Every month, The Blast shows up with a purpose… and this one is no different.

Inside this issue, we’re touching on something that every artist, every promoter, and every true Freestyle fan has felt at one point or another… even if they’ve never put it into words. It’s about perspective. It’s about approach. And it’s about understanding the game at a level that goes a little deeper than what you see on the surface.

We’ve got two features lined up that don’t just talk at you… they tap into the mindset behind the music, the stage, and the moves being made when nobody’s watching. If you’ve ever questioned where you stand, where you’re going, or how to move smarter in this space… you’re going to feel this one.

We’ve also updated the Freestyle Club & Concert Calendar, so whether you’re looking to catch a show, support your favorites, or just stay connected to what’s happening out there, make sure you take a look… because the movement never stops.

Also, the Blast Flash 3 is back with a brand new challenge, and as always, the clock is ticking. New songs, new energy, and another opportunity for artists to step up and show exactly how hard they’re willing to go when it’s time to be seen and heard, and make sure you don’t log out early, because at the very end of this month’s issue, there’s something special waiting for you.

A full 7-day blueprint, a step-by-step guide designed to help artists maximize every single day that the Flash 3 poll is open. No guesswork. No wasted motion. Just a clear way to turn momentum into impact. So take this one serious, and give that new release the chance it truly deserves. But hold up, this blue print isn’t just for the Blast Flashers, it’s for anyone who has, or is about to release something new. Just wanted to make that clear, cool? Great, now let’s get it!

THE STAGE IS THE STAGE

From small private parties to major arena concerts, and everything in between, no Freestyle event is less important than the next. Don’t laugh… I’m serious.

Not every artist is built for those massive stages, and not every artist gets the chance to step into a small, intimate room where you can actually reach out and touch the fans. A lot of people tie those bigger events to an artist’s pay status, and success, and sure, that’s understandable, but let’s look at this from another perspective for a second.

I once wanted to be an artist myself, laugh if you want. A rapper, to be exact, and like so many of us coming up in the 80s and 90s, and I can tell you this with complete honesty… money was never my initial goal, and any artist who says it was? They’re bullshittin’.

When it comes to the artists… Passion always comes first. Passion turns into obsession, and obsession sharpens the craft. Think about a kid drawing for the first time, stick figures, crooked animals, bright crayons all over the page. But then something clicks, and they start noticing what’s off. They erase, redraw, improve. Over time, that same kid begins to create things that actually resembles life, and that’s where the talent is born, or should I say… revealed?

And yes, there are some who have been born with special God-given abilities, like the 3-year-old who can sing like he lived and loved a thousand lives, or that 5-year-old blind girl who can play a piece of classical music as if she had composed it herself. Gifts from God no doubt, but they also come with a responsibility that many of these children will grown up trying to fulfill.

Artists don’t start this journey chasing a check. They chase a feeling. The money, if it comes, is just a byproduct, and yes, it can be a significant one. What keeps them going however, especially through the hard times, is the passion, and maybe even a possibility. The possibility of what? To be able to make a decent living from that passion. Because if it were actually about money, the term “starving artist” would never exist. Let that sink in a bit.

There are artists right now, maybe ones you know, who aren’t on those big flyers, not headlining major concerts, not commanding those big fees… but they’re still here. Still grinding. Still showing up.

They take the smaller shows. The low pay… sometimes even no pay. They deal with the side-eyes, the quiet disrespect, the overlooked opportunities. They work full-time jobs, then hit the studio at night. They sacrifice their own money on outfits, travel, promotion, just to get on a stage where the room might not even be full yet, and still… they perform like it’s the greatest opportunity ever.

Because when that music drops and those lights hit, nothing else matters. Those butterflies? Still there. Thirty years later… still there. And when they grab that mic, they give you everything they’ve got, like they always did.

So if you’re one of those artists still working your way toward those bigger stages, don’t ever look at yourself as “less than.” You’re not at a lower level, you’re at a different level. A necessary one, because Freestyle can’t survive in arenas alone. It needs those smaller rooms, those intimate moments, those after-show conversations. The hugs, autographs and pictures, the stories fans share about how your song carried them through a time in their life when they needed it most. That’s where the real connection happens.

And long after the big stages go dark and the lights fade out… those are the moments they’ll never forget. And neither will you.

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HOW TO PLAY THE BLAST FLASH 3…AND WIN!

Freestyle Blast newsletter subscribers are not random, they are people who have chosen to receive the Newsletter each and every month. Those who do not like the content we write about are free to unsubscribe never to receive anything from us again…

In other words, our subscribers want to be here. They asked to be here. And most importantly, they love Freestyle!

The Freestyle Blast Flash 3, is a segment within our monthly newsletter, that showcases music by both new and established Freestyle artists.

The segment is handled by Dj Wonder Rican, and stands apart from the everyday social media posts that are all constantly competing for attention. It gives fans a chance to really check out the new releases without any distractions. Aside from that, every voter listens via Spotify, a small contribution to help toward those increased streaming numbers.

But what should you do if your new release suddenly ends up on the Flash 3? Do you sit back and just watch what happens, or is there a way that you can participate and help drive traffic to that new potential hit of yours?

That Kevin Costner quote from the 1995 movie Fields Of Dreams, where he says “IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME!” I don’t think ever worked for anyone, because I don’t care how great that thing that you built is, if no one knows about it, sorry, but they won’t be coming!

When the Flash 3 poll opens on the 15th of each month, inside of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, it is set up to stay open for 7 days total.

This poll could’ve been set to just about any duration, including indefinitely, but I chose 7 days in hopes that I can encourage contenders to go hard for just those 7 days, a task that is much harder than it sounds

This should be a regular practice among anyone releasing a song, at any time, in or outside of The Flash 3. To challenge themselves by giving it all they got for just those 7 days.

Doing this will not only help put your new release onto the fast lane early on, but also, condition you to go super hard for at least the week of whenever you drop a new song.

Going hard for 7 days, may seen easy, but it’s not. However, it is for only 7 days.

I’ve been in the music business for many years. I know what it takes to try and create a buzz for a new song. Think about it for a second. It all starts with an idea. A cool song title popped into your head, a dope melody, or something happened in your life that just made an entire song ooze out of your soul, and now you gotta share it with the world.

You get the music done. You either do it yourself, or you get someone to do it for you. From there you get into the studio and record it, along with all the extras that it takes to complete it.

For some of you, you’re either talented enough to do it all on your own, or resourceful enough to gather the right team to do it all for you.

But then there are those who don’t have those connects. They not only have to figure it all out, they also have to pay for it, and though producing and releasing a song nowadays is nothing compared to what it cost back in the day, nonetheless it won’t be free, and the process is much longer than the one sentence I took to break it down.

And so you’re done. Song is complete, and uploaded to whatever distribution platform you decided to roll with, and all you have to do now is sit back and wait for people to hear it, right? No way!

If this is what you’ve been doing, you’re not alone, we’ve all done that. It’s easy to believe that the song you produced will soon resonate with the world, but unfortunately, it won’t!

Music is an art form, and like all forms of art, it’s subjective, meaning that what we think is great, to others might be total crap, and vice verse. Therefore, building, or in this case, creating something and expecting people to come is quite a wishful thought. And if they do come, what is it exactly that we want them to do?

Do we want them to Like it? Download It? Tell others About It? Share It? Vote For It? What? Because unless we literally tell people what we want them to do, there’s a good chance that the’ll do absolutely nothing!

But before we even go there, let me say this. That beautifully produced song that you uploaded to DistroKid and Spotify isn’t the final step in your journey toward a hit, but rather the beginning, because it’s from this point forward that will determine the fate of your new release.

Guide it, and like a child, it’ll have the opportunity to live and thrive. Leave it to move alone and without your guidance, rest assure it’ll end up, like so many other masterpieces, buried in that graveyard of brilliance.

Okay, so you get it. Now what? Should we just keep talking about it, or can something be done?

I feel that the Blast Flash 3 is an incredible vehicle, to at the very least, get the ball rolling, and so for those who are a bit lost as to how to get that ball rolling, I decided to create a simple 7 Day Plan to help you do just that.

Release that new joint to the public is not the final step, but the beginning. This is where the real work comes in. This is where you start recouping that investment, because anything less than that should be considered a loss, and we’re not in this to lose, are we?

Now in order for this to work, you need to really give it your all. I’m serious. I made this as practical as I possibly can, along with a worksheet to jot down your cutome plan, so make sure you print it out.

This is for only 7 days, and if you cannot dedicate your hustle to these 7 days, then you’re probably not cut out for this business.
So without further ado… CLICK HERE FOR YOUR 7 DAY PLAN

💥 Check Out This Video 👇😲

To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

What did you pick up from this month’s issue? What would you add to the conversation? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just soaking it all in, hit the comment button below and share your thoughts and opinions. Can’t wait to read it!

Leave a comment

Welcome to another issue of The Freestyle Blast Newsletter.

Every once in a while I like to remind both my readers, and myself, why this publication exists in the first place.

The Blast drops on the 15th of every single month, and believe it or not, we are now in our fifth year of publication. Not one missed issue. For me, that alone is something I’m proud of. Perseverance and consistency have always meant a lot to me, and this newsletter has become a reflection of both.

But the real reason this exists is simple.

I love to write.

Now don’t get it twisted, I’ve never claimed to be some “great” writer. I’m just someone who enjoys putting thoughts on paper (or on a screen). The proof is in the fourteen books I’ve published over the years, and in the countless posts many of you have seen across my social media.

The problem with social media though is that once something is posted, it quickly disappears into the timeline. If you missed it when it went up, chances are you’ll never see it again. And for someone who enjoys documenting the stories, conversations, and observations surrounding our culture, that always felt like a waste.

That’s part of what this newsletter fixes.

Each issue becomes a small piece of the ongoing story of our Freestyle community, who we are, where we came from, and how we’re all navigating life today.

And this month’s issue touches on a couple of topics that are very real in our world.

In the first feature, “Know Your Value,” I take a deep dive into something artists constantly ask me about: What should I charge? It sounds like a simple question, but in a genre like Freestyle, where nostalgia, reality, ego, and market demand all collide, it can quickly become a tricky conversation. Pricing yourself too high can dry up opportunities, pricing yourself too low can damage your value, and finding that sweet spot requires a level of honesty that not everyone is ready for.

Then in the second feature, we tackle something that has become unavoidable in the social media age, the modern day bully. The schoolyard tough guys many of us grew up with didn’t disappear… they just traded the playground for keyboards and fake profiles. And while most fans online are supportive and positive, there’s always that one miserable voice trying to suck the joy out of someone else’s moment. For artists especially, learning how to navigate that noise has become part of the job.

So this month we’re talking about value, perception, criticism, and reality, all things that artists and fans in this genre deal with every day, whether they realize it or not.

But beyond all of that, this newsletter continues to serve the same purpose it always has.

It’s a place where our community can reflect, laugh, debate, and sometimes even challenge itself a little. Because while the music will always live on through the records and videos, the stories behind the culture deserve to be documented too.

And that’s exactly what we’re doing here.

So without further ado… let’s get into it.

Know Your Value: A Pricing Blueprint for Freestyle Artists

One of the first questions I’m asked as a booking agent, usually by artists who are new, or those coming back after a long break, is:

“What do you think I should charge?”

Now that might sound like an easy question, but the truth is, it carries a lot of responsibility. And the real challenge is this… sometimes there isn’t a clear-cut answer.

Every situation is different. There are a lot of moving parts that determine an artist’s value in the marketplace. The biggest one, of course, is demand.

For example, a very popular artist who’s been MIA for several years can absolutely come back and clean up for a while. There’s curiosity, nostalgia, and excitement around the return. But even that artist has to handle their business right. Price themselves wrong, overplay their hand, or fail to deliver… and those numbers can dry up real fast, and once they do, they rarely return to where they were.

Now obviously that logic doesn’t apply the same way to newer artists who most people aren’t familiar with yet. With them, the conversation requires a completely different approach.

Let me be clear about something. I’m not an artist. But I’ve spent a lot of years behind the scenes setting, and enforcing, performance fees for some very notable acts. Not everyone has agreed with my methods over the years, and that’s fine. All I can say is that more often than not… my shit worked.

The nature of my business is booking artists for a respectable fee. And notice I didn’t say high fee. Because what might be respectable for one artist could be downright insulting for another. There’s no universal number that fits everyone. Pricing an artist can be tricky… sometimes even sticky.

But after being in this business long enough, you develop a sense of what the market will bear. More importantly, you learn how to price an act strategically, so they not only get what they ask for, but also have room to grow.

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard me say, “The best deal is the one where everyone walks away happy.” and though sounds simple, it’s not always that easy. Because no matter how carefully a deal is structured, there’s almost always one side that feels like they got the shorter end of the stick.

So how do I price the artists I work with? The ones who trust me and allow me to guide them?

Well, even though I’m fortunate to represent some very viable acts, that can all change with one wrong decision. So strategy matters.

Think of a seasoned car salesman walking through a Walmart parking lot. You can point at just about any car and he’ll tell you roughly what it’s worth. Not because he has some magical talent, but because he has experience, and I’ve developed a similar instinct when it comes to artists in this genre.

When I talk with an artist, especially one who’s asking for guidance, the first thing I usually ask is, “What are you trying to get?” Though truth is, I already have a number in my head. I’m just curious to see how close they come to it.

Most of the time they’re in the ballpark, give or take. And sometimes they hit it on the head.

But then there are the others. The ones who seem to be trapped in some kind of time warp… as if they don’t realize they’ve been out of sight - out of mind for twenty-something years.

Now don’t get me wrong. An artist returning after a long absence can absolutely create excitement. Some promoters might even perceive them as extremely valuable. But here’s the problem…

If that artist doesn’t live up to the perceived value, and most won’t, the chances of getting a call-back drops dramatically. And if that call-back does come, trust and believe, the offer will be a lot lower.

Look, I have nothing but respect for artists who value themselves highly. But value is subjective. Someone might be willing to pay your asking price once. The real question is: Can that number sustain itself?

And if every promoter after that first one rejects your fee, what then? Do you stand firm and wait for the world to finally see the light? Or do you start dropping your price just to get back on stage? Neither option is a winning strategy. And pride, in this business, can quickly become your downfall.

My role as an agent isn’t to judge artists. My job is to help them discover their true market threshold, so we can plan strategically. In other words, an artist’s price should have room to scale, not fail.

If you price an artist too high and promoters don’t see the value, they simply won’t buy. And once you start lowering your price to chase bookings… forget it. That downward spiral rarely stops.

We also have to remember something important about our genre. Freestyle is, at its core, an old school genre. Yes, new music is still being produced, and that’s a great thing. But until those new records start leading the way, Freestyle will continue to rely heavily on the classics.

We’re no longer in heavy rotation on the radio.
We’re not dominating the charts.
We’re not filling arenas the way we once did.
And if you noticed, mainstream media isn’t exactly knocking down our doors.

What we have today is something we built ourselves. And if we want to keep it going, we have to continue building it.

The reality is that many Freestyle artists are only a few dollars away from being treated like a commodity. In many shows, one or two names carry the draw, while the rest of the lineup helps complete the experience and justify the ticket price.

And let me be clear… this isn’t a knock on Freestyle. I love this genre. I’ve dedicated most of my life to it. This is simply an honest observation of where we are today.

We can’t build strategy around delusion. Just like a lawyer trying to defend a client who keeps lying, you can’t win without facts.

And I truly empathize with artists who once stood at the top of the mountain. Being treated like a superstar and then returning years later to a very different industry can be a harsh reality. I’ve seen it happen many times.

Some people laugh or make jokes about it. I don’t. Because I understand what that transition feels like.

Setting your performance fee is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make as an artist. It directly impacts how often you work, or if you work at all.

And one thing you absolutely shouldn’t do is obsess over what other artists are getting. Many of them never left the scene. They’ve been consistently visible for years. Thinking you can disappear for two decades and return at the same level is… well… a bit unrealistic. Sorry.

This is a delicate topic for sure, and I’ve never claimed to have all the answers. That’s exactly why I’ve included a comment section below.

Please share your thoughts, not just with me, but with the thousands of readers who receive this newsletter every month.

Many of your favorite artists and promoters are subscribers of The Blast… So they’ll be reading too.

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GANGTAS and BULLIES and ASSES OH MY!

Growing up in the Bronx and Queens, New York, without a father in the house and with siblings who were already grown and gone, I was pretty much raised as an only child. And if you grow up like that in New York, trust me… you learn early how to fend for yourself.

From being bullied by bigger kids, to doing just a little bit of bullying myself, I’ve had my share of confrontations. Enough of them, in fact, that today I do everything I can to avoid any and all unnecessary bullshit.

Back in the day, bullies were such a common part of childhood that they practically became stock characters in TV shows and movies. You know exactly who I’m talking about. The oversized kid with the rosy cheeks, the wrinkled hand-me-down clothes that looked like they came straight out of a hamper, always pushing the smaller kids around. Those guys were the villains of Kid World.

And the funny thing about most of them? A lot of those big bully kids couldn’t actually fight. They relied on their size and intimidation more than anything else. Eventually though, their victims grew up, got stronger, and one day… the bully messed with the wrong one, and that’s usually how the story ended.

But here’s the thing. We’re not kids anymore. Most of us are well into adulthood now. Some of us even entering what we like to call the golden years. So you might wonder…

What ever happened to those bullies? Well, unfortunately, a lot of them are still around. Only now they’ve traded the schoolyard for laptops and iPhones.

Today’s bully hides behind a fake profile picture and a username that looks like it was created by a twelve-year-old. They sit safely behind a screen, throwing opinions and insults at people whose lives they know absolutely nothing about. And every now and then, I’ve actually uncovered a few, and what did I find?

More often than not, it’s someone still living at home, collecting a disability check, spending their days playing video games, watching porn, and trolling people online who are actually doing something with their lives. Maybe they shower once in a while… usually after roommates or family members start issuing ultimatums.

Now before anyone thinks I’m being harsh, let me say something important. I’m not talking about playful comments or friendly teasing. Those can actually be funny. Some of the comment sections online are downright hysterical, and I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes I’m a fan.

What I’m talking about are the angry ones. The ones who show up just to poison the moment. Someone posts about a beautiful memory, a great night on stage, a reunion with old friends, or a moment they’re proud of… and here comes that one miserable soul trying to shame the happiness right out of them.

We’ve all seen it. Someone shares a joyful experience, not to brag, but simply to share something special… and for whatever reason, that bothers certain people.

But that’s nothing new. Misery loves company. And yes, the Freestyle community too, has its share of miserable people.

I’ve written about this before, and every once in a while I feel the need to revisit it. Mostly because artists, especially women, reach out to me about it more often than you might think. They ask how to deal with it. How to respond, and whether they should respond at all. The truth is, I don’t always have the perfect answer.

I’m not an artist, so I personally receive very little of that kind of attention. And the few times someone has tried to come at me online, I’ve mostly found it entertaining… maybe even a little flattering that someone would waste so much of their time thinking about little ol’ me.

But artists experience it differently. Take Lil’ Suzy, for example. I keep a pretty close eye on her comments online. And honestly, the vast majority of them are incredibly positive. Fans from all over the world still adore her.

Every once in a while you’ll see someone write something like, “She ain’t little anymore!” which, let’s be honest, isn’t exactly breaking news. Time moves forward for all of us. But compared to what many artists deal with, Suzy’s comments are relatively tame.

My wife Angel gets her share as well. Some of them are actually kind of sweet, guys claiming they’ve been in love with her since the moment she first hit the scene. Then there are the anonymous profiles with questionable intentions… the ones clearly playing for the other team, trying to stir things up once again. But we’ve been there done that, and definitely not going back.

Over time, Angel has learned how to navigate it. She can spot certain opening lines a mile away. The moment she sees them, she simply scrolls past and moves on with her day.

And that right there might be the most powerful tool anyone has in the social media age… The scroll.

Not every comment deserves a response.
Not every opinion deserves oxygen.

A lot of these online gangstas are banking on one thing… attention, and once you give it to them, they’ve already won.

And here’s something else worth remembering. The people who are truly happy with their lives usually aren’t spending their time tearing down others on the internet. They’re busy living. They’re raising families, building businesses, creating music, touring, reconnecting with old friends, or simply enjoying the life they worked so hard to build.

The loudest critics online are often the ones doing the least offline. So if you’re an artist, or anyone for that matter, who finds themselves on the receiving end of this nonsense, remember something important: Your success will always irritate someone who hasn’t created anything themselves. That’s the nature of the world we live in today.

But here’s the good news. For every miserable troll hiding behind a fake profile, there are thousands of real people out there who appreciate what you do. Fans who still play the music, still show up to the shows, and still carry those memories with them decades later. Those are the people who matter. Those are the voices worth listening to.

So the next time some keyboard gangsta decides to flex their digital muscles in your comment section, just remember… Back in the schoolyard, bullies eventually got dealt with. Today, it’s even easier.

You don’t have to fight them.
You don’t have to argue with them.
You don’t even have to acknowledge them.

Just keep doing what you do… and let them keep typing from the sidelines. Because at the end of the day, the people on the stage never lose sleep over the ones yelling from the cheap seats.

💥 Click The Image below and Watch the Video 👇😲

To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

What did you pick up from this month’s issue? What would you add to the conversation? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just soaking it all in, hit the comment button below and share your thoughts and opinions. Can’t wait to read it!

Leave a comment

Every once in a while, there’s a Freestyle event so meaningful that it demands an entire issue of The Freestyle Blast all to itself. For this issue, that honor belongs, without question, to our concert at the University of Guam, with Shannon, Jocelyn Enriquez, and The Cover Girls featuring Angel OCG.

Yes, the journey itself was unforgettable, traveling nearly to the other side of the globe, but what made this experience truly extraordinary was why we went. We didn’t travel for a vacation, a conference, or a novelty appearance. We traveled for Freestyle.

For those not deeply involved in the business side of the genre, a trip like this might not immediately register as a big deal, and for those who weren’t part of this particular run, it may be easy to scroll past it. But deep down, there’s an understanding, whether acknowledged or not, of just how significant a moment like this truly is.

Now, let me be clear: we were not the first to bring Freestyle to Guam. Legends like The Jets and Safire had already planted important seeds there, and this was actually Jocelyn Enriquez’s second visit to the island. What I will say, however, is that the lineup we brought and the way this event was executed created the kind of impact needed to turn this location into a new and important Freestyle stop.

The connection between Jeff Jams and myself was nothing short of incredible. To think that a genre over 40 years old could be the bridge that brought us together, two people from opposite sides of the world, is still something I find amazing. Meeting Jeff, his family, his staff, and so many passionate Freestyle fans of Guam, along with experiencing the island itself, gave me a deeper understanding of what we’re really sitting on here, and what it could mean for the future of our genre and the artists who live and breathe it.

I hear the concerns. I hear the frustration about fewer Freestyle shows, and how difficult it has become for some artists to rely on this music as a true livelihood. That’s exactly why moments like Guam matter. Opening overseas markets isn’t just exciting, it’s necessary. And make no mistake: opening Guam also puts us directly on the radar of places like Hawaii, the Philippines and Japan, all of which already have some sort of history with Freestyle.

The same strategy applies to Brazil, another undeniable Freestyle hot spot, which has already sparked renewed interest from places like Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru.

This issue isn’t just about a concert that took place in Guam. It’s about possibility, and expansion, and a slight reminder that Freestyle can still travel farther than we ever imagined.

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From the Mainland to Micronesia:
Freestyle Finds a New Home on Guam

Angel and I just boarded our flight departing Guam and heading now to Tokyo, where we will connect to a Newark flight, and from there back home to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Yes…. It was a long trip. Approximately 21 hours each way, but I’ll tell you this, if Jeff Sanchez of JamzMedia, the incredible promoter who brought us out to perform at the UOG (University of Guam) asked us to come back tomorrow… we’d grab the next flight back.

I’ve been doing this Freestyle thang a pretty long time, and have worked with more promoters than I can ever remember, but the experience we had these last few days has been absolutely amazing.

But let me go back a bit, so you’d better understand what this trip was about.
It was Nov 5th 2025 when Jeff hit me via Facebook messenger. He was interested of course in The Cover Girls.

I’ve never been big on gigging outside the United States, and have turned down many past opportunities. (Shhh, don’t tell Angel) One in fact that also came from Guam a few years back, and though it was an incredible offer, the vibe I was getting wasn’t, and so I passed.

Jeff on the other hand was different. His sincere love for Freestyle popped up out of his message, and for the first time ever… I was intrigued.

I actually gave it an entire day before even mentioning it to my wife, who of course, before even letting me finish started texting her Cover Girl sisters.

Michelle was an immediate “Hell yeah!” But Margo had a prior engagement. We had been prepping Adriana Roscio as a stand-in when any of the girls couldn’t make it, never thinking that her debut performance as a Cover Girl would be on the other side of the world.

Once The Cover Girls were locked in, Jeff and I started dissecting my entire artist roster, no easy task at all, as I host so many incredible artists, but after a few days of going back and forth, we landed on two more incredible additions.

Shannon, of course, was a no-brainer. A living legend, and true dance music icon. She’s often one of my first recommendations, especially for a first-time event, because come on, who doesn’t know Shannon? Besides, those shows are critical, as the right lineup is needed to set the tone, build trust with the audience, and position my promoters and their venues for a long and successful run. That’s always my plan, to create a moment strong enough to keep the doors open, not just for the current show, but for many more to follow.

The second artist we agreed on was none other than Jocelyn Enriquez. Jocelyn had performed in Guam in the past, and with her Filipino roots, she was practically family. She was part of our original lineup discussion, and even after we carefully reviewed the entire roster, she remained the standout choice. Some decisions just naturally feel right, and this was one of them, and so… we got her on as well.

In no time, Jeff had his line up, and we immediately got to work on the particulars. Artist fees, flights and accommodations. Things that in the states we can usually handle with ease, but in this case there was a bit more to consider, such as the 21 hour flight, and the 16 hour time difference, and if you do the math, you’ll discover that we actually lost a entire day, but we made it work, and everyone was happy, as Jeff kept every promise he made…. And then some!

We were greeted at the airport by Jeff and his crew, with a huge welcome banner and a traditional South Pacific donning of lei and a kiss… we immediately felt welcomed.
Junior Ramirez aka Jun, Jeff’s best friend and right hand man, was basically our “everything” during this trip, and along with his wife (Bonnie?) we were in the best of hands.

We started the next day pretty early, first with a trip to the local radio station, where the artists got to chop it up live on the air, followed by a press conference back in the hotel lobby.

As we entered the UOG for soundcheck, it was a sort of mixture of authentic Guam and modernization brought to you by JamzMedia. Prior to getting there, you kind of cant help but to imagine a scene from an old Elvis movie, but then you step into this venue and hear the music thumping, the set up, better than so many we have to deal with in the states…

A staff that was as professional as they come, a DJ (Dj Ron.G.Swift) who was killing it, and an awesome LED back wall that truly brought it all together. Soundcheck was perfect!

And so its showtime, and off to the UOG we went.

A local band was already on stage keeping the vibe going as the crowd made their way in and to their seats, followed by an incredible dance group of kids that had my eyes glued to their phenomenal performance.

Though The Cover Girls were set to close the show, this lineup was without doubt a triple header, starting off with the beautiful and talented Jocelyn Enriquez.

I hadn’t seen her perform for some time, but the minute she began, I was immediately reminded of how dope she truly is.

No sense in talking about those bangers she recorded, lets talk about that amazing voice that will send those goosebumps racing up under every inch of your skin.

Jocelyn sat back for a few years to focus more on faith and family, but now that that’s all solid, expect to see more of this amazing artist.

Next up was of course The Queen. Miss Shannon. One of my personal favorites, not just as an artist, but as a friend and sister, along with another Husband / Manager team, my brother, Prince Roger.

Just her presence on stage grabs your attention, and once she cracks her trademark whip… Thats it folks, its on!

Whether you’re a fan of Freestyle, Dance, or EDM, you are no doubt a fan of Shannon. Along with her dancers Gio and Diego, who not only put on a spectacular show, they’re incredible dudes to be on the road with. Oh, and did I mention, Shannon’s a La’ Exclusive artist, so you know what’s up… Call me!

Closing the night was none other than, The Cover Girls featuring Angel OCG, except this time it was different. Due to a prior engagement, our beautiful Margo could not make the the long trip to Guam, however, for the last year, we’ve been preparing a new addition to help cover when one of the sisters can’t make it, and thank God we did, or else we would’ve had to pass on this amazing experience.

Adriana Maria Roscio is not just a trained dancer / ballerina, who also owns her own dance school, she’s also a major Freestyle fan, a must requirement to roll with us.
Adriana has not only the talent to be a Cover Girl, both in dance and singing, but more importantly, the awesome personality that our crew has always displayed.

Her first performance with us was a big one, and with all the demands it required, the average person would’ve surely collapsed under it’s pressure. I don’t think Adriana will ever experience a Cover Girl show as challenging as this one, and so she passed this test with flying stars!

Michelle Viana has been with us now over a year, and has definitely become a seasoned Cover Girl. Known and loved by so many fans and promoters. Easy to work with and a pleasure to have on the road, and when the opportunity to be in the group came knocking, she immediately rushed in and grabbed her spot.

Michelle and Adriana clicked from the start, and it shows in their performance, and as the perfect complement to the OCG.

Whether on stage or off, if Angels around, everyone will know it!
It is no secret how much she loves performing, and no secret of how much she loves her fans, with now a new special place in her heart cut out especially for the wonderful people of Guam.

A new show was produced especially for Guam, adding an extra three Cover Girl songs never performed on stage, bringing the entire set to a full 11 Cover Girls songs.

The show ended with a cheer that not only shook the walls, but that put a lump in my throat. Photos, autographs, and more photos as the crowd exited the venue, and our wonderful performance in Guam came to a close.

So while those negative Nelly’s continue talking about the so-called death of Freestyle, Jeff and I are busy talking about the next Freestyle bunch to send to Guam, adding possible stops in Japan and the Philippines.

On behalf of the entire La’ Entertainment crew… Thank you, Guam for having us.

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To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

What did you pick up from this month’s issue? What would you add to the conversation? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just soaking it all in, hit the comment button below and share your thoughts and opinions. Can’t wait to read it!

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Welcome to Issue #49 of The Freestyle Blast Newsletter. There’s a quiet power in what we choose to believe, and an even louder one in what we choose to say out loud. Over the years, I’ve learned that the words we put into the universe have a way of circling back, especially when doubt, history, and long-held dreams are involved. Freestyle has never just been music for us. It’s been identity, purpose, community, and for some, a lifelong pursuit that didn’t always unfold the way we imagined. Yet here we are, decades later, still standing, still building, still finding new ways to belong.

This month’s newsletter touches on two deeply connected ideas: being intentional with the energy we put into our culture, and recognizing that Freestyle is far bigger than stages, cities, or moments frozen in the past. There is still opportunity here. Still movement. Still room for those who want more than memories. Whether you’ve been in this from the beginning or are just now finding your place, this issue is about perspective, possibility, and the reminder that Freestyle didn’t survive this long by accident. Sometimes the universe listens… and sometimes the community answers.

CAREFUL, THE UNIVERSE IS LISTENING...

The first time I ever heard that phrase was from my wife, and to be honest, it took me a while to get it!

CAREFUL, THE UNIVERSE IS LISTENING.

“Don’t speak that into existence.”

“Don’t even say that.”

“Don’t jinx it.”

“Don’t put that energy out there.”

“Let’s not go there.”

I was never a negative person. If anything, I’ve always leaned hard in the opposite direction, almost annoyingly positive. But like anyone else, my human side shows up from time to time, and reality has a way of forcing its way into the conversation.

As we get older, when life is supposed to get easier, it often does the opposite. It comes with new responsibilities, new pressures, and a whole new set of baggage. And tucked away in one of those bags is doubt, and even if we never open it, we know it’s there.

For many of us, that doubt is tied to our careers, and for me in particular, that career has always been music.

To those who never managed to make a legitimate living in this industry, this might sound laughable, and I can already imagine the eye-rolls. But for the handful of us who have done okay, and still are, you know exactly where I’m coming from.

Before Freestyle was labeled Freestyle, it was simply the music business. And it’s all I ever wanted to do. My earliest memories of wanting to be in this world go back to when I was around seven years old.

I’ve written about my dreams and goals in previous issues of The Blast, so I won’t rehash them here. But this path has always been part of my identity. Even people I lost touch with decades ago, people I reconnect with now, still remember and say, “Wow, you always wanted to be in music.”

That part never changed.

Now, I won’t lie. The level at which I’m playing this game isn’t where I once imagined I’d be. There are plenty of variables I could blame. Freestyle, a sub-genre of a sub-genre, was probably never destined to explode beyond a certain point. And yet, when I really sit with it, I realize I’ve been doing this for over 35 years, and that alone should be a blessing.

I never bought the mansion I thought I would. I’ve never owned a Lamborghini. But I’ve purchased several homes, and absolutely love my Jeep. We never took a month-long vacation in Fiji, but we’ve cruised, traveled, and experienced more than I ever thought possible. So yes, I guess I have been blessed.

And there are others in this genre who’ve been blessed just as much. Some even more, and in all honesty wish more of us had made it that far.

But then there’s the other side. Those still struggling, sort of bitter, maybe even angry that their dreams never fully materialized. Some of them came close, very close. Some even had their moment. A moment when the spotlight shined on them, but then it dimmed to black, and now, their only connection to Freestyle is about who they used to be and what they once did, instead of what they’re doing now, or plan on doing next. Anything outside of their one moment feels meaningless to them. Anyone still dreaming, still building, still believing? In their eyes, are wasting their time. I don’t think they truly believe that, though they definitely want to, and want us to believe it too.

Back in the old days, this was called sour grapes. Where no matter how sweet and juicy the fruit might actually be, they’ll swear it’s bitter, doing all they could to keep you from ever tasting it for yourself.

This mindset isn’t new, and it doesn’t live exclusively in Freestyle. You’ll find it in every industry, every genre, every corner of life where people gave up on their dreams instead of pushing harder.

For those who no longer have any footing in Freestyle, the cry of sour grapes is expected.

But this message isn’t really for them. It’s for the rest of us, for those of us still making moves, still making some money, and still having the time of our lives.

And it’s even for those who aren’t making any money at all. Those incredible artists of all types, who do it strictly for the love, and whose passion keeps them hopeful and alive.

So please, do not feed into the negativity, folks, and even more importantly, do not participate in it. Do not engage in conversations that tear down Freestyle, belittle its relevance, or discredit its future. Not unless you’ve truly given up, and if you have, I’m not angry with you, I’m empathetic. I genuinely believe there was once a place for you here, but you didn’t stay long enough to find it.

So whether this applies to Freestyle, another genre, another industry, or life itself, please be aware. Be intentional, and Be extremely careful with what you put out into the world, because like my wife once told me…

the Universe is listening.

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THERE’S STILL A PLACE FOR YOU IN FREESTYLE

Stylin’ Free Apparel is officially opening its Freestyle merch department for those who have always wanted to be part of the scene, and not just as a fan, but as a player.

It takes a village… or should I say, a Community?

How long have you been following me?

If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you already know this has always been about community. The music is incredible. The artists are legendary. But Freestyle as a community is something truly special.

Yes, the genre was born in New York, and after more than 35 years of touring across the country, one thing has become crystal clear: Freestyle is far bigger than any single city or region. Many artists, fans, promoters, and supporters have played a huge role in keeping this music alive and thriving.

Fans who grew up in strong Freestyle markets, may feel as though they are the “chosen few.” But unless you’ve experienced Freestyle events across the country, like I have, you’ll never fully grasp just how large, and wide spread this genre really is.

Promoters till this day continue to invest serious time and money into Freestyle, a style of music that’s now been around for about 40 years, and the reason being… there’s still an audience! A pretty big one at that. But outside of those live performances and the handful of new releases each year, what else are we offering these die-hard Freestyle fans who are so excited to represent the genre?

That question led me to the idea of launching The Freestyle Collection as the debut release for my new Stylin’ Free Apparel online store. The original vision for Stylin’ Free Apparel came to light in the mid 90’s to accompany an independent label of the same name in which I released two Freestyle CD complications, and regretfully shut down during the production of Compilation number three.

My original idea began as a luxury streetwear brand, along the line of the many brands that were released around the same time and appealing mostly to those of us who are considered Gen Xer’s.

I made a great attempt to get this off the ground, but in those days the internet was pretty much non-existent, I had absolutely no resources, knew no one in the fashion industry, and to top it all off, I simply could not afford to make this work.

Fast Forward to just after Covid, say 2022 / 23. My booking agency was back in action, and a brand new flame had suddenly reignited, sending me off to try this clothing thing one more time.

I began designing those luxury items I always dreamed of. Made some great connections, had some extra money to play with, and therefore started getting in samples. I loved what I was doing, and had already invested several thousand dollars between garments and the cost to build and operate my online store. But before my official launch…. something just wasn’t hitting me right, or better yet, something was missing.

I decided that before diving into a luxury streetwear line, that I’d debut with a Freestyle collection. This made the most sense, especially since I’ve dedicated so much of my life to it.

I opened with over 250 Freestyle-inspired designs, with plans of reaching 1,000 designs by the end of 2026. Designs to tell your story, your history, and where this culture is headed. And we’re just getting started, with hundreds of new designs already in the works.

For full transparency, this collection also serves as a bridge into our future luxury line. The audience is essentially the same, and I needed a way to grow both without one suffering for the other.

That’s where the idea for an affiliate program came in, a true win-win. Enter The SF Stream Team.

With the SF Stream Team, I cover all costs: inventory, production, fulfillment, and operations. All I ask is for fans and industry folks to help spread the word. In return, they get paid automatically for every sale they generate.

Most affiliate programs offer percentage-based commissions. While fair, I felt a flat-rate commission was mush more attractive and made much more sense. I wanted to show my affiliates the respect and appreciation for joining me in this journey. Instead of earning a few dollars per shirt, Stream Team members earn a full $10 per tee shirt sold, a bigger profit than what the store itself makes per item. Why? Because I’m not looking for casual affiliates. I’m building a Team.

Early adopters who believed in this vision from the start are locked in. They trusted me, and that trust matters. As the program grows, structures may evolve for future members, but right now, the door is wide open.

There is no cost to join. No inventory to buy. No shipping to manage. Simply sign up, get approved, grab a product image and description, add your personal affiliate link, and start sharing. Consistency is key, and with a 30-day tracking window and an average cart value of two tees, those $10 commissions often turn into $20 per order.

Being part of Freestyle isn’t limited to artists or industry insiders anymore. You can help represent and grow the culture, while making some pretty decent money, all with just one shirt at a time.

😏👉 Click Here and Sign Up 👕
https://af.uppromote.com/84c385-db/register

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To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

What did you pick up from this month’s issue? What would you add to the conversation? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just soaking it all in, hit the comment button below and share your thoughts and opinions. Can’t wait to read it!

Leave a comment

Welcome to Issue #48, and as we close out another year of The Freestyle Blast, this final issue of 2025 brings together two very different, but deeply connected reflections. One looks back at why this newsletter even exists, how it began as a simple place for me to share thoughts, stories, lessons, and pieces of my journey that might’ve otherwise been lost somewhere in the endless scroll of social media. The other article explores something many of us have been feeling lately: the shifting rhythms of life, family, and the holidays as time keeps doing what time always does, moving forward.

Without giving too much away, just know this month’s writing comes from a very personal place. Not heavy… just real. Honest. And if you’ve been following The Blast from the beginning, you’ll see how both pieces speak to exactly why this publication matters, not just to the Freestyle community, but to anyone trying to make sense of where we’ve been, where we are, and how to embrace the changes that come with being alive.

Of course, an end-of-year issue wouldn’t be complete without all the features that have become part of the Blast tradition. You’ll find our Match Game Puzzle, which you still won’t be able to solve. Our latest Freestyle Club & Concert Calendar showing what an incredible year it’s been, and let’s not forget the popular Blast Flash 3, where our readers get to contribute to the hustle of working a new Freestyle song.

Also, I have to give a personal thank you to everyone who’s been visiting Stylin’ Free Apparel our official online store with over 250 Freestyle-inspired designs. If you haven’t visited us yet, or you’ve been waiting for the right moment to grab yourself a little something… well, this is the month to do it, as we have extended our Black Friday / Cyber Monday sale, so please hurry!

And to those of you who have already shopped with us, thank you so much. Your support doesn’t just help the store… it also helps keeps the culture alive, one shirt at a time.

And in case you didn’t know, Stylin’ Free Apparel doesn’t stop with those cool-ass Tee Shirts, we’ve also been developing a luxury streetwear line created specifically for the men in our community, pieces that bring back that style, confidence, and swagger, but without crossing those fine age barriers. Fresh, matured, and definitely elevated.

It’s all part of a much bigger picture for our community. New concepts, new drops, and new creative projects are coming, and trust me, you’re going to want to keep an eye on what we’re doing.

Well folks, you’ve been riding with me through another 12 issues, and I appreciate you so much for that. Thank you for reading, sharing, supporting, and allowing The Freestyle Blast Newsletter to enter your home every month, and as we step into year number 5, just know that the journey is still unfolding, the ideas are still coming, and the heart behind this newsletter will continue to grow.

Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy Holiday Season, and until next year, stay blessed.

MY THOUGHT BEHIND THE BLAST

In a world obsessed with speed, shortcuts, and thirty-second attention spans… why in the world would I ever choose to publish a newsletter?

Honestly, most of the time when I write, I’m not writing for anyone else but me.

If you follow any of my social media and take it all the way back to my early posts, you’ll notice I never wrote just a line or two. I always posted a little more than everyone else. Back then people actually read your stuff, and even as patience got shorter and feeds started flying, my writing stayed the same. Sometimes the Likes and comments were cool to see, but eventually I stopped expecting them at all.

I knew people were reading, and that was enough for me. Even now, when I stumble across one of my own older posts, I enjoy re-reading it, that alone tells me I’m doing something right.

No, I don’t consider myself a great writer. Not even close. My spelling is “okay,” my grammar would’ve had any English teacher wagging their finger at me, and the typos… well, those have just become part of the charm at this point. Sorry!

But for those who don’t know, I also write books, and somehow I’m already up to book number 14. How dare I!

I don’t see myself winning a Pulitzer, but I do know one thing for sure: I write from the heart. It’s the only way I know how. Writing is where I’m the most open, the most vulnerable. I’m shy as hell talking to more than two people at a time, but when I’m writing? I’m wide open.

The problem with social media is that you’re only as good as your next post. Yesterday’s content is already buried. Whatever engagement you got in that first hour… that’s basically all you’re ever going to get. Every once in a while, I’ll scroll my own profile and pretend I’m a new follower seeing it all for the first time, and every time I do that, I’m reminded that I’ve shared some real gems over the years. Stories, ideas, tips, hard-earned life lessons, that are now fading into the black hole of cyberspace, to be lost forever.

As I write this, I’m in my late 50s, and trust me… “I’ve seen things, man.”

And if nothing I share ever ends up being valuable to anyone else, then at the very least it will stand as my story, my legacy. One day, when I’m no longer here, this is what will remain. My kids, my grandkids, and whatever “great-great-greats” I end up having… they’ll at least have an idea of who the hell I was.

That’s really why I started this newsletter, just a way to gather my writing in one place, where anyone who cares can find it. And yes, this Substack platform has a feature to offer paid subscriptions, but I choose to keep The Freestyle Blast 100% free. Now later on, I may add an optional paid section with more behind-the-scenes content, more raw, more frequent for the very few who might be interested, but never at the expense of this main free publication.

The first issue of The Freestyle Blast dropped back on January 15th, 2022, and I’ve released an issue on the same day of every month since. January 2026 will mark five full years of this thing running strong, thanks to my readers who have inspired me to keep writing.

The Blast has opened doors for me, connected me to new people, boosted my business, helped my artists, and above all, scratched that constant itch I always have to write. But with all that good, there are also a ton of worries too.

You see, unlike those multi-billion dollar platforms that have been around for years and that we all practically live on, my crazy ass decided to pour my heart and soul into a brand new unproven platform that most people never even heard of. What the hell was I thinking? And what are the chances that every word I’ve ever written will one day go poof? I needed a plan B.

I’d already self-published a handful of paperback books, and so the idea to compile each monthly issue into one book, made perfect sense, and the more I thought about it, the more perfect it became. I immediately envisioned the layout, the cover and title. I even remember being on the phone with my friend Fernando Hotmix Hernandez when the actual title clicked, and he advised me on what fonts to use.

Freestyle Blast: The Year Book, followed by the year… Perfect!

Not only would it preserve my work, it would be a crazy cool collector’s item, and so I even added four blank autograph pages right in the center.

If you scroll back to Issue #1, you’ll see how it all began. No real voice, no direction, total cringe, but hey, it was the beginning of a new year and I knew I just had to start. I’ve always been a fan of progression, of watching ideas take shape over time, and The Blast was no different. I knew I’d find my voice eventually… I just didn’t know how long it would take. So please be kind when you read those early issues.

As you move through the issues, you’ll see the changes, the growth. Longer articles, deeper interviews, personal observations, business tips, life tips etc. Whatever was working would stay. Whatever didn’t I replaced.

And to those who are new to The Blast, let me just say this. This newsletter is not about me or my company. It’s not about my artists or my shows. It’s about our genre. Our culture. The music industry may have turned its back years ago, but Freestyle is still here, still strong, still alive, still thriving, and I just want people to know this.

My hope is for The Blast to become more of an open platform. For those who might have something to say. if that’s you, reach out to me so i can check it out, and if I feel it fits the Blast, we’ll publish it. Thoughts, stories, lessons. And at the end of the year. it becomes a book, to be shared with future generations. A sort of blueprint describing who we were, why we existed, and how we kept this flame burning for so long.

And maybe… just maybe… a new generation will discover what we discovered, and reignite this Freestyle flame once again.

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WHEN LIFE KEEPS LIFING

Moments that break us… and the ones that rebuild us.

Just when you think all is perfect…

When you’re young, even your worst mistakes feel like temporary setbacks. You bounce back fast. You feel invincible. But as you get older, staying positive gets harder. You start feeling like you’re in a hole you might never climb out of, and the biggest fear isn’t the fall… it’s the time you think you don’t have left to climb back up.

So what do you do?

I was born in The Bronx to a single mother. My siblings were older and already out of the house by the time I came along. My father? He was just a man I called Dad, well, on the very few times I remember seeing him, that is.

To some who were raised with two parents, that probably sounds sad, but to be honest, it wasn’t, Not for me. How does the saying go? You can’t miss what you never had? And did he love me? I’m sure he did, he just loved that booze a little bit more.

Like most of us raised in the ‘70s, I spent a lot of time in other people’s homes, those I entered through my television set. Most of them had two parents, except The Partridge Family, but all I really got from that show was a yearning to be in music business.

The Brady Bunch had both parents, and so did Good Times. Even Lamont Sanford had Pop.

But the one that hit home the most was What’s Happening!!, a strong single mother raising good kids while working hard and still keeping the house together. Funny how life works… as the star of that show, Raj (Ernest Thomas), has been a close friend of mine for over 30 years.

Growing up, I boxed and played football. Mom would buy me whatever it was I needed. and always encouraged me to participate in whatever I was interested in, however, she didn’t attend any of those events, and that was fine with me. She worked all day and probably exhausted by the time she got home. I kind of liked the freedom of being able to go to a lot of these places on my own, though it did come at the cost of not having anyone there to personally cheer me on.

School? I hated that shit. Hated it so much that even now, over 40 years later, I still get that same messed-up feeling in my stomach whenever I even think about it.

And yeah, I got left back three times, 3rd, 8th, and 10th grade. But when it came time for the GED, I took it with a group of friends and somehow I was the only one who passed. WTF?

Then came the ‘80s… and with it, a whole lot of cocaine. Jackson Heights in Queens, NY was flooded with it, and like almost everyone around me, I too indulged. “Crackhead” and “coke fiend” weren’t yet popular terms, though it wouldn’t be long before those titles were assigned.

Right when I was getting deeper into the music business, addiction grabbed me by the ankles and spun me through the revolving doors of the penitentiary more times than I’d like to remember.

All the Freestyle artists I work with today, my peers, I watched them blow up on TV, from the day-room of whatever facility I was at, my wife included.

When I finally came home, still in my early 20’s, addiction was always lurking in the shadows. Every day was a fight to just stay on the straight and narrow, not just for myself, but for my mother, who I had put through more than any parent should ever have to endure. And even though she never showed it, it took a toll on her… and the thought of my life without her was beginning to creep in.

Mom used to tell me I’d never understand the love she had for me until I had my own, and the day my son Adam was born, I totally understood! That love hit me instantly. Not over time. Not slowly. Like a damn light switch… boom! There it was. A whole new purpose t keep me going.

And just in time, too. Because ten lightening fast years later, and only four months after my daughter Erica was born… Mom was gone.

Losing her shifted my entire life, and from that moment on, and from deep down in my soul, I made a vow to the universe, that nothing and no one would ever come between me and my kids. Ever!

Raising my children was a mix of everything both my parents taught me. Mom taught be all the great things a parent should be, dad taught me everything they shouldn’t, and the rest? Well, those game from God.

I had an incredible childhood. I really did. Magical, even. And Christmas was one of the biggest parts of that magic. Mom was very observant, because I remember getting absolutely everything I ever wanted. Back then, and probably still today, toy commercials on TV were even more exciting than the TV shows themselves, and like all kids, I pointed out everything I liked, and Mom took notes. In fact, the only gift I never got was the one I asked my father for. Funny how shit like that sticks with you, huh?

When I became a father, I wanted to recreate that same magic, and at first, I didn’t think I could. But now, looking back, I think I did.

Christmas changed as the kids got older, but you adapt, recreate, and shift the magic. For a moment, the holidays become an adult thing again. And then your kids have kids… and a whole new generation starts. You’re excited to sprinkle some of your old school magic on the grands, while also sitting back and watching your kids take over.

As the years move on, the composition of your holidays begin to change. Grandma who used to sit on the couch and watch the family open their gifts has passed her seat on to Mom, or maybe it’s you. That dinning room table that used to be set with a dish at every seat, now has vacant places.

The landscape changes. So you redesign it. You take what you loved, you honor it, and you add to it. Maybe it doesn’t sparkle the way it used to for you, but trust me, it’s blindingly bright for the kids coming up under you.

When my mom passed, I felt as though the holidays would never be the same, But in time, it developed it’s own bit of magic, and begin to dazzle us once again, that is until another loss strikes, and our entire composition shifts once more.

I’ve said it before, this newsletter is built on my own thoughts and observations, not just about Freestyle, but about life. And over the last few years, my life has been going through some serious shifts. I know many of you are feeling your own. And the holidays? They have a way of turning up the volume. But that’s alright… we’ll take it one step at a time, and we’ll take it together.

I started writing this last month and almost got rid of it a couple of times for being too heavy. But every time I sat down to delete it, I would reread it and end up writing more. It stopped feeling as though I was writing for others, and felt more like I was writing for myself, like a journal, and I know I’m not the only one feeling this way, so if this hits home… well then this one’s for you too.

As we move forward, let’s hold onto the memories and traditions that raised us, while giving ourselves permission to create new ones, because the holidays should never lose it’s magic… but simply change hands.

To all of you who subscribe and continue reading The Freestyle Blast as we enter our 5th year, thank you, truly.

From my family to yours… Happy Holidays.

Question: 👉 How have you handled change over the years?

Leave a comment

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To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

What did you pick up from this month’s issue? What would you add to the conversation? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just soaking it all in, hit the comment button below and share your thoughts and opinions. Can’t wait to read it!

Leave a comment

Welcome to Issue # 47 of The Blast, and as the year winds down, Freestyle continues to remind us that it never really sleeps, it just finds new ways to play. From the massive crowd that filled Speaking Rock in El Paso this past October to artists finding creative ways to grow during the slower months, this issue celebrates both sides of the grind, the spotlight and the silence.

In this month’s Blast, we’ll step inside, A Freestyle Night at The Rock, where over 10,000 fans came together to prove that Texas still rides and dies for Freestyle, followed by a second article that I titled, The Quiet Season, a simple but powerful roadmap for artists to use when things get quiet and the phones stop ringing.

And that’s just the start. Don’t miss our, Freestyle Match Game, where I challenge all you so-called Freestyle connoisseurs. The Freestyle Club & Concert Calendar packed with upcoming events and show flyers, and of course, the latest Flash 3, where two brand new releases step up to challenge last month’s unstoppable winner.

Before you go, make sure and swing by our Stylin’ Free Appeal online store. We’ve got over 250 Freestyle-inspired tees on an Early Black Friday Sale, all created for those who live and love this music as much as we do. Don’t forget, Christmas is right around the corner folks, as well as a new year’s worth of Freestyle events bound to head your way… so order today!

Whether it’s blasting from the stage, the studio, or your speakers, Freestyle lives on, and what can prove that more than this month’s issue of The Freestyle Blast Newsletter.

The Rock, The Rhythm, The Reunion

Freestyle Takes Center Stage in El Paso

What do you think of when you think of Texas?

Cowboys, rodeos, saloons, cattle ranches, barbecues, football, and maybe a few classic Westerns. But one thing that can’t be overlooked is Texas’ love for Freestyle music.

My very first road trip with Lil’ Suzy was to Dallas, Texas. I still remember it vividly, and being completely shocked that Texas knew anything beyond a hoedown. You can only imagine my face when I saw an entire nightclub line dancing to Lil’ Suzy’s “Take Me In Your Arms.”

Texas turned out to be far more than I expected. To this day, it remains one of the most actively Freestyle-loving states in the country. Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi, Houston, and of course, El Paso, the inspiration behind this month’s Freestyle Blast feature.

A Night at The Rock

On Saturday, October 25, 2025, The Speaking Rock Event Center was the place to be. Over 10,000 Freestyle Texans came out to celebrate “A Night of Freestyle at The Rock,” organized and hosted by none other than El Paso’s own Hector Lopez of Hec 915.

Let’s rewind for a moment. Back in 2023, when I met Hector for the first time. It was his first show at Speaking Rock, and I was blessed to serve as the agent for that event. It was incredible, beyond anything I could have imagined.

Now don’t get me wrong, Texas knows how to party, but there was something special about that night at The Rock. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that it also happened to fall on my birthday, and in over 30 years on the road, I’d never had a show land on my birthday before! Any Scorpios in the house?

A Bigger Lot, A Bigger Dream

When we arrived for soundcheck, the stage setup looked standard, the usual lights, and sound, and huge speakers facing the parking lot. But this time, the venue had chosen to use the larger section of the lot. I tried to picture the place packed, but honestly, it felt too open to ever give off that “wall-to-wall” energy.

Back in 2023, the crowd count hit around 8,500, a massive success. I hoped we could match that number or at least come close. But when I heard that Speaking Rock was aiming for 10,000 people this time, my stress level went way up. The last event they did between the one in 2023 and this one, which by the way I was Not involved in, pulled approximately 4,500. A respectable number no doubt… though nowhere near 8,500.

Still, Hector was confident, and confirmed that he too expected around 10,000 people, while all I was able to hope for was that they all knew something that I didn’t, and that they did!

When Promoters Win, Freestyle Wins

I’ve always been a huge supporter of promoters. When they win, we all win, artists, agents, and the Freestyle community as a whole. Losses hurt everyone. I often remind my artists, that even if you’re not on a particular lineup, don’t curse the event. A failed Freestyle show hurts the entire genre. If you can’t root for it, at least don’t root against it.

New promoters always tell me the same story, they attended a successful event, got inspired, and thought, “I can do that… maybe even better.” And that’s how new Freestyle promoters come about.

The Night the Crowd Took Over

That night at The Rock was something special. The lineup was stacked with some of Freestyle’s best, including a few of my exclusives such as The Cover Girls, Shannon, Freestyle, and Nyasia.

When we returned that evening, I knew right away it was different. The line to get in wrapped around the block, a rare sight these days. We missed MC Luscious, who opened the show, and as we arrived backstage, Aki Starr from Spanish Fly was finishing his set.

I couldn’t see much from where they parked out trailer, so I did what I always do, went to the stage to see how we were looking. I nodded to the Bad Boy Richie Rich who was up there doing his thing, and when I looked out at the crowd, I couldn’t believe what I saw… This place was packed!

I spotted Hector leaning over the banister, in his own little cloud, just taking it all in. When he turned to me, It wasn’t hard to tell, this shit was moving him, and after I gave him that congratulatory hug he so deserved, we turned around and snapped a photo.

A Win for Freestyle

It was a perfect night, from the weather to the setup, the sound, and most importantly, the crowd. Over 10,000 people, most of them drinking and having a great time, and not one altercation the entire night. Not one!

Part of this article is to celebrate my brother, Hector Lopez of Hec915, for pulling off an incredible show. But the other part is to remind everyone in our community that there’s still plenty of hope. Freestyle is alive. The market is not dead, in fact, it’s far from it.

Some might say the turnout was because it was a free event, and sure, that might’ve helped. But in my 30-plus years, I’ve done countless free shows, and very few came anything close to this one.

So shout out to Hec915 for all the hard work. To Speaking Rock Entertainment Center for making this a reality, and giving us a safe and beautiful space to celebrate. To all the artists who came through and rocked the fuckin’ house. And last but certainly not least, the amazing people of El Paso, thank you for showing up and helping keep Freestyle alive.

Stay tuned as talks for another Freestyle Night at The Rock is underway!

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The Quiet Season: Keeping Freestyle Alive When the Phones Stop Ringing

Like any business, Freestyle can sometimes hit a slow patch. The phones stop ringing, shows quiet down, and it feels like the market just hit pause. So what do we do during this downtime?

First off, let’s make something clear, Freestyle is not seasonal.

There aren’t official “busy months” or “slow months.” Sure, it may feel that way sometimes, but those dips aren’t on a schedule, and are not guaranteed to roll around at the same time every year.

A lot of people blame the holidays. And while it’s true that some years the market cools off in November and December, I’ve also had holiday seasons that were busier than ever. It really depends.

When the World Slows Down, Music Finds a Way

Sometimes, people point to the economy, and that can play a part, but even then, it’s not always predictable. Take the Great Depression, for example. While much of the world struggled, entertainment actually thrived. Radio, theater, and film all became vital escapes for people who needed something to lift their spirits.

The same thing happened during the Covid years. When the world shut down, entertainment didn’t stop, it just moved indoors. TikTok blew up. Netflix exploded. Creativity found new spaces to breathe.

So whether it’s economic shifts, global events, or simply the time of year, Freestyle’s beat never really stops. It just changes it’s tempo a bit.

Rethinking the “Slow” Season

Let’s look at the holiday season again. Sure, some weekends get quiet, but think about all the themed events that happen this time of year: Halloween parties, Thanksgiving-weekend shows, Christmas concerts, and New Year’s Eve blowouts.

And that’s just the winter months. There are also spring events, summer festivals, and fall shows that fill up the rest of the year. In other words, opportunity doesn’t disappear, it just shifts.

Now, what might feel slow for an artist doesn’t always feel slow for a booking agent like me. Between November 1st and January 1st, some artists might not see a single show, while I’m fielding calls and booking events well into the next year. For example, by December of 2024 I had already locked in 28 shows for 2025. It’s all part of the cycle.

Turning Downtime into Reset Time

So, let’s say things actually do slow down for you. What should you be doing?

Well, I say, use it as a reset period. Take some time to reflect on your recent shows. Keep a notebook handy and write down what worked well, those moments that connected with the crowd, the ideas that landed, the routines that clicked. Can those be polished or expanded?

Then, take an honest look at what didn’t work. Were there songs that didn’t hit? Transitions that fell flat? Can they be fixed, or is it time to retire them completely?

This kind of self-evaluation is essential, especially as our genre, and we ourselves get older. The Freestyle scene has matured, and so have its artists. Your brand should evolve along with you.

Refresh. Rebuild. Refocus.

The quiet season isn’t something to fear, it’s something to use. It’s your chance to recharge, reassess, and reinvent.

Below, I’ve put together a simple road-map to help guide that process, whether you’re refreshing your image, rebuilding your stage presence, or just getting back in tune with why you started doing this in the first place.

Because no matter what the calendar says, Freestyle doesn’t have an off-season. The music never really stops, it just gives you a little room to catch your breath before the next beat kicks in. Now, get back to work!

Question: 👉 If you’re an artist, what is your off-season routine, and for the rest of you, what are a few ideas that you can share with artists to help them reset?

Leave a comment

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To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

What did you pick up from this month’s issue? What would you add to the conversation? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just soaking it all in, hit the comment button below and share your thoughts and opinions. Can’t wait to read it!

Leave a comment

Welcome to Issue #46 of The Freestyle Blast!

It’s October, and tell me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t this month seem to have the most going on? Not only does it kick off the Holiday Season, but it also feels like the true embodiment of FALL, the weather, the colors, the energy, all of it.

October is packed with observances such as Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15), Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, ADHD Awareness Month, Filipino American History Month, Italian-American Heritage Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, and National Book Month, just to name a few. Oh, and let’s not forget National Pasta Month, National Apple Month, and National Chili Month.

And of course, two of my personal favorites, Halloween… and my birthday! (Where my Scorpios at?)

And I’m sure there are others just as important that I may have missed, so, my apologies. There’s just too much happening this time of year!

In this issue, we take a closer look at the world of podcasts. In the past, I’ve spoken about the importance of Freestyle artists doing interviews and engaging with podcast hosts. This time around, I wanna shine a light on the folks who are actually producing these podcasts and building platforms specifically for our genre, such as our very own DJ Wonder Rican who’s hosting the brand new Blast Flash 3 Podcast, where he’ll be shining an even brighter light on our Flash 3 contestants, so make sure you check it out!

Also, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I dive into a genre of music that not too many are familiar with. It’s called Boogaloo, and in my opinion, it’s the true ancestor of Freestyle, but I’m curious as to your thoughts. They say the best way to navigate your future is to understand your past, and this article might have you seeing our music under a whole new light.

And once you’re done with those two articles, keep scrolling down and take a crack at this month’s puzzle (though let’s be real, most of you won’t get it!).

Plus, check out who’s riding the Blast Flash 3 this month, and be sure to vote for your favorite. The winner continues on in future issues for more exposure, and trust me, every Freestyle club and concert promoter I know is subscribed, so don’t sleep on us!

And last but not least, our Freestyle Club and Concert Calendar. See what Freestyle events are headed your way and make sure you get those tickets.

As always, thank you for being here, and I hope you enjoy this month’s issue of The Blast!

FREESTYLE PODCASTS

A few issues back, I wrote about how podcasts could impact our Freestyle artists. But this time, I’d like to flip it up a bit and talk about the podcasts themselves, or more importantly, the people behind them…

Podcasting has opened a whole new lane for our community. So many Freestyle fans, people who grew up loving the music but never had the chance to be part of it back in the day, now have that opportunity. Whether you once dreamed of being an artist, writer, producer, or DJ, the podcast mic has become the new stage.

What I love about podcasts is how they allow hidden talents to finally shine. You can create, express, experiment, and carve your own place within the Freestyle world. The best part? There are no rules.

There are already several Freestyle podcasts out there doing amazing work, and most of them are still in their early stages, which means the potential is enormous.

Let’s be honest, for years, artists, producers, and label heads have struggled to give Freestyle that “second wind.” and though we’ve done a solid job keeping it alive through clubs and concerts, mainstream media continues to ignore us. But now, thanks to podcasting and those incredible creatives behind it, we’ve been handed a second chance to be heard.

We can complain about never being invited to the Grammy’s, never being featured in major films or Broadway, or not being written into music history, but the truth is, as long as we stay quiet, we’ll stay invisible.

The world is loud and over-saturated, and a single new Freestyle track will never be enough to shake things up anymore. But podcasts? Podcasts can cut through that noise, if we do it right.

Podcasters, the ball’s in your court now. You have the power to reintroduce Freestyle to the world. You can remind people that we’re still here, still active, and still evolving. Even better, you can reach new audiences, younger listeners who might not even know what Freestyle is. Start the revival by honoring our legends, while inspiring a new generation to step forward.

So podcasters, I challenge you to be original! Right now, most Freestyle podcasts follow the same pattern, a little chit chat, an artist interview, and that’s it, you’re done. That’s why artists are getting overwhelmed and disinterested, and the audience is getting bored. Same ol’ questions, same ol’ stories. Come on, I know you got this!

The Freestyle podcast world is wide open, a frontier with no limits. Don’t copy your peers’ format, create your own. Experiment. Take risks. If an episode feels a little crazy, that’s probably a good thing, because crazy can certainly grab attention.

Also, be consistent! Easier said than done, I know. But you don’t need to be perfect out the gate. You just need to start, and not stop. Each episode should build momentum. That’s how you win over time.

Before COVID, I launched my own solo show. An audio podcast called, Goodnight Freestyle. My first episode was as cringe as they come, but I kept going, and didn’t take a break until episode 781. I never watched the numbers, never asked anyone’s opinion, I just kept going.

If you’re thinking about starting a Freestyle podcast, or already running one, here’s a little advice:

Write out your full format so that you can look at it as a whole. Now be honest. Is it really that much different from the others? Probably not. So, without stopping your podcast, rework it on the fly. Keep tweaking it until it looks and feels unlike anything else.

remember this; originality will separate you from the pack. Creativity will grow your audience. And commitment… well, commitment will keep you going until you reach the level of success you feel you deserve.

So to all the Freestyle podcasters out there, keep pushing, keep innovating, and always be mindful of our overall objective, and that is to uplift our genre. To create a platform that will allow us all to shine as bright as we possibly can.

Below are a handful of podcasts that I am familiar with, along with their links. Please go and check them out, and if there are any others I might’ve missed, please add them in the comments below. We’re in your hands now, so… good luck to us all!

The Blast Flash 3 Podcast with DJ Wonder Rican

UnDENYAble with Denine & Nyasia

The Freestyle Showcase Podcast with Jcee & Alida

Freestyle Is Alive On The Red Carpet with Lucy Martinez

Freestylin’: Love Letters & Drum Machines with John Parker

Goodnight Freestyle with Latif Mercado

Freestylin’ with Stevie B & DJ Sama

Freestyle Cartel Show Podcasts

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From Boogaloo to Freestyle: The Latin Sound That Never Died

Many of us struggle when we’re asked to define Freestyle, when all we have to do is go back a bit…

We normally get stuck around the 70’s as if Disco is the true origin of Freestyle music, but if you research beyond this little Blast article, a whole new world of music will open up along with a whole new understanding of where we might’ve actually come from.

Of course I’ve heard about Boogaloo, I’m in the music business, and of course I was familiar with a few songs that were considered Boogaloo, though I never really dove that deep. But what I really didn’t know, until my wife brought it up, was the close parallel between Boogaloo and Freestyle. In fact, when I was searching for an idea to write about this month, she again brought it up.

I decided to do a bit of my own research, and was absolutely blown away from what I had found. Boogaloo’s origin takes place in New York City in the 1960s, especially around the heavily Latino populated areas such as The Bronx and Harlem, sort of the way Freestyle would eventually be over two decades later.

Also, like it’s successor, Boogaloo was a fusion genre, combining multiple genres to create something new. Whereas Freestyle was a fusion of Latin, Hip Hop, and R&B, Boogaloo was a fusion of Latin, Funk and R&B, known at the time as Soul music.

It was also considered the first cross-over style, that truly appealed to not only Latino and African American audiences, but also the Italian American’s who were also huge fans of all the latest music trends. Boogaloo had a heavy back beat, and was produced to get people dancing. A lot of it was in what we call Spanglish, a lyrical mixture of Spanish and English, a style used in several Freestyle songs, not to mention a sort of dialect many of us grew up listening to at home.

So I researched songs that were considered Boogaloo, and there were a few that I actually knew, and many more that I had never heard before, or at least don’t remember, so here’s a small list to give you an idea.

I Like It Like That by Pete Rodriguez

Bang Bang by Joe Cuba Sextet (with Jimmy Sabater)

Boogaloo Blues by Johnny Colón

El Pito (I’ll Never Go Back to Georgia) by Joe Cuba

Watusi ’65 by Ray Barretto

Micaela by Pete Rodriguez

Boogaloo blew up in the mid 1960’s, ironically around the time that much of the Freestyle community were born, such as myself who was born in 1966, and I can’t help but wonder if maybe that was when those Freestyle seeds were actually planted.

Boogaloo came about during the time when Motown ruled the world, sending Latin bands struggling just to be heard. But rather than step back, Latinos fought back creatively, blending their Latin rhythms with the soul that Motown was being praised for. The result was Boogaloo. Bold, and infectious, as if a brand new genre of music had been born, a strange resemblance to what Freestyle would go through many years later, with it’s fusion of Latin and Hip-Hop.

Boogaloo, like Freestyle was able to maintain the authenticity of the streets, swag and all, and still pay homage to their Latin roots. But unlike Freestyle, Boogaloo was short lived, and by the early 1970s had vanished from the scene, making way for a new an exciting sound called Salsa, and though it was rooted in Cuba, it was watered by Puerto Ricans in the United States.

Boogaloo may no longer carry the popularity it once had, but it did indeed leave it’s footprint, as an important genre in the history of Latin music.

Question: 👉 Do you also feel that Freestyle is somehow Boogaloo incarnated? If so… let us know in the comments.

Leave a comment

💥 Click The Image below and Watch the Video 👇😲

To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

What did you pick up from this month’s issue? What would you add to the conversation? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just soaking it all in, hit the comment button below and share your thoughts and opinions. Can’t wait to read it!

Leave a comment

Welcome to Issue #45 of The Freestyle Blast!

This one’s packed with stories, surprises, and a little bit of drama. We dive into the meaning and history of the Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival, a celebration that stretches far beyond New York and touches communities around the world. And while culture brings us together, sometimes the Freestyle scene brings its own sparks, yes, we’re also talking about the so-called “drama” that never fails to make waves.

But that’s not all. This issue introduces a brand-new Freestyle Match Game, and trust me, it’s tougher than it looks. Think you can ace it? Give it a try and prove to us… you can’t!

Plus, the latest Blast Flash 3 is here, and we’ve lined up three killa contestants that not only can you watch go head-to-head, but you can get in there and help out the one you’re feeling the most.

We’ve also got you covered with the latest from The Freestyle Club and Concert Calendar, so you’ll know exactly which shows are headed your way. But before you head out for that night of Freestyle fun, make sure to drop by The Stylin’ Free store and see what new Freestyle inspired Tee’s we got up.

Oh, and at the end of this newsletter, don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this month’s issue of The Blast!

Parades, Pride & Freestyle: The Beat of Being Boricua

Born and raised in The Bronx, I grew up surrounded by Puerto Ricans, my people. But here’s the thing: when you aren’t really exposed to other cultures or ethnicities, you don’t always recognize the beauty of what you’re part of…

My mother was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, the youngest of five sisters and one brother. They all moved to New York City pretty young, my mother, a baby. Eventually, they ended up in The Bronx. My father’s family came from Ponce, but he himself was born in Manhattan. So, the blood was there, the culture was there, but looking back, it wasn’t always obvious in the way it showed up in our daily lives.

I sometimes wish I could sit down today with my elders and just listen. At the time, we’d roll our eyes whenever they’d repeat those same old stories about their beautiful Island, or their early days in New York City. Now, I’d give anything to hear them again, this time with a notepad in hand.

Though our house wasn’t filled with Puerto Rican flags or cultural decorations, we did however have the music and the food, the kind of things that really confirmed who I was and where I was from.

My mother, who looked like she could’ve passed for Italian, was extremely intelligent and spoke, read, and wrote both English and Spanish… perfectly! She was like a walking encyclopedia, seemed to know about everything, quick to correct you, and always teaching you something new.

My father, from what I remember, always walked around with two things. A little dictionary that fit in his shirt pocket, and a bottle of vodka in his back. I once told my mom he sounded like a butler when he spoke, and she just laughed and said, “Your father was a very smart man. An asshole… but smart!

The one thing my mother never taught me was Spanish. Strange huh? I understood it, thanks to the constant flow of Spanglish spoken in my house, but I could never speak it, well at least not without butchering it.

My grandmother would always have something to say about that. and got on Mom whenever the topic came up. But to mess with her, Mom would tell me to talk to Grandma in Spanish, and of course I’d fire off all the curse words I knew.

Over the years, my Spanish improved, mostly my ability to understand, thanks to the countless conversations I pretended not to be listening to. As a kid, I’d sit quietly with my toys or drawing pad, looking lost in my own world, when in truth I was deep into Mom’s conversations. And when things would start to get juicy, she’d suddenly switch to all Spanish, signaling to whoever she was talking to that she didn’t want me listening in. It was too late, as my antennas were already up, locked and loaded.

When I was 16, my mother decided we needed a change and moved us to Puerto Rico. My aunt, who was wealthy and lived in a luxury high-rise in Hato Rey, welcomed us to stay with her. One night from her 23rd-floor balcony, I watched Menudo live in concert while also watching it on TV. It was surreal.

My aunt was well connected, she was friends with the mayor of San Juan, and I used to hang out with his kids. She first tried to get me into one of the island’s top private schools. From the second I walked through the halls, I knew this wasn’t for me. Those bratty-ass kids were unwelcoming, a couple even yelling out for me to go back to The States, though I was clueless at the time as to what that even meant.

They sat me in a cold little room and placed an entrance exam on the desk in front of me, but I had already made up my mind, I was gonna fail. My aunt had money, and that’s the only reason I even got the chance to sit for that exam, but money couldn’t buy me the brains for it. Truth is, even if I gave it my all, I probably would’ve failed anyway, and though I couldn’t save her any money, I at least saved everyone some time.

My aunt wasn’t ready to give up. On our way back, I saw kids stepping off a bus in military uniforms. The bus said Lincoln Military Academy. and I immediately said, “What about that place?” My aunt looked ahead, then at me. “That’s a Military School,” she said. “Keke went there,” referring to her son who was now a grown man.

Titi got on the phone, and of course made it happen, Well… Almost! I was placed once again in a tiny cold room for another dreaded entrance exam. This time, I actually gave it my best, took my time and answered every question to the best of my ability, but of course I failed. In fact, I failed miserably. So bad that my aunt never told us what I scored.

That left only one option: public school. It was nothing like I’d ever seen. The classrooms all faced a courtyard, with open-air hallways connecting everything. No exams, no prep, they just registered me and sent me to class. My first class was history, and when the teacher started teaching in Spanish, I was lost. Every time she asked a question, the entire class turned and looked at me. Why? Because I didn’t understand shit! This wasn’t Mom’s juicy conversations, and even if it was all in English, I still would’ve been lost.

It wasn’t long before the teacher asked me to go sit outside until the next class, because apparently I was a disruption.

The only class I was sort of able to grasp was the subject that I sucked at the most… math! And once again, I was asked to go sit outside, but this time I walked my ass straight out the gate and went home. Soon after that, I was on a plane headed back to New York.

That short time in Puerto Rico did leave its mark on me. It reminded me that while the Island wasn’t a place I wanted to live, it was still where my roots were planted. My identity, though, was shaped in New York City, a unique mix of culture, music, and pride. That’s what I feel it means to be Nuyorican. That’s who I am. In fact, that’s who many of us are, and I believe that’s where the connection to Freestyle truly comes from.

Puerto Ricans didn’t set out to “create” Freestyle, it’s simply what comes out of us when we create. Whether it’s music, film, literature, or any art form, our roots always show. Freestyle became an extension of that spirit. Just as salsa had been the soundtrack for our parents, Freestyle became ours. It was born in our neighborhoods, that unique blend that many of us have trouble explaining. But all we really need to understand is that it’s our voice, our stage, our way of saying… we’re here!

That brings me to Waterbury, Connecticut, where Angel was invited not only to perform at their Puerto Rican Parade and Festival but also to serve as the Grand Marshal. We were both extremely excited. This wasn’t just another gig, it was something deeper. It was about having an opportunity to represent who we are. Angel had a custom vinyl coat designed by our friend DJ Carlos Lebron, who painted the Puerto Rican flag on the back, giving it a twist where the star was shaped to look like the letter “A” for Angel. DJ Hotmixx Hernandez, an old friend and La Radio’s PD, produced a brand-new show tape specifically for the occasion.

This time, we brought our grandson King with us. He’s the one in the family who really feels drawn to his Puerto Rican roots. He loves the Frankie Cutlass anthem “Puerto Rico!” Seeing him at this parade was something special. He wore his pride on his sleeve the way I wish I had at his age.

The weather threatened to cancel everything, but Puerto Ricans don’t let a little rain stop the music. The parade started at Elm Street and worked its way down to Library Park. Angel looked beautiful in her sash, standing tall in the Jeep with King beside her, both waving to the crowd. I sat in the passenger seat, just taking it all in, smiling at the sight of my wife and grandson soaking in a moment that meant more than they even realized.

I’ve been in a parade before, years ago in Philly with Lil’ Suzy, but this one hit differently. Watching King wave that flag, meeting new friends, feeling proud of who he is, it reminded me of everything I missed when I was his age. And maybe that’s the beauty of it. Our kids and grand kids get to stand on our shoulders, to inherit the pride, the music, the culture we didn’t always understand back then.

That’s what the Puerto Rican Day Parade is about. It’s not just floats, music, and food, it’s a chance to wave the flag high, to say, “We’re still here.” And Freestyle fits right into that story. Just like the parades, Freestyle gave Puerto Ricans a stage, a reason to celebrate, a way to unify. They both carry our rhythm, our resilience, and our pride.

So when I think about that day in Waterbury, about Angel representing as Grand Marshal, about King waving that flag with a smile as big as the Island itself, I realize how it all connects. New York City is in our blood, but Puerto Rico is in our soul, and Freestyle is the soundtrack that ties it all together. That’s who we are, and that’s something worth celebrating.

Question: 👉 What’s one way your culture or heritage has shaped the kind of music you connect with most?

Leave a comment

💥 Click The Image below and Watch the Video 👇😲

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Freestyle, and What Some People Might Call… Drama

I get asked about it way too often not to one day sit down and address it. Well, today is that day. What I’m talking about is the so-called drama that always seems to get mentioned whenever someone brings up the word Freestyle…

Let me start by saying this, I love this genre. I love what it stands for, what it’s done for me and my family, and the doors it has opened for so many of us. So when it’s represented wrong, I feel like I owe it to the culture to try and somehow defend it.

Now, I’m not gonna sit here and pretend there isn’t any drama in Freestyle. Of course there is. There always will be. This is music, its art, its passion, and it’s also a business. Whenever people’s money, pride, or reputation are involved, emotions can spill over. But here’s the thing: drama is subjective. What feels like a big issue to one person might seem like playground nonsense to somebody else.

Case in point: not long ago, I bumped into an artist I hadn’t seen in years. Naturally, I asked where they’d been, and the answer came fast, “I couldn’t deal with all the drama!”

I nodded my head at first, like I understood… but then I stopped. Because the truth is, I didn’t understand. What drama?

At first, they couldn’t even think of anything specific. Then came the list: people talking about each other, artists blocking other artists from getting booked, behind-the-scenes gossip, and a few tired hashtags like “Freestyle Against Phonies!” (Okay, that one was mine, but trust me, there was a method to that madness, and it did exactly what it was supposed to do.)

But really, was that enough to walk away from the scene for years? To sit out while others were touring, performing, and getting paid? I couldn’t buy it.

Here’s the truth. Most of the so-called drama people hear about isn’t even happening on stage or backstage. It’s happening online. Mostly on Facebook. And if you know how social media works, then you know your feed only shows what you engage with. If you like, comment, or linger on the negative stuff, guess what, you’re gonna get served more of it.

I don’t see politics in my feed. Why? Because I don’t click on political posts. I don’t see posts about knitting, gardening, cooking, or building chicken coops either, even though those are huge online communities. I don’t engage, so they don’t follow me around. It’s really that simple.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not sugarcoating. There are liars, thieves, and con artists in Freestyle. There are shady deals and backstabbing moments. And yes, there have even been times when managers and other industry heads have crossed lines, taking advantage of the very artists they were supposed to protect. But the sad truth is, that exists everywhere.

Let’s put it in perspective.

In Hip Hop, beefs can literally mean life or death. Families destroyed, careers ended, freedom lost.

In Pop and Rock, drama blows up in the tabloids, divorces, lawsuits, public meltdowns, label wars. Drug abuse, mysterious deaths, Millions of dollars gone, reputations destroyed forever.

In the corporate world, people lose jobs overnight. Entire companies collapse, and executives jump off the balconies of their luxury high-rises.

So when you compare all of that to Freestyle’s drama? Ours is like kids fighting in a sandbox… seriously!

And let’s not forget, this genre has been around for over 35 years. We’re not kids anymore. We’re grown, raising families, paying mortgages, juggling bills, carrying real responsibilities. Many in our community are preparing for retirement, some are facing financial struggles, and too many are battling serious health issues. Maybe it’s time the genre itself started reflecting that same level of maturity.

Because if we let a little gossip, a little ego, or a Facebook spat stop us from creating, performing, and celebrating Freestyle, then we’re the ones robbing ourselves, and more importantly, the fans, of something we’ve all worked so hard to keep alive.

Drama isn’t going anywhere. Not in life, not in business, not in music. But how we handle it, that’s on us.

Question: 👉 Do you think the “drama” in Freestyle helps keep things interesting, or does it hold the genre back?

Leave a comment

To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

What did you pick up from this month’s issue? What would you add to the conversation? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just soaking it all in, hit the comment button below and share your thoughts and opinions. Can’t wait to read it!

Leave a comment

Welcome to Issue #44 of The Freestyle Blast, where the stories are real, the lessons are earned, and the music never stops.

This month, I wanna talk directly to the ones who are still out there grinding. The ones who show up, step up, and perform like it’s their first time on stage, not because they have to, but because they get to. If that’s you, this issue is going to hit home.

We’re diving into something personal. Real talk about what it really takes to keep going, especially when the world has opinions, when the comments turn cold, maybe even cruel, and when your journey makes others question their own.

We’ll also revisit a message I’ve been preaching for decades, a message that’s more important now than ever: SELL. SELL. SELL. Because the moment you stop selling, is the moment they stop showing up. They stop paying attention, and ultimately, they stop buying! And not just your music… but your movement.

And of course, as always, make sure you check out this month’s Blast Flash 3, where readers vote on their favorite new Freestyle release. The Freestyle Club and Concert Calendar, your go-to guide for what Freestyle events are poppin’ up in your area. And let’s not forget our Match-Game, our personal way of proving that you don’t know as much about Freestyle as you thought you did.

This isn’t just a newsletter about Freestyle, folks. This is a reminder of why we’re here, how far we’ve come, and what it’s gonna take to keep this shit going!

Now let’s get into it...

LIVING THE DREAM

and What They Don’t Understand About our Lives

There’s something strange happening lately, and if you're a Freestyle artist, you've probably felt it. You post a photo or video of one of your shows on Social Media. It’s you, on stage, mic in hand, pouring your heart out to your fans. You remember it well. How you felt, the way the fans sang along, and you mentally marked it now as one of your favorite shows where everything was perfect.

You have thousands of views, several hundred likes, a few dozen comments, and twelve people even shared it. You open the comments and start to read, “Great show!” “Love This!” as well as a bunch of little red hearts scattered throughout, until, there it is…

That comment you dreded… It’s not supportive, not even constructive. In fact, it’s just plain ol’ mean. Age jokes. Weight jokes. Nasty jabs about your outfit, shoes, hair or make up, and from all people, those who would probably never even attend a Freestyle event, even if you gave them a free front-row seat.

Now, none of those wonderful comments matter, because that one horrible one ruined it all. Well, that was their plan all along, wasn’t it?

Please folks, believe me when I tell you… Those people don’t count! Out of the hundreds, maybe even thousands of wonderful comments you might get from real fans, who love and appreciate you, there has to be a handful who are just simply miserable. I mean, why else would anyone go out of their way to comment negatively on the post of someone who has been blessed to be able to live their dream? I know I could never do that… could you?

Freestyle is pushing 40 years strong. Think about that for a second. That’s four decades of music, memories, and a movement that none of us thought would last this long. As a Freestyle artists, it means at the very least that you’re about to leave your 40s, but most-likely you’re already in your 50s, 60s, and maybe even approaching your 70s. But check this out. So are the fans!

Just like us, they too have gained a bit of weight, gone gray or lost some hair. Their skin isn’t as tight anymore, and those dance moves certainly don’t flow like they used to, But that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Not at all! Because no matter what, you still get to live your dream, while others were forced to give up theirs.

Freestyle events aren’t just happening every month, they’re popping off every week. from one hundred capacity pubs, to major Freestyle events in arenas that hold thousands, and that’s not including the many private events and celebrations that are never even advertised.

From Miami to Maui and everything in between, including Canada, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia and so on, Freestyle’s growing more than ever, and this is based mainly on our more established artists and their hits, and this is important because it holds open the doors for others to try and slip in.

I look at my life and I can’t feel anything but gratitude, and I’m not even an artist. All I ever wanted to do growing up was to some how some way be a part of the music business, and I’ve been blessed to be a part of it now for over 30 years. And not just doing what I love, but being able to do it alongside my wife, Angel, lead singer of The Cover Girls, who shares this same dream. You see, we don’t just live together, we dream together. What more can I ask?

For me, success was never about the money, it was about the freedom. About waking up every day doing what I love, with the person I love, in an industry that shaped my youth and till this day, keeps me inspired.

Now let’s get back to those horrible comments, and call them what they are:
People who simply gave up! That’s it! How sad it must be, to have a dream, and maybe even get a little taste of it, only for it to never come to fruition?

To have to watch others reach their goals, live their dreams, and still, all these years later, are out there, traveling the country, performing for hundreds of thousands of fans who live for the opportunity to see them perform their favorite songs live. To meet them, take a photo with them, and of course, to tell them just how much they love them and what their music means to them! I swear I get goose bumps just writing about it.

And though their comments may be cruel, I still can’t help but to empathize with them. What on earth would compel someone to want to write something so mean and nasty? Because no matter how strong and callous an artist may seem toward it, I know it hurts them, and for some I’m sure hurts bad! So bad in fact that they could possibly develop some sort of complex, fall into a depression, and eventually, stop performing all together… at least that’s what they hope for.

Their dreams of becoming an artist, a DJ, dancer or producer never materialized, and so it kills them to see others living the dream that they always felt belonged to them. But you see, that’s where the problem began. That dream didn’t belong to them, never did, it was only something they thought was cool, and might’ve even given it a shot, but it was never for them. They didn’t have what it took, and never bothered to try and find their true calling.

Instead, they pointed fingers in every direction but their own. Managers, group members, radio stations, even the fans for not liking their new music. The blame went everywhere except inward, and not just for the decline of their careers, but for the shortcomings in their lives as well.

Maybe they didn’t have the passion or drive necessary to push forward, or even the talent. Maybe life just got in the way, or fear took over. Either way, they settled, and now, instead of clapping for others, they wanna tear them down. How does that ol’ saying go? Misery loves… what?

But listen carefully to me, folks. This isn’t your problem, it’s theirs, and it’s a sad one to have. To think that they’ll be feeling this way for the rest of their lives. Tormented to the point where they can’t even scroll past your post. They have to stop, watch it, and while gritting their teeth, leave that awful comment, all because their own dream got away.

To the artists reading this: First off, understand that it’s Social Media. Though it’s a great tool for us to build, it’s also a powerful weapon for those who wanna destroy. From the billions who log in everyday, trust that many of them are sad, mad, and miserable, and are simply doing what every other bully has done since the beginning of time.

You’ve however have been blessed, To live the life you live, the life you dreamed, while fans flock to see you … You’re moving crowds. You’re making people feel something real. You’re helping fans relive some of the best moments of their lives. You Are A Gift!

You’re not here to be perfect, but to be authentic, and to be legendary, and no one can ever take that from you.

To the haters? I’m not mad at you.
In fact, I’m sorry life didn’t pan out for you the way you hoped.
But just know, it’s not too late.

Instead of tearing others down, there still might be some time for you to try and build something for yourself, or at least get off Social Media and try and catch up to that dream that left you behind, ‘cause while you do that, our artists will continue to shine, sing, and show up for as long as the fans wanna see them.

💥 Click The Image below and Watch the Video 👇😲

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SELL! SELL!! SELL!!!

Because The Minute You Stop Selling… They Stop Buying!

I’ve been repeating this saying for as long as I can remember, and have actually tested it with my own projects…

Whether you’re an artist, a manager, a producer, a promoter, or just getting started in this game, this mindset applies to you. It doesn’t matter if you’re pushing music, tickets, merchandise, a brand, or even a new idea. If you’re not actively promoting, positioning, and presenting yourself to the world… then you’re invisible. And in case you didn’t know… invisible doesn’t sell!

Now please understand that I’m not just talking about selling products. I’m talking about selling you, and all you have to offer. Your energy. Your vibe. Your message, that incredible story of yours, and not just to sell, but to build, because building a solid relationship with your audience is the key to the longevity of your career, and that takes time and patience.

Though I did an article about the Blast Flash 3 a while back, I’d like to quickly rehash its purpose. This feature wasn’t created just as a competition, it was designed as a tool to help artists and their teams develop the mindset and muscle of consistent promotion. If just for one month, I want them to experience what it feels like to push their music, their videos, their brand, with real intention and strategy.

The idea is that, by giving it their all, they might carry that momentum into the next month… and then the next. Eventually, it becomes a rhythm. What I truly hope is that whatever they learn during their time in the Flash 3 becomes a regular part of how they operate, that they walk away understanding the power of pushing hard and staying consistent for the long haul. It’s one of the most valuable lessons any artist (or business person) can learn.

We’re entering the 40th year of Freestyle Music. This is no longer just a trend. It’s become a legacy. But legacies don’t grow on auto-pilot, they’re built through relentless, honest effort. Every show, every post, every handshake at a venue is an opportunity to sell yourself.

Don’t wait for someone to hand you a spotlight, build your own. Post consistently. Engage with your fans. Show up with value. Talk about your upcoming projects even if you feel like no one’s listening, because someone always is. And when they finally do pay attention, you better have something to offer.

Listen, I’ve been doing this a long time. I’ve seen artists blow up overnight… and I’ve seen them disappear just as fast. The ones who last, the ones still touring, still releasing, still growing, are the ones who never stopped selling. They never stopped showing up. They never stopped talking to their audience, giving them a reason to care.

So here’s my challenge to you: look at what you’re doing right now. Are you selling? Are you pushing? Are you showing up, even when nobody’s clapping?

If not… start! Start now!
If you are… Don’t stop. Keep going.
Because the moment you stop selling… is the moment people stop buying. Good luck!

To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

What did you pick up from this month’s issue? What would you add to the conversation? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just soaking it all in, hit the comment button below and share your thoughts and opinions. Can’t wait to read it!

Leave a comment

Something interesting happens when a song becomes more than just a song… when it turns into a movement. This month in The Blast, we spotlight one artist who has done just that.

For the past eleven straight issues, one name has refused to budge from our Freestyle Blast Flash 3… Alexa! With her song “Letting You Go,” This Freestyle artist sparked debates, stirred inboxes, and even left some Freestyle fans wondering, “How is she still winning?” The answer? Well, besides a dope track, there’s Drive. Hustle. Heart. And a team that doesn’t understand the meaning of "Stop."

In an exclusive Lido Deck interview aboard Priscilla Laboricu’s Freestyle Latin Cruise, I finally got to meet the artist behind the movement. What I found wasn’t just a singer, but rather a story of timing, tenacity, and total authenticity. Trust me, you're going to wanna read this one.

Also in this issue, I talk about a lesson I learned years ago, that totally changed the way I handle my business. The power of patience and the importance of taking every call seriously. If you have a business, or thinking of starting one, I’m gonna share with you something that you’ll never learn in business school.

Now scroll down, because whether you’re here just to browse, discover what’s new in Freestyle, or pick up a few industry tips. this is an issue you don’t wanna miss.

Let’s do it!

Hey…You Never Know!

A Lesson in Patience, Passion, and the Payoff of Taking Every Call Seriously

I’ve had this conversation with countless agents over the years, about the calls we get from hopefuls suddenly inspired to put on a Freestyle event. But the truth is, though it’s what we do for a living, not every agent has the time, or the patience, to walk a new promoter through the ins and outs of this business…

And I get it. From a financial standpoint, the time invested rarely matches the return. Most agents aren’t being paid to educate, and many just can’t justify spending hours on a maybe.

But for me, that’s never really been an issue, simply because I genuinely love talking about what I do. Seriously.

I find myself all the time explaining the booking process in casual conversations with friends and family who’ll never put on a show, yet still find it interesting when I talk because of the passion I display for what I do. So if I’m already doing that with people who aren’t even in the game, why wouldn’t I give that same energy to someone who might possibly become a prospect?

Now don’t get me wrong, there’s been plenty of frustrating moments. I’ve taken calls from people who ask a ton of questions, many that I wouldn’t be sure of and needed to go search for the answer. “How much is this artist?” “How many travel?” “When was their last show here?” and one question in particular that would usually irk me, “How many people do you think they can draw?” This would go on for quite some time, only to have them totally vanish, never to be seen nor heard from again.

Back when I first started, the internet was still in its infancy, and all of my business was conducted over the phone. Most calls that came in resulted in a booking, so to have to suddenly slow down to answer a bunch of questions that lead to nowhere was a bit frustrating, especially when it was the same person calling over and over. “Are they just collecting prices?” because, after a few calls, they had quotes for most of my roster.

Now, you might wonder: why not just send them a price list? Well, it’s not that simple. First off, artists don’t usually want their fees floating around like that, and secondly, building a connection with promoters is key to my business, and usually begins over the phone.

There’s one guy I remember clearly. He used to call all the time. A huge Freestyle head. He’d tell me stories about meeting artists, what certain songs meant to him, and how he’d almost gotten into promotions, and was again revisiting the idea. This went on for years. I’m not exaggerating. Years.

Eventually, I started ignoring his calls. I’d see his name pop up and just wave him off. I know that sounds f*cked up, but I think anyone in my shoes would’ve done the same. It was the same questions over and over, just phrased differently. I was done with this dude.

Then one day, he called from a number I didn’t recognize, and I picked up. You should’ve seen my face. I paced around my office, frustrated but trying to stay polite. I hate being rude, and truth be told, he was a good guy… just not great at reading me.

But then something happened. Out of nowhere, he actually booked an artist! Totally caught me off guard. Even after the contract was signed and the deposit hit, I was still expecting it to fall through. But it didn’t!

That first show did pretty good, enough at least for him to wanna try it again, and so he did, and kept going as each show got bigger and better than the last. I remember, during one of our calls, he thanked me. He said he appreciated the time I spent walking him through everything. And yeah, I felt a little shitty, but as we got closer, I felt comfortable enough to confess about how much he used to drive me nuts. He just laughed and said, “Thanks for not giving up on me.”

After a successful run for about three years, he eventually stepped away from the scene, but I’ve met plenty like him since. Some have gone on to do amazing things in this business. Others disappeared without a trace, and that’s okay too, because what I learned is this: I never know. That person asking me a hundred questions might just become my next big client, and so until then… I got them!

💥 Click The Image below and Watch the Video 👇😲

FREE EBOOK

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"AlEXA ON DECK

The Artist Behind 11 Straight Wins

It was Hippie Night aboard Priscilla’s Freestyle Latin Cruise when I finally crossed paths with the one and only Alexa. I’d been hoping to interview her for months, but the timing had never lined up, until finally there she was.

The Spotlight Lounge aboard the Carnival Magic was packed, and as always, DJ Lucho had the dance floor jumping. It was loud, a bit crazy, but all in all, electric, just the way Priscilla plans them!

I looked at my wife, then gestured toward Alexa. Angel smiled and nudged me toward her direction.

I leaned in and asked Alexa if she wouldn't mind stepping out for a bit. She nodded, and we slipped away and headed up to the deck, looking like a couple of Hippies who had just traveled in from the 70’s.

The night was perfect, starry skies, a cool breeze, and that relaxing sound of the ship cutting through the ocean. After nearly a year of living in my monthly newsletter, it was finally time to have a real conversation.

Latif: Alright, Alexa, let’s kick this off with the big one. You’ve been holding your spot in the Blast Flash 3 since issue #33, August of last year. Did you ever imagine “Letting You Go” would hold on this long?

Alexa: Never. Not in a million years. I mean, just being in the Freestyle poll was huge for me. But to stay in for 11 straight months? That’s wild. I’m genuinely humbled. It means a lot knowing people were able to connect, and I was hoping it would become more than just song, I wanted it to become their story too.

Latif: You’ve been up against some real heavy hitters! What do you think makes “Letting You Go” so sticky?

Alexa: Honestly? It’s raw. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It’s about reclaiming your power after giving too much of yourself away. I think that message hits home for a lot of people, especially in this genre. Freestyle’s always been about love and emotion, and this one came straight from the heart.

Latif: Let’s talk team. Who’s been in the trenches with you, keeping this Alexa train moving forward?

Alexa: Team Alexa runs deep! The one who's been there from jump is DJ Smooth Joe, aka Jose Aponte / Aponte Productions. He believed in me before anyone else did. Alongside him, we’ve got Carmen Aponte, Vince Reyes, ChrisRodz, Mee Espada, and Erica. Each of them truly brings something special. I call them my dream team, but really, they’re family.

Latif: Love that. Has being featured in The Blast Flash 3 changed anything for you? New doors opening?

Alexa: Absolutely. People are finally starting to say, “Wait, who’s this ALEXA girl?” I’ve been getting booked more, asked to collab, and people are starting to not just hear my voice, they’re feeling it. That’s the goal.

Latif: Now I’ve gotta ask… Are you secretly bribing fans to keep voting? (laughs) What’s the promo strategy here?

Alexa: (laughs) No bribes, I swear! But I do have a great setup thanks to Jose. All my platforms are locked and loaded, music, videos, merch, upcoming events, it’s all easily accessible, and we keep fans in the loop constantly. Consistency is everything.

Latif: Sooo… what would it take for you to step aside and give someone else a shot? Or are you playing for keeps?

Alexa: (grins) Look, I’m grateful. Eleven months? That’s insane. But am I stepping aside? Nope. Not happening. I’m playing for keeps! When God says it’s time to pass the torch, I’ll listen. But until then? I’m going all in. It’s my time.

Latif: When did you first catch the Freestyle bug?

Alexa: Sixteen years old. That’s when I first heard it, and it was like something lit up inside me. Since then, it’s been the soundtrack of my life.

Latif: What artists have inspired you?

Alexa: So many! But top of the list: La India, George LaMond, SaFire, and Coro. Each of them inspired me with something unique and powerful.

Latif: Alright, dream collab time. You only get one Freestyle artist to duet with. Who is it?

Alexa: Of course that would be George LaMond. That voice? That presence? He’s iconic. It would be such an honor.

Latif: He’s also a reader of The Blast! Now tell me the truth, do you ever feel like you showed up late to the party?

Alexa: Not at all. I used to think that, but now? I know I arrived right on time. God’s timing is never off. Everything I’ve experienced led me to this exact moment.

Latif: So what took you so long to get here?

Alexa: Life. That’s it. Life was “lifing", as they say. But I never gave up the dream. I was just waiting for it to finally become real.

Latif: And what finally gave you the push?

Alexa: To be honest, JayQuan from the Nas-T Boyz. He was the one who really saw something in me. He said, “You have to sing.” If it weren’t for him, I might still be sitting on the sidelines.

Latif: Jaquan’s a good dude. Thank you, Jay! So… Let’s get personal for a second. Off-stage, off-mic… who is Alexa?

Alexa: I’m a proud mom of two amazing boys. I’m fiercely loyal, super determined, and always busy creating. I’m a singer, songwriter, mixed media artist, and a businesswoman. But most importantly? I’m someone who loves deeply and always shows up.

Latif: You mentioned your creative side, what else are you into besides music?

Alexa: Where do I start? I draw, paint, make jewelry, run a body care line, I’m a gourmet pastry chef, certified esthetician, nail tech, Realtor, and I own a small business. I’m basically allergic to sitting still. (laughs)

Latif: Alexa Does It All, huh? Sounds like a TV show to me.

Alexa: It does (laughs)

Latif: So what’s next for Alexa? What can fans look forward to?

Alexa: So much is brewing! More music, videos, collabs, and yes, a few surprises I can’t reveal just yet. But stay close, ‘cause it’s all coming soon.

Latif: Last question. If you could speak directly to the people who’ve been showing up month after month to vote for you, what would you say?

Alexa: Thank you. Truly. From the deepest part of my heart, thank you. This journey hasn’t been easy, but every vote, every comment, every stream… it’s reminded me that I’m on the right path. I love you all.

Latif: Where can folks follow you?

Alexa: I’m everywhere, just search AlexaOfficialMusic. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, Amazon, you name it. I’m there.

Latif: Well, this was great, Alexa, thank you so much, and sorry for pulling you from the party.

Alexa: Thank you, Latif… and of course all The Freestyle Blast readers.

We laughed a little more, then headed back down to the party. Alexa isn’t just making music, she’s building something big, one song at a time, and something tells me… she’s just getting started.

—

If you would like to have your new Freestyle release featured in an issue of The Freestyle Blast Newsletter, contact Ryan Estrada, aka DJ Wonder Rican.

To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

What did you pick up from this month’s issue? What would you add to the conversation? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just soaking it all in, hit the comment button below and share your thoughts and opinions. Can’t wait to read it!

Leave a comment

Welcome to The Freestyle Blast Newsletter, here’s what we’re talking about this month, starting with the storm that’s brewing in New Orleans, but it’s not from the bayou. It’s from the bass of Freestyle music.

In this issue of The Blast, we’re heading deep into the Big Easy, where a powerhouse liquor family is stirring up more than cocktails. They’re bringing Freestyle back to the South, and they’re doing it with a bold vision and bottles that hit just as hard as the beats. Trust me, if you love Freestyle, you’re gonna wanna know about these guys.

But while new energy rises in NOLA, there’s a bigger question looming over our scene: Are we doing enough to protect the future of Freestyle? This issue also opens up a conversation that needs to be had, one that challenges both artists and promoters to step up, show up, and work together before it's too late.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Blast without Wonder Rican’s Blast Flash 3, and a chance to check out the hottest new Freestyle releases, along with the opportunity to show your support with a vote.

Don’t worry, I keep the read fast and fresh, so make sure you ride this newsletter to the very end. So if you’re ready, Let’s get into it!

FREESTYLE… ARE WE IN TROUBLE?

It’s Time to Come Together, Or Else We Could Risk Losing It All

Few people speak to as many Freestyle club and concert promoters as I do. Why? Because I’m a booking agent. It’s what I do… every day! From people simply inquiring about what it takes to become a promoter, to those hard-core veterans who have been packing club and concert venues for years, I talk to them all. But more than just booking artists, I also advise, encourage, motivate, and of course, protect them. Why? because without them, many of us would be out of business!

In the 30 plus years I’ve been booking Freestyle, I’ve seen countless promoters come and go. Some retired, some were plain fed up and quit, and many have sadly passed on.

Fortunately, Freestyle has been able to stand the test of time, thanks to a steady wave of new promoters picking up where the old ones left off. Which to me is kind of strange seeing that so many of our promoters today never even got to experience Freestyle the way we knew it back in the day.

But lately, I’ve been noticing a bit of a shift, and it’s concerning. You see, today’s new Freestyle promoters are entering the game with little to no guidance. And what’s scary is, if they end up connecting with the wrong people, without doubt they’ll be taken advantage of. That’s why I advocate not only for artists, but also for promoters, because they too need a little guidance, support, and yes, even protection.

My phone and text are always open to both new and experienced promoters. Whether it’s simply brainstorming ideas, giving advice, or even helping track down a hard-to-find artist, I’m here for them, and with absolutely no strings attached.

Look, for years I’ve been consulting promoters, some on a pretty regular basis, with a few who have actually taken my advice then gone elsewhere to book, and yeah that might sting a little, but it’s okay. If they’re more comfortable booking with someone else, then by all means, so long as they keep booking!

Now, to our artists, please listen carefully. You too have a responsibility. Your talent isn’t just what you bring to the stage. It’s also how you carry yourself behind the scenes. You guys have been around, you know what helps a show run smoothly, and definitely what can totally wreck it. If you notice a promoter struggling, don’t just lock yourself in your dressing room until showtime, give’m a hand, some advice or a little guidance, and if you can’t do that, at the very least, please, don’t make sh!t harder for them!

Sometimes the difference between a promoter giving Freestyle another shot, or finally throwing in the towel comes down to whether or not they had a good experience, more so than how much money they lost. Take gamblers for instance, aside from addiction, many of them keep playing because they’re having fun, and the possibility of actually winning is exciting and keeps them coming back.

If they took a financial hit as well as a bad experience? I can pretty much guarantee you that that’ll be it, they’ll be out for good, and that’s another door closed for Freestyle. One less phone call I’ll get, and one less show for our community.

Helping out a promoter doesn’t have to mean giving them a discount, because discounts will not contribute to a pleasant experience, nor a successful event. And in case you’re wondering how you might be able to help out some of these promoters, here’s a small list just to give you an idea of what I’m talking about, and if you come up with any of your own, I’ll love to read them, so please, share them with us at the end of this newsletter.

1. Respond Quickly

Whether you can take the date or not, let the promoter or agent know as soon as possible, and once you do confirm, get that contract signed and sent back over asap. Get them that travel info as soon or before they ask to try and beat those rising flight costs. Delays on your end can eat into promo time on theirs, and trust me, every day counts when it comes to promoting a Freestyle event.

2. Do the Promo Drop

Sending a short video right from your cell phone to promote the show should be a no-brainer. Lately, I’ve heard of artists trying to charge for these, and I find that tacky. “Why should I help them promote if they’re not helping me sing?” is what they say. I can’t tell anyone what to do, but I personally feel that' it’s a bad move. Don’t do it!

3. Post the Flyers on your Social Media

Of course, promoters would love for artists to post their show flyer every day on their pages, but the promoters need to understand also that artists have other show commitments that also need support. So at the very least, post the show as soon as you get the flyer and just re-engage with it every now and then,

4. Don’t Stress the Lineup

This one’s a bit sensitive. The order of performers, who goes on when, matters to a lot of artists. Traditionally, the more popular names usually perform toward the end or even close the show. But popularity within the arts is subjective and varies depending on the market, as well as the taste of the promoter. Sometimes a lesser-known act might be a local choice, and if they’re not chosen to shut down the house, they should at least be able to go on toward the end.

The problem a lot of artists have with opening a show, aside from being seen as the least popular on the lineup, is that the crowd is usually still walking in, getting drinks, and not fully settled. And yeah, I get it… it sucks and it’s distracting. But hey, someone’s gotta open the show.

Let the promoter, and/or agent help decide on the lineup, and trust that however they choose is what they feel is best for that particular event. I personally don’t enjoy deciding line-ups, especially when I have a few of my own acts on the same bill. But I know the markets, and where my artists stand in those markets, so I go accordingly and hope that my artists trust my decision.

4. Be On Time

Artists should arrive at the venue at least one hour before their set, and be side stage at least 10 minutes before showtime. One late artist can throw off an entire lineup. Same goes for soundcheck. And to the promoters, please… have that artist’s balance ready when they walk in. You can’t rush someone and then not be ready to pay them. If that balance isn’t there, they’re not going on, and I’ll back them up 100%.

Bottom line?
Freestyle doesn’t have the luxury of constant turnover. We can’t afford to burn out every new promoter who steps up to support this culture. Whether you're an artist, agent, promoter, or fan, if we want this genre to thrive, we need to work together.

And we need to do it now. Because if we don’t… we’re in trouble!

💥 Click The Image below and Watch the Video 👇😲

FROM BOTTLES to BEATS

The New Orleans Liquor Family Bringing Freestyle Back to NOLA!

When it comes to reviving Freestyle in a city that hasn’t felt that classic bump in a while, it takes a certain kind of person to take that type of risk, rally the fans, and bring that energy back to life. And in this case, that person isn’t even technically in the music business... well, not at first.

I was recently put in touch with a promoter out of New Orleans by Freestyle artist Tonasia, shout out to you my brother, thank you! I got the chance to meet Alfredo Diaz, better known as Fredo, and right from our first phone call, I could tell this dude was different. We vibed from the start, and he felt comfortable enough to share with me his ideas, and I could tell right away that this wasn’t just another guy trying to throw a one-off show hoping to make a little money, he was playing for keeps!

Fredo, along with his two brothers Armando and Aldo, aka the A-Team, aren’t your average promoters. These guys are already running a successful liquor empire, and I don’t mean they own a liquor store on the corner. They’re in the manufacturing game. Big boy stuff!

Through their company, Traficante Spirits, they’ve created some of the most eye-catching and unique liquor brands I’ve seen, Masquerade King Cake Vodka, Beignet Vodka, Traficante Tequila, and Killer Ginger Beer. Based now in Miami but born and raised in New Orleans, this Cuban-Creole trio fought through the ups and downs of the industry, paid their dues, made a few bad moves, but many more good ones, and now… they're killing it.

So why Freestyle? Why club promotions? Why venture into such a risky and unpredictable business such as club promotions, let alone Freestyle club promotions, and in New Orleans from all places? I personally haven’t done anything in New Orleans since the mid-90s.

There were questions that I had, and so… I asked.

“Fredo, with a liquor brand that’s clearly doing well, what made you and your brothers wanna entertain even the thought of getting into Freestyle club promotions?”

“It’s wasn’t about chasing money,” he assured me. “Success isn’t just profit. To us, it’s about evolving, it’s about connection. I grew up on Freestyle. I threw my first party when I was 15 years old in New Orleans, and Freestyle was the soundtrack. Now we see an opportunity to bring that music back and we wanna be the ones to do it. That music moves people, moves me, always has.”

That kind of passion hit different. I could feel the sincerity in Fredo’s voice, and trust me, as a booking agent for many years, you can only imagine the number of promoters I’ve talked to. Some of them pop up out of nowhere with these outlandish ideas, but then poof, they disappear just as fast, never to be heard from again.

But not these guys, Fredo, who was my main contact wasn’t just going through my roster checking off names, he was calling every day, digging in, asking the right questions, and just when I thought he had the perfect lineup, he’d wanna add another.

Not only did these guys truly understand this music, more importantly, they understood New Orleans, and as one who was accustomed to always being the one giving advice, I suddenly found myself the student.

And yeah, I admit it. I tried to slow them down a few times. Telling them that an add-on might’ve been unnecessary or even overkill. That some of those add-ons could’ve easily been placed on a whole new lineup for a whole new event on a whole other day, until it became clear to me exactly what they were trying to do. These guys weren’t just trying to throw parties, they were out to make an impact. And for the sake of Freestyle, I respected that.

I remember in one conversation, Fredo telling me:

“Our motives aren’t just about putting bottles on shelves or artists on stages. This is about trying to curate a new sort of lifestyle here in New Orleans, a new vibe. Our liquor brand has a certain spirit to it, and now we want our music brand to reflect that same spirit, energy, and love. It’s a risk, sure, but all that does is fuel us to go hard.”

And I believe him!

Because let’s be real… the Freestyle community needs more promoters like this. We need people willing to open up new markets, take those risks, and put real care into the presentation and preservation of our genre. Freestyle isn’t some trend that faded, in fact, it isn’t even about just the music, it’s the culture and community, and I have no doubt that these guys will soon make it a part of New Orleans.

So to all my Freestyle family and friends reading this article. The opportunity to reopen New Orleans as a place to host Freestyle events is upon us. Do what you can to help support this move, Like, Comment, and Share their flyers. And if you happen to be in or around the New Orleans area, grab a few tickets, and show up.

Shout Out to Alfredo, Armando, and Aldo. Thank you fellas, for stepping up, for believing in Freestyle, and for doing what most wouldn’t even attempt. We wish you the very best in all your endeavors, and know that we’ll be right here cheering you on!

Let’s go, New Orleans... Freestyle for Life!

To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

Your voice matters. Your experience counts.
Share your knowledge, your insights, and your memories about Freestyle, its culture, its community, and its movement.
Together, we can keep it alive, keep it strong, and most importantly… keep it growing.
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s build this thing together.

Leave a comment

Welcome to the May Issue of The Freestyle Blast Newsletter!

We’re back with another stacked issue, delivered fresh and ready to keep your Freestyle spirit charged and your inbox bumpin’!

This month, we take you behind the scenes of a powerful night in Southern California, where the undisputed Queens of Freestyle took over Downey and reminded us all why this genre still reigns supreme. It wasn’t just a concert. It was history in the making , a legendary crowning on stage.

Also in this issue, we tackle a topic that artists need to hear. If you're trying to get booked but no one's calling, this one’s for you. We’re talking Booking Agents: what they do, why you may need one, and what to look for if you're serious about leveling up your music career.

Plus, don’t miss the Blast Flash 3, where we spotlight three of the latest releases heating up the scene, see who’s still holding down the top spot and who’s climbing fast.

Think you know your Freestyle? Prove it in the Match Game, but be warned, only true Freestyle heads will rise to this challenge.

And of course, we've got your Freestyle Club and Concert Calendar, keeping you locked in on where the parties are, coast to coast. If it's happening in Freestyle, you should definitely find it here.

Last but certainly not least, our Stylin’ Free Apparel Store is Open for Business, with over 200 tees designed specifically for you die-hard Freestyle fans. Go on in and take a look around, and if you see something you like, grab it! Rock one at your next Freestyle event and represent the Freestyle culture in style!

So come on folks, dive in, catch up, and enjoy The Blast!

… and ruled shit!

When Trinere reached out to invite Angel to her Queens of the '80s & '90s Dance Party, Angel didn’t hesitate, not even for a second. And this was before she found out who the other Queens would be…

Safire, Betty Dee of Sweet Sensation, Lisette Melendez, and of course, Trinere. It wasn’t just a concert, it was a coronation. A gathering of royalty. A celebration of women who carried an entire generation on the power of their voices and hearts.

The show took place in a charming corner of Southeastern Los Angeles County, in a city called Downey, California. A place rooted in history, home to the Apollo space program and one of the first McDonald's ever built, and still in operation. But on this night, it made history of a different kind. The kind that touches the soul, reignites memories, and reminds us why this genre we call Freestyle is still very much alive.

The Downey Theatre on Firestone Blvd was the perfect home for this celebration. Intimate, two-tiered, with not a single bad seat in the house. We arrived early to avoid the infamous LA traffic, and I did what I always do before a show, I stepped out onto that stage, looked out over the empty seats, and said a quiet prayer to the gods of the house. It’s my way of thanking the space.

Angel shared a dressing room with two of her closest sisters in music, Betty Dee and Lisette Melendez. I've known these women for years, and their bond is real. Between glam touchups and catching up like teenagers at a slumber party, the energy backstage was electric. I found myself bouncing between the dressing rooms and the stage, helping, watching, absorbing it all.

As the doors opened, the audience poured in with wide smiles and bigger hearts. DJ ACE, Trinere’s personal DJ and one of the smoothest in the game, commanded the stage with confidence and class. He wasn’t just playing music. He was conducting an orchestra of nostalgia.

The crowd buzzed with anticipation, and when Lisette took the stage, she reminded everyone why she’s such a force. No dancers needed. Just pure fire. She lit the match, and the room exploded. Every lyric hit like a memory, every beat pulled the crowd closer. With nothing but a mic and her presence, she owned the moment, proving once again what it means to be a legend.

Then came Angel. The Original CoverGirl delivered a set of seven explosive hits, each one lifting the energy higher than the last. I've seen her perform uncountable times, but something about this night was different. She was locked in. She was present, and she was absolutely magic.

By the time she hit “Show Me,” the audience had become her backup singers, and dancers, a new and extended family. And when she stood there at the end, overwhelmed by the crowd’s extended display of love, the applause deafening to where she couldn’t even get her thank-yous out. I watched her flooding eyes scan her crowd, trying to take in every soul in the house. It wasn’t just a performance, it was communion.

Next came Betty Dee. Sweet Sensation’s iconic lead singer and one of the most humble stars you’ll ever meet. Her energy filled the room like sunlight, bright, warm, and unforgettable. Dressed in a flowing pink and blue outfit that seemed to also be dancing. A vision of vibrant nostalgia and timeless charm. Hit after hit, Betty moved across that stage like she was still chasing her first dream. The voice, the moves, the heart, all still there, reminding everyone why her name will forever be etched into Freestyle history.

And then came Safire, what can you even say about someone whose presence alone commands respect? The moment she stepped out, the energy in the room shifted. Her voice, rich, powerful, unmistakable, sliced through the air like a sword. Her confidence, always magnetic, her dancers precise and full of fire, moving in perfectly with every beat. It was more than a performance; it was a statement. She didn’t just perform. She reigned. Every note, every move reminded the crowd that this wasn’t just talent, it was legacy in motion. A true queen, securing her throne.

Finally, the one who brought it all together… Trinere.

Now, I’ve worked with Trinere for years. I’ve seen her at shows big and small. And every time, she evolves. Every. Single. Time. What she did that night wasn’t just perform. She curated an experience. She orchestrated a reunion of souls. She reminded us that Freestyle isn’t just a sound, it’s a heartbeat. And she’s right there at the center of it.

Her incredible dancers? Flawless. Her outfit? Iconic. Her set? Unstoppable. Her crew? A well-oiled machine. But it was her heart that stole the night.

Behind the scenes, I know she carried the pressure of making it all come together. The calls, the bookings, the logistics. But once she stepped onto that stage, it was as if all of that melted away. In that moment, she was every little girl who ever dreamed of stardom, and every grown woman who worked her ass off to get there.

To Trinere:
Thank you. Thank you for believing in this genre. Thank you for lifting up your sisters. Thank you for reminding a community of fans, friends, and families why this music matters. You didn’t just put on a show, you made history. You made us feel something real.

From the stage to the streets of Downey, May 3rd, 2025 will be remembered as the night the Queens came to town… and the people never wanted them to leave.

Keep going, Queens. You are seen. You are loved. And yes… you did that shit! 💜

Do You Really Need a Booking Agent?

A “Real Talk” Guide for Freestyle Artists

I’ve been meaning to write this piece for a while now, but I always hesitated, mainly because I’ve worked as a booking agent for many years, and the last thing I want is for this to come across as bias or like some sort of sales pitch. That’s not my intention at all. This is about the health of our community and helping to give a little light on one of Freestyle’s least understood roles… the Booking Agent.

Booking agents, aka talent agents, have been around since the early days of vaudeville and film. Their role has always been to serve as a bridge between talent and opportunity. But let’s fast forward to now and focus and on where that bridge fits into Freestyle music in 2025.

There’s one thing I’ve been repeating over the years, that I wish more people would take heed: "If promoters don’t know who to contact to book you, they’ll most-likely call the wrong person, resulting in you losing that gig."

It’s that simple. It doesn’t matter how good of an artist you are, because if no one can reach you, or worse, if they’re reaching out to the wrong people, your booking is at risk, because just as easy as it for an agent to sell you… another can easily UNsell you!

Now, yes, I’m one of Freestyle’s more visible booking agents, but I’m far from the only one out there. There are others. Some work independently as I do, while others are tied to specific agencies or even venues.

If you’re thinking of working with an agent or agency, here are a few things you should consider doing;

• Ask artists they represent how the relationship has been so far, but beware, some artists might look at you as competition and therefore those reviews might not be what you expected.

• See how long they’ve been working with their current clients. Long healthy relationships matter. I’ve been Lil’ Suzy’s exclusive agent for over 30 years, the Cover Girls for over 15, and there’s a reason for that.

• Understand what it means to work exclusively with an agent or agency, and what that can mean for both sides. Having artists exclusive to La’ Entertainment is a great look for my agency, but it’s also a ton of work and responsibility, so stepping into an already exclusive household can make you feel a bit neglected, at least at the beginning.

• Not every agent is the right fit for every artist. A big-name agent with a stacked roster might sound exciting, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get the attention you need. Sometimes a smaller, more focused agent is a better match, especially if they really believe in you and your work.

Let’s clear up one common myth though, getting an agent doesn’t mean your career will suddenly take off. Not at all. It’s gonna take time, and as a partnership, like any partnership, trust, loyalty and patience is incredibly important.

An agent isn’t a magic wand. They can’t change the fact that most major Freestyle event lineups have already been booked for months, sometimes even years. Getting added to one of those events will take time, a little strategy, and a strong relationship between your agent and the promoter.

More importantly, an agent can’t pitch something that isn’t ready. What they can do is put you in front of the right promoters, and ones who trust their judgment. But even then, it’s not always a yes. Promoters still have the final say. But this is fine. I call it planting seeds. If I can’t get you on a show this time, I’ve already planted those seeds, and therefore next time I have a much better chance.

So before you go hunting for an agent, start by doing the groundwork yourself. Show Us What You Can Do. Social media has made it easier than ever to self-promote. But use it wisely. Avoid tagging or spamming agents and promoters. It’s not a good look, and will usually backfire in the form of a block.

Instead, keep your profiles updated. Post short, direct-to-platform performance clips (not just Spotify or YouTube links), and please don’t assume that we can decipher what it is you’re posting. Break it down for us. describe what we are looking at. Tell us where this performance is taking place? When was it? Because a show from five years ago won’t matter much. Was this a small private event, or a major Freestyle concert? And also, who else was on the bill? This is important because by knowing what other artists shared the billing, gives us a lot of valuable information.

These details help agents and promoters assess you, not just as an artist, but rather as a valuable contributor who could bring something special to a lineup. Here’s the bottom line, folks: We as agents, don’t sell music… you guys already done that. We sell the experience, so keep that in mind when developing your show.

Yes, ticket sales matter. But when promoters already have a killa lineup, what they’re seeking now are solid openers, artists who can add a bit more energy to the night, and if that’s something that you as an artist can do, there’s a good chance that you’ll get a call-back.

There have been many lesser-known artists deliver unforgettable sets, which in turn have led to repeat bookings, while bigger names I’ve seen Underwhelm folks, leading to nothing more than some behind the scene ridicule and zero call-backs.

So if you feel representation from an agent would help your career, start by making yourself visible, and when promoters reach out to you directly, consider looping in the agent you’re hoping to work with. Yes, it might cost you a small commission, but you gain something even more valuable: It shows the agent that there’s actual demand for you. They get a real-world sense of how it is to work with you, and ultimately, you begin building a working relationship based on loyalty and trust.

But if you go around them and take every gig solo, the only thing you’re really saying is: “I don’t want a partnership… I just want some shows.” And there’s nothing wrong with that, just be honest with yourself about what you’re really looking for.

Last but not least, please understand that securing an agent isn’t a milestone. It’s a decision, and will only work if both parties are equally committed.

So if you're at the point where you believe an agent could help you grow your Freestyle career, then take the next step thoughtfully. Reach out, start conversations, and be willing to invest some time (lots of time) to build something real.

Good luck on your journey, and if you learn something along the way, please pass it on. The genre gets stronger when we all share a little bit about what we know.

To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

Your voice matters. Your experience counts.
Share your knowledge, your insights, and your memories about Freestyle, its culture, its community, and its movement.
Together, we can keep it alive, keep it strong, and most importantly… keep it growing.
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s build this thing together.

Leave a comment

The Freestyle genre matured years ago… now it’s just getting older.
But hey, I don’t mean that in a bad way, just an honest one. Let’s face it, we're all getting older. The artists. The managers. The promoters. The DJs. Even our die-hard fans.

Time moves, and with it, everything changes. Ideas evolve. Old ways get retired while new ones are tested out.
Veteran promoters take their final bows, and fresh faces step in, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and eager to show the OGs how it’s done.

But let’s be real, what once felt like an exciting whirlwind of cross-country flights and back-to-back gigs now takes a little more energy, a little more convincing. That youthful “let’s just do it” spirit that once had us jumping on any ol’ show, in any ol’ place, for any ol’ price… yeah, that’s shifted. These days, it’s about value. About worth. About what makes sense.

And you know what? That’s not a bad thing.

Freestyle has been holding it down for over three decades. That’s a long time to stay relevant in any music genre. And while some have tapped out, many others are still here, stronger than ever. Promoters are still packing venues. Fans are still dancing and singing every word. Artists are stepping out with sharper shows, cleaner sounds, and tighter production.

Yes, prices have gone up, across the board. Artists. Tickets. Flights. Hotels. You name it.
So… is this a sign of a healthy genre?
Or is it just us getting older, and maybe a little more stubborn?

That’s the conversation we’re diving into in this issue. I’ve got a few things to say, but I’m just as interested in hearing your take when it’s all said and done.

So if you’re ready,
Let’s go.

THE RISING COST OF FREESTYLE

The Beat Goes On Up

Back in 1987, when Freestyle music was hitting its stride, a gallon of gas was around $0.90, a dozen eggs went for $0.78, and you could grab a loaf of bread for about $0.50. The median household income? $28,906…

But it wasn’t just the cost of living that was easier to swallow, Freestyle artists were a lot more affordable back then too.

When I started booking artists in the early ’90s, the landscape was completely different. Without giving away anyone’s actual numbers, I can tell you this: the average rate for a solid Freestyle act was between $1,250 to $1,500. And if they were still new to the scene, you could book them for even less, $750 to $1,000.

Even at those rates, a lot of them rolled in with dancers and a road manager. Back-up DJs weren’t a thing yet. If an artist held steady at $1,500, they might eventually climb to $1,750, maybe even break into the $2,000 range. Only a select few were able to push past $3,500.

Now here’s something that might surprise you: New York paid the least.

And yeah, I get it. New York was Freestyle’s birthplace. So why the low pay? Simple, proximity and passion. Most of the artists lived in the area, and with KTU being one of the only stations spinning Freestyle, it wasn’t hard to convince them to hit a club just a few blocks away for a quick paycheck and a packed room full of diehard fans.

To most of these artists, it wasn’t just a gig, it was the dream. To hit the stage, perform their song, and get paid for it? That was the blessing they had been waiting for.

The New York Freestyle scene became a kind of Nuyorican chitlin’ circuit, filled with passion, hustle, and homegrown pride.

But as the genre grew, it started to spread. First to Miami, then to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Japan, Europe, you name it. Artists signed or re-signed with bigger labels that had the budget to push them internationally.

Unfortunately, not everyone got to ride that wave. Some artists stayed stuck in New York, often because of gate-keeping from their own teams, people afraid to lose control of their cash cow.

Then came a major blow: KTU changed its format.

Freestyle was still in its toddler phase, it hadn't even had a chance to fully grow up. And just like that, the bottom dropped out. Only a handful of artists survived the fallout, mostly the ones who had already started branching out beyond the city.

By chance, or maybe fate, I had just landed a role with Metropolitan Records in the mid-’90s. Lil’ Suzy was already signed to them, which gave me the opportunity to merge my management work with label work, leveling up my career in ways I never imagined.

Now, Metro wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms in the NYC tri-state scene. In fact, they were blacklisted by most of the major Freestyle labels, who pressured clubs not to book their artists. But that push-back forced Metropolitan to go outside of New York, and who would’ve known, that's where the gold was!

Lil' Suzy and Collage, who I personally took on the road, thrived. While others were still figuring out how to get out of Freestyle’s five boroughs of flunk, we were tearing up stages across the country. And those relationships I built with promoters across the U.S.? They laid the foundation for what would become my La’ Entertainment Booking Agency.

Freestyle was booming again, especially on the West Coast. Events like Freestyle Explosion, The Freestyle Festival, Old School Block Party, and others were packing out clubs and arenas. The $1,500 acts were now pulling $2,500. The $2,000 acts? Closer to $3,500. And our so-called A-listers? $7,500 and climbing.

Then came 2020.

That year was shaping up to be one of the most profitable in my career, until the world literally shut down. COVID-19 hit, and because the music business relies on packed crowds, constant travel, and hotel stays, we found ourselves at a complete standstill.

We all panicked a bit. Careers were suddenly in limbo. Livelihoods were at risk. Online Freestyle shows were attempted, but to no avail. New music dropped, but for Freestyle, that was always a struggle, and that hadn’t changed. TikTok started gaining steam, give us a new avenue to entertain and be entertained. I even agreed to have Angel perform at Drive-In Concert in Chicago on a freezing New Year’s Eve… where Angel and I ended up catching COVID, pre-vaccine.

But eventually, the skies cleared. The world reopened. And the big question was: Did we still have a career to come back to?

The answer? Hell yeah!.

Not only did the phone start ringing again, but there was a renewed hunger for Freestyle. That two-year break sparked a fresh demand—bigger than before. Shows began overlapping. Promoters were scrambling for dates. And, naturally, prices jumped.

Artists who were once at $3,000 were now commanding $4,000 to $10,000. The top-tier acts priced themselves out of club markets and into arenas only.

As an agent, I get calls all the time from promoters who booked these artists pre- pandemic, stunned by their reformed asking prices. Some tapped out for good, while others rolled with the changes because they see what I see: Freestyle still hits. Not just the beats, but the connection. The history. The legacy. So yeah, the beat definitely goes on… but it’s also gone up!

TERRITORIAL BATTLES OF FREESTYLE

When Ego, Art, and Geography Collide.

TERRITORIAL BATTLES OF FREESTYLE
When Ego, Art, and Geography Collide

Territorial wars have been around since the dawn of civilization. But what really makes a territory belong to one over the other? History shows us that land disputes don’t always end with treaties or victories, many end with generations of resentment and unspoken tension…

Just look at a few examples:

• The Korean War (1950–1953): Though it ended in a ceasefire, it left the Korean Peninsula divided—and still tense to this day.

• The Hundred Years' War (1337–1453): England and France went toe-to-toe over the French throne for over a century. Even after massive defeats like Agincourt in 1415, the French bounced back and ended the war with victory at Castillon.

• The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Possibly the most complex and emotionally charged territorial dispute in modern history—this war is still raging today, reshaping global diplomacy and the lives of millions.

But let’s leave the history books behind for a second…
And head into a different kind of battleground, Freestyle music.
Here, the wars are less about land, and more about markets. And the ones going to war? Promoters!

As a booking agent, I live in that space.
It’s delicate. It’s political. It’s personal.
Promoters often claim ownership over regions, and when another promoter enters that territory, things can get heated. Fast.

But the question is: Can a promoter really "own" a city or a market?
And though my answer may anger a few, I just have to say it… No!

I’ve worked with nearly every Freestyle promoter out there. Every region. Some are close friends. Others are loyal clients. But when a promoter calls asking for help in a market where someone else already operates, I take the gig. Why? Because if I don’t, someone else will. And I’m here to get artists work. That’s my job.

Now, this is where the radius clause comes into play. That’s the official boundary line.
A typical small-club clause is a 60/60, meaning the artist can't perform within 60 miles or 60 days of the original event. These clauses protect the original promoter’s investment. Totally fair. Totally understood.

But here's the thing… Does it help the market, or hurt it?

Artists usually say it helps. Promoters? Depends on who you ask.

I’ve seen the angry posts, the behind-the-scenes beefs, the side-eyes at industry events. Some see another event in their area as a direct threat, even a diss. And sometimes it is. But more often, it isn’t, it’s just someone who saw an opportunity, sometimes without even realizing that they’re stepping on toes.

Truth is, real promoters, the ones who know their craft, don’t worry about competition.
They expect it.
They thrive on it.
It sharpens their game and pushes them to market smarter, book better, and elevate their shows.

Because here’s what happens when multiple events pop up in the same market:
The genre stays alive.
The fanbase stays active.
The artists stay working.

Freestyle wasn’t built on playing it safe, it was built on hustle, on passion, on rhythm, and risk. And that means competition is part of the culture. Always has been. Always will be.

So yeah, when a show does well, the promoter wants all the credit.
But when it flops? Too often, the artists get the blame.

Let’s be real, this is a team sport, and everyone plays a part.
And if we want to see Freestyle thrive, we’ve got to stop treating every event like a turf war and start treating it like what it really is: An opportunity to grow the genre we all love.

To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

Your voice matters. Your experience counts.
Share your knowledge, your insights, and your memories about Freestyle, its culture, its community, and its movement.
Together, we can keep it alive, keep it strong, and most importantly… keep it growing.
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s build this thing together.

Leave a comment

I got this issue out a little later than usual this month, but for good reason… we’ve been busy!

Every now and then, I find myself wondering about the direction of our genre. How long will Freestyle truly be here? Some signs point to it lasting forever, while others make it feel like it’s just about done.

I remember when I first started booking acts, someone told me Freestyle was just about over and that I should take whatever promoters were offering. That was over twenty years ago. Obviously, I didn’t listen.

But what if someone told me that today? Could we keep this going for another 20 years? Or will they be right this time?

What factors will decide Freestyle’s future? And more importantly, what can we do as a community to ensure its longevity?

Now, my opinions are just that, opinions, but they come from a unique vantage point. As a manager, I see things differently than I do as a booking agent. As a fan, my perspective shifts again. And as the husband of a pretty well-known Freestyle artist, I get yet another view.

While I have my own thoughts on what could help us sustain this genre—and what could hurt it, I believe the most important thing is that we all have opinions. Because if nothing else, it shows that we care. That Freestyle is more than just music we love or money we make.

So, how do we keep this culture alive? One major way is by doing what some of the biggest brands in the world have done: collaborate.

Collaboration has been a key factor in the survival, and even resurgence—of many industries, from fashion to music and beyond. These aren’t just random pairings; they’re strategic, intentional moves that create something fresh while strengthening the foundation.

This month, I want to explore the power of collaborations and how we can make them work for Freestyle. So without further ado… let’s go!

COLLABORATIONS IN FREESTYLE

Alone We Make Music, Together, We Make Magic!"

The mega athletic brand, Nike has done many collaborations throughout their existence, one of their most famous of course is their long running joint venture with…

Nike, the mega athletic brand, has built its empire on collaborations, one of the most famous being its long-running partnership with former NBA superstar Michael Jordan, back when he was just a rookie. Then there’s the unexpected pairing of luxury brand Louis Vuitton with street wear giant Supreme, or Taco Bell’s clever collaboration with Doritos.

And let’s not forget the many legendary musical collabs, like Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C.’s Walk This Way or Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’s Old Town Road.

But what’s the real intention behind these joint ventures? Are they designed to expand each brand’s audience? Bring something fresh to their loyal customers? Or are they simply the result of a wild idea from yet another bold CEO?

Whatever the reason, one thing is clear, collaborations shake things up! Even if they don’t always hit the mark, they generate buzz, spark new interest, and often leave a lasting impact.

But can this strategy work for Freestyle? Could collaborations, whether within or outside of our genre, help us expand our audience? Introduce something new to our dedicated fans? Or is Freestyle just a niche genre with a stubborn community, waiting on the impossible?

If we do embrace collaborations, what should they look like? Can they work? Have they worked before? And if so, what were the results?

Let’s take a look at a few that have already happened. Several Freestyle collabs have made waves, with some even becoming classics. The Rockell and Collage duet Can’t We Try remains favorite among fans. No Matter What by George LaMond and Brenda K. Starr delivered a powerful combination of talent, and of course, the most iconic Freestyle collab of them all, Johnny O and Cynthia’s Dreamboy/Dreamgirl.

But have we explored collaborations beyond just songs? I’m seriously asking, because I can only think of one, The S.A.L. Project. Back in 2003, I brought together Lil’ Suzy, Angel from The Cover Girls, and Lisette Melendez to perform onstage as a trio, and yes, it was a success.

So now, I turn this question over to you, the readers of The Freestyle Blast Newsletter. What kinds of collaborations do you think could help Freestyle grow? What partnerships, whether within the genre or beyond, could bring new energy to our scene?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep this conversation going!

Leave a comment

They Said It Could Never Be Done… But I Did It Anyway!

In 2023, I came up with what I’d like to think was a brilliant idea, though, if I’m being honest, it started from a bit of a selfish place. I had been working with Lil’ Suzy since she was, well… little! But then, I found myself forming a closer relationship with another artist I had only been booking for a couple of years, Angel, the lead singer of the hit girl group, The Cover Girls.

I went from being Angel’s agent to her boyfriend, then to her manager, and eventually, her husband. My loyalty to Suzy had been rock-solid, after all, she had helped pave my way in the industry and opened countless doors for me. But now, I had two major Freestyle artists under my wing. And while both were incredibly popular nationwide, they each dominated different markets.

Suzy was a powerhouse in Dallas, whereas Angel and The Cover Girls ruled El Paso. Suzy had a stronghold in the Bay Area, while Angel and her group dominated Los Angeles and Southern California. This pattern repeated across the country. While I knew I could leverage this to our advantage, my travel schedule was out of control.

As their exclusive booking agent, I controlled their calendars, carefully avoiding conflicts. I racked up some serious frequent flyer miles, but at the cost of a recurring case of sciatica.

The challenge was clear: Suzy had a decent following in Angel’s strongest markets and vice versa, but not enough for promoters to justify booking both on the same show. Keep in mind, back then, Freestyle concerts weren’t the massive arena-packed events they are today, not to mention their then conservative budgets seeing that most gigs were one-off club dates.

I needed a way to bring both of my artists into the same markets at the same time, land more shows, and let’s be real, make more money with fewer trips. Until one evening during a long drive to a show that I had booked in Providence, Rhode Island, with Angel and Lisette Melendez, an idea hit me that would eventually change the story of all of our careers.

What if I put Lil’ Suzy, Angel, and Lisette together on stage? Not as a group, I didn’t want to complete with their solo careers, but as a collaborative experience, almost like a Freestyle sampler.

I had my good friend and DJ, Hotmixx Hernandez, produce a special show tape featuring four songs from each artist, creating a twelve-song, thirty minute set, more than any other Freestyle artist was bringing at the time. The performance would rotate from one singer to the next, opening with Angel’s Because of You, into Suzy’s Promise Me, and Lisette’s A Day in My Life, continuing that pattern until the grand finale, Show Me, which perfectly captured the energy and aesthetic of the act.

We attempted a couple of rehearsals at my house in the Bronx, but something felt off. It started to feel too choreographed, too rehearsed. Each artist was losing a bit of themselves to fit a “group” dynamic, which was totally not my intention.

So, I killed rehearsals altogether, and encourage them to not even try and coordinate not even discuss outfits. Each of them had a distinct style that worked perfectly for them, and I wanted to stay as true as we possibly could to that. The result? An absolute unique, and incredibly dynamic performance.

Then came the final touch, something that had been bouncing around in my head for since the birth of the idea… What the hell was I gonna call them?

At 4:00 AM one morning, I shot up in bed. “I got it!” “Got what?” Angel groggily asked, looking at me like I was insane. “I’m gonna call it S.A.L.,” “What the fuck are you talking about?” She asked. “Suzy, Angel, Lisette… S.A.L. That’s what I’m gonna call you!”

Angel laughed. “You do realize what that spells, right?”

I just smiled.

When I shared the name with Suzy and Lisette, they laughed too. Lisette’s husband and Suzy’s dad even called to try and talk me out of it. They suggested alternatives like The Three Divas and The Freestyle Queens, but I vetoed those immediately. I wanted something simple, something memorable, and to emphasize that this wasn’t a “group” but rather a special collaboration, I extended the name to The S.A.L. Project!

I’ve always been a salesman, ever since my brother had me selling Miracle Cloths door-to-door when I was about eleven. And I knew if I believed in something, I could sell it. More importantly, I believed in these three women. To this day, I’m convinced God gave me the perfect trio for this idea.

I immediately started locking in dates across the country, with our first official show being at the Indiana State Event Center for a Lowrider Magazine car show in front of 6,500 people. The only problem? They needed a promo photo, and fast! Back then, digital editing wasn’t what it is today. I hadn’t scheduled a photo-shoot yet, so I had another friend of mine work on their photos, to try and create a uniformed image.

On the flight to Indiana, I sat the three of them together in one row and handed each a Walkman with the new show tape. As they listened, I watched from the seat behind in awe as these three legends subtly rehearsed in their own professional way, softly singing along, marking their cues with slight movements. At the time, their combined experience was over 40 years, and it showed. There was no goofing around, no unnecessary chit-chat, just pure focus.

This wasn’t just their first S.A.L. Project show, it was a true round trip gig. We flew in, went straight to the venue, got ready in the dressing room, and then hit the stage.

I was an incredibly nervous wreck, but these ladies pulled it off like the superstars we know they are. Not only did the audience lose their mind, with the roar of the crowd get louder at the intro of each song. I glanced over to my promoter as he stood sidestage totally engulfed in what was happening on his stage. There was no doubt, I had hit my mark, and proof came in the form of an invitation to join the rest of the Low-rider up-coming dates around the country.

After the performance, the girls freshened up, changed back into their travel clothes, and right back to the airport we went.

And just like that, The S.A.L. Project was born.

S.A.L. ran from 2003 to 2010, accomplishing beyond what I had hoped, by not only building their individual demands, but by S.A.L. also becoming an established act in its self with fans requesting them in their markets and the promoters willingness to pay a premium to book.

With each of their heavy workloads, Suzy’s hiatus, as well as the reunion of The Original Cover Girls, trying to coordinate an S.A.L. show has been difficult. But rest assured, the curtain has yet to drop, and talks of S.A.L. reentering the market has been a hot topic among the team.

Question: Have you ever experienced a Live S.A.L. performance? If so, we’d love to hear about it, let us know in the comments below, and if not, hopefully you can catch an S.A.L. show at a Freestyle event near you!

Leave a comment

To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Leave a comment

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

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There was a time when cruises were seen as the ultimate luxury, reserved for the rich and famous. Many of us grew up watching The Love Boat, where celebrity guests were welcomed aboard as themselves, to sail in style.

But times have changed. Not only have cruises become one of the more popular vacation getaways, when you break down the cost, they’re also among the most affordable. A week at sea on a modern cruise ship can sometimes cost less than a single night at a four-star hotel, and that’s before you even factor in the endless buffets, which alone can make a cruise worth every penny, especially if you’re traveling with a bunch of greedy-ass kids like we do.

My mom was a huge fan of cruises and would always try to convince me to go on one with her. Sadly, that never happened, and it’s a regret I’ll carry with me forever.

When Angel and I got married, I decided to surprise her with a four-day honeymoon cruise. I wasn’t sure if we’d enjoy it, and since I grew up with a serious case of motion sickness, I was nervous about spending days at sea.

But who would’ve thought that not only did we have a blast, but that cruising would become our favorite way to vacation, and ever since, we’ve brought along our kids, grandkids, and even friends.

Now if you’re a Freestyle fan, chances are you’re more or less the same age as Angel and I, with grown kids who have probably left the nest, so by now, if you’ve yet to experience a cruise, I’m here to tell you… you need to look into one now!

Start small, maybe just a weekend with one or two stops. Book what they call an inside cabin, where there are no windows to save a few dollars, because seriously, the only time you should be in your cabin is to sleep.

Now if the entire cruise process seems a bit overwhelming, then don’t go it alone, reach out to Priscilla Laboricua and find out when her next Freestyle Latin Cruise sets sail.

In this issue of The Freestyle Blast Newsletter, I’m gonna to do my best to try and share with you what it’s like on the Freestyle Latin Cruise, and hopefully, you’ll consider booking one yourself. So without further ado, welcome aboard!

FREESTYLE CRUISES…

What’s with all the hype?

I've been doing Freestyle club and concert events for over 30 years. Everything from small, hole-in-the-wall pubs to some of the most incredible concert arenas across the country and abroad. But there’s something about these Freestyle cruises that seem to hit differently.

Maybe it’s the feeling of being on vacation, even though it’s actually work. Maybe it’s the excitement of spending a week surrounded by Freestyle legends, or finally getting to meet some of those incredible fans who have been supporting this genre for so long. Or what about the opportunity to make new friends, friends who share the same deep love for this music. Whatever it is, Freestyle cruises seem to have their own kind of magic.

Meet-and-greets have always been a highlight for fans, offering them the chance to Meet and Greet their favorite artists in an intimate setting after a show. I’ve always been an advocate of these segments, so long as time permits and safety remains a top priority, as I believe a solid connection to the fans is an essential part of an artist’s career.

Freestyle cruises are like those Meet-and greets, but on steroids, because, not only do the fans get to spend a bit more time to get to know the artists, the artists get to spend a bit more time to get to know their fans!

A cruise ship already carries its own unique energy. The open sea, the endless sky, an escape from the everyday rigors of life. Angel and I have always loved cruising as it has become our preferred family getaway. But when you add Freestyle music to the mix, something even more special happens. Imagine sailing to breathtaking destinations with a ship full of people who share one undeniable connection, a passion for Freestyle music.

These aren’t just casual listeners. These are die-hard fans who live and breathe the music. Who have woven it into the soundtrack of their lives, and who love the artists as if they were family, and on the Freestyle Latin cruise, that’s exactly what happens. Strangers become friends, and friends become family, and when the ship sets sail, it’s no longer just a cruise, it’s a Freestyle family reunion.

As a booking agent, I know most of these artists on a more personal level, and though it’s always great to see them, especially outside of the usual concert circuit, for me, the real joy comes from meeting the fans. Some we already know, and greet as if they’re family, but then there are those we’re meeting for the first time. Like anyone you meet for the first time, you don’t know them, and they don’t know you, but getting to know each other over the next several days is one of the things I love most.

I’m not an artist, so technically, they aren’t my fans. But they do love the artists I represent, and have supported the genre that has supported me for many years, and being able to witness firsthand the genuine admiration and appreciation that these people have for our community is truly wonderful.

I see how Angel interacts with her fans, and I promise you that if you’ve ever witnessed it, you’d swear they’re lifelong friends, but they’re not, in fact, there’s a good chance that they were meeting for the first time.

Many times after a show, she’ll say something like, “What a great crowd, huh?” but she wouldn’t be referring to just the energy during her performance. She’ll be referring to the people she got to meet, talk to, and share a special moment with.

There are many artists who haven’t yet been on a Freestyle cruise. For some it’s a fear of being seasick, and I get that, which by the way, there are remedies for that, and I feel they’re worth looking into, in fact, talk to Priscilla about that. I’m sure she can help you.

I remember one artist, a while back, telling me that they didn’t want to do the Freestyle Cruise because they felt the fans might be a bit overwhelming, but I’m here to set that record straight once and for all. No, Freestyle fans are not overwhelming! On the contrary, they are some of the most gracious and considerate people you’ll ever meet, so please… scratch that thought, and come give the Freestyle Cruise a try.

Angel and I could be relaxing on the deck, and the most we’ll get is a friendly wave or a warm smile as fans walk by, but with that said, please folks, don’t be shy. If you see us, come on over, say hi, pull up a chair, share your story, take a photo. Angel will love that... we both will!

I’m a fan of all our Freestyle artists, both the legends and the newcomers. How could I not be? How could anyone who calls themselves a true Freestyle fan, not respect and appreciate the newcomers who are out here chasing their dreams, while helping keep the genre alive?

Imagine if all we had were our classic artists, with no fresh talent coming in. How boring would that be? How long would the genre survive? This is what I love about Priscilla’s Freestyle Latin Cruise. Not only does she bring the legends, but she also gives rising artists a legitimate platform to showcase their talent and an opportunity to connect with fans, who will hopefully become their fans.

I’ll never underestimate the love Freestyle fans have for this music. I’ve seen them sing every word to new Freestyle songs that I never even heard before. And let’s not forget the DJs, as Priscilla usually brings aboard several, led of course by the one and only DJ Lucho. I’ve been around this brother quite a few times, but I never truly realized just how incredibly talented he is. From his flawless track selection to his ability to keep the crowd engaged, I’ll tell you, Lucho keeps that ship rocking every single night!

Let’s be real, I’m not a Freestyle artist. But I have dedicated a huge part of my life to this genre. From managing Freestyle icons to writing books about it, from creating content that kept us connected during the pandemic to running this very newsletter, I’ve carved out my own little place in this community, and the love and support I get from fans, artists, DJs, and industry peers mean the world to me.

When someone comes up to me and says they’ve been following my journey, or when they ask me to sign one of my books, there are no words to describe that feeling.

Angel and I have done Priscilla’s Freestyle Cruise before, and we loved it so much that when she invited us back, we didn’t hesitate. Again we brought our granddaughter, Santana, but also our daughter, Erica, and my sister, Cindy.

While Erica and Santana have grown up surrounded by Freestyle, my sister’s only experience has been through stories we’ve told her. To finally give her a firsthand experience of not just the music but the community that practically defines our lives, it was truly something special, and I want to personally thank all the artists and fans who welcomed Cindy with your kindness, because guess what? She has officially become a Freestyle fan!

It’s no surprise that so many fans return to Priscilla’s Freestyle Cruise year after year. The moment we gather at the bus to head to the port, it’s clear, this is a family. The hugs, the laughter, the excitement. It’s like coming home!

I’ve known Priscilla for years, and Angel has known her even longer. We both admire what she’s doing, because organizing a Freestyle event isn’t easy, and pulling off a multi-day experience on a cruise ship with themed events every single night is indeed a monumental task. Just writing about it is exhausting. But Priscilla does that shit… and she does it the best!

So, if you’ve never experienced a Freestyle Latin Cruise, what are you waiting for? Take the plunge and we’ll see you aboard ship!

THANK YOU, FLC FAMILY!

I want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who came out to the Freestyle Latin Cruise!

Your love, energy, and support mean the world to me. From the first moment to the last, we weren’t just fans—we became FAMILY.

This journey wouldn’t be the same without you, and I truly appreciate every smile, every dance, and every unforgettable moment we shared.

Thank you for making this experience so special! I can’t wait to see you all again in 2026 for another incredible adventure at sea! Until then, keep the music alive and the vibes strong!

Much love, always! The Queen of the Sea Priscilla “Laboricua” Ortiz

To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

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Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

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2025, is it just me, or does it still sound futuristic?

Remember when we couldn’t wait for the year 2000 because we thought we’d be living like The Jetsons? I know I did. And while flying cars are still a work in progress, the world has transformed in ways we couldn’t have imagined.

But here’s the big question: Has it changed for the better?

That’s up for debate, and everyone you ask will likely have a different answer. Still, I feel blessed to be here, and to have witnessed the rise of the internet, cell phones, and of course… Netflix!

I may not own one, but autonomous cars fascinate me. Rocketships that land back onto their launchpad? Incredible. And those AI robots are simply mind-blowing. Love him or not, Elon Musk has undeniably pushed the envelope for the future. Thanks, Elon!

Think about it: How did we get anywhere without GPS? How did we feel safe without cell phones? Even when my daughter was stationed in Germany for five years, I could FaceTime her almost daily. I will forever be grateful for that.

I don’t know about you, but I’m excited about what’s ahead. I pray to stick around long enough to see us truly living like The Jetsons.

But until then, let’s dive into the first issue of the year! I’m here to bring you the best of Freestyle, news, events, and everything in between. Lock in and let’s make this year one to remember!

I ONCE ASKED MY MOTHER…

Why do people hug and kiss when the ball drops on New Year’s Eve?

She smiled and said, “Because we are all happy and thankful to still be around, and together.”

That simple answer has since stuck with me, and I find myself thinking about it more as I get older. Recently, my granddaughter Santana asked me the same question, which was what inspired me to write this article.

In 2024, I saw many people leave this earth, and because of Social Media, we’re more connected to loss than ever before, constantly being reminded of how fragile life truly is. On a personal note, I lost two family members who meant the world to me. Only God knows who will leave us this year. It could even be me!

This New Year’s Eve, we celebrated in Chicago. Angel OCG and Shana performed at Salerno’s, and Shana’s husband and our granddaughter Santana joined us. It was an extra special night because Angel is a New Year’s baby, and we got to celebrate her birthday on stage. Big thanks to Gary Sipich, who not only booked the gig but also surprised Angel with a birthday cake. Thank you, Gary!

Shana opened the show, and after Angel’s performance, we all sang “Happy Birthday.” But what we didn’t do, and I still don’t know why, was take a moment to allow it all to sink in. Instead, our instinct to avoid the crowd took over, and we hurried to gather our things and leave.

We slipped out the back door into the freezing cold alley and made our way to the other side of the venue. Just as we stepped back inside, the ball dropped, and the sound of “Happy New Year” echoed through the air.

Our small crew, Shana and her husband, Angel, Santana, and me, stopped right there in the hallway. It wasn’t a glamorous spot, but in that moment, it didn’t matter. We hugged, grateful for each other’s company, and welcomed the new year together.

Growing up, New Year’s wasn’t a big celebration in my family. My mother often slept through it, and we rarely gathered for the occasion. But since Angel and I have been together, more than twenty years now, we’ve made it a point to do something special, especially since it’s her birthday.

As I get older, though, I find myself wanting to do more on this day. It doesn’t have to be a show or a night out, but maybe a gathering with friends and family, a time to appreciate the people we love. Because truthfully, we never know who will be here to celebrate with us next year.

If you’re someone who usually spends New Year’s alone, maybe this year, consider spending it with others. Life is short, and these moments are worth cherishing.

With that said… Happy New Year, everyone!

STYLIN’ FREE APPAREL

What exactly is it? What does it mean? Who is it for?

It was sometime in the late 90s when the idea of starting my own clothing line first crossed my mind. Back then, I was inspired by urban brands like Phat Farm, FUBU, Ecko Unltd, Karl Kani, Sean John, and others that were making waves in the fashion industry.

At the time, the internet was still in its infancy, and accessing the resources needed to launch a brand wasn’t as straightforward as it is today.

Around that same period, I launched my own Freestyle record label, Stylin’ Free, releasing a couple of compilations under the name. The label’s title was a creative play on the word “Freestyle,” giving me the flexibility to branch out into other genres if I ever chose to. Even back then, I thought Stylin’ Free would make a great name for a clothing line, and by 2002, I had already registered my own clothing RN#.

I’d spend hours sketching ideas for the brand. One design I kept coming back to was a jersey with the number 88. The number has always followed me in significant ways. I once lived on 88th Street, was in class 8-8 in junior high, and wore jersey #88 while playing safety for the Elm Jack Flyers football team when I lived in Queens, NY. Even in darker times, like when I was sentenced in 1988, my prison number began with 88. These moments gave the number a sense of significance in my life.

To get started, I experimented with merchandise like pens and coffee mugs. Over time, I expanded to apparel: La’ hats for my management and booking agency, Angel OCG shirts to promote Angel, and La’ Radio Live shirts during the launch of my online Freestyle radio station. Later came shirts for the Freestyle Music Awards (FMA) in 2008, and Freestyle For Life tees to coincide with the release of my first novel.

I loved the creative process, but it was time-consuming and very expensive. I often ended up with boxes of unsold shirts that I would end up just giving away.

By 2009, I seriously considered launching a clothing line but ultimately pivoted to a different venture: Freestyle By La’, an original men’s fragrance designed for the Freestyle market. At the time, it was my biggest business investment, costing me over $23,000 and though it didn’t do too well, I did however smell great!

In 2020, during the pandemic, I finally had the time and access to dive deep into the world of fashion. I studied the history of designers I admired, learning from their triumphs and setbacks. I revisited urban brands I had worn and loved, knowing that their style would shape the direction of my own line.

I began connecting with textile companies and clothing manufacturers, both in the U.S. and abroad. I learned how to communicate my vision clearly, create tech packs, and understand fabrics, weights, and stitching. I reached out to hundreds of manufacturers, dealing with owners, sales reps, and brokers who acted as my guides and safeguards against scammers. Scams are common in this industry, especially with overseas suppliers who can string you along for months before disappearing after a big order.

Today, I work with manufacturers from China, Japan, Pakistan, Vietnam, Portugal, and the U.S. I’ve learned that no single company does everything perfectly, so I use different specialists: some handle the cut-and-sew for my original designs (I refuse to use stock items), while others focus on tags, printing, labels, and packaging.

Now, with the knowledge, connections, and resources I’ve gained, and the funds to bring this vision to life, I’m finally ready to pursue something I’ve wanted to do for years.

Stay tuned as I build this brand, share its story, and define its mission. This brand isn’t for everyone, but it just might be for you. Tap in, and join me on this journey.

To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Leave a comment

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

Share The Freestyle Blast Newsletter

And so 2024 comes to a close, as well as our Freestyle Blast's 3rd year in publication. To all of our subscribers, I can't thank you enough for joining me in this incredible journey, and to those who leave comments and send me DMs about how much you’re enjoying and even learning from The Blast, you have no idea just how impactful your words have been.

To dedicate a little bit of time every single day in order to keep my promise to drop a new issue on the 15th of each and every month can at times be quite challenging.

How do I sustain a monthly publication about a genre of music that is having trouble sustaining itself? How can I write to try and help our genre? Our artists? and more importantly, encourage the fans to hang in there because we’re still on the job?

Our subscribership has grown substantially since our release in January of 2022, and I pray it continues. But it can only do so with the help of you… The Freestyle community!

A few things that you can do for the upcoming year, to help us grow so that we can help you grow is to first of all, whitelist our newsletter in your Inbox. This will make sure that you catch every issue when it lands, if not, The Freestyle Blast Newsletter will most likely end up in either your Trash or Spam folder.

Secondly, please make sure to read it! helping us out in any other way will never really matter unless you yourself read it. I keep the articles short specifically for that reason, so please, before liking or sharing… Give it a read through yourself.

Third. A simple click of the little heart tells me in particular that you appreciated The Blast, and that you might’ve even enjoyed it. Commenting, lets me know that you understood it and it might’ve even triggered a few ideas of your own, and of course the ultimate contribution… Sharing it!

Nothing beats the share, and by doing so, it says a few things. It tells me that I wrote about something that you felt important enough to share. It tells me also that you are not a selfish person. That even though I might’ve dropped a few gems to help your career, you felt it could possibly help others, and so therefore they should read it too. And of course, your share will help introduce The Freestyle Blast Newsletter to others. People who probably had no idea that it even existed.

Thank you again, everyone, and to you and your families. Merry Christmas, and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

HIP HOP SAMPLING FREESTYLE

Sampling has always been a huge part of Hip Hop, while some people look at it as a creative shortcut where producers rely on established hits to help move their own music, others believe that sampling itself also is an art form. So let’s talk about it…

I’ve dabbled in sampling at one point, investing in an Aki S1100 and the classic MPC60. it was also a subject that we took in school when I attended New York’s Center For The Media Arts.

And though I can probably name quite a few rap songs that had sampled previous hits, I believe that within our generation, Rapper's Delight by The Sugarhill Gang’s sample of “Good Times” by Chic is one of the first, but when we start talking about Freestyle… No one did it better than Lil’ Suzy’s hit, Take Me In Your Arms, which not only sampled one of the greatest songs in the history of Hip Hop, Planet Rock by The Soul Sonic Force, but also made it a staple within the Freestyle genre.

As we fast forward now to 2024, this year in particular, the Freestyle genre received a bit of a jolt as two of our more notable artists, Stevie B, and Debbie Deb both had their songs sampled by prominent Hip Hop artists.

Starting of course with Stevie B, who’s hit song Spring Love was sampled in the song Paradise (4,294,982 Streams) by Fat Joe, Anitta, and DJ Khaled. The song debuted on Sept 11th 2024 at the VMA’s (Video Music Awards)

Like all art, whether you liked the song or not is subjective, but the point is… It was done! A huge score for the Freestyle genre, at least in my opinion.

The next song that to me, might’ve made an even bigger impact, was The Hip Hop song "Squabble Up"(55,107,225 Streams) by Kendrick Lamar who sampled Debbie Deb’s, When I Hear Music." This song didn’t just sample Debbie’s music, but also her voice

And speaking of Debbie, who remembers when Janet Jackson remade Debbie’s Lookout Weekend? Simply titled, Weekend, and that wasn’t just a sampled loop, this was an entire remake and I thought it came out great.

I’m sure there’s other Freestyle songs that were either sampled or remade by others outside the Freestyle genre, so if anyone knows of any, comment below and tell us about it.

Anyway, a huge congratulations to both Stevie B, and Debbie Deb, and let’s hope it becomes a trend and that other current artists find value in the Freestyle Music.

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ANOTHER YEAR… ANOTHER CHANCE!

But another chance for what you might ask! Well, that all depends on you…

Maybe another chance to reach that level of success you’ve been hustling for all these years, or maybe the weight loss goal that most of us tend to promise and never keep.

What about more time with the family, the work desperately needed on the house, or that book that you’ve been talking about writing?

I don’t like to call them New Year’s resolutions because many of us feel that if we cave, then that’s it, we screwed up, and feel like there’s no point in keeping it going… But it’s not!

The title of this article isn’t another day another chance… it’s another Year Another Chance, meaning that we have the entire year to give it our all, and if we happen to fall off for a day or two, week or even a month, don’t sweat it, do what Aaliyah said and Dust Yourself Off and Try Again.

Setbacks are normal, but staying back shouldn’t be. As long as our hearts are beating, and blood is still running through our veins, it means we are still alive and therefore we should still be pushing forward with all we have.

Back in the very early eighties, I used to smoke cigarettes. Pretty normal thing with teenagers back in those days, but I never really liked how it made me feel, not to mention, I knew it was bad for me.

So every Sunday night, on my way home from hanging out, I would chain smoke a few cigarettes until I got to my building, and then whatever cigarettes I had left in the pack, I would toss into the trash along with the lighter.

My intentions were clear, I wanted to start the new week as a non-smoker. Some weeks I would make it to a Thursday or Friday, other times I could barely make it past Monday. But I knew that one day, I would! And that once I can go at least a couple of weeks without smoking, then that’s it, I should be freed of that nasty habit, and finally… That’s exactly what happened.

Whatever those goals are that you’re setting for the New Year, if for whatever reason, you slip up a bit, don’t worry about it. Come Monday morning, try again! And again! And again, until finally… you make it! Good luck to you, and please, let us know how it goes!

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To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado

Leave a comment

In this Issue of The Blast, I want to talk about something a little different.

Sometimes my articles are not going to be directly about Freestyle music, but may be indirectly targeted to the Freestyle fans. Many of us don’t only have Freestyle music in common, but so many other things like our ages, and nationalities. Where we were born, and/or raised.

What we might’ve gone through in the past, such as broken homes, drugs, abuse, and prison. What our children have gone through, what we could and couldn’t have done for them, and now our grandchildren, aka, our second chances to try and make things right, and hopefully erase some of the regret we might’ve accumulated over the years.

The death of our parents and in some instances our spouses, partners, or other loved ones.

This is where I would like to see The Freestyle Blast go, because there’s a helluva lot more to life than just the music, and every time we’re going through some shit, no, we shouldn’t just turn up the volume and start dancing. We need to address it! Go head to head with it, and eventually defeat it!

The theme of this newsletter will always be music. Freestyle in particular. But music doesn’t always have to be in the center. Yes, we all love it, but we also need to love life… and each other!

So the question is; should we just stick to the music? The artists and the concerts? Or should we begin to venture into other areas that might also be affecting our community? Please share a few of your own ideas, and leave them in the comments below, I’ll love to read’em

Anyway, thank you for hanging in there with me, I appreciate you all. Now, let’s get into it!

THE ONLY THING GETTING OLD IS OUR THINKING.

So last month I hit my 58th run around the sun. What’s going through my mind? Trust me… a lot, and for most of you who are subscribed to this newsletter, well, you’re probably more or less around my age, and with a lot going through your mind as well…

I was speaking with someone pretty close to me the other day, and like all of us, she’s getting older. Thank God, is what I say because there are so many people who never get the privilege of getting older. Getting old isn’t a curse or something to be sad about. It’s a blessing and something we need to be grateful for.

This person is extremely talented, but in her mind she feels like she doesn’t have enough years left to get into anything new. She feels like she has to just make her way through life as comfortably as she possibly can until God calls her home.

I understand this feeling, but I fight hard for it to go away because the thought is terrifying. It’s like being in a cage that you can only get out of when you die.

Let me use this very odd analogy to get us all to think a little differently about getting older, and how we should never stop moving forward.

You see, approximately 300 million sperm cells are delivered by your father to your mother. From those 300 million cells, only about 200 will ever reach the site of fertilization. And I mean Two Hundred (not two hundred million) From this point, it’s practically a race to the death, as not only will these sperm cells still have a long way to swim, but they’ll also have to face a multitude of obstacles which one doctor described as death traps.

In many instances, no cells get to reach the egg, and therefore… no winners! That is until Pop decides to deliver another 300 million cells.

I use the image of the NYC Marathon which usually hosts over 50,000 runners, with an average of over 99% of its entrants actually finishing the race. Now imagine 300 million runners (or swimmers), and imagine if out of those 300 million, only ONE was allowed to win! Well, guess what? One did win… that one is You! Now let that sink in for a minute.

This isn’t me trying to preach to you folks, but rather me trying to embed this thought into my own head so that I too can continue to push forward, but if any of you feel like you might be too old to continue pursuing your dreams. Too old to dream new ones. Find new love, go back to school, buy a new house, or start a new career, listen here, we went up against over 300 million opponents just to be here and won… So let’s not stop!