Club Freestyle REBORN
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Times climb - again! Man scales paper's headquarters to protest Al Qaeda
BY WIL CRUZ and JILL COFFEY
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
Updated Wednesday, July 9th 2008, 6:20 AM
<A href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/galleries/another_climber_scales_times_building/another_climber_scales_times_building.html">
Taggart for News David Malone keeps climbing after hanging a banner on the Times building early Wednesday morning.
Another climber with a cause has gone up the side of The New York Times Building in midtown.
But unlike the two men who made it to the top of the 52-story structure June 5, David Malone went only to about the 11th floor early Wednesday morning.
Malone called the Daily News and acknowledged he was after the same free publicity the earlier pair received.
He hung a banner over the first "T" of The New York Times sign that featured a picture of terror kingpin Osama Bin Laden holding President Bush like a puppet.
On it were the words "Bin Laden's Plan" - the title of his book and Web site.
He said he wanted to protest Al Qaeda's "crusader baiting," and that the terror group's "intentional provocation of the U.S." was the greatest threat to American national security.
Malone said he was 29 and from Connecticut and that he had dropped out of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1995 to study Al Qaeda full-time.
Malone said he picked the wee hours for his climb because he was "trying to minimize any disturbance - any breach of the peace." He told no one in advance, he said.
Dozens of cops and firefighters responded nonetheless. Malone said they were knocking on the windows inside the building, trying to get him to go back down.
He also said The Times itself provided information about how to scale its new headquarters - located on Eighth Ave. between 40th and 41st Sts. - in an article it published about last month's exploits of French climber Alain Robert and
Brooklynite Renaldo Clarke.
"I had done other things to market my understanding of the group and it just hadn't been successful," Malone said.
The Times building, which opened in November has a facade that features tubelike rungs all the way up, making it easy to climb. Malone climbed on the inside of the facade, with his back to the glass windows of the building.
Amir Hegazi, 33, of Plainview, L.I., who works at the Internet TV company Jump TV, said he was outside The Times building sending an e-mail when "the next thing I know, this guy started climbing."
"I thought he was a cleaner or something," Hegazi said. "He looked relaxed and focused. He was in a zone."
Malone went up the west side of the structure about 1 a.m. and spent hours on the building.
He began to descend about 2:35 a.m., but had a change of heart and stopped between the 9th and 10th floors.
Malone called The News three times, speaking in a calm monotone voice about Al Qaeda, what he said was its attempt to influence the American political process and get Republican John McCain elected, and U.S. energy policy.
He went on and on in an articulate, dispassionate way.
At one point, Sgt. Hassiem Michel of the NYPD Hostage Negotiation Team spoke by phone with Malone.
"He was focused. He had his agenda. He certainly wanted to get his message across," Michel said.
But he did not want to come down.
Marchan Singletary, 31, a student from Manhattan, also saw the climber.
"I didn't know what it was. I thought it was a suicide," she said. "It's crazy.
I'm from New York and you don't see this every day."
Malone said he didn't wanted interfere with the morning rush hour and would come down by 5 a.m.
But he needed a little incentive. At the request of the NYPD, a News reporter
went to The Times building to conduct an interview with the climber on the condition he come down. About 4:54 a.m., he came down toward the fifth floor and spoke with the officers who had assembled there and the reporter, who all encouraged him to come in. About 5:18, he put another sticker for his book on the outside of the tubes.
He flashed victory signs at the crowd before he took the final steps down and cops reeled him in about 5:20 a.m.
He wore a ragged black Ann Arbor T-shirt.
During the interview that followed, Malone repeated his earlier points and said America needed to show that world that Bin Laden's real goal was his own to portray himself as a messiah.
Malone said he considered himself patriotic.
"I'm trying to help America," he said, speaking in the same detached monotone he used on the phone.
BY WIL CRUZ and JILL COFFEY
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
Updated Wednesday, July 9th 2008, 6:20 AM
<A href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/galleries/another_climber_scales_times_building/another_climber_scales_times_building.html">
Taggart for News David Malone keeps climbing after hanging a banner on the Times building early Wednesday morning.Another climber with a cause has gone up the side of The New York Times Building in midtown.
But unlike the two men who made it to the top of the 52-story structure June 5, David Malone went only to about the 11th floor early Wednesday morning.
Malone called the Daily News and acknowledged he was after the same free publicity the earlier pair received.
He hung a banner over the first "T" of The New York Times sign that featured a picture of terror kingpin Osama Bin Laden holding President Bush like a puppet.
On it were the words "Bin Laden's Plan" - the title of his book and Web site.
He said he wanted to protest Al Qaeda's "crusader baiting," and that the terror group's "intentional provocation of the U.S." was the greatest threat to American national security.
Malone said he was 29 and from Connecticut and that he had dropped out of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1995 to study Al Qaeda full-time.
Malone said he picked the wee hours for his climb because he was "trying to minimize any disturbance - any breach of the peace." He told no one in advance, he said.
Dozens of cops and firefighters responded nonetheless. Malone said they were knocking on the windows inside the building, trying to get him to go back down.
He also said The Times itself provided information about how to scale its new headquarters - located on Eighth Ave. between 40th and 41st Sts. - in an article it published about last month's exploits of French climber Alain Robert and
Brooklynite Renaldo Clarke.
"I had done other things to market my understanding of the group and it just hadn't been successful," Malone said.
The Times building, which opened in November has a facade that features tubelike rungs all the way up, making it easy to climb. Malone climbed on the inside of the facade, with his back to the glass windows of the building.
Amir Hegazi, 33, of Plainview, L.I., who works at the Internet TV company Jump TV, said he was outside The Times building sending an e-mail when "the next thing I know, this guy started climbing."
"I thought he was a cleaner or something," Hegazi said. "He looked relaxed and focused. He was in a zone."
Malone went up the west side of the structure about 1 a.m. and spent hours on the building.
He began to descend about 2:35 a.m., but had a change of heart and stopped between the 9th and 10th floors.
Malone called The News three times, speaking in a calm monotone voice about Al Qaeda, what he said was its attempt to influence the American political process and get Republican John McCain elected, and U.S. energy policy.
He went on and on in an articulate, dispassionate way.
At one point, Sgt. Hassiem Michel of the NYPD Hostage Negotiation Team spoke by phone with Malone.
"He was focused. He had his agenda. He certainly wanted to get his message across," Michel said.
But he did not want to come down.
Marchan Singletary, 31, a student from Manhattan, also saw the climber.
"I didn't know what it was. I thought it was a suicide," she said. "It's crazy.
I'm from New York and you don't see this every day."
Malone said he didn't wanted interfere with the morning rush hour and would come down by 5 a.m.
But he needed a little incentive. At the request of the NYPD, a News reporter
went to The Times building to conduct an interview with the climber on the condition he come down. About 4:54 a.m., he came down toward the fifth floor and spoke with the officers who had assembled there and the reporter, who all encouraged him to come in. About 5:18, he put another sticker for his book on the outside of the tubes.
He flashed victory signs at the crowd before he took the final steps down and cops reeled him in about 5:20 a.m.
He wore a ragged black Ann Arbor T-shirt.
During the interview that followed, Malone repeated his earlier points and said America needed to show that world that Bin Laden's real goal was his own to portray himself as a messiah.
Malone said he considered himself patriotic.
"I'm trying to help America," he said, speaking in the same detached monotone he used on the phone.
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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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