Word From Latif 8/01

[JackG]

8/01
INNOVATION
The Best Way To Predict The Future - Is To Create It.

How many times must we hear it? "Freestyle is dead! Radio will never play it!
The artists can't sing! We can go on and on. Believe me, if you had to endure
the type of negativity that I have to every single day at work when it comes
to Freestyle, you would be one depressed Freestyler.

Now when I speak of the negativity against Freestyle, I'm not just talking
about those outside of the community, I am actually referring to the "so-called"
Freestyle fan. I just don't get it sometimes, how is it, that someone can
claim to love this music so much, yet cannot accept it when it is said that
Freestyle is alive?

People who know me, already know this, but I must confess to those who don't,.
I am not a big fan of "today's" Freestyle. Don't misquote me now, I said of
"today's" Freestyle. Now it has nothing to do with "today's" sound, or the
quality or the artist, but rather it is mainly do to the fact that classic
Freestyle brings back great memories.

The last Word From Latif received a lot of negative flak, I didn't cry over it,
but I was a bit disappointed. Not at the bashers, but more so at the Freestyler.
People, this is your music, so protect it! Support it! And help it grow!
What I was giving you was an outside perspective of the market.

I am doing all I can to try to inspire the talented not to give up,
and to motivate those who have. I use my position at Metropolitan as an outlet
for Freestyle. But Metro isn't the only place to go.

I think one of the masterminds behind this market is Willie Valentine of
Artistik Records, I think the work of the Santana Twins is off the hook. Look at
Bad Boy Joe, he did fantastic numbers with his compilation and now he's
putting out another.

People, Freestyle has a future, and you have to be blind not to see otherwise.
Clubs throughout the country continue to book Freestyle acts on a regular basis.
Look at the Judy Torres show here in NY, I recently price ad space during her show
and the prices were heavy,. Why? Because the station monitors her listenership and
realizes its success. And that just New York.

How about DMA Magazine and The Winter Music Conference in Miami, they started with
Freestyle. And should we mention the many Freestyle websites? Clubfreestyle became a
Godsend to the average Freestyler, just think back a few years when all Freestylers
were just individuals who loved their music. Now Freestyle has once again become a
community and from this community should soon spring a culture and that should be our
goal. When Freestyle develops its own style, dress, talk etc. That is when it will
become a culture and everything else will fall into place. So remember,

The best Way To Predict The Future Is To Create It.



Until next time Peace!

Latif Mercado
Stylin' Free/Metropolitan Records
La'Entertainment

Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle music scene since the mid-eighties.
As part of the management team of recording artist Lil' Suzy, founder of
Stylin' Free Records and La'Enetrtainment Management & Bookings as well as Director Of
Operations for Metropolitan Recording Corp.
_______________________________________________________________________

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[FreestyleMom]

Thanks for bringing it to our attention!

🙂 I enjoyed reading it, and I pretty much agree with him! Way to go Latif!

I emailed him when he posted that he was offering a chance for us to listen to freestyle cds from the ladies at Metropolitan. And, I didn't do it cuz I want free cds, I did it because I want to help in any way that I can to keep freestyle music alive, and successful in the mainstream. I want it to get respect, and recognition, and airplay, and appreciation, and all that good stuff!

I think what MTV did was a good idea on the new Real World. They have the new cast working at Arista in NY ( I could swear that on the last episode that they mispronounced Arista and called it Artistik), and they have them getting fans of the type of music that they're trying to promote(distribute?), off the street and into the record co. to preview the bands (their music) before the product hits the market.

Thats what I feel we do when a song is put up for us to hear on Smash or Trash, or like what Ty and TKA did, or what Kenny's doing now.

I'm telling you Latif, if there's any way I can help you I will. I will even take a bus to NY (or Jersey) to preview new freestyle, and I will give my honest opinion.

Now is the time, freestyle is ready to be reborn! Okay, I'm done now lol! 😀

 

[Latif]

Re: Thanks for bringing it to our attention!

🙂 I enjoyed reading it, and I pretty much agree with him! Way to go Latif!

I emailed him when he posted that he was offering a chance for us to listen to freestyle cds from the ladies at Metropolitan. And, I didn't do it cuz I want free cds, I did it because I want to help in any way that I can to keep freestyle music alive, and successful in the mainstream. I want it to get respect, and recognition, and airplay, and appreciation, and all that good stuff!

I think what MTV did was a good idea on the new Real World. They have the new cast working at Arista in NY ( I could swear that on the last episode that they mispronounced Arista and called it Artistik), and they have them getting fans of the type of music that they're trying to promote(distribute?), off the street and into the record co. to preview the bands (their music) before the product hits the market.

Thats what I feel we do when a song is put up for us to hear on Smash or Trash, or like what Ty and TKA did, or what Kenny's doing now.

I'm telling you Latif, if there's any way I can help you I will. I will even take a bus to NY (or Jersey) to preview new freestyle, and I will give my honest opinion.

Now is the time, freestyle is ready to be reborn! Okay, I'm done now lol! 😀

Thanks FreestyleMom,
You are actually in one of the best places for Freestyle today. I do a lot of bookings through my company La'Entertainment and I've been sending acts to Boca Joes in Allentown, PA every week as well as a few other places in the area. Thanks for the positive post and I will be getting in touch with you soon regarding The Ladies Of Freestyle. Thank you and take care. La

 

[LatinRazcal]

i totally agree with you about the fans...
if we (the fans) cant stop being so negative....there is no future. it is a bad reflection of us and of the music we love.

i believe part of the reason for the negativity and frustration with today's freestyle is because some people are extremely bent on comparing the newer songs to the old school ones...
i think some people dont like the newer ones becasue they cant relate to it as well as they can to the classics. and the thing is that is not fair because what they are relatin to is not only the quailty of the song but also the good times and memories of the good old days that those classic old school songs bring.

There are MANY classic old school songs that i didnt like when i first heard them on the radio...but as they kept being played on the radio i grew to love them and now they bring back great memories.
Nowadays we dont have much radio support to "MAKE" us listen to new songs we normally wouldnt listen to or would just blow off on first listen...so we must make the effort to try and give the music being put out a chance and allow it to let it grow on us!

 

[Latif]

i totally agree with you about the fans...
if we (the fans) cant stop being so negative....there is no future. it is a bad reflection of us and of the music we love.

i believe part of the reason for the negativity and frustration with today's freestyle is because some people are extremely bent on comparing the newer songs to the old school ones...
i think some people dont like the newer ones becasue they cant relate to it as well as they can to the classics. and the thing is that is not fair because what they are relatin to is not only the quailty of the song but also the good times and memories of the good old days that those classic old school songs bring.

There are MANY classic old school songs that i didnt like when i first heard them on the radio...but as they kept being played on the radio i grew to love them and now they bring back great memories.
Nowadays we dont have much radio support to "MAKE" us listen to new songs we normally wouldnt listen to or would just blow off on first listen...so we must make the effort to try and give the music being put out a chance and allow it to let it grow on us!

I can agree to a point but we have to be realistic as to how the world, specifically the world of business operates. Its called competition! Companies try to do all they can to make you forget about anything or anyone else and focus only on them. That is why big corporations with the big budgets usually win. Also, if you aren't feeling a record, you might give it a chance, but thats all it will get, is a chance. How many people will listen to a song they don't like over and over again, I won't! Thats why companies go after club and radio, because it puts you in a position where you have to listen to whats being played. Sure you can turn off the radio if you don't like what you are hearing, but noone really does that, I don't. I just hear it through to the next song. And if that song is on heavy rotation, oh well! Same goes with the clubs, If a song you don't like is played, fine, you might not dance, but I doubt if you would walk out of the club. Another thing that happens is when you see a bunch of people enjoying a song that you don't like or turning up the radio when it is played, you try to figure out what it is that they are hearing that you're not. Therefore you tend to concentrate on the song... and thats when you're hooked! New Freestyle doesn't have that advantage, so it is very important that the material be good in order for it to suceed. How can we battle this? Simple, everyone, when you hear a song you like, pump it! let everyone know about it! talk about it, etc. What else can we do? If you tell me enough times to listen carefully to a song, and you explain what it is you're hearing, then I just might give the song another shot. thats what needs to be done on this website, enlighten us on what we don't hear. If radio won't bring it to the masses, then it's up to us. Peace La and thanks for the comment.

 

[MakeYaDance]

Re: Thanks for bringing it to our attention!

🙂 I enjoyed reading it, and I pretty much agree with him! Way to go Latif!

I emailed him when he posted that he was offering a chance for us to listen to freestyle cds from the ladies at Metropolitan. And, I didn't do it cuz I want free cds, I did it because I want to help in any way that I can to keep freestyle music alive, and successful in the mainstream. I want it to get respect, and recognition, and airplay, and appreciation, and all that good stuff!

I did the same thing Freestyle Mom. But I think he thought I wanted free cd's. It's all good I will still suport Latif & I am not saying this so he can send me cd's either. I will wait to purchase them for my online store. PEACE!

Keep up the good work & articles.

 

[Lisa]

It's true because I remember when I first bought the cassette "High Power
Records volume 4" I didn't know any of the songs there, but then I kept
playing them over and over and forget it, I love almost all the songs that
are in there. I went out and bought me the CD. I myself was hooked on only
the oldschool freestyle because of the memories it brung me. 1989 was one of
the best years of my life. But now I learned to open up to new freestyle
songs, believe me there will always be room for both the new freestyle and
the old. As for myself I will keep supporting freestyle music. I always
listen to KTU's Freestyle Friday 12 o'clock mix, Saturday's 9pm mix and
Sunday's 9pm mix with the one and only freestyle diva Judy Torres and let's
not forget DJ Johnny Budz. I just want to say that I am so glad that
freestyle is still alive...







🙂

 

[FreestyleMom]

Let Me Know What You All Think!

🙂 I agree with you Latif, when I hear a new song that I like I "pump it up" by spreading the word to others that I think might like it!

And, I wanted to thank-you for helping to bring freestyle to my town! The live acts at BocaJoes are, in my opinion, a part of what I see as the current revival of freestyle. The artists have been greatly appreciated, and well received by the fans. From what I have heard, the nights that are live freestyle "special events" have had the most success at the club, judging by the HUGE turnout of fans! It is also enjoyable that the artists take the time after the show to meet their fans and sign autographs. And I ALWAYS mention ClubFreestyle to them and tell them who I am on the board (I've gotten some suprised looks lol).

Now, what I want to talk about is the state of freestyle today. Does everyone else think, or agree with me, that we're in what I call a "revival period"? Does anyone think that freestyle can remain the way it was in the 80's with a classic sound, and that the artists should stick with what worked for them in the past? Are should they experiment to the point where they are perhaps totally changing their style/sound?

For example, if they choose to cross over to the mainstream and try a Top 40 sound, will this be accepted by their diehard fans, or will it only attract new listeners, and DJ's (which is what they want to do I guess), who will then accept them in that format? As another example, I just don't like House/Techno sounding freestyle mixes, especially if it's an overwhelming beat (like takes over the song). So, if I see a remix of a classic freestyle song and it has that kind of indication on the cd label that it's a House mix No.1 I probably won't buy it, and No.2, even if I do buy it chances are I won't like it (but heck I gave it a try lol), and I'm likely to give it to someone who might like it, or never listen to it again even though I paid good money for it. It's like if I want a Top 40 cd I'll look for it and buy a Top 40 cd, and if I want a House/Techno cd, same thing. Now, if I want "freestyle" I go to the "freestyle" section of a record store and when I buy a cd from there I assume I'm getting a freestyle cd, I don't expect Top 40 cds to be there, and I usually HOPE lol that there isn't any House/techno cds mixed in there.

So my question is, do most of you prefer that freestyle artists stay with what worked for them in the past? Do you want a classic beat? In order to evolve and move into the future do we need to label freestyle as some other sound entirely that would incorporate other
styles/beats? And what is your definition of "new"freestyle (especially you Latif)? I hope I'm making some sort of sense. I truly try to accept the change to "new" freestyle, but then at the same time I wonder if the sound changes too much, is it still freestyle as we old school freestyle fans know of it? I like a Latin beat (I even like when the artist sings or talks in Spanish in the song) and I guess I personally prefer a slower tempo to the song.

Hope you all can give me your opinion! I try to roll with the changes, but I worry about things like are the artists doing this mix (if its not classic) because this is what they think will sell, this is what they think will generate new fans, or this is what they think most of the clubs/radio stations will accept and play? Also how much input do the producers, music co's etc have in terms of what type of beat/sound the artist puts in their newest cds? I look forward to hearing what you all think!🙂

 

[Latif]

Re: Let Me Know What You All Think!

🙂 I agree with you Latif, when I hear a new song that I like I "pump it up" by spreading the word to others that I think might like it!

And, I wanted to thank-you for helping to bring freestyle to my town! The live acts at BocaJoes are, in my opinion, a part of what I see as the current revival of freestyle. The artists have been greatly appreciated, and well received by the fans. From what I have heard, the nights that are live freestyle "special events" have had the most success at the club, judging by the HUGE turnout of fans! It is also enjoyable that the artists take the time after the show to meet their fans and sign autographs. And I ALWAYS mention ClubFreestyle to them and tell them who I am on the board (I've gotten some suprised looks lol).

Now, what I want to talk about is the state of freestyle today. Does everyone else think, or agree with me, that we're in what I call a "revival period"? Does anyone think that freestyle can remain the way it was in the 80's with a classic sound, and that the artists should stick with what worked for them in the past? Are should they experiment to the point where they are perhaps totally changing their style/sound?

For example, if they choose to cross over to the mainstream and try a Top 40 sound, will this be accepted by their diehard fans, or will it only attract new listeners, and DJ's (which is what they want to do I guess), who will then accept them in that format? As another example, I just don't like House/Techno sounding freestyle mixes, especially if it's an overwhelming beat (like takes over the song). So, if I see a remix of a classic freestyle song and it has that kind of indication on the cd label that it's a House mix No.1 I probably won't buy it, and No.2, even if I do buy it chances are I won't like it (but heck I gave it a try lol), and I'm likely to give it to someone who might like it, or never listen to it again even though I paid good money for it. It's like if I want a Top 40 cd I'll look for it and buy a Top 40 cd, and if I want a House/Techno cd, same thing. Now, if I want "freestyle" I go to the "freestyle" section of a record store and when I buy a cd from there I assume I'm getting a freestyle cd, I don't expect Top 40 cds to be there, and I usually HOPE lol that there isn't any House/techno cds mixed in there.

So my question is, do most of you prefer that freestyle artists stay with what worked for them in the past? Do you want a classic beat? In order to evolve and move into the future do we need to label freestyle as some other sound entirely that would incorporate other
styles/beats? And what is your definition of "new"freestyle (especially you Latif)? I hope I'm making some sort of sense. I truly try to accept the change to "new" freestyle, but then at the same time I wonder if the sound changes too much, is it still freestyle as we old school freestyle fans know of it? I like a Latin beat (I even like when the artist sings or talks in Spanish in the song) and I guess I personally prefer a slower tempo to the song.

Hope you all can give me your opinion! I try to roll with the changes, but I worry about things like are the artists doing this mix (if its not classic) because this is what they think will sell, this is what they think will generate new fans, or this is what they think most of the clubs/radio stations will accept and play? Also how much input do the producers, music co's etc have in terms of what type of beat/sound the artist puts in their newest cds? I look forward to hearing what you all think!🙂

I think we should change this article to
"WORD FROM MOM" lol
First of all thanks again for responding to the article. I personally do not think that anyone should change what they like to please someone else. If you like what you like, then that is what has kept Freestyle alive this far. It is not up to the fans to make changes, it is up to the labels, producers and artist. It's our job to investigate whats happening in the marketplace and try to follow or create trends. It's the fans job to just enjoy it and support it. Everyone is not going to like everything. As a label it is my job to try and please as many of you as I can, I already know as should all the other labels, we cannot please everyone. Labels are going to put out what works for them, and some labels are putting out all kinds of different product because they have not yet found what works for them. Freestylers, be true to yourself and this market. Let us know what you like and don't like, then leave it up to us to make the neccessary changes. Classic sounding Freestyle can work today, look at Mojo, even though it wasn't a Freestyle song. It was basically a Disco song using today's technology. The record blew up.

 

[Diva Dawn]

I think it's up to the fans to revive Freestyle. I mean they are making the music for us, it's up to us to get the radio stations to play it. I am so sick of Britney Spears and blink 182 stuff on the radio all of the time. I miss the good old days in the late 80's and early 90's where you could turn on the radio and catch a great freetyle song. I think right now is a good time to get the spotlight on freestyle because kids are loking for new styles of music and to alot of people this may be "new" to them.
Thanks!

 

[JackG]

Diva Dawn, good points!

 

[FreestyleMom]

Re: Re: Let Me Know What You All Think!

I think we should change this article to
"WORD FROM MOM" lol
First of all thanks again for responding to the article. I personally do not think that anyone should change what they like to please someone else. If you like what you like, then that is what has kept Freestyle alive this far. It is not up to the fans to make changes, it is up to the labels, producers and artist. It's our job to investigate whats happening in the marketplace and try to follow or create trends. It's the fans job to just enjoy it and support it. Everyone is not going to like everything. As a label it is my job to try and please as many of you as I can, I already know as should all the other labels, we cannot please everyone. Labels are going to put out what works for them, and some labels are putting out all kinds of different product because they have not yet found what works for them. Freestylers, be true to yourself and this market. Let us know what you like and don't like, then leave it up to us to make the neccessary changes. Classic sounding Freestyle can work today, look at Mojo, even though it wasn't a Freestyle song. It was basically a Disco song using today's technology. The record blew up.

😀 Thanks for replying Latif, yeah I know I talk too much lol, but hey, I have alot of questions (and opinions lol)!

Welcome to the board Diva Dawn from the old to the new! Your reply helped me understand the business alittle better, but as fans some of us (am I the only one lol?) are curious about what goes on behind the scenes to make a cd, or freestyle song. Like what motivates the artists, producers, record labels etc. when they try something new. For example, if I hear an artist that I'm used to listening to classic freestyle from do a House Mix I then think to myself, why? Do they like House/Techno music? I always wonder who's decision it is to do things like that. Thanks for listening to me, sorry it was so long!

 

[Latif]

Re: Re: Re: Let Me Know What You All Think!

😀 Thanks for replying Latif, yeah I know I talk too much lol, but hey, I have alot of questions (and opinions lol)!

Welcome to the board Diva Dawn from the old to the new! Your reply helped me understand the business alittle better, but as fans some of us (am I the only one lol?) are curious about what goes on behind the scenes to make a cd, or freestyle song. Like what motivates the artists, producers, record labels etc. when they try something new. For example, if I hear an artist that I'm used to listening to classic freestyle from do a House Mix I then think to myself, why? Do they like House/Techno music? I always wonder who's decision it is to do things like that. Thanks for listening to me, sorry it was so long!

Hey Freestyle Mom,
I was just kidding, I like to read your post!
This business can be very expensive. Studio time, the right people to operate equipment, artwork, mastering, manufacturing, shipping, marketing, advertising etc. I can truly go on. I've known people to sell their cars, get loans, use credit cards, second, even third jobs, borrow from friends and family. (My first project was financed through a loan from my Mom "God bless her" for $5,000. When she saw I was taking longer than I had said to pay her back and was getting stressed because I don't like owing anyone anything, she told be to forget about it. When I opened my office on 42nd St. I spent more time figuring out ways to pay my $1500 a month rent than I did finding hit records. When you see an artist, label or producer try a different form of music, don't get mad at them, most likely they are having financial trouble and trying to get out of it. It's hard people believe me! La😎

 

[FreestyleMom]

WoW Latif! NY is expensive!!

🙂No offense taken! OMG Latif your rent was THAT high? I would have NO idea how to come up with that kind of money! That is sooo sweet that your Mom helped you out and then forgave the debt. Thats what us Moms are here for!

I'm all for an artist, producer, record co./label etc. trying out different types of music, I just want to see them successful at it, and I hope that it's well received by their fans. I also understand that alot of them (or most?) are just like the rest of us and work good ol' 9-5 jobs. My daughter has chatted with afew artists online and they enlightened her to the reality of that part of the business. See ya!!

 

[Naza's Mom]

Latif's first remark

I just want to say that i always loved Freestyle Music and I agreed with what u said in the very beginning.. I don't think Freestyle is dead i just think it went through it's faze like all other kinds of music but look at styles of clothes here today gone tommorrow back again the next day lol but,that's another story lol. My point is that if so many people say it's dead why are we even chatting about it.. Or then why when they hear a Freestyle song they start dancin or saying like "omg,that's my song".. It will come back and when it does everyone else who didn't even know what Freestyle was is gonna act like they discovered something totally new lol.. Just like when India started singing Salsa all them people who were like "omg,she is awesome" i was like " I know i remember her when she sang Freestyle music" lol.. As a Freestyle Junkie lol i always try to get people into it again.. I even told people about this website cause it's freakin awesome lol.. So, we Freestylers have to keep representin otherwise,we are no better than those who insult the music..

Keep it Alive,

Naza's Mom

 

[Naza's Mom]

Latif's first remark

I just want to say that i always loved Freestyle Music and I agreed with what u said in the very beginning.. I don't think Freestyle is dead i just think it went through it's faze like all other kinds of music but look at styles of clothes here today gone tommorrow back again the next day lol but,that's another story lol. My point is that if so many people say it's dead why are we even chatting about it.. Or then why when they hear a Freestyle song they start dancin or saying like "omg,that's my song".. It will come back and when it does everyone else who didn't even know what Freestyle was is gonna act like they discovered something totally new lol.. Just like when India started singing Salsa all them people who were like "omg,she is awesome" i was like " I know i remember her when she sang Freestyle music" lol.. As a Freestyle Junkie lol i always try to get people into it again.. I even told people about this website cause it's freakin awesome lol.. So, we Freestylers have to keep representin otherwise,we are no better than those who insult the music..

Keep it Alive,

Naza's Mom