracks that got radio exposure. But it got saturated with songs that were filled with repetitive lyrics and sounds, and the vocal talent dropped off dramatically as more producers and labels tried to take advantage of the genre's popularity, putting out songs that weren't nearly as good. Once the music trends started shifting and evolving, all those in power dropped the artists and moved on to other trends. This documentary tells a sad story overall, with some bright spots sprinkled in here and there.
It's a genre that has a relatively small, but passionate following. Those who grew up with it, and loved it, still listen to it. For some, it's engrained in them and a part of who they are. It resonates with them more than any other style of music. You can't help but wonder if radio stations and studio execs and producers didn't have all the power back then, how the genre would have faired. I've got a playlist with about 200 songs that I listen to weekly. I can probably count on one hand how many people I know that remember, or have even heard this music though. If you didn't grow up in a major metro area with heavy Latin influence, where the radio stations played music from the night clubs in the late 80's, you probably didn't hear these songs.
Andy Panda is spot on with Expose , Nayobe , Shanon, Cover girls, Sweet Sensation, Coro, George Lamar, " Kicking it Live in 8ightyfive."
Amo este género, hoy en día en la ciudad de Medellín Colombia lo estamos haciendo, somos fanáticos de corazón de esta hermosa música, nos basamos en los estilos de esa escuela del freestyle que predomino y enamoro nuestro corazón, a veces me preguntó el por qué está hermosa música no ha tenido una cabida más fuerte en el mundo , que falta ? Que podemos hacer? Que debemos de aportar como comunidad ? Que falta!! Vamos freestyle siempre para adelante con Tigo, este género me ha regalado mis mas hermosos momentos, es un pilar hemocional que mueve mis fibras y estados mentales , en definitiva te amo freestyle.
Naiobe , I thank you for opening those doors into the Freestyle Music . My love to Monet ,Shannon...Wepa .
Thank you for sharing your movies with us! We appreciate you!
Im from Brazil and still loving freestyle!
NY, FLA, Hispanics ans Italians still and always will rock the shit out of Freestyle.
The real freestyle music was booming during 85-91. That was the real freestyle music the freestyle music nowadays is garbage. I’m sorry I’m bashing the new freestyle but it’s non singers who think they can sing, write lyrics and get a beat done and they sing however they think they can. I remember those days as if it was yesterday. The best time of my life was during that time for sure. Thanks for the memories and looking forward to see this doc. Thanks for making it. K€€pbroCKing Fre€St¥£€
Freestyle hip hop is an 80s collaboration from every ethnic group in NYC and with help from other major cities in the USA and Europe.
In this 100% boricua body runs on freestyle, salsa, and music in general. Radiating invisible music notes as my aura.😘😍.
Freestyle will forever live in Chicago in 2024 as if from day 1 in the 80s.
It looks like a lot of people forgot the song "running" from " information society" back in 1985. That song kicked the door open for freestyle music
That’s the effing jam!!
I'm having a hard time believing that those are the original Cover Girls.
However, I do agree that Sa-Fire is one of the Freestyle Queens... Judy Torres, Cynthia, Lisette Melendez were among the other Qs
Correct. These were not the original Cover Girls.
I noticed that as well, but then again look at TKA sometimes it’s just different people for whatever reason
@@angelbaby8472 Producers. They start with casting original talent to be replaced by the next person they can exploit. It's about the dolla dolla bill y'all, not the humans who made them rich.
@@chilenitaprotrump my cousin was in legacy and I remember they had someone else perform because he wasn’t around or something like that.
@@angelbaby8472 wow!!
I looooooove how Lisa Lisa just keeps it real deal… hi5 sugah!
Yes, she broke it down, I agree with her 💯💕
Freestyle and Hair metal.....I miss the 80's.
This music was HUGE in NorCal......Im 52 and grew up when it all happened,,,,,I was a young DJ and bought pretty much everything freestyle related.....just gotta say dont forget bout Trinere, Debbie Deb, Connie and producer "Pretty" Tony Butler.....and numerous other artists on Cutting and Mic Mac labels
I grew up in the Bay Area and the only station that did a great job of bringing artists out here was SJ Hot 97.7
Johnny o was a beast can’t believe no one really gave him any credit
Because New York artists only look after themselves. If you didn't know it should be quite obvious after listening to these artists interviews.
In my opinion, Nayobe and Judy Torres are the Queens of Freestyle. They have the vocals down pat! But no mention of Corina and "Temptation" which I think was the highest peaking Freestyle song at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. My opinions only. ❤
Great documentary! I recently discovered Freestyle because it was never promoted here in Sweden like Hip Hop or Pop was in 80-90´s.
First and foremost freestyle forever. This was the era when it was a real singer. The voice today still sounds great. The music proves it is a timeless error and will live forever
I don't think that Stevie B got as much love as he deserves from this documentary. He had so many hits. He also, puts these artists to his Freestyle Explosion and I don't believe any other of these artists can do that.
Not at all. His name got briefly mentioned a couple times. It's a shame and a huge diss imo.
Awesome documentary. Thank you for finally bringing out a freestyle doc. My favorite music. Long live freestyle.
My sister and I got to go to the freestyle concert in San Antonio years back. We had such a blast and I’ll never forget how much it took us back in time when that was the sound! Sad thing though is that Debbie Deb sang over her music. You could hear it in recording of the show 🤷🏻♀️
Children of the salsa generation; yes!
I remember freestyle 90 I was 12 year old at the time I born year 1979 I am 40 years old I remember we not have no internet no cell phone only house phone go out side to play and dance watching mtv vh1 bet and radio station power 96 music all day
Love Latin freestyle 💋💋💋
im glad i lived this era and still rock the music❤
Im glad freestyle died off after early 90s cuz it didnt get corrupted & commercialized like house hip hop reggae salsa bachata reggaeton freestyle remains pure to this day love it👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
What are you talking about. It got trashed by the no talent artists and producers of the 90’s.
It did but not nearly to the point of the other music it went underground then became old school
@@frankiefingerz8047 It got to the point that they were using the music from one song for every song they made. They only changed the lyrics, lyrics that were cringe. I think Freestyle died worse than the ones you mention. They slowly faded away. Freestyle crashed and burned.
Yes thats correct i wish hip hop & house died off after 96 then we wouldnt have the trash we have yoday
@@frankiefingerz8047 I’m with you.
1018 was a roller rink.Then a club love that place.
What I have noticed through several other testimonies, in addition to this one, is that there was a commercial refusal for various reasons. Andy even talks about racism, which in this case I don't doubt. There is a question; If Freestyle were undeground and if all artists and their songs were sold on mix tapes, what would happen in the world of music with producers and the recording industry?
In the end for many Freestyle became a community all over the world. The analog sound of that time translates a lot into this. along with the sound of voices that differentiated its artists and producers, regardless of whether they were from NY, the East Coast, the West Coast, the South.
Please bring freestyle back❤ The Puerto Rican Chicago area I saw we listen to
They are so modest. The Cover Girls are the face and TKA....they took it to its height.
It’s the music elites to choose what the society should listen to and buy but not what the people want to listen to
Can't forget Fascination @ Roseland back 1985 and 1986 I was 19 yrs old best memories
DJ baby J on the turntables playing Information Society's Running and every once in awhile he'd drop Beastie Boys Hold it now - best times
@@OneWickedEvo I knew Baby J and his Beautiful girlfriend cool couple
@@Brooklynricansoul that's so cool! That's right, his gf would be in the booth with him
Please bring freestyle back❤
I used to spend hours listening to the radio and checking out the specialist record shops in the UK for great underground tracks like these.
Lisa Lisa is generally the Queen. She did the crossover. Cover Girls and Sweet Sensation, too, Lisette Melendez.But I love SaFire and Cynthia. I agree with SaFire.
But when it comes down to it, Expose reign supreme. They weren't exactly labeled freestyle, but they came from the Miami machine and are still remembered to this day.
I first heard Stevie B and the Cover Girls in 88 and in 1989 power 102 in El Paso put on Johnny Os Fantasy Girl and man I was blown away to freestyle verse
OMG Nayobe can sing LIVE and sounds GREAT!!! I never saw her sing live.....incredible voice!
We get down to it in Buffalo for SURE. I’m a house head- but Freestyle is a huge piece of my childhood and I love it!
That’s the truth a good song is timeless
The Jersey clubs were pumping , I seen all them performing along the east coast ❤
Freestyle forever!
Great job on this documentary! As a Freestyle fan since its' inception - I found it very interesting! Thanks!
Will always love freestyle.
God bless all my friends much love and respect
That was our era, 💯👊🏼
Freestyle, similar to Oldies , is considered timeless US Latino music listened to by generations of Hispanics from east coast to west coast, from Midwest to Southeast n Southwest.
As for the soloist Rey y Reina of this genre?
The Kings are:
George LaMond
Stevie B
Johnny O
The Queens are:
Judy Torres
Lil Suzy
Cynthia
Best male group? TKA
Best female group? Expose and Cover Girls tie
Viva
PS It's 100% true that Hispanics age like fine wine! Just look at how well all these artists have aged.
Especially the females!!! Amor
Will it possible to talk about the dance mouvement called Huevo, Webo that came along with this freestyle mouvement.
Wop also
YOOOOOOO!!!! THE UNDERGROUND!! OMG!! THAT WAS MY SPOT!!!
Desde Zaragoza en España,oigo freestyle gracias al hip hop, sobretodo cuando comencé en el break dance por el año 1995 con 15 años.
I was around and a Mobile DJ at the time out Costa Mesa, Ca. and it was the audience in the 90 s started to shift to Gangsta rap and House Music. 1989 was last good Freestyle. If they had the Budget like some big name artist it would have stayed and a lot Radio station other than Power 106.9 FM was the only Radio station in L.A. that would mix live on Friday nights.
I had over 500 Lps in 1989 lost in the divorce but had all the freestyle on LP
The Bay Area definitely plays freestyle especially San Francisco
Who's watching this in 2023 !!!! Meeeee!!!! They need to put free style groups in a superbowl. Its about da time.
That would be hott❤
The song Domino Dancing from The Pet Shop Boys sounds like a freestyle song.
Puerto Ricans had huge impact in hip hop and freestyle. Known FACT
Let their influence be recognized through humility in order to avoid confrontation. Cheers.
Great documentary. So many memories.
Well said Suave. Thats right, the face of freestyle are many. Thank you for that.
Not sure how I feel about this documentary. Stevie B is the headliner of every freestyle concert, including concerts where Lisa Lisa is a part of. Not sure why they don’t see him as the face of freestyle.
Stevie B is the King of Freestyle and the face of the genre. Big miss in this doc.
George Lamond was the one who said he was. Funny how everyone else said George lamond and George said Stevie B lol.
Because Stevie B is bigger than all these artists combined, and he's not from New York.
Pretty Tony, Egyptian Lover, Stevie B
How do you make a freestyle doc with no Corina
Stevie B the face of freestyle is not on this documentary, what's going on?
He's mentioned by George Lamond.
@@djpopcorns Briefly. Like he didn't exist.
Mentioning all my Bronx areas....freakin' awesome!
2024 still listening to freestyle
sound of freedom ✌️🍀🌞
I WENT TO THE UNDREGROUND .IT HAD A LIGHT UP FLOOR....
I have to disagree with Fascination about the videos. SaFire had many videos and also was signed to a major label. Such as Lisa Lisa etc. However, Fascination’s songs were ALL BANGERS!! ♥️♥️♥️
Good documentary. All artists across all genres mention getting ripped-off by record labels, unfortunately. Also, did any of the artists mention Stevie B or Johnny O as their face of freestyle? Was it a regional thing?
They should have had the original Cover Girls in this movie not the ones that replaced them, because they were not the ones that sang the hit songs the Cover Girls are known for.
AWESOME!!!!