So Who's Performing At The 2008 Freestyle Music Awards?

The initial intentions were to have "No" artist perform at this event, but rather have other "Freestyle Themed" entertainment that all the artist could enjoy. A sort of tribute to their own success and achievements.There were more than enough really cool presentations that would easily fill the night. But then the phones started ringing, mostly from managers who saw a rare opportunity for their artists (That's why they're managers). They knew, whether this event succeeded or failed, it would still become a part of history and they wanted their artists to be involved. Our promoter Ovidio Santiago knew the event would have a better chance with actual performances and expressed his opinion to Latif who finally agreed that yes, it would be an important contribution to the event. Latif contacted many of the managers that expressed interest in having their acts perform. He told them how grateful he was that they wanted to do this, but he had one concern. Latif explained that he in no way wanted the Freestyle Awards to resemble your typical Freestyle concert. One of the ways he wanted to get this across to them was by encouraging them to perform 'New Material". You see, as a Booking Agent, Latif was always instructed by his promoter clients to make sure the artist "Does Not" Perform any new material, only the classics! Well what's he to say, the promoters are paying the artist and therefore should have the right to request what he does or doesn't want performed, but it’s up to the artist whether or not to agree. A sticky situation for an agent who's also a manager and understands the importance of artist performing their new stuff. Traditional Radio doesn't support Freestyle the way it use to, so how does an artist expose their new music aside from posting it on myspace? As risky as it might be and the fact that haters and competitors are going to use it against them, Latif is putting his trust into his artist and their managers encouraging them to perform their new music. Latif says, "Artist have been on tour with each other for many years, and have seen each other's performances over and over again. By allowing acts to perform new material lets the fellow artist to also be entertained along with the rest of the fans." Aside from just new material, Latif spoke with the artist and their managers and expressed to them his desire to not just hear their new stuff, but for them to go out on a limb. Show the artistic side that they are discouraged from showing at other events. Latif says, “My hopes are that, there will be prominent people in the audience that will see these acts after so many years, and be blown away” possibly opening new doors for all involved.