#freestyleforlife

[latifmercado]

Yesterday I finally got started on my newest novel. If you picked up my last, then you already know the title, but what I won’t do this time is set a date, not yet, not until I’m on the final draft. This one though, I do plan to push the envelope a bit further, write about things that most of us try not to even think about. People often question me as to whether or not my writing is based on experience, and the answer is… yeah, mostly! I won’t say all of it, because I’m a fiction writer, and some of that really dark shit is totally fictitious… well, not all of it! Each time I release a new story, my goal isn’t about sales, though sales wouldn’t hurt, but rather about the experience I can take my readers through. Can I write something that becomes that guest that never leaves, that visitor that ends up moving in for good? We’ve all read that book that engulfed us to the point where it became difficult to remember whether that experience really happened, or was it from a book? If you’ve never experienced that, then you never read a good one! My writing is still very much in its infancy, and to be allowed to breathe even the same air as the greats, remains a distant dream, but nonetheless an incredible passion, and a journey worth every minute I spend writing! - - - #booksbyla #latinxauthors #bookstagram #bookstore #bookshelf #freestyleforlife #writers #puertoricanwriters (at La' Entertainment) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTklbmtpoez/?utm_medium=tumblr

[angelocg]

When Freestyle Music made its remarkable return, Freestyle artists got a second wind, and showered America with Freestyle club and concert events. The struggling life of the Freestyle artist began to once again level off, and their greatest fear was finally put at ease, all except one artist that is, Angel, lead singer of one of Freestyle’s greatest groups, The Cover Girls. 

Angel's history and hard work had once again become threatened, as old management attempted to disrupt what I had been working so hard to rebuild.

The situation happening behind the scenes was serious, and when I refused their "my way or the highway" attitude, they moved forward with their ongoing threat of trying to recreate "The Cover Girls," with an added promise of putting Angel, as well as myself, out of business once and for all, a move however, that would prove to be nothing more than another mockery added to the treasured Cover Girl name and legacy, while hurting even more, our already beat up Freestyle genre. 

Known also as OCG, Angel's look and sound, is without doubt one of Freestyle's most unique, not to mention familiar signatures, and attempting to pass off three randoms as the Originals, was a pure indication that something was seriously wrong with these people.

That plan might have been successful had Recordings and Videos that threw a spotlight on their obvious star not exist, but God is good, and surely the best of planners! 

Phone calls and letters from old management flooded the market, threatening lawsuits on “Anyone” who dared do business with either Angel, or myself, and though that did work back when I wasn’t around, now shit was different, Angel wasn’t just my artist… She was my wife!

With the only support from our peers coming from Lil’ Suzy, this fight I knew would be brutal, as I stepped up and forward, in defense of this five foot one inch victim of "Freestyle's Big 'Ol Bully." Oh yeah, I burned many bridges in the process, but then realized, that those old-ass bridges didn't really matter anyway.

Then finally, and with the help of a few close friends, and so many loyal fans, I was able to get back Angel’s right to sing her songs, use her name, and perform with her group, but most of all, I was able to get back her legacy, the one that she so rightly deserves, and now,  whether as a solo performer, or as the lead singer of  her Original Cover Girls with sister artists, Caroline, Sunshine, and Margo, Angel’s show continues to be as amazing as ever, full of energy and wonderful memories, her natural beauty and voice have proven timeless as she continues to perform some of her greatest hits such as Because Of You, My Heart Skips A Beat, Inside Outside, Show Me and so many more, and as she stands center stage, looking out at those beautiful people who have supported her all these years.

Unable to speak over the roaring applause, Angel tries, unsuccessfully to hold back her tears, and so instead she smiles, and with those gorgeous green eyes, she’s able to tell them, "Thank You! Thank you, for never forgetting me!

[latifmercado]

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When Me and My Wife Love The Same Song! - - - #tiktoktuesday #couplegoals #maryjblige #covergirls #angelocg #freestyleforlife (at La' Entertainment) https://www.instagram.com/p/CN5VnFuJfTb/?igshid=zr9jw4cx55g5

[latifmercado]

320 pages… Yep, that’s the length of my #novel Feastyle… a lot of writing, huh? The difference with this #book as opposed to my others, is that this one I had to actually write! and what I mean by that is #freestyleforlife and #yesyesyall 1,2 and 3, all pretty much "Wrote Themselves," as all I seemed to have done was put my fingers on the keyboard and viola… it all came to life! Even now, with the new book I’m working on, I never know what’s going to happen next, so I experience it the exact same way that a reader would. #feastyle however was different, because it required a bit more research, research into the universe of the #vampire, which I did not want to violate. There were things that my #characters did naturally without much effort on my part, that I realized broke rules, and therefore I had to go back and make changes, which in turn made me have to go back even further and make even more changes, just so that it all made sense. It was crazy, and the main reason why Feastyle took me so damn long to write! And so I finally sat down, with a good idea as to where I wanted to go with this story and basically plotted the whole thing out, totally not the way I like to write. All and all, I love how this story eventually turned out. I lived with it so long in fact, that some of the more subtle scenes I began confusing with some of the real life situations from which I picked, unable at times to even tell them apart. This book is pretty dark people, and though my lead character can be quite a #monster, you’ll somehow find yourself falling in #love with her, wanting to hang out with her, maybe a little longer than you actually should! It’s called Feastyle and it’s available on #amazon, as both an eBook as well as in paperback, so go ‘head, Get Your Copy Now… I Dare You! - #latinxauthors #bookstagram #poscast (at Monroe, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUsgTY_JENt/?utm_medium=tumblr

[latifmercado]

So tell me.... How many of these Books have YOU read? - - - #Hispanicheritagemonth #latinxheritagemonth #latinx #latinheritagemonth #latinxauthors #latinxstories  #bookstagram #boricua #bookish #latinbookstagram #booksbyla #freestyleforlife (at Monroe, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUNWJO5rW03/?utm_medium=tumblr

[latifmercado]

I’ve said it many times, if God forbid there was a fire, after making sure my family and dog were out safely, the next thing I’d go in to try and save would be my books! Oh no, I don’t mean the Books By La’ I’m talking my collection of personal reads. I’ve never attempted to count them, but there’s at least a thousand books, of which every single one I’ve read, and these aren’t novels, because though I do write them, I’m very picky about which one’s I choose to invest my time. My choice of books, from as far back as I could remember are pretty much, How To’s, and no, not the ones that actually say, How To, what I mean is, books that teach. If you’ve ever browsed my bookshelf, you’ll probably recognize me in them, as they all reek of the various interests I’ve geeked out on over the years. From the World of Religion books that tap into all the various sects, comparative more so as I am more interested in the similarities rather than the differences between them, and of course a huge emphasis on Islam, and for obvious reasons. Biographies on some of this planet’s greatest influences, from Spiritual Leaders and Music Industry Moguls, to Tech Geniuses and Master Salespeople. Real Estate, another huge area for me, as we’ve owned several properties in three different states and one in Puerto Rico which helped keep us above water during the crash of 2008. Self-help, Movie Making, Screenwriting, Novel Writing, and probably the books I have most of, are on Sales and marketing. Amazon is my happy Place, and new books come in practically every week. Each section of books that I look at, reminds of the time that I was heavily into that subject, usually at the beginning when I am first learning, and totally obsessed! With that said, I’m so curious, where are our readers at? Do you still hit books on the regular? Traditional, audio, or eBooks? And if so, what is your preference? Fiction or Non? I’ll love to know! - #Hispanicheritagemonth #latinxheritagemonth #latinx #latinheritagemonth #latinxauthors #latinxstories  #bookstagram #boricua #bookish #latinbookstagram #booksbyla #freestyleforlife (at La' Entertainment) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUFXt8nLY_g/?utm_medium=tumblr

[latifmercado]

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Got a second to hit the pool before our show tonight at Club Casa in Los Angeles. It’s gonna be a great night and We can wait to see you guys! ❤️❤️❤️ #freestyleforlife (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTGV0viFqRD/?utm_medium=tumblr

[latifmercado]

So Kila (little littlest one) didn’t actually start school today, but we figured we’d run her through the morning drill with the other two Everything from the 5:30am wake up, full breakfast, dressed with books and lunch. She kept complaining that it was “Still night time” Everything was perfect, other kids stood with us on the corner awaiting Big yellow. I didn’t know how I was going to tell Kila she wasn’t going, but I ended up not having to, because as the bus approached, I can feel her little hand squeeze mine and she began to backup. We stood back and watched as her siblings and all the neighborhood kids boarded. Santana and King, waving down to us from their window. I kept looking at Kila for a sign of regret, but got none. New school, new kids, new form of transportation… I guess it was a bit, we’ll take it slow, and maybe drive her in for the rest of the week… Any other suggestions? Anyway, to all your kids or grandkids starting school this week, Happy First Day of School kiddos! - - #fistdayofschool #porterridgeelementary #porterridgepirates #schoolbus #elementaryschool #freestyleforlife (at Monroe, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CS65q--LaWZ/?utm_medium=tumblr

[latifmercado]

If this quote makes sense to you, then you too are an entrepreneur. You absolutely love what you do! In fact, you love it so much, you'd do it for FREE! Your definition of work, is unlike the ordinaries, and weekends are not something you usually look forward to, but rather dread, as they will indeed slow down your momentum. If this is something YOU could relate to, let us know in the comments below 👇, Like 👍 or Share 👥 And for those who don't... Well, that's okay, we need you too! Happy Monday, folks! ✌️😁 - - - #mondaymotivation #quotes #quotesbyla #latinxauthors #puertoricanwriters #freestyleforlife (at La' Entertainment) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSoxyy0r4I8/?utm_medium=tumblr

[latifmercado]

It's gonna be a Cali-Kinda Weekend once again! Starting on Friday August 27th, along with our girl, the beautiful and talented Suzi Carr, performing at the original Casa, in Los Angeles... But wait! It's not over. On Saturday August 28th, Angel will then be heading over to Granada Hills, for a second performance at the newly opened Caruso's! Now, there's really no need to pick and choose which one you'd like to attend, instead... make it easy for yourself, and just go to both! Information about the shows are posted on the flyers, so don't wait, and we can't wait to see you! - - - #losangeles #california #nightlife #nightclub #latinfreestylemusic #angelocg #suzicarr #freestylemusic80s #freestyleforlife (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CScIEHnroTp/?utm_medium=tumblr

[latifmercado]

Soul Mates… Yes, it’s a real thing folks, and if you have yet to find yours, be patient, because they’re looking for you as well. 19 years together, 14 of them married, and not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for this incredible blessing. Of course our life isn’t just about Freestyle and TikToks, it’s a true marriage, with the same storms that everyone else goes through. But it’s once those hurricanes and blizzards have passed, and the two of us stand there drying each other off, that it’s once again confirmed… She got me, and I got her… Forever and ever! Happy Anniversary, to the Love of my Life, my Beautiful Wife, Angel. 🥂❤ - - - #happyanniversary #marriedlife #husbandandwife #lifepartners #freestyleforlife (at Monroe, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPh2zOprM7/?utm_medium=tumblr

[latifmercado]

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Mercado’s Most Wanted - - - #tiktok #moviescenes #malibusmostwanted #jamiekennedy #funnyvideos #freestyleforlife (at La' Entertainment) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSIH8LzJNtn/?utm_medium=tumblr

[latifmercado]

Here’s a Throwback that though I’m not trying to glorify it, I sure as hell never want to forget it! It was just one of the many similar stops I had to make between the ages of 17 and 24, the final happening in late 1986 with a release in early 1990. Riker’s Island, Queens House, Upstate, Camp Pharsalia, Auburn, Marcy, Mid-State, as well as a few others, with the bulk of my time being served at Collins Correctional, and then Queens Borough CF for work release. Going back a bit further, I remember when I used to play Football for the Elmjack Flyers in Elmhurst Queens, where the field was practically walking distance from the Francis R. Buono Memorial Bridge. Oh, you don’t know what that is? Well that’s the bridge that takes you over to the exclusive Riker’s Island. I too clearly recall, walking home after Football practice and watching the prison buses drive by, packed with their daily collection of alleged criminals, And yeah, of course we laughed and pointed, even gave them the finger every now again. We were kids, and that's what we did, but never in my wildest dreams, did I ever imagine ever becoming a passenger on that infamous DIS-Orient Express… And that was the exact memory I had, during MY first trip across that bridge! - - - #stories #rikersisland #prisonlife #1980s #newyork #elmjack #football #freestyleforlife (at La' Entertainment) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRXFC0KpQC6/?utm_medium=tumblr

[latifmercado]

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Student Of The Month - - - #jasonbankscomedy #standup #funnyvideo #tiktoktuesday #freestyleforlife https://www.instagram.com/p/CPBb0kapIUN/?utm_medium=tumblr

[latifmercado]

#TBT Here’s a cool throwback I ran across. It was the photoshoot for my first Stylin’ Free Records Compilation. In fact, anyone who still has this comp, it’s selling for as high as $100. On Amazon. Anyway, I was practically a one man show in those days. Yeah, I had artists, writers, producers, dancers, and obviously photographers. I also had crazy Freestyle connections all over the country thanks to my years being on the road. As an entrepreneur I don’t comprehend the concept of a 9 to 5, and I unfortunately would run everyone on my personal time schedule. I remember going to a video shoot with my first personal artist, Toné for his “Take Time For Toné video. I didn’t even have a driver’s license yet and therefore he was my artists… and my chauffeur. Lol We would be so exhausted that we would pull over on the side of the road for a quick power nap. In the photo posted, I was directing a shoot that started in the early A.M. all the way until around midnight… Yep, that was me recharging. Though Stylin’ Free never became the label I had hoped for, I understand now how important it was that it even existed. As a Solopreneneur I had no choice, I had to learn everything!!! From wiring, publishing, producing, management, booking, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, sales, licensing, I’m serious, this list goes on! In the photo I was around late twenties, and I can still remember the feeling, The excitement, the fear, anxiety, all those crazy ideas that would keep me up at night, I swear it feels like it was all just yesterday… But you know why? Because I felt like that yesterday, and last week, and the month before that, and tomorrow! In fact, I felt like that the minute I woke up this morning. Hope you guys have a great day! _ - - #freestylemusic #stylinfree #freestyleforlife #throwback #latinxauthors #puertoricanwriters (at La' Entertainment) https://www.instagram.com/p/COiMVK3pRYP/?igshid=1jesplh8g3778

[latifmercado]

How many times a year, every year, do we end up in a situation that we feel we will never get out of? “This is it! How the hell am I gonna get out of this one?” It literally feels like the world is about to end, or at the very least… our lives! We keep it to ourselves because we’re embarrassed, and we don’t wanna prove to those who never believed in us that they were right all long. Every one of us has gone through this multiple times in our lives. In fact, some of us might be going through it at this very moment! This pandemic was no joke! We all lost so much during this time. Jobs, careers, homes, loved ones, and probably the saddest of them all… Hope! Sometimes we underestimate that simple four letter word, but it’s so much bigger than many of us realize. Everything we do in life is based on Hope! If we didn’t “HOPE” to lose weight and be healthy, we wouldn’t bother exercising and dieting. If we didn’t “HOPE” for that dream job or career, we wouldn’t have spent so much time in school, and made so many sacrifices. And if we didn’t “HOPE” for Love and Happiness, we wouldn’t have worked so hard to find that soulmate to build a life with. And then finally, when we reach that age. The age when we feel like hope no longer has the same meaning it once did, we realize that it’s because we’re no longer “Hoping” for ourselves, but rather for others, our children, grandchildren, friends family… Ahhh! God’s amazing sleight of hand! . . . . #hope #live #love #faith #family #friends #latinxauthors #latinxpodcasters #puertoricanwriters #booksofinstagram #qoutes #freestyleforlife (at La' Entertainment) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNr-91RpNAq/?igshid=183cxufqh0q9u