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 👇😲
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!
Or Call: 704-665-9448
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Call or Text Me and Let’s Talk About This: 704-665-9448
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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!
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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
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!
Love the part of the Blast Flash 3.