THIS IS YOUR FREESTYLE BLAST #5
In this issue we meet up with another SuperFan, talk about middle agers still dreaming of becoming Singing Stars, and of course a peek at some exciting Freestyle events headed your way. So let's go!
Wassup Blastards and Blastets! So far we’re looking at an amazing Freestyle Summer! All of our favorite Freestyle promoters seem to have a full schedule of club and concert events heading our way, and after that terrifying lock-down, trust me, we need it… we all do. Artists, Freestyle personnel, and even the fans.
This is why it is so important, as a Freestyle community to try and support these events in some way. Maybe you’re not a concertgoer, or nothing’s happening in your city, you’ll be surprised at just how much of an impact a simple Facebook LIKE or SHARE can make.
I’m fortunate to have some pretty popular artists with me because we get to participate in many of those events, but when we’re a bit dry, with not much coming our way, knowing at least that Freestyle events are still happening, gives me peace of mind just knowing that the game is still on!
I don’t know how many people see this as I do, but to think that thirty-plus years later that this genre is still going as strong as it is, is a blessing and I am beyond grateful.
Keep dreaming!!!
Yup, you heard right, keep dreaming! Look, I’ve been hanging around the Freestyle playground long enough to hear all the nonsense coming out of people's mouths, such as… He ain’t make it yet, he might as well give it up! and all the other idiotic comments coming from those who have not an inkling of what it’s like to be an artist.
It’s ridiculous, starting first with the fact that “Making It” is totally subjective, in other words, what I consider “Making it” might not be what the others consider “Making it.”
To some, it might be signing on to a major label, while others might feel that signing on to any label deems them a success, even if it’s their own.
Some might consider “Making it” is being featured on one of the great Freestyle Explosion concerts, while someone else might feel it’s being hired to perform at some kid’s bar mitzvah!
But you see, this is the beauty of Freestyle Music… like no other genre, there is no end, no limits or boundaries... whether it takes us two years or twenty, some of us even thirty to reach the level as to where we feel as though we “Made it” then we just keep pushing.
But Latif, that’s why the market is saturated with garbage music!
Well, in my opinion, it isn’t saturated enough! and an unsaturated market means a market of no interest!
The only time I would tell someone to quit or give up, whether it’s music, dancing, or any passion they might have, is the moment it is no longer enjoyable. It’s then that whatever it is you’re doing becomes a total waste of not just your time, but rather your life!
If you’re a Freestyle Artist, whether established or aspiring, please don’t listen to the naysayers, send me a message, I’ll boost you back up, just continue to do you, have the best time of your life, and most of all… Keep Dreaming!
How could I do an interview called Freestyle SuperFan and not have this guy be one of the first to come on?
His name is Kim Gonzales, he’s 45 years old, from Los Angeles, and is indeed one of Freestyle’s greatest SuperFans.
LATIF: How’s it going, Kim?
KIM: Hey Latif, I’m good.
LATIF: That’s great! You know Kim, correct me if I’m wrong, but the first time that we met was at Long Beach Pride, am I right?
KIM: No, actually, we met before that, at Club Ibiza, Angel was performing solo.
LATIF: Oh man, that’s right!
KIM: Yeah, she was so great, and then after that, we met again at Long Beach Pride when you brought The Cover Girls to perform.
LATIF: You know, that was their first show right?
KIM: Oh I know that’s why I made sure I was there.
LATIF: So many promoters wanted to be the first to put them on.
KIM: And you picked Pride!
LATIF: I did, and it was one of the best decisions I made for the girls. What was that like for you, by the way, seeing them back together?
KIM: Oh man, I was like, Wow! This is an amazing moment to be a part of. I never got to see The Original Cover Girls in concert growing up, yet their cassettes were the first I ever bought, I knew it was going to be a special day.
LATIF: And it was.
KIM: Yes, and I’ll tell you this when they walked out, on that stage, in those florescent dresses, my friend and I looked at each other and said Guuuuurl. We were speechless!
LATIF: You know that was my first Cover Girl concert too.
KIM: What?
LATIF: Yup, so it was special to me too. So Kim, tell me about your first Freestyle experience, like, what made you into that SuperFan you are today?
KIM: Hearing the 1987 version of Point of No Return by Expose’ on Power 106 Los Angeles radio station. I was like, what is this! I was completely hooked! Somehow I got the cassette from my aunt and that’s where the magic began.
LATIF: If you had to pick ONE Freestyle song as the theme to your life, which one would it be and why?
KIM: Definitely “Inside Outside” by the Cover Girls!
LATIF: Wow, our last SuperFan chose the same song!
KIM: Yeah, because in life we go through ups and downs and want so many things, but sometimes things don’t always fall into place. Whether it’s a relationship, a job, or even with friends. While Life keeps spinning us round and round! Staying true to yourself and being kind to others, I’ll tell you, will bring you all the joy in the world!
LATIF: Hey man, I love that song too, but I think I need to give it another listen, ‘cause according to you SuperFans, it seems to be a lot deeper than I thought!
KIM: Definitely give it another listen!
LATIF: So, your favorite Freestyle artist or group is in town and you get a chance to host them for the day, tell me, Kim, what artist will that be, and what are you guys doing?
KIM: Wow, let me think for a second because I have a few faves, (thinking) um… You know what? I’ll go with someone I haven’t met yet… Corina!”
LATIF: Okay, caught me off guard with that one, but she seems like a lot of fun.
KIM: Well, first off, I really don’t think she gets the credit she deserves.
LATIF: She is an incredible artist!
KIM: Yes she is, and for years I’ve been admiring her from afar.
LATIF: Okay, you’re chillin’ with Corina for the day, so what’s up? Wha’cha doing?
KIM: Of course, we first have to grab a bite, maybe breakfast or lunch, and I’ll make sure to bring all my records so that she can sign them!”
LATIF: (laughing) Why did I know you were gonna say that?”
KIM: (laughing) But then it’ll be a fun-filled day with a bunch of surprises!”
LATIF: Unless she’s exhausted from signing all them damn records!
KIM: Then we’ll get coffee!
LATIF: (laughing) I can’t with you bro! Okay, next question. You get a chance to promote, in your city, your very own Freestyle concert and you can pick five artists.
KIM: “Okay,”
LATIF: Who are they, and what are you calling this concert?
KIM: Oh that’s easy, The Cover Girls, Sweet Sensation, Expose’, Seduction, and The Flirts, even though they’re not really considered freestyle, and I would name it, 80s Ladies Night Only!
LATIF: Wait, I’m lost! Ladies Night Only on stage or the whole house?
KIM: (laughs) Only ladies on stage, no men on the lineup!
LATIF: Oh okay, I get it!
KIM: Ladies of the 80s was always a popular term between my friends and myself in reference to making either a video compilation or a Cd mixtape. For some reason, The Ladies of the 80s was our favorite, another example would be how we referred to all the female Prince protégés as Purple Ladies.
LATIF: Okay, this feels like it can be a whole other topic so I’ll just move on to my last question. So, you have the opportunity to try and convince the program director of your local radio station to start playing Freestyle music again… What would you tell them?
KIM: Hmm, I’ll tell them that a lot of people love freestyle music and that they should give it a shot, play a few jams and see what happens because once they do, it’s gonna take’em to the Point of No Return!
LATIF: (laughing) Great ending there Kim, and on behalf of the entire Freestyle community, I’ll like to say thank you, Kim. Thank you for being such an incredible SuperFan!
Kim: Thanks Latif!
Bobby Simmons, Shannon Greene, Tony TKA, Cynthia Torres,
Dancer Shades Vee, Marvin Young MC, Dj Hitman Perez, Errol Thomas, Richie Rosario, Rob Base,
Wishing you all Great Health, Happiness, and a ton of Success!
THANK YOU…
to all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course Tito Puente Jr. for Sponsoring this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, and until next time...
Remember folks, Freestyle For Life!!!
