The Origins of Latin Freestyle

A subgenre of Electro Music beginning around the mid 1980s

See examples of Latin Freestyle pioneers

All about Latin Freestyle

The evolution of music is primarily cultural. Unlike today's common and tangible trends that we see in digital technology, music is not just created. Instead, it is born. What do we mean by this? Firstly, music is cultural and is generally rooted in the rhythmic aspects of philosophy, mythology, and even religious beliefs. 

This art form is ultimately used to define and give a sense of belonging to its listeners. And secondly, music is a language that undoubtedly conveys a profoundly emotional message that is felt and reciprocated by being passed on from generation to generation, each adding its flavor. 

And given the vast number of genres that we have today, the diversity of music undoubtedly has no borders. And such is the genre of Latin Freestyle. 

What is Latin Freestyle?

When we think Latino, we often think of one particular culture. Instead, Latino incorporates such a diverse range of cultures that it is difficult to pinpoint one specific heritage. Consider that South America includes an unprecedented mix of Mexican, French, and even Caribbean cultures, among others. 

But even with this diversity of culture, the love of music defines and unites. Latin Freestyle is one genre that doesn't receive the accolades that it deserves. Chris Barbosa is accredited as the founder of Latin Freestyle, named as such because of the way it is produced and mixed. 

Latin Freestyle can be classed as a form of electronic dance music. Set apart by its heavy syncopated drum sound, it is the third-largest genre globally, and the importance of cultural heritage primarily drives its fans. 

So instead of one specific sound like other genres of music, Latin Freestyle combines a variety of different instruments that are incorporated from various cultures to bring a depth to the genre that makes it unique.

How do you know it's Latin Freestyle?

Suppose you understand music and know how to pick up on the chords and beats, big up to you. Every genre is defined not just by its vocals but also by the music itself. Latin Freestyle, without a doubt, has a dance tempo, but it's the stress on beats two and four along with a louder bass drum and percussion that set it apart. 

It does go much more in-depth when it comes to the baseline, hi-hats, and complex chord progressions, but it is good enough to know that its sung, upbeat melodies are generally in chorus and verse format, and the theme mainly sticks to love, broken hearts, the city and of course dance.

How did it all begin?

As the name would suggest, Latin Freestyle initially emerged among the Hispanic Americans (primarily Puerto Rican) in New York and Philadelphia back in the 1980s. The genre quickly became a hit in other major areas like Miami and Detroit. 

In the first decade of its discovery, it was a prevalent genre favored by break dancing fans. Rap vocals were a mix of English and Spanish, and this upbeat dance sound bridged the fading world of disco, pop, and hip-hop. 

Its characteristic sound was that heavy drum, and this genre was more than just a source of pride for Latino audiences and artists - it was who they were. It is said that Latin freestyle music was based mainly on the common theme of "heartbreak in the city" since most of the songs were about love and heartbreak. 

This only conjures nostalgic images of young Puerto Rican teens looking for something sweet to play for their girlfriends. Quite synonymous with the genre, though, are the unmistakable sensual gyrations of the Latino community. 

The sounds of Latin Freestyle

Although Latino artists initially used a combination of English and Spanish in their music, most of the artists of today prefer to record in Spanish only. It is hard to separate the feel and sounds from the Samba, Rumba, Tango, and even Reggae when you think of Latin culture. 

All of these influenced the genre in one way or another, thanks again to the diverse Latino culture. The beats are defined by deep connections to the Latino culture with instruments like the bongo, shakers, and maracas that deliver that traditional Latino feel. 

Latin Freestyle was initially a fusion of synthetic instrumentation and percussion, but sampling was soon incorporated and resulted in the sounds we hear today. The distinct sound will always remain, but new flavors are added, constantly melding the old and the new.

Who set the scene for Latin Freestyle?

Shannon's " Let the music play" and Afrika Bambaataa's "Planet Rock" tracks written by Chris Barbosa set the foundation for what became known as Latin Freestyle. 

Taking the traditional sounds of Latin instruments one step further, Afrika Bambaataa was the first to use the Roland TR 808 in their music, an icon of the Electro Funk period. On the other hand, Shannon combined the boom boom base of the TR 808 with Latin American rhythms, which inspired the freestyle dance movements that are inseparable from the Latin Freestyle era. 

Latin Freestyle gives birth to Latin Rap

The 1990s saw the emergence of Latin rap and some of the best DJs and Emcees that hit the scene. Latin Rap was born as a form of social protest in the Puerto Rican realm, similar to other genres like dancehall and reggae that allowed artists to use music to communicate their thoughts on social and political issues. 

Among others to make a big name for themselves was DJ Frankie Cutlass, who, in 1994, produced the single "Puerto Rico" under his label, Hoody Records. Mellow Man Ace became the first Latino Artist to have a bilingual single, " Mentirosa," on his debut album in 1989, which earned him the title of "The Godfather of Latin Rap." 

He was also awarded a spot as an inductee on the Hip Hop Wall of Fame. Other notable achievements include Big Punisher, the first Latino solo artist to reach platinum sales status with his debut album "Capital Punishment" in the late 1990s. 

How did Latin Freestyle Music Spread?

With its catchy beats and vibes tunes, the genre was soon emerging throughout the United States, thanks to artists like Lisa Lisa and The Cult Jam. Latin Freestyle peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This period saw the signing of artists with major labels like Columbia and a myriad of tours throughout the country.

The genre was literally felt everywhere throughout the country, with notable growth in Miami, Philadelphia, and California. From here, it went on to Canada and the rest of the world, with global artists adopting the style. 

Latin Freestyle Hits

Shannon's 1983 release, " Let the Music Play," hit the scenes and knocked it out of the park with a top 10 in the Billboard Hot 100 hits. Soon after, "Please Don't Go" by Nayobe, who is of Caribbean descent, smashed it at #23 on the Hot Dance Music/ Club Play Chart.

By 1987, Latin Freestyle was getting more playtime on American Radio Stations. However, artists such as the Cover Girls, Stevie B, and Pretty Poison got the genre into the mainstream. Fast track to today, and the unmistakable sound of Latin Freestyle still lives on in artists like J-Lo. 

How did Latin Freestyle bridge the genre gap?

In the mid-1980s, Latin Freestyle was officially named a subgenre of hip hop and subsequently became known as Latin Hip Hop. The genre was superseded by other styles of music like Dance-Pop, House Music, and Hip Hop in the '90s. It's also regarded as having a strong influence on what is known as Hard House, which became popular in New York in the same decade. 

It is interesting to note that in the latter part of the '80s, artists like Exposé, Sa-Fire, Timmy T, and Stevie B. released songs that crossed over from the Latin Freestyle genre into the Pop Charts where they actually outperformed their prior work. In fact, Brenda K Starr reached the Billboard Hot 100 with her hit "I Still Believe." 

As a result of this crossover, the music industry saw the emergence of stars like MC Hammer, Bobby Brown, and Paula Abdul, among others who used Latin Freestyle elements and hip hop beats and electro samples in their music. This melded the world of Freestyle, pop, and hip hop and sadly marked the decline of freestyle music. 

Is Latin Freestyle a lost genre?

Freestyle ultimately went underground, albeit with a large fan base in New York. Steve Sylvesters Freestyle Party show at the Coda in Manhattan in 2004 brought popularity back to the genre. 

Featuring artists like the Cover Girls and Cynthia, the show's success led to a Madison Garden Square summer 2006 concert that featured Freestyle's most popular artists and newcomers like Pitbull. 

Most freestyle concerts and events in the United States are still successful, with many selling out, proving that the genre is still very much alive. 2012 and 2013 saw the coming up of teen Latin rappers, including a group from Texas called Sur Lado Entertainment that has produced ethnic Latin hip hop focused on Hispanic identity in the United States. 

Just as Latin Freestyle was a large part of living in New York in the 1980s, it continues to be a thriving genre in the world today, thanks to its legacy that lives on.