When Latin Freestyle Ruled the Charts Next to Michael Jackson

Freestyle, or Latin Freestyle is a style of electronic dance music that arose from New York City, New Jersey, and Miami in the 80’s and 90’s. The origins of freestyle come from two foundational records. Africa Bambaataa & the Soul Sonic Force “Planet Rock” (1982), and Shannon’s “Let The Music Play” (1983).

One of the cool things about Freestyle was that it was a working class genre of music that ordinary people could make and release independently outside of the major label system. Occasionally the records would bubble up from the clubs and crossover onto the pop charts. In the Freestyle era, the “indie charts” could just as easily have an artist on Metropolitan Records, or Cutting Records as SST/Sub Pop. (Pictured: Sweet Sensation, Bip Bopper Magazine)

Some of the bigger crossover acts became legit pop stars (Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam). But the acts with regional hits often cut records & videos that were low budget and charming (Laissez Faire). The most important factor being a well written, catchy tune with an uptempo dance beat.

Many of the songs are written in Minor Key. The music was popular in urban areas with large Hispanic populations. There could be enough regional play at radio in Chicago, NYC, Miami or LA to make a Freestyle cut crossover & get scooped up by a major.

This is a list of some of my favorite Freestyle jams. Sometimes it’s the big known hit from the artist, but occasionally I’ll throw a curve ball like with Exposé and play a deep cut that I like a lot even though they are one of the main crossover acts of the genre, with hit singles like “Come Go With Me” and “Point Of No Return”. (Pictured: The Cover Girls)

Bomb The Bass is the sole act on this list from overseas (UK), but they understood the assignment and make the list, plus they look cool.