This Is Your Freestyle Blast #49
This isn’t nostalgia, it’s community, intention, and a little bit of what comes next
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.
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 Join our SF Stream Team 👕
💥 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!
