Club Freestyle REBORN
What's on your mind?
15-year-old girl arrested in brutal Bronx stabbing
BY JOTHAM SEDERSTROM, RYAN STRONG and WIL CRUZ
DAILY NEWS WRITERS
Updated Sunday, December 28th 2008, 2:59 AM
Sharell Butler, a 15-year-old known by pals as "Lady Red," was charged with murder, manslaughter and assault in the death of John Hopkins Drago.
John Hopkins-Drago
Taggart/News Butler's family walks out of Bronx Criminal Court on Saturday night.
A 15-year-old girl has been arrested in the stabbing of a man whose dismembered body was found stuffed in a garbage bag in the Bronx - and in a second unrelated murder.
Baby-faced Sharell Butler, known by pals as "Lady Red," was charged with murder, manslaughter and assault in the death of John Hopkins Drago, the adopted Russian son of a Bronx family.
Butler, of the Bronx, was also charged with second-degree murder and robbery in a Dec. 19 home invasion that led to the fatal shooting of a Throgs Neck man whom she and another suspect had intended to rob.
The man shot Christopher Umpierrie, 24, in the chest after he and Butler tried to steal marijuana and cash from him at a Dewey Ave. apartment, police sources said.
Butler, who was held Saturday without bail, will be tried as an adult in both crimes, law enforcement sources said.
"She's one piece of a work," said a police source of the teen.
Butler was led into a Bronx courtroom Saturday wearing a bandage on her right hand, an oversized white T-shirt and a blank expression on her face as family members looked on.
Butler, a lanky alleged gang member with unkempt poufy hair, was picked out of a lineup by witnesses in one of the crimes and identified by another witness from a photo array for the other murder, said prosecutor Jaimee Nadell said.
"She's a 15-year-old girl," said Butler's lawyer Xavier Donaldson, who denied allegations that Butler was involved in the Bloods gang. "She's scared. She's just a kid."
A superintendent found Hopkins Drago's mutilated body outside a Barnes Ave. building in Pelham Parkway on Dec. 21.
Hopkins Drago, 22, who had a history of drug arrests, was estranged from his family and had not been reported missing.
Police sources said last week that he had been stabbed at least 40 to 50 times inside a first-floor apartment of a Pelham Parkway building.
James Medina, 23, of the Bronx, was arrested this week for hindering prosecution after a tip to Crime Stoppers, police said.
Robert Pastore, 19, was in custody but has not been charged, police said.
Police believe Pastore and Butler may have killed Hopkins Drago as revenge for talking to police about a robbery Pastore had been arrested for last year, sources said.
"We're going on the theory that he was killed because they thought he was a snitch," said a police source, who said Pastore was being held on a statutory rape charge and remains a person of interest in the Hopkins Drago murder.
Friends said Hopkins Drago had gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd and with drugs. He had been kicked out of a pal's apartment and had no place to stay.
"He didn't deserve what he got," said his adopted mother, Ann Marie Hopkins. "He's just an innocent kid."
BY JOTHAM SEDERSTROM, RYAN STRONG and WIL CRUZ
DAILY NEWS WRITERS
Updated Sunday, December 28th 2008, 2:59 AM
A 15-year-old girl has been arrested in the stabbing of a man whose dismembered body was found stuffed in a garbage bag in the Bronx - and in a second unrelated murder.
Baby-faced Sharell Butler, known by pals as "Lady Red," was charged with murder, manslaughter and assault in the death of John Hopkins Drago, the adopted Russian son of a Bronx family.
Butler, of the Bronx, was also charged with second-degree murder and robbery in a Dec. 19 home invasion that led to the fatal shooting of a Throgs Neck man whom she and another suspect had intended to rob.
The man shot Christopher Umpierrie, 24, in the chest after he and Butler tried to steal marijuana and cash from him at a Dewey Ave. apartment, police sources said.
Butler, who was held Saturday without bail, will be tried as an adult in both crimes, law enforcement sources said.
"She's one piece of a work," said a police source of the teen.
Butler was led into a Bronx courtroom Saturday wearing a bandage on her right hand, an oversized white T-shirt and a blank expression on her face as family members looked on.
Butler, a lanky alleged gang member with unkempt poufy hair, was picked out of a lineup by witnesses in one of the crimes and identified by another witness from a photo array for the other murder, said prosecutor Jaimee Nadell said.
"She's a 15-year-old girl," said Butler's lawyer Xavier Donaldson, who denied allegations that Butler was involved in the Bloods gang. "She's scared. She's just a kid."
A superintendent found Hopkins Drago's mutilated body outside a Barnes Ave. building in Pelham Parkway on Dec. 21.
Hopkins Drago, 22, who had a history of drug arrests, was estranged from his family and had not been reported missing.
Police sources said last week that he had been stabbed at least 40 to 50 times inside a first-floor apartment of a Pelham Parkway building.
James Medina, 23, of the Bronx, was arrested this week for hindering prosecution after a tip to Crime Stoppers, police said.
Robert Pastore, 19, was in custody but has not been charged, police said.
Police believe Pastore and Butler may have killed Hopkins Drago as revenge for talking to police about a robbery Pastore had been arrested for last year, sources said.
"We're going on the theory that he was killed because they thought he was a snitch," said a police source, who said Pastore was being held on a statutory rape charge and remains a person of interest in the Hopkins Drago murder.
Friends said Hopkins Drago had gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd and with drugs. He had been kicked out of a pal's apartment and had no place to stay.
"He didn't deserve what he got," said his adopted mother, Ann Marie Hopkins. "He's just an innocent kid."
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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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