Club Freestyle REBORN
What's on your mind?
Sharp reaction to Peter King's statements on Jackson
BY REID J. EPSTEIN | [email protected] 11:13 PM EDT, July 6, 2009
The King of Pop Michael Jackson / Rep. Peter King (Getty Images File Photo, 1988 / AP Photo, 2009)
Reaction to Rep. Peter King's Web video lambasting Michael Jackson and media coverage of his death was sharp , with many commentators seeing his comments through the prism of race.
Feelings about the Seaford Republican's remarks calling the King of Pop "a pervert" and "a pedophile" tended to be strong, whether they agreed with him or not. King said more than 1,000 people called his offices in Massapequa Park and Washington, D.C., with more commenting on the story at Newsday.com.
"It's either, 'Thank God we finally have someone with the guts to say the right thing,' or 'You should rot in hell,' " King said. "Almost no one has come out anywhere near the middle."
The controversy sparked coverage on national TV news shows.
Political experts said they couldn't see what King has to gain by alienating Jackson fans with remarks seen by many to be racially insensitive. King said he didn't see any racial overtones in the video, posted to YouTube by his campaign staff.
"I don't know that this plays so well in his district unless there are a lot of people in his district that are anti-black," said Stanley Klein, a C.W. Post political science professor who is a Republican and longtime King supporter. "I think this is the most off-the-wall thing that Peter King has ever done."
Hazel Dukes, president of the NAACP New York State Conference, said King's remarks are "racist, " adding "Sometimes you think you know people... I thought at least he was a decent person. He is like Jim Crow Jr., the way it came out."
Laura Ahern, the executive director of Parents for Megan's Law, said the link between Jackson and alleged child sexual abuse was too strong to ignore.
"It is refreshing to see an elected official say what is really on their mind," Ahern said. "Numerous allegations of child sexual abuse are Michael Jackson's true legacy, one that cash settlements cannot erase."
Because of the media coverage of Jackson's death, King said he felt "an obligation" to speak out. I believe I'm articulating the views of a great majority of the American people, certainly the people around here," he said.
He wasn't the only high-profile politician who has weighed in. Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, said of the Jackson coverage: "I've had enough of it . . . It's time to pay our respects and move on."
Some agreed with the substance of what King said but wished he'd been more sensitive. "There is probably a little more sophisticated way of explaining his feelings," said Suffolk Legis. Tom Barraga (R- West Islip), whose district overlaps with King's.
In 1994 Jackson paid $22 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of a boy who alleged Jackson abused him. He admitted during a 2003 television interview that he shared a bed with teenage boys, but he was acquitted of child sexual abuse charges in 2005. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with three of Long Island's other four members of Congress, declined to comment.
In Massapequa Park Monday, feelings were split.
"I think he should be worrying about other things instead of worrying about Michael Jackson," said Jaclyn Nigro, 23, of Massapequa Park. Teresa Giametta, 54, of Massapequa, disagreed. "People don't like to hear the truth," she said.
Jackson family spokesman Ken Sunshine declined to comment. The Rev. Al Sharpton, scheduled to speak at Jackson's memorial service Tuesday, said, "Thank God millions of people openly disagree with Mr. King."
With Kwame Opam and AP
BY REID J. EPSTEIN | [email protected] 11:13 PM EDT, July 6, 2009
The King of Pop Michael Jackson / Rep. Peter King (Getty Images File Photo, 1988 / AP Photo, 2009)
Reaction to Rep. Peter King's Web video lambasting Michael Jackson and media coverage of his death was sharp , with many commentators seeing his comments through the prism of race.
Feelings about the Seaford Republican's remarks calling the King of Pop "a pervert" and "a pedophile" tended to be strong, whether they agreed with him or not. King said more than 1,000 people called his offices in Massapequa Park and Washington, D.C., with more commenting on the story at Newsday.com.
"It's either, 'Thank God we finally have someone with the guts to say the right thing,' or 'You should rot in hell,' " King said. "Almost no one has come out anywhere near the middle."
The controversy sparked coverage on national TV news shows.
Political experts said they couldn't see what King has to gain by alienating Jackson fans with remarks seen by many to be racially insensitive. King said he didn't see any racial overtones in the video, posted to YouTube by his campaign staff.
"I don't know that this plays so well in his district unless there are a lot of people in his district that are anti-black," said Stanley Klein, a C.W. Post political science professor who is a Republican and longtime King supporter. "I think this is the most off-the-wall thing that Peter King has ever done."
Hazel Dukes, president of the NAACP New York State Conference, said King's remarks are "racist, " adding "Sometimes you think you know people... I thought at least he was a decent person. He is like Jim Crow Jr., the way it came out."
Laura Ahern, the executive director of Parents for Megan's Law, said the link between Jackson and alleged child sexual abuse was too strong to ignore.
"It is refreshing to see an elected official say what is really on their mind," Ahern said. "Numerous allegations of child sexual abuse are Michael Jackson's true legacy, one that cash settlements cannot erase."
Because of the media coverage of Jackson's death, King said he felt "an obligation" to speak out. I believe I'm articulating the views of a great majority of the American people, certainly the people around here," he said.
He wasn't the only high-profile politician who has weighed in. Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, said of the Jackson coverage: "I've had enough of it . . . It's time to pay our respects and move on."
Some agreed with the substance of what King said but wished he'd been more sensitive. "There is probably a little more sophisticated way of explaining his feelings," said Suffolk Legis. Tom Barraga (R- West Islip), whose district overlaps with King's.
In 1994 Jackson paid $22 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of a boy who alleged Jackson abused him. He admitted during a 2003 television interview that he shared a bed with teenage boys, but he was acquitted of child sexual abuse charges in 2005. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with three of Long Island's other four members of Congress, declined to comment.
In Massapequa Park Monday, feelings were split.
"I think he should be worrying about other things instead of worrying about Michael Jackson," said Jaclyn Nigro, 23, of Massapequa Park. Teresa Giametta, 54, of Massapequa, disagreed. "People don't like to hear the truth," she said.
Jackson family spokesman Ken Sunshine declined to comment. The Rev. Al Sharpton, scheduled to speak at Jackson's memorial service Tuesday, said, "Thank God millions of people openly disagree with Mr. King."
With Kwame Opam and AP
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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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