The second of the "12 Inches" series from arguably the most successful freestyle label ever. This is the label responsible for bringing you artists such as Cynthia, Johnny O., Nyasia, Tiana, The Rios Sisters, and the list goes on and on. The label was launched by Mickey Garcia who got his start producing the smash hits I Won't Stop Loving You by C-Bank and No Reason To Cry by Judy Torres. A year later, MicMac Records was born. The label later introduced the bright colored record jackets that became a fixture on all their 12" single releases. These are all individual extended club versions of their biggest hits and not a continous mix.
The first of the "12 Inches" series from arguably the most successful freestyle label ever. This is the label responsible for bringing you artists such as Cynthia, Johnny O., Nyasia, Tiana, The Rios Sisters, and the list goes on and on. The label was launched by Mickey Garcia who got his start producing the smash hits I Won't Stop Loving You by C-Bank and No Reason To Cry by Judy Torres. A year later, MicMac Records was born. The label later introduced the bright colored record jackets that became a fixture on all their 12" single releases. These are all individual extended club versions of their biggest hits and not a continous mix.
Released in 2003, this is the third issue of the successful "best of megamix" series mixed by Bad Boy Joe. Disc one is a continous edit-megamix featuring old school artists such as Judy Torres, Laissez Faire, Nyasia and Stevie B. The second disc features new school artists such as Luis Damon, Nina Martinez, Synthia Figueroa and Ashley. It also contains a quick radio edit megamix of all the tracks on disc two.
Further proof that freestyle groups can't stay together, we arrive at Sweet Sensation. Originally called Sweet Temptation, the group had to change their name after being pressured by the Temptations management. With a few lineup changes over the years, they did manage to release two full length albums and extended their catalog with a third album of remixed material. A shame, as the girls had several big hits on both the pop and club charts. They were one of the first freestyle acts I remember to incorporate a rap into one of their songs when they were joined by Romeo JD from the Boogie Boys on the track Sincerely Yours.
Afrika Bambaataa was one of the pioneers of the early hip-hop movement, bringing together DJ's, rappers, graffiti artists and breakdancers at various block parties in the Bronx. He is credited with inspiring the electro-funk sound which had a lasting influence on many styles of music, including freestyle. Elements from the classic single Planet Rock can be heard throughout many of freestyle's biggest hits. The song uses the main melody from Trans-Europe Express by synth-pop pioneers Kraftwerk.
This compilation should really be called the best of "Pretty Tony" Butler. Tony was an up and coming DJ/Producer who recorded "electro" style tracks with his group Freestyle. That sound was very similar to the early freestyle sound and Tony would eventually venture into that realm of music. His biggest hits came with Debbie Deb and Trinere, who are both featured on this disc. I always thought Trinere never received her due. She was one of very few freestyle artists with a powerful voice that could actually carry a tune. Debbie Deb recorded the standards Lookout Weekend and When I Hear Music, which still receive heavy airplay to this very day on the weekend mixshows. Janet Jackson recorded a version of Lookout Weekend which she had posted on her website for awhile. The beat was not that bad but her vocals were awful.
In yet another example of a freestyle group with several lineup changes, we have Exposé. Exposé was one of my favorite groups and had several classics during their reign. The group was formed by famed producer and songwriter Lewis A. Martineé. Original members included Sandeé (Notice Me and You're The One) and Alé (Stop Me If I Fall In Love and I Wanna Know) who left to pursue solo careers. The lineup most people are familiar with is Jeanette Jurado, Ann Curless and Gioia Bruno. They were one of the first freestyle acts I ever saw at a concert venue as opposed to a nightclub. I don't think I've ever typed so many damn "é" in my life.
Getting back to the greatest hits, this is Stevie B's "best of" collection. This guy has written, recorded and produced a lot of records over the years and is still active to this day. He is one of the few freestyle artists to achieve true mainstream success and a #1 song to boot. The ballad Because I Love You spent 4 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Party Your Body, Spring Love and Dreaming Of Love rank among my all time personal favorites. Spring Love has been re-recorded in both Spanish & English by Huey Dunbar and Stevie redid his vocals on a collaboration with Pitbull earlier this year called Spring Love 2007.
Keeping on with the TKA theme, this was a solo album by former TKA member Kayel. He probably eclipsed the success he enjoyed with TKA with this solo venture. This album represents a big departure from the typical TKA sound. It has more hip-hop and R&B influences, and the subtleties of the TKA lyrics have been abandoned for a more raw and in your face style. With that said, it is a great album and there are a couple of tracks which could just as easily be branded as TKA, such as Body Rock and I'll Make You Feel Good.
The greatest hits compilation from TKA. The lineup changed a few times but they were to freestyle what Run-DMC was to hip-hop back in the day, freestyle's first super group. A few other groups or artists may have had more crossover success, but TKA was and still is the standard to judge all others by in my opinion. Their vocals and production were always tight and keeps their music sounding fresh to this day. They were able to incorporate different styles of music, from true freestyle to pop, R&B, house, ballads, and so on, and still make every song a TKA song. This is one of the albums you would have to consider if you could only keep one CD for the rest of your life. Nothing but hits here and they're all big ones.
Released in 1996, this is volume two of a greatest hits mini-mix CD from the legendary Cutting Records label. A total of five medleys featuring some of the labels' biggest hits. All mixes and edits were done by the great Albert Cabrera & Rob "Razor" Kellman.
Released in 1996, this is volume one of a greatest hits mini-mix CD from the legendary Cutting Records label. A total of five medleys featuring some of the labels' biggest hits. All mixes and edits were done by the great Albert Cabrera & Rob "Razor" Kellman.
Welcome to the Freestyle Flashback. This is an extension of my site on Multiply . It will feature mostly old-school freestyle tracks and select R&B, Disco and Hip-Hop tracks from days gone by.
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