DJ Drewski sits down with freestyle music legends Lisette Melendez, Rockell, Boriqua Posse, and David from Nice and Wild on Hot 97’s Midday Movement to celebrate the genre that shaped New York City’s music scene.
The crew gets real about the golden era of freestyle, shady record deals they signed as teenagers, gatekeeping within the scene, and what it takes to stay relevant for 30+ years. Rockell opens up about surviving domestic violence and her powerful comeback album “Beautifully Broken: Chapter One,” while Boriqua Posse shares his journey through four heart attacks, heart surgery, and battling epilepsy on stage. Lisette talks about her Grammy win in Japan and her refusal to be boxed into one genre.
They also break down why freestyle keeps passing from generation to generation, how social media and TikTok are giving the music new life, and why the new generation confuses Latin freestyle with hip-hop freestyling.
🎶 BRICK CITY FREESTYLE 80s NIGHT
📅 Saturday, July 11th
📍 NJPAC (New Jersey Performing Arts Center)
🔗 Lisette Melendez new music: lisettemelendez.com
🔗 Raquel’s album “Beautifully Broken: Chapter One” — available on all platforms
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Intro & Meet the Panel
5:00 – Freestyle vs. Hip Hop: The Origin Debate
10:00 – Titles, Queens & Kings of Freestyle
14:00 – 30+ Years of Performing — Why Freestyle Lasts
19:00 – Social Media Giving Freestyle New Life
22:00 – Gatekeeping in the Freestyle Scene
24:00 – Getting Jerked: Record Deals at 16 & 17
28:00 – Raquel’s Story: Domestic Violence & “Beautifully Broken”
30:00 – Mr. Boi: Heart Attacks, Epilepsy & Reinvention
34:00 – DJs, Bad Sound Systems & Show Stories
37:00 – AI, New Artists & The Future of Freestyle
42:00 – Internet Haters & Keyboard Warriors
45:00 – Brick City Freestyle Concert Details
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