Tuesday, February 19, 2008

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.

6 comments:

Wildqbn said...

Latif, please, take into consideration the hardcore freestyle fan that is going out of their way to attend. If I go to a freestyle award ceremony and all I hear performed is unkown music from my favorite artist and they neglect to perform my favorits, I am going to be profoundly disappointed. I think you will attract substantially more attendees if the perfomers stick to the tried and true. I have been to hundreds of concerts over the last 22 years. Its always the same , the performer runs up the stage, gets the crowd loaded, then runs right into their newest "project", meanwhile, the fans sit patiently (In some cases inpatiently) for the performer to jump into the bread and butter that put them on stage in the first place.

Anonymous said...

Hey 2008 Freestyle Music Awards!I just have to commend you all for for FINALLY giving Freestyle Music the recognition it deserves. I grew up listening to, and idolizing many artists of the Freestyle era. Up until this very day, I still have fond memories of the genre, and have kept many records/CDs, and I enjoy listening to them every chance I get.I wish I could join you at the awards ceremony to cheer everyone on with everyone else, but I know it will be a SUCCESS!Congratulations to all!FREESTYLE FOREVER!!!!!!


Damian G.

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Anonymous said...

I have personally seen just about every freestyle artist around muliple times and I am pretty tired of seeing the same old acts performing the same old stuff. I like the angle this event is taking, it isn't a typically concert, it's stupid to pay to see this stuff over and over. I think what freestyle needs is this, new performances. Do these artist really have to perform their old stuff all the time? I hope all the artist play new stuff, i'll be there,vip.

Freestyle Music Awards said...

This is to David who posted about what would disappoint him "Profoundly". That attidtude is the same exact attitude that we get from promoters, when they do not want to allow the artist to expand. If you've been to 100's of Freestyle concerts in the last 22 years, then you have basically seen the same show 100's of times. Expand the mind and allow these artist to please themselves for a change. This is a tribute to the people on and behind the stage. Also, we are not asking fans to "Go Out Of Their Way", but rather to join us in this historical and memorable event... Thanks for the comment and I'll see you at the FMA's

Latif

Anonymous said...

im an old school dj and its about time they gave credit to freestyle,thank you so much for those that put this all together for our freestyle artists they worked hard for this recognition,
Angel"Pops"Cruz