This Is Your Freestyle Blast #41

"Freestyle Royalty, Booking Wisdom, and Over 200 Ways to Rep the Culture"

May 15, 2025

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! 💜

Special rates are being offered for 2025 Text for More Information call: 704-665-9448

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.