Club Freestyle REBORN
What's on your mind?
Red-hot Sox cooled off
A-Rod's homer sparks Yankee lineup and Chien-Ming Wang pitched into the seventh inning in a 6-2 win over Boston.
BY KAT O'BRIEN
May 21, 2007, 10:49 PM EDT
The Yankees have gotten their sure thing back. The .offense that was expected to be all-world is dominant again, at least for the time being.
After struggling to score runs for much of a two-week period, the "in dire need" .Yankees have posted at least six runs in three consecutive games. They overcame the Red Sox Monday night with a 6-2 win, after Scott Proctor escaped a bases-loaded jam in the eighth inning. It was the first time the Yankees had won back-to-back games since May 8-9 against the Rangers.
Before the game, which the Yankees entered at 19-23 and 101/2 games behind the Red Sox, manager Joe Torre said, "We've got to put something together ... You can't look at the lead, and say, 'Boy, we need to climb a high mountain.' "
The climb must eventually be made if the Yankees are to make the postseason. But if it would be less than ideal to check the standings daily, the ascent must begin somewhere. A solid showing against the Red Sox this week would be a start.
"These are three games in a row that we've really scrapped and gone after some things," Torre said after the game. "This was big, two wins in a row. It's not something we usually trumpet, but lately we haven't done it a lot."
But back to Monday night. Just as notable as the fact that the Yankees are scoring again are the specifics of who is contributing: everybody. This is not a duet of Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada, as it sometimes was earlier this month. Alex Rodriguez is back to his April escapades, and Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi, Robinson Cano and Johnny Damon have all picked up their performance.
Rodriguez began the pounding of knuckleballer Tim Wakefield with a two-run home run to leftfield in the first inning, one that was wildly cheered by the 55,078 fans at Yankee Stadium. He has homered three straight days, bringing back memories of the start of the season, when he hit 14 homers in 18 games.
Rodriguez was quietly part of the team's mid-month slide. His spectacular April numbers helped cover up his dry spell at the plate, but he is back on track. He has four hits, three walks, three homers and four RBIs in the past three games.
"I feel very comfortable right now," Rodriguez said. "It's frustrating because you want me to do something every at-bat."
The Yankees kept up the barrage on Wakefield (4-5) after Rodriguez's 18th homer. Giambi hit a solo home run in the second, and Jeter added an RBI single later that inning. Cano drove in two runs with a fifth-inning triple.
The Yankees scored six earned runs on Wakefield in five innings. He allowed nine hits and walked five.
The Red Sox were not nearly as productive against Chien-Ming Wang, who held them to two earned runs on seven hits and three walks in 6 1/3 innings. Wang (3-3) has had three excellent outings in four starts this month.
Wang was not as in control as in his other two quality starts in May. The Red Sox managed multiple baserunners against him in four innings. In all but the fifth and seventh (after he left the game), he kept the runners on the bases and away from home plate, though.
Things got interesting after Wang's night ended. The Yankees failed to score against the Boston relievers. The Red Sox kept the basepaths crowded late, though.
Mike Myers replaced Wang with runners on second and third and one out in the seventh. David Ortiz hit a sacrifice fly to leftfield to score Julio Lugo, but Brian Bruney struck out Manny Ramirez to end the inning.
Bruney got two quick outs to begin the eighth, then walked Coco Crisp and made a throwing error to put Doug Mirabelli on first. Proctor took the mound and created bigger problems for himself by hitting Alex Cora. He got Lugo to ground into a 4-6 force play, though, and the score remained 6-2.
Kyle Farnsworth worked a scoreless ninth, marred only by a walk to Ortiz.
A-Rod's homer sparks Yankee lineup and Chien-Ming Wang pitched into the seventh inning in a 6-2 win over Boston.
BY KAT O'BRIEN
May 21, 2007, 10:49 PM EDT
The Yankees have gotten their sure thing back. The .offense that was expected to be all-world is dominant again, at least for the time being.
After struggling to score runs for much of a two-week period, the "in dire need" .Yankees have posted at least six runs in three consecutive games. They overcame the Red Sox Monday night with a 6-2 win, after Scott Proctor escaped a bases-loaded jam in the eighth inning. It was the first time the Yankees had won back-to-back games since May 8-9 against the Rangers.
Before the game, which the Yankees entered at 19-23 and 101/2 games behind the Red Sox, manager Joe Torre said, "We've got to put something together ... You can't look at the lead, and say, 'Boy, we need to climb a high mountain.' "
The climb must eventually be made if the Yankees are to make the postseason. But if it would be less than ideal to check the standings daily, the ascent must begin somewhere. A solid showing against the Red Sox this week would be a start.
"These are three games in a row that we've really scrapped and gone after some things," Torre said after the game. "This was big, two wins in a row. It's not something we usually trumpet, but lately we haven't done it a lot."
But back to Monday night. Just as notable as the fact that the Yankees are scoring again are the specifics of who is contributing: everybody. This is not a duet of Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada, as it sometimes was earlier this month. Alex Rodriguez is back to his April escapades, and Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi, Robinson Cano and Johnny Damon have all picked up their performance.
Rodriguez began the pounding of knuckleballer Tim Wakefield with a two-run home run to leftfield in the first inning, one that was wildly cheered by the 55,078 fans at Yankee Stadium. He has homered three straight days, bringing back memories of the start of the season, when he hit 14 homers in 18 games.
Rodriguez was quietly part of the team's mid-month slide. His spectacular April numbers helped cover up his dry spell at the plate, but he is back on track. He has four hits, three walks, three homers and four RBIs in the past three games.
"I feel very comfortable right now," Rodriguez said. "It's frustrating because you want me to do something every at-bat."
The Yankees kept up the barrage on Wakefield (4-5) after Rodriguez's 18th homer. Giambi hit a solo home run in the second, and Jeter added an RBI single later that inning. Cano drove in two runs with a fifth-inning triple.
The Yankees scored six earned runs on Wakefield in five innings. He allowed nine hits and walked five.
The Red Sox were not nearly as productive against Chien-Ming Wang, who held them to two earned runs on seven hits and three walks in 6 1/3 innings. Wang (3-3) has had three excellent outings in four starts this month.
Wang was not as in control as in his other two quality starts in May. The Red Sox managed multiple baserunners against him in four innings. In all but the fifth and seventh (after he left the game), he kept the runners on the bases and away from home plate, though.
Things got interesting after Wang's night ended. The Yankees failed to score against the Boston relievers. The Red Sox kept the basepaths crowded late, though.
Mike Myers replaced Wang with runners on second and third and one out in the seventh. David Ortiz hit a sacrifice fly to leftfield to score Julio Lugo, but Brian Bruney struck out Manny Ramirez to end the inning.
Bruney got two quick outs to begin the eighth, then walked Coco Crisp and made a throwing error to put Doug Mirabelli on first. Proctor took the mound and created bigger problems for himself by hitting Alex Cora. He got Lugo to ground into a 4-6 force play, though, and the score remained 6-2.
Kyle Farnsworth worked a scoreless ninth, marred only by a walk to Ortiz.
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Hello, does anyone have Jeannie's CD? She was a freestyle artist from San Antonio, TX in the late '90s. She's best known for the classic "Runaway" but had other nice songs too. Thanks.
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If you grew up in the late 80s and early 90s, you already know the vibe. You can practically hear the Roland TR 808 drum machine firing up the second I mention the word freestyle. We're talking about a genre that didn't just climb the Billboard charts - it defined an entire era of youth culture. From the streets of New York City and Miami to roller rinks across the country, freestyle dance music was the ultimate soundtrack for a generation. It wasn't just music. It was the clothes, the big hair, the attitude, and the unbridled emotion of teenage heartbreak packed into a heavy bass line.
Today, we're taking a deep dive into the undisputed royalty of freestyle. They're the artists who built the foundation, impacted millions of people, and paved the way for modern dance pop. And the craziest part? They're still selling out arenas today. Let's get into it.
Shannon: The Architect
You can't talk about freestyle without bowing down to Shannon. When "Let the Music Play" dropped, it completely shattered the mold. It gave us that heavily syncopated, hard hitting drum beat that became the blueprint for everything that followed. Shannon showed the world that dance music didn't have to be mindless - it could have soul, and it could make you feel something. Fans connected with her instantly. Today, Shannon's still gracing the stage, proving that her legendary voice hasn't lost a single step. If you catch a freestyle festival this year, there's a good chance you'll see her bringing the house down.
Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam: The Crossover Legends
Lisa Lisa took the underground freestyle sound and forced the mainstream pop world to pay attention. "I Wonder If I Take You Home" and "Can You Feel the Beat" were absolute monsters on the radio. She had this incredibly unique, fierce delivery that made every young girl want to be her. Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam broke down barriers for Latino artists on mainstream radio. Their impact's immeasurable. Where's she now? Lisa Lisa's practically the reigning queen of the current Freestyle Explosion tours, packing massive venues in 2026 and showing a whole new generation exactly how it's done.
Stevie B: The Undisputed King
If there's a King of Freestyle, it's Stevie B. The man just couldn't miss. From party anthems like "Spring Love" and "Party Your Body" to the ultimate number one ballad "Because I Love You", Stevie B knew exactly what his fans wanted. His music was the backdrop to countless first dates, high school dances, and summer nights. He gave the genre a commercial viability that nobody expected. And guess what? He's still headlining enormous tours. If you look at the 2026 tour posters, Stevie B's name's right there at the top, delivering those classic hits to tens of thousands of screaming fans.
TKA: The High Energy Powerhouse
When TKA stepped onto a stage, you knew you were in for a masterclass in performance. K7 and the guys brought a raw, street level hip hop energy to freestyle. "One Way Love", "Maria", and "Tears May Fall" remain absolute anthems. They didn't just sing - they danced their hearts out and gave fans a visually stunning show. TKA became the best selling Latin freestyle group in history, and they heavily influenced boy bands and dance groups that came later. They're still performing as TKA, and their live shows today still pack the exact same electric punch as they did back in the day.
The Cover Girls: Glamour Meets the Beat
With tracks like "Show Me" and "Wishing on a Star", The Cover Girls brought a touch of glamour and pop polish to the freestyle world. They were fashion icons. Every girl wanted to dress like them, and every guy fell in love with them. They harmonized beautifully over those classic pounding beats, proving that freestyle could be both edgy and incredibly beautiful. The original lineup's seen some changes over the years, but The Cover Girls name still carries immense weight, and they're still out there touring the country.
Judy Torres: The Queen of Hearts
If you ever needed a shoulder to cry on after a bad breakup, Judy Torres was there for you. Songs like "No Reason to Cry" and "Come Into My Arms" still hit incredibly hard. Judy didn't just sing the lyrics - she bled them. Her fans feel an incredibly deep personal connection to her because her music's so relentlessly honest. Beyond music, Judy became an iconic radio personality in New York City, connecting with her fans on a daily basis. She's still a massively requested performer and a beloved figure in the freestyle community.
Sa-Fire: The Vocal Dynamo
Sa-Fire brought serious vocal chops to the table. "Boy I've Been Told" and "Love Is On Her Mind" showed an incredible range and a fierce independence. She wasn't just a singer - she was a writer and a creator who demanded respect in a very competitive music industry. Sa-Fire inspired countless young women to stand up for themselves. While she doesn't tour as relentlessly as some of the others today, her impact remains a foundational pillar of the genre.
George Lamond: The Voice
When "Bad of the Heart" hit the airwaves, it was game over. George Lamond possessed a voice that could rival the biggest pop stars on the planet. His vocal runs, his undeniable swagger, and his ability to convey deep emotion made him an instant superstar. He brought a sophisticated, incredibly polished sound to freestyle. Today, George's still out there crushing it on stage alongside his peers, and his voice sounds just as pristine as it did the day he recorded those classic tracks.
Cynthia & Johnny O: The Ultimate Duo
I've got to group Cynthia and Johnny O together, even though they had massive solo careers. Cynthia gave us huge hits like "Change on Me", and Johnny O gave us "Fantasy Girl". But when they teamed up for "Dreamboy/Dreamgirl", they created what's arguably the greatest freestyle duet of all time. It's the ultimate tale of star crossed lovers set to a frantic, irresistible beat. They gave a voice to every teenager who felt hopelessly in love. Both Cynthia and Johnny O still draw huge crowds on the live circuit, frequently performing together to the absolute delight of their lifelong fans.
Debbie Deb: The Weekend Warrior
If you ever stepped foot in a roller rink on a Friday night, you know Debbie Deb. "When I Hear Music" and "Lookout Weekend" remain the ultimate party starters. Her music was heavily electro influenced, with those bouncy, infectious beats that made it impossible to sit still. Hip hop and EDM artists today still heavily sample Debbie Deb's tracks, proving just how forward thinking her sound really was. She remains a beloved figure, occasionally popping up at retro shows to remind everyone who started the party.
How They Changed the Game
Freestyle dance music wasn't just a passing fad - it was a cultural revolution. Before freestyle, mainstream radio was incredibly segregated. These artists, many of them incredibly talented kids from Puerto Rican and Italian neighborhoods, forced the door open. They created a hybrid sound that blended the energy of hip hop, the melodies of pop, and the relentless pulse of electronic dance music. They laid the groundwork for the massive EDM festivals we see today.
But their real impact was on the people. For the fans, this music's a time machine. It takes them right back to their first car, their first kiss, their first heartbreak. The freestyle community's like a massive family. When you go to a Freestyle Explosion concert today, you aren't just watching a retro act - you're experiencing a beautiful, chaotic reunion. The fans know every single lyric, the artists still give it everything they've got, and the energy in the room's purely electric.
These artists proved that you don't need a massive corporate machine to make a lasting impact. You just need a heavy beat, a synthesizer, and a whole lot of heart. And that's why, all these years later, the music still plays on.
Who are your favorite freestyle artists - and what are your favorite freestyle songs?
Today, we're taking a deep dive into the undisputed royalty of freestyle. They're the artists who built the foundation, impacted millions of people, and paved the way for modern dance pop. And the craziest part? They're still selling out arenas today. Let's get into it.
Shannon: The Architect
You can't talk about freestyle without bowing down to Shannon. When "Let the Music Play" dropped, it completely shattered the mold. It gave us that heavily syncopated, hard hitting drum beat that became the blueprint for everything that followed. Shannon showed the world that dance music didn't have to be mindless - it could have soul, and it could make you feel something. Fans connected with her instantly. Today, Shannon's still gracing the stage, proving that her legendary voice hasn't lost a single step. If you catch a freestyle festival this year, there's a good chance you'll see her bringing the house down.
Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam: The Crossover Legends
Lisa Lisa took the underground freestyle sound and forced the mainstream pop world to pay attention. "I Wonder If I Take You Home" and "Can You Feel the Beat" were absolute monsters on the radio. She had this incredibly unique, fierce delivery that made every young girl want to be her. Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam broke down barriers for Latino artists on mainstream radio. Their impact's immeasurable. Where's she now? Lisa Lisa's practically the reigning queen of the current Freestyle Explosion tours, packing massive venues in 2026 and showing a whole new generation exactly how it's done.
Stevie B: The Undisputed King
If there's a King of Freestyle, it's Stevie B. The man just couldn't miss. From party anthems like "Spring Love" and "Party Your Body" to the ultimate number one ballad "Because I Love You", Stevie B knew exactly what his fans wanted. His music was the backdrop to countless first dates, high school dances, and summer nights. He gave the genre a commercial viability that nobody expected. And guess what? He's still headlining enormous tours. If you look at the 2026 tour posters, Stevie B's name's right there at the top, delivering those classic hits to tens of thousands of screaming fans.
TKA: The High Energy Powerhouse
When TKA stepped onto a stage, you knew you were in for a masterclass in performance. K7 and the guys brought a raw, street level hip hop energy to freestyle. "One Way Love", "Maria", and "Tears May Fall" remain absolute anthems. They didn't just sing - they danced their hearts out and gave fans a visually stunning show. TKA became the best selling Latin freestyle group in history, and they heavily influenced boy bands and dance groups that came later. They're still performing as TKA, and their live shows today still pack the exact same electric punch as they did back in the day.
The Cover Girls: Glamour Meets the Beat
With tracks like "Show Me" and "Wishing on a Star", The Cover Girls brought a touch of glamour and pop polish to the freestyle world. They were fashion icons. Every girl wanted to dress like them, and every guy fell in love with them. They harmonized beautifully over those classic pounding beats, proving that freestyle could be both edgy and incredibly beautiful. The original lineup's seen some changes over the years, but The Cover Girls name still carries immense weight, and they're still out there touring the country.
Judy Torres: The Queen of Hearts
If you ever needed a shoulder to cry on after a bad breakup, Judy Torres was there for you. Songs like "No Reason to Cry" and "Come Into My Arms" still hit incredibly hard. Judy didn't just sing the lyrics - she bled them. Her fans feel an incredibly deep personal connection to her because her music's so relentlessly honest. Beyond music, Judy became an iconic radio personality in New York City, connecting with her fans on a daily basis. She's still a massively requested performer and a beloved figure in the freestyle community.
Sa-Fire: The Vocal Dynamo
Sa-Fire brought serious vocal chops to the table. "Boy I've Been Told" and "Love Is On Her Mind" showed an incredible range and a fierce independence. She wasn't just a singer - she was a writer and a creator who demanded respect in a very competitive music industry. Sa-Fire inspired countless young women to stand up for themselves. While she doesn't tour as relentlessly as some of the others today, her impact remains a foundational pillar of the genre.
George Lamond: The Voice
When "Bad of the Heart" hit the airwaves, it was game over. George Lamond possessed a voice that could rival the biggest pop stars on the planet. His vocal runs, his undeniable swagger, and his ability to convey deep emotion made him an instant superstar. He brought a sophisticated, incredibly polished sound to freestyle. Today, George's still out there crushing it on stage alongside his peers, and his voice sounds just as pristine as it did the day he recorded those classic tracks.
Cynthia & Johnny O: The Ultimate Duo
I've got to group Cynthia and Johnny O together, even though they had massive solo careers. Cynthia gave us huge hits like "Change on Me", and Johnny O gave us "Fantasy Girl". But when they teamed up for "Dreamboy/Dreamgirl", they created what's arguably the greatest freestyle duet of all time. It's the ultimate tale of star crossed lovers set to a frantic, irresistible beat. They gave a voice to every teenager who felt hopelessly in love. Both Cynthia and Johnny O still draw huge crowds on the live circuit, frequently performing together to the absolute delight of their lifelong fans.
Debbie Deb: The Weekend Warrior
If you ever stepped foot in a roller rink on a Friday night, you know Debbie Deb. "When I Hear Music" and "Lookout Weekend" remain the ultimate party starters. Her music was heavily electro influenced, with those bouncy, infectious beats that made it impossible to sit still. Hip hop and EDM artists today still heavily sample Debbie Deb's tracks, proving just how forward thinking her sound really was. She remains a beloved figure, occasionally popping up at retro shows to remind everyone who started the party.
How They Changed the Game
Freestyle dance music wasn't just a passing fad - it was a cultural revolution. Before freestyle, mainstream radio was incredibly segregated. These artists, many of them incredibly talented kids from Puerto Rican and Italian neighborhoods, forced the door open. They created a hybrid sound that blended the energy of hip hop, the melodies of pop, and the relentless pulse of electronic dance music. They laid the groundwork for the massive EDM festivals we see today.
But their real impact was on the people. For the fans, this music's a time machine. It takes them right back to their first car, their first kiss, their first heartbreak. The freestyle community's like a massive family. When you go to a Freestyle Explosion concert today, you aren't just watching a retro act - you're experiencing a beautiful, chaotic reunion. The fans know every single lyric, the artists still give it everything they've got, and the energy in the room's purely electric.
These artists proved that you don't need a massive corporate machine to make a lasting impact. You just need a heavy beat, a synthesizer, and a whole lot of heart. And that's why, all these years later, the music still plays on.
Who are your favorite freestyle artists - and what are your favorite freestyle songs?
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