Freestyle Blogs

The butterflies in my stomach are yet to land. The first ever Freestyle Music Awards could not have been any better. We got back home last night, and I tossed and turned all night thinking about what I have just experienced, as well as what I would like to see in the 2009 Freestyle Music Awards, yes we are already working on it.Before I even begin a re-cap of the event, let me first begin by acknowledging some really important people behind the scenes. First off, my partners Lily Bolden and Ovidio Santiago. Two people who took my vision and brought it to life with class and professionalism. Lily makes everything we do look effortless. Her classiness and love for Freestyle made her go all out. Ovidio Santiago and his years of experience promoting some of the biggest Freestyle Concerts in Florida and his love for Freestyle, made him work endless to achieve what we prayed for.


              Mr. and Mrs. Bolden

I also want to acknowledge Mr. Leonard Bolden (Lily’s Husband). At any point, he could have told his wife, stop! That’s enough! And he didn’t. He not only supported this event financially and emotionally, but he rolled up his sleeves and supported it physically. Thanks Leonard!To Al, our stage manager, thanks so much for everything you did to make this event a success. I know we didn’t make it easy with all the last minute changes, but you proved you are a professional in every sense of the word.Thank you so much, and to your entire staff who made it happen as we had envisioned.To  Oscar, Rachel, Javier and everyone else from the Bolden camp, that took care of so many different aspects of the event. You guys are the absolute bomb! Thank you.WebMaster Dave, you did a great job on the programs and T-Shirts not to mention the Fragrance logo. You took on the merchandise table when I knew you wanted so bad to see the show. I’m still very sorry about that. Like always, you came through.DanSki, man, I am so so proud of you! You did a spectacular job. We worked you to death and you didn’t complain once.  You did what you had to and you did it with professionalism and perfection.
  Mickey Garcia and La’ Radio’s DanSki


God really blessed me when he put you in my path! Thanks Ski.
Mickey “Mic Mac” Garcia, Not only was it an honor having you open the FMA’s on the Red Carpet, you have been a blessing since the idea came about. You were no doubt the ultimate consultant and adviser in making sure the right people knew about this. You know that spot will be there for you next year.DJ Ciro, who can rep Miami better than you? You did an incredible job, thank you so very much.To my artist, who came to me when they saw what we were doing and without any questions, volunteered to be a part of this historical event.But I can’t even begin this subject without first mentioning my boys Freestyle Evolution. LB, you were the first to step to me about performing at the FMA’s. You had that much faith and trust in what we were doing. Believe it or not, you opened up the door for the other acts, because I wasn’t sure if I was going to have artist perform, I had something totally different in mind.  Let me tell the readers how your show came about, because it is important to the making of the event.  (For those unaware, LB is the Key Member of Freestyle Evolution.) LB, heard that we were putting together the event, he actually knew months prior because I had brought it up to him. Anyhow, he called me and said, “Yo La’ what’s up with the Freestyle Music Awards, everyone’s talking about it”.  I explained that yes we were in the mist of producing it. He asked what was up with the performances, and me, being someone who was always uncomfortable about asking for favors, basically told him that I was planning on producing a Freestyle Awards Ceremony without having Freestyle acts perform. LB was like, “What? Yo La’ this is my home town, you gotta put us on!” I told him, “L, honestly, I don’t think you’ll be able to pull it off the way I envision it.” He asked me to explain, and all I could come up with was, “L, no disrespect, but if you aren’t landing on stage in a spaceship, I don’t think your performance will work”. You see, me being an agent as well as a manager that has been on the road for 20 plus years and have basically seen everyone’s performance, I didn’t want this in no shape or form to resemble a typical Freestyle concert. LB calls me back an hour later and says “La’, just wanna let you know, I’m working on that spaceship!” Then he hung up.I sat there thinking for a moment and knew that if I could get that same attitude from some of the other artist, then we might be able to put on an even more spectacular event. One by one, the acts began coming out, and approaching me about performing at the FMA’s. It was a very emotional time as artist put all their trust into what we were doing, without any questions or hesitations. Talk about pressure! I think the excitement in preparing for the event was as much fun as the event itself, it was like everything was top secret, the acts all had their own ideas and unlike other events, we encouraged them to perform other songs besides their hits. Yea, I was bashed about it, from not only haters, but a few artists as well. But all I could do was shrug my shoulders and get back to work. 


Jenea (Sweet Sen) K7, Caroline (OCG),
Wilson (TKA), Sunshine (OCG), Carlos (TKA)
Angel (OCG), Sheila (Sweet Sen) and Johnny OAll the artist were put up at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Miami, we had Limos pick everyone up and gifts awaiting them in their rooms. We wanted to set the tone.  What a great feeling it was when we walked into the Hyatt and saw a 14 foot replica of the La’ Award beside a beautiful banner.The vibe was exciting and beautiful as each act walked into the lobby of the hotel. Lily took me, Ovidio and Leonard (Lily’s husband) to the Tuxedo shop to get us fitted.  Wow, I haven’t worn one of these since I was the Ring Baron at my cousin’s wedding (I was seven).  It felt good though, we picked some really cool tux, had them fitted and delivered to the hotel. When I got back to the hotel, Lily had a beautiful watch delivered to my room.  She is so generous and thoughtful.That evening, we had a private party in one of the clubs in the hotel where everyone casually got together for drinks and food, all complimentary of course.There we gave awards out to all the people who help us put the event together. One of the highlights of the night was the re-uniting of Angel and Sunshine, two of the original Cover Girls. We made sure this moment was captured on film. It was very emotional for everyone, as these two ladies haven’t seen each other in over 15 years. The third original member, Caroline was to meet with them the following day in the lobby, of course our camera crew was their to capture the moment. It was such a great vibe, like back in the day.  Everyone was there hanging out, seeing old friends and making new.The following day, we called all the acts early in the morning and told them to be in the lobby of the hotel by 6pm for pick up to the Miami-Dade Auditorium. I get chills just thinking about the vibe that was in the lobby that evening.  All the acts, their managers, husbands, wives and children all greeted in the lobby. The women looked stunning, the men as sharp as can be. This was it! This was the feeling I was hoping to create, and it was there.I made my rounds in the lobby, greeting and thanking everyone for coming. It was emotional for me, but I hid it well behind my shades. The response I received from everyone there was so sincere, many of them didn’t have to say a word, their eyes spoke for them. I felt at that moment, any questions or doubts that people may have had of my intentions in putting this event together suddenly disappeared.Finally, it was time! Twenty-Two Limos awaited my beautiful artists and their beautiful families.As you stepped out the Hyatt, you saw an unending line of Limousines. One by one, I personally opened each of their doors, and gestured them in.My partner Ovidio, his wife, mother and daughter, myself, my wife Angel and my son Adam, got into the last limo and drove through the closed off streets of Miami. As we were about six limos away from the entrance of the Dade, I rolled down my window a bit to hear, probably one of the most soothing and familiar sounds I know. It was the voice of La’ Radio Live’s Program Director DJ DanSki. On the Red carpet with Mickey “Mic Mac” Garcia Djing behind him.As we stepped out, of course we were introduced as the producers of the show as well as Angel “The Original CoverGirl”.  Caroline and Sunshine were already on the Red carpet waiting for Angel to take pictures. It was amazing and “The Cover Girls” looked beautiful.
As we entered the Lobby, sitting center carpet in a glass case was the La’ Award. Could I have been any more proud?To many, it might seem a bit boastful; to feature the La’ (short for Latif) as the head of the trophy, but you see, the La’ really represents an organization of dedicated people who are working endlessly toward the re-establishment of Freestyle. In 100 years, you’ll understand!From inside the lobby of the Dade, 400 foot Red carpet continued. Out the side door, through the side yard and into a huge elegant white tent, totally designed and catered by Mrs. Lily Bolden. Straight up Cuban style, with white plush carpeting and elegant seating. Aside from the food, Lily topped it off with a Mojito Bar and Cigar Rollers…
Company B pose with their Award

It was basically the same vibe we had in the club in the hotel the night before and the hotel lobby, except once again the setting had changed.My mom, someone who supported me and encouraged me to move forward in my career is no longer with us. My only close family now is my wife, children, sister, brother and in-laws, and when I glanced across the room, there they all sat!I made my rounds greeting our guest, artist, execs and friends, thanking them for attending. The response I received was overwhelming as so many congratulated me and thanked me for putting on this. Once again, I could never have done it without Ovidio Santiago and Lily Bolden.Well, it was Showtime, and the butterflies in my stomach suddenly transformed into bats as we asked everyone to please go into the auditorium and take their seats. Oh my God, I was shaking and at this point, I had to hand the reins over to my partner Ovidio. You see Ovidio is the director of promotions for Clear Channel Radio and doing what he was about to do, is basically what he does for a living.I think that’s what makes our partnerships so perfect; it is that we are all experts in the roles we played to make this happen. You see, I’m a manager, booking agent and I specialize in sales and marketing. I am an entrepreneur in every sense of the word and an innovator. I am the creator/owner of the entire La’ Organization, from our booking and Management Company, to our i-Radio station La’ Radio Live. I created FreestyleBlast.com where I communicate the re-development of the Freestyle market to the masses as well as freestyleBlogs.com, the site you are currently on. I am responsible for transforming Angel into “The Original CoverGirl” and Lil’ Suzy, Angel and Lisette Melendez into one of Freestyle’s most requested acts S.A.L.One of my newest ventures is the high quality fine fragrance I created called, what else?  “Freestyle” By La’.Basically, what I am trying to say is, I do Freestyle for a living! So creating and organizating all the elements of the FMA’s were what I did.Once all the pieces were there, Ovidio and I then put them into what we felt was the logical order. This took place every evening when he was home from work, we would stay on the phone and computers for hours.Ovidio’s experience in working with major corporations such as his current Clear Channel, put me at ease when he made suggestions as to how this would transform live. Ovidio stayed up late the night before, writing the script for the presenters and host and he did a remarkable job. He had asked me the day of if I wanted to proof it, and I said, for what? We’re not changing anything, let’s go!Now our third partner, Mrs. Lily Bolden, you see, she is responsible for taking what we did and giving it beauty and elegance. She dressed everything from the hotel lobby, to the tent to us! Yes, she made sure we were in Tux!Bolden Corp was also our main financial backer, and even though Ovidio and I also had a financial stake in the development, between our dealings with all involved, from favors we pulled to just our own individual man hours, Lily allowed us to create an event without compromise. Like I said, it was a match made in heaven!Sad to say, their were many people, including artist, that doubted out intentions about putting on this event. I’ve known many of these doubters for many years and have never given them even a slight hint that I might be a selfish person. I’ve come through for many as well as gone to bat for many without expecting any type of return. Did it hurt? Of course it did. When your intentions are sincere yet you are looked at with suspicion. But, it’s cool. I guess when you’ve been screwed so much, it’s really hard to trust anyone. I hope next year, they all contact me and say they want to be a part of it. Just in case any are reading this, my door is always open to them.Okay, back to the awards!
K7 with Jenea and Sheila (Sweet Sensation)

I stood backstage, heart pounding. I looked at La’ Radio’s Program Director DJ DanSki as he concentrated on the script in his hand. If he had turned his head to look at me, he would’ve seen my face, like a proud father at his kid’s football game. He looked nervous, but ready! All of a sudden, he said it! “Ladies and Gentleman, Welcome, to the 2008 Freestyle Music Awards”. I held my breath the whole time, it look as though he was too. He looked at me and smiled with relief as the audience began to applaud! He sounded great!The lights dimmed as the absolute first presentation that I produced for this event began. I envisioned this part front the beginning. I love the song “Promise Me” by the Cover Girls. My wife of course recorded the song.  If you never seen the video, please check it out on youtube, it’s a beautiful song. I saw this song as the opener from the beginning, but thought, that because it was Angel’s song, I didn’t want to come off bias. I explored other ballads as well as a few up-tempo joints.  The only one I had mention it to, was Angel, of course she didn’t object.For days I was listening to so many Freestyle songs trying to figure out, what I can use, and every so often I would go back to “Promise Me”. At one point, I was listening to Promise Me, and WebMasterDave, who was sitting at his desk beside me turned his head and said “Why don’t you use that song” It sounds like an Orchestra.  He was right, and I had to stop fighting it, “Promise Me” was the natural opening song. I was excited at that point and told Angel, she seemed to know that I was going to use it after all. Now I had to sell the idea to Ovidio, because I am a team player, and don’t make any moves without him agreeing. He had no doubt whatsoever that “Promise Me” would be the perfect opener.I must’ve played the song 100 times that day, envisioning the orchestra playing it and the reaction of the crowd. But wait! Would it be entertaining to an audience? I might be fascinated by live musicians, but that doesn’t mean others will be.Damn! What can we do to compliment the Orchestra? I knew I didn’t want to have Angel sing, that would be way too much. I started exercising the idea of have the Miami Ballad, or a choir, but for some reason, it still wasn’t coming across big enough for me. Man, this was the opening number, what can I do to blow people away.I sat with this for about a week. Went to bed with it on my mind and woke up with many ideas, none of which were truly moving me. Something reminded me of the New Years prior, where I, Angel and the kids spent it in Disneyland in California. I saw this incredible Laser Light Show and remember being fascinated by it. Immediately, I got on line and began my search.After tons of calls and emails, I finally got a call from a guy names Jon, who owned a company called DayStar. Jon was very personable, and informative. He was no doubt an expert in his field as well as a fan of Freestyle, a huge plus in him getting the job. I sent Jon a copy of “Promise Me” a song he was very familiar with and loved. And from their we began the creative process. I was a little limited because I really didn’t understand the ins and outs of how the lasers worked and therefore didn’t really know what it was they could do.Okay, sorry, back to the show!  So the lights dimmed, and I could hear the conductor cue her orchestra and it began. My hairs stood up as the chimes chimed and Orchestra Miami began. I couldn’t see to well, the scrim where the lasers would bounce off of, but I could see some of the audience as they became mesmerized and in aw of our opening number. It was incredible!Well the Awards continued and at first it took off a bit rough, but in no time, Ovidio got it under control. Thank God.From where I stoop back stage and the fact that I was running around way too much to be able to get a good look at any of the performances. But I can tell you this. The feedback I got was great. I asked everyone that I knew was sitting in the audience, from my 7 year old daughter to the ushers at the back of the room. Who was their favorite? What did they like? What didn’t they like? Etc… and I was really proud of the results.What the acts did do that made me feel good, was they listened and cooperated with our ideas. I wanted them to go on stage, regardless of the negativity and give us something new!  New music, new show, different twist.  This is what Freestyle needs, and all those who did what I asked, walked off the stage very happy and satisfied.  I am already getting acts calling me telling me their ideas for next year.
        Lil’ Suzy with Latif Mercado

Was it difficult for Lil’ Suzy to choose to perform a song that she has never performed before, and in Spanish, opposed to performing her trademark hit “Take Me In Your Arms”.  Of course it was. But she took a deep breath and did it, and proved to everyone that she is a true and talented artist.Did people expect Angel (OCG) to perform Show Me? of course.  Were they surprised when the curtain went up and she was standing their in a nightgown and barefoot looking at Sito from the group PAIN, tied to a bed center stage… That took guts and faith on her side, that I knew what I was talking about. People, this is the key. I don’t want to own it. I want to share it with the Freestyle community. We need change! And we cannot change the condition of this market, unless we can change the condition of our hearts.Well the show was over, and I hugged the life out of my partner Ovidio and thanked God. I was on cloud 9, I felt great, proud, accomplished and itching to do it again. After the show, we all headed back to the VIP tent. Everyone looked so happy.People came up to me for photos and autographs. And as much as it seemed that they appreciated what we had done, I couldn’t stop telling them how much I appreciated what they had done. Brenda K Starr, Carlos Berrios, Company B, Coro, Debbie Deb, Dj Ciro, Erotic Exotic, Freestyle Evolution, Henry Stone, Johnny O, K7, TKA, Lewis Martinee, Lil’ Suzy, Mickey Garcia, Pain, Rockell, Sweet Sensation, Vito Bruno, Lily and Leonard Bolden, Ovidio Santiago, The Original Cover Girls, Sunshine, Caroline and of course, my wife Angel “The Original CoverGirl” someone who is playing a much bigger role than anyone really knows. She fights side by side with me for the Freestyle Community. 
Angel (OCG) and CoroShe has the power to encourage me to keep doing what I am doing, or discourage me. I’m up a dawn and I don’t shut down till around midnight, and she never complains.  On the contrary, she supports me, and makes me comfortable so that I could help move this community forward.The 2008 Freestyle Music Awards has come and gone and I am back at work, already working the market up another notch. We have tremendous plans for all so please stay tuned. For those asking about whether the 2008 FMA will be available on DVD. The answer is, eventually, but right now we are focusing on a “Major” Network deal.  That’s right! Television distribution.  A DVD will help us a bit, a Major television distribution deal will put us back on the map!To all who are professing to love the Freestyle Market. We need to protect it. We need to put a stop to all who are bashing or attempting to discredit or sabotage what we are all working so hare at to accomplish.  Don’t let them mess it up for you! Someone says something negative, you need to stop them!Freestyle 4 Life!La’