Club Freestyle REBORN
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What's on your mind?
Isn’t Freestyle and the people involved with it funny?
Someone close to me leans over the other day and says to me, “I (the person saying this) can’t believe what you’ve started a year ago by booking all these Freestyle shows over the last year.” “I (the person saying this) say’s it’s funny to see all these Freestyle shows just popping up all over the place here in Philly and Jersey (specifically Southern New Jersey).” I said to the person, when people think you are making money they jump in the game when it’s hot and try and capitalize on it, from old school promoters, clubs, bars and newbie’s –especially the newbie’s.
“What I started?” For the record, yes I may have started booking Freestyle locally and regularly a year ago starting with my “private vip show”, but if it was not for the fans who actually come out, buy tickets, pay cover, and the artist’s who REALLY want to do this (which I will list below), the OLDER ARTIST’S would not be getting so many bookings these days in our area. It’s ashame and funny how the old school artists take WHAT WE DO FOR GRANTED! They expect to be booked and expect us to pay the highest amount possible –at times (many) making it hard for promoters to survive. It’s ashame that they sit there and fool themselves as people just book them for who they are and have no clue to the reality of the battles in the streets (and I’m talking about the boot-straps, cash-strapped shows, guerilla marketing, online marketing, and ton of work we do to make even these little shows happen, etc…) that WE (me and you the person most likely reading this, and the crew of Dj’s, artists, producers, fans, etc…) that have been making FREESTYLE HAPPEN for the last year now (here in Philly anyway).
Why am I writing this besides just stating the facts? I want to say THANK YOU to you first for reading this and showing interest in this and Freestyle Music –FIRST AND FOREMOST! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Thanks for coming to the shows, buying cds, mp3’s, and even promoting the shows and spreading the word! As I do deserve some credit for orchestrating this and keeping this going for a year –and it’s been rough with plenty of lows, it is liberating to know I –WE control our own destiny. But in all reality without you the fans and the following people (listed below) WE –Freestyle –the old school artist would not be where we are TODAY, April 10th 2009! Much love, respect, and THANKS to all the following people who REALLY put RT 1 CAFÉ (now ROOSEVELT’S), and FREESTYLE back on the map… To start thanks to Jimmy & Bobby the owners of RT 1 Café now ROOSEVELT’S for the nice venue, and faith in me to do this and KEEP doing this!
And NOW to ALL (most of them I’m really trying to remember everyone –if I forgot you and your name is not on there –I’m only human! lol) Dj Danski, Rughead, Roland, Jason “Atomic” LaMonica, Tayna, Dan “Septa” Caputo, Dj White Lightning, Janero and Sito separately and collectively as PAIN, Roundhouse Ron and his Philly Music Video and his hot chicks, Huez aka DDM, Dj Rich Money, Dan the Deaf promoter, Barry “The Photographer”, Big Mike, Wendy, Topaz, Smooches and Unbroken, Fabiano aka Paul Sean, Sammy C & Edwin, Big L aka Joel, Sammy Zone, Willie Valentin and his Artisik crew, Peter Fontaine, Ozzie and the boys of Clear Touch, Stefanie Bennett, Fred and Angel collectively as Vocal Image, Jonelle, Synthia Figueroa, Freeze, Philip Anthony, Tony G, Wilson, Jayquan of the Nastboyz, Shy, Erik Christian, Andrea of Groovy Time Productions, Nathan, Rebekka, Jessica Fabus, Artie & Legit, Jaidie, Magicus, Reign, Dj Solo Remix, Lisy, Ricky Vaz, Pica, Tim “Spinnin” Schommer, Dj Calyte the Tekintion, Dj Popski, Pompeo Messano, Micheal “Kidd” Gomez, Nathan, Rock E of Spanish Fly, Mikal Astorga and Jose Rodriguez of Pure Pleasure, Joe & Jolie promoters extraordinaire, Dj Hughes, Dj Sazam, Spicy, Tito Puente Jr., kc, Saint, Dawn and Cheryl of JC Entertainment, Kiss & China, Doomz, Brandilyn, Sencere, Scholar & Mark Gaines, Candi Lynn, E.A. Productions, and even some old school acts that gave us the rub as in Debbie Deb, Nyasia & Dj Paradise, TKA/K7, Angel the Original Cover Girl, Aby, Noel, Stevie B, plus the Freestyle internet factions of Chuck, Rafel and the supporters of Freestyle FM, Latif and the army of Dj’s of La Radio, Rhoq, Legend and the crew of No Holds Barred, Kenny Guido of New York Freestyle, Dj Dez, Lee, Alize, Kat and the others of the Freestyle Nation and Laroo’s Chat Room, MKG, Alex, Freestyle Ricky, and the Dj’s of Metrostarr and the others. Plus the agents and managers like Sal B, Sal A, Big Al, Latif, Latina, Gil, and others. Oh and last but not least you can’t forget about the Ol Skool Girlz… Ann Pineapple and Serenity Now Salon www.serenitynowsalon.com, Rachel, Jennie Lee, Kirsten, Maritza, Dana, and the others.
Additions I forgot: Boriqua Posse,
Without the people listed above, and the forgotten ones (and if I did forget you I’m truly sorry and make sure I know and I will add u in a repost!), and to you reading this –YOU KEEP FREESTYLE ALIVE –WE KEEP IT ALIVE! Old school artists BETTER recognize and appreciate what ALL of you do, because without us they ain’t SHIT!
We will “keep on keeping on” and are working on some exciting new things for our promotion and survival of Freestyle music in Philly and South Jersery. Stay tuned! (pun intended!)
Sincerely,
Steve “Mr. Miami” O’Neill
www.djmrmiami.com
www.myspace.com/djmrmiami
www.olskoolsat.com
Someone close to me leans over the other day and says to me, “I (the person saying this) can’t believe what you’ve started a year ago by booking all these Freestyle shows over the last year.” “I (the person saying this) say’s it’s funny to see all these Freestyle shows just popping up all over the place here in Philly and Jersey (specifically Southern New Jersey).” I said to the person, when people think you are making money they jump in the game when it’s hot and try and capitalize on it, from old school promoters, clubs, bars and newbie’s –especially the newbie’s.
“What I started?” For the record, yes I may have started booking Freestyle locally and regularly a year ago starting with my “private vip show”, but if it was not for the fans who actually come out, buy tickets, pay cover, and the artist’s who REALLY want to do this (which I will list below), the OLDER ARTIST’S would not be getting so many bookings these days in our area. It’s ashame and funny how the old school artists take WHAT WE DO FOR GRANTED! They expect to be booked and expect us to pay the highest amount possible –at times (many) making it hard for promoters to survive. It’s ashame that they sit there and fool themselves as people just book them for who they are and have no clue to the reality of the battles in the streets (and I’m talking about the boot-straps, cash-strapped shows, guerilla marketing, online marketing, and ton of work we do to make even these little shows happen, etc…) that WE (me and you the person most likely reading this, and the crew of Dj’s, artists, producers, fans, etc…) that have been making FREESTYLE HAPPEN for the last year now (here in Philly anyway).
Why am I writing this besides just stating the facts? I want to say THANK YOU to you first for reading this and showing interest in this and Freestyle Music –FIRST AND FOREMOST! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Thanks for coming to the shows, buying cds, mp3’s, and even promoting the shows and spreading the word! As I do deserve some credit for orchestrating this and keeping this going for a year –and it’s been rough with plenty of lows, it is liberating to know I –WE control our own destiny. But in all reality without you the fans and the following people (listed below) WE –Freestyle –the old school artist would not be where we are TODAY, April 10th 2009! Much love, respect, and THANKS to all the following people who REALLY put RT 1 CAFÉ (now ROOSEVELT’S), and FREESTYLE back on the map… To start thanks to Jimmy & Bobby the owners of RT 1 Café now ROOSEVELT’S for the nice venue, and faith in me to do this and KEEP doing this!
And NOW to ALL (most of them I’m really trying to remember everyone –if I forgot you and your name is not on there –I’m only human! lol) Dj Danski, Rughead, Roland, Jason “Atomic” LaMonica, Tayna, Dan “Septa” Caputo, Dj White Lightning, Janero and Sito separately and collectively as PAIN, Roundhouse Ron and his Philly Music Video and his hot chicks, Huez aka DDM, Dj Rich Money, Dan the Deaf promoter, Barry “The Photographer”, Big Mike, Wendy, Topaz, Smooches and Unbroken, Fabiano aka Paul Sean, Sammy C & Edwin, Big L aka Joel, Sammy Zone, Willie Valentin and his Artisik crew, Peter Fontaine, Ozzie and the boys of Clear Touch, Stefanie Bennett, Fred and Angel collectively as Vocal Image, Jonelle, Synthia Figueroa, Freeze, Philip Anthony, Tony G, Wilson, Jayquan of the Nastboyz, Shy, Erik Christian, Andrea of Groovy Time Productions, Nathan, Rebekka, Jessica Fabus, Artie & Legit, Jaidie, Magicus, Reign, Dj Solo Remix, Lisy, Ricky Vaz, Pica, Tim “Spinnin” Schommer, Dj Calyte the Tekintion, Dj Popski, Pompeo Messano, Micheal “Kidd” Gomez, Nathan, Rock E of Spanish Fly, Mikal Astorga and Jose Rodriguez of Pure Pleasure, Joe & Jolie promoters extraordinaire, Dj Hughes, Dj Sazam, Spicy, Tito Puente Jr., kc, Saint, Dawn and Cheryl of JC Entertainment, Kiss & China, Doomz, Brandilyn, Sencere, Scholar & Mark Gaines, Candi Lynn, E.A. Productions, and even some old school acts that gave us the rub as in Debbie Deb, Nyasia & Dj Paradise, TKA/K7, Angel the Original Cover Girl, Aby, Noel, Stevie B, plus the Freestyle internet factions of Chuck, Rafel and the supporters of Freestyle FM, Latif and the army of Dj’s of La Radio, Rhoq, Legend and the crew of No Holds Barred, Kenny Guido of New York Freestyle, Dj Dez, Lee, Alize, Kat and the others of the Freestyle Nation and Laroo’s Chat Room, MKG, Alex, Freestyle Ricky, and the Dj’s of Metrostarr and the others. Plus the agents and managers like Sal B, Sal A, Big Al, Latif, Latina, Gil, and others. Oh and last but not least you can’t forget about the Ol Skool Girlz… Ann Pineapple and Serenity Now Salon www.serenitynowsalon.com, Rachel, Jennie Lee, Kirsten, Maritza, Dana, and the others.
Additions I forgot: Boriqua Posse,
Without the people listed above, and the forgotten ones (and if I did forget you I’m truly sorry and make sure I know and I will add u in a repost!), and to you reading this –YOU KEEP FREESTYLE ALIVE –WE KEEP IT ALIVE! Old school artists BETTER recognize and appreciate what ALL of you do, because without us they ain’t SHIT!
We will “keep on keeping on” and are working on some exciting new things for our promotion and survival of Freestyle music in Philly and South Jersery. Stay tuned! (pun intended!)
Sincerely,
Steve “Mr. Miami” O’Neill
www.djmrmiami.com
www.myspace.com/djmrmiami
www.olskoolsat.com
18 Replies
·
2460 views
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.
0 Replies
·
39 views
Staff member
Lead Administrator
0 Replies
·
34 views
Staff member
Lead Administrator
0 Replies
·
32 views
Staff member
Lead Administrator
0 Replies
·
34 views
Staff member
Lead Administrator
0 Replies
·
38 views
Staff member
Lead Administrator
0 Replies
·
32 views
Staff member
Lead Administrator
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?
0 Replies
·
39 views
Staff member
Lead Administrator
0 Replies
·
36 views
Staff member
Lead Administrator
0 Replies
·
38 views
Staff member
Lead Administrator
0 Replies
·
41 views