Friday, March 23, 2012

REALITY? REALLY?

The other day, I received an email from one of my agents informing me that I would be receiving a call from a producer from a VERY popular network (which shall go unnamed until I know it's happening). Why? That's when he told me that these producers have been in communication with him for some time now about putting a reality show depicting the lives of freestyle artists, both professionally & personally, and the relationships with their agents.

Deep down, I had always hoped we, the freestyle artists, could somehow document our stories because I believe you would be shocked & disturbed by what you would see. When we think of recording artists, there are immediate images in our minds: limousines, stylists, the best clothes, jewelry, gowns, concerts, getting the "star" treatment, jet-setting to different countries and finally, money. But those are the MAJOR LABEL RECORDING ARTISTS who are selling so many recordings that they go platinum. Those are the Beyonces, Lady Gagas, Rihannas, Pitbulls & Ushers of the industry. And those artists work VERY hard for their successes...so I am not putting them down. But what about other artists who are simply trying to stay in the light, simply trying to stay in the public eye? That's who I believe, sometimes we are. When I go to schools to speak to kids about making their dreams come true, I almost always get the same questions first, before getting questions that MEAN something: "Do you have a mansion? What kind of car do you drive? Do you have a pool?" Sometimes I just laugh inside, because isn't that what this society teachers us to aspire to? But sometimes, the questions sting a little. They get under my skin because my answer is 'no.' I do not have a mansion, nor do I have a pool - I can't even stretch out my legs in my own bathtub!! I have a car, (which I love) but it's not the Bentley they hope I own.

Truth is that many of us had our shining moments - at some point we were on the verge of going Pop/Top 40. Many of us like George Lamond, Sa-Fire, Lissette Melendez & especially Lisa-Lisa, did make the big leagues but it was short-lived - because of the birth of hip-hop & other "political" issues out of our control. And to this day whenever I see those artists & TKA/K7, I feel like they have been overlooked, shortchanged and denied the recognition that they should truly get & should have gotten. And so, when you go to one of our freestyle concerts, you would think there would be a lot of glamour....sometimes there is, in truth, we do see that from time to time. But what you don't see is the drama. You don't see the arguements that sometimes ensue because a promoter decides to pay us less, or not at all. You don't see the crazy chaos that sometimes occurs backstage just before you go on, or how sick one may feel at a show. You see the facade - the glamorous part - you see the finished product.

I'm not complaining by any means. I have been ABSOLUTELY BLESSED to say I have made my dream to be a singer come true - and it has lasted a quarter of a century, 25 great years. I simply think that we too, like many others, have a great story to tell.

So I spoke to the producers & had a conference call...I discovered that they are interviewing 7 freestyle artists but are only picking 5. (Shhh - it's a secret). I was asked interesting questions like: is there anyone you don't get along with? What kind of problems occur? I am not sure they were interested until I told them something that NO ONE knows about. Truth is that since February, I have been living in a bit of a silent hell - I have not been able to speak about it...I promise you that I will, but only when I know I can. But when I told them, they became very intrigued and asked me to send them some video. So, right from my iphone, I sent them a self-recorded video. They said they loved me on camera & in a few weeks, they'll be in town to finish a pilot...If the pilot is approved, we will have a reality show...and we will finally be able to show you all we do in the name of music, in the name of love for our fans, and in the name of integrity!

They explained to me that people will be in my house recording my every move...hm, then I felt sudden hesitance. Really? I mean I am no Kardashian, know what I mean? I am not in perfect clothing with a great face made up. I'm not living in some fancy penthouse...lol. And I've seen the results that reality shows have on some people. For some it's brought them fame & notoriety - and for others, it's ruined their lives. But when I think about it, it could be a great thing - to show the truth, and to teach the masses more about freestyle music - which, unless you are from NY or urban cities such as Chicago or Miami, many do not even know about the freestyle movement! So, I have prayed about it, and I know that if God thinks it's a great thing for me to do, it will happen and it will be successful. Only time will tell...hmmmm!!!

21 comments:

  1. This is awesome. Freestyle DJ for over 20 years I always was told that I mix fake music and argued that these artists are no different talent wise then these big name artists. I was ridiculed a lot for my choice of mixing but till this day I still mix it. I do live ustream mixes of the music that I grew up to Freestyle. This is awesome Judy. Much love and much props...

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    1. Hey, DeeJay Connect: Thank you for the support! Much love & many props to YOU!!! Muah!

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  2. I UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY....MY LIFE IS SIMILAR IN SO MANY WAYS..GOD IS TRULY ON OUR SIDE! GOD BLESS :-) ...MUCH LOVE & RESPECT...

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    1. God is ALWAYAS on our side, Danita!! Thank you, truly! :)

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  3. Wow Judy, total respect for all you freestyle singers. I grew up listening to your music as well as others freestyle artists. God bless you with this and I hope it happens because you're right, a lot of people didn't grow up listening to this beautiful music and have no idea what it is. I hope it happens because I would love to watch. God bless with everything going on for you right now. xoxo

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    1. Hi, Calla...thank you SO much for that support! I SO apperciate that - if it does happen, we really hope we get the viewers like you! Muah!

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  4. Judy, I've been a freestyle fanatic since I could remember and no one can take that away from me, just as no one can take away or deny what freestyle music is all about. It's a reality to say there's still generas who are considered underground and probably always will be, but it's like you've said...It's all political.

    Even though I've always loved and appreciated freestyle music, I was always denied of going anywhere and thats because my Dad was soo strict!....Until April 2011 at the Horseshoe Casino in Indiana. Soo imagine how excited I was to go to the 25th Reunion??!!....All of you have your unique style of singing, performing and personality (you were hilarious with jokes and your throwbacks from the bag!....XD))))....You all have that raw talent and blessed voices, there were no playbacks either....I was blown away!!....Each of you have respectfully kept freestyle alive because of these reasons and to me, you have gone platinum many times over.

    Judy, I sincerly mean it when I say that your one of my fav singers period....May God Bless you and all who struggle and are passionate in what they chose to do....Your reward is not all the fancy things stardom could bring, however the satisfaction you feel that your doing what you love....I <3 you girrrrl!!....#FREESTYLE4LIFE!

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    1. Hi, Monica! Wow...UNTIL April 2011?? Thank goodness you finally got out! It's funny how we think everyone has seen us a million times...and we take for granted sometimes how special it may be - especially for you! I'm glad you enjoyed that show - it was a GREAT concert! FREESTYLE FOR LIFE INDEED! MUAH!

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  5. Hey Judy, what I want to know is when they are gonna give you,
    your own talk show?! You would be number one rated!

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    1. Kevin from your lips to God's ears...I would LOVE to have a talk show...I just can't seem to stop speaking! LOL. :)

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  6. Judy i still have ur cassettes. Lol i went to every concert u had from wcyc to northside theater to Midnite hrs in cicero il to the prime n tender now studio 63. Um a good friend of magic Juan. Girl u got this. me n my girls got ur back. :-) Im from Chicago of course the little village. Best of luck hope i get to c u on ur show ;-) Jackie Torres

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    1. Hi, Jackie, I mean Ms. Torres, lol! Cassettes - priceless!!! LOL> I have to say some of the most loyal fans definitely come from CHICAGO!!!! Love ya very much!

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  7. At least you tell it like it is. I really like that.

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    1. Hi David...I'm far from perfect, but I do my best to tell the truth...xoxo

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  8. Hi Judy: I am praying this reality show happens, and that your one of the choosen one to appear. I believe this show will have millions of viewers. Your so honest and sincere. Your also correct in saying that sometime you have to put up a good face when your about to go on stage while noone knows what happened backstage or in the life of an artist. I feel that the freestyle artist of today are not spoken about cause of the Lady Gaga's and other superstar. I don't appreciate Lady Gaga songwriting, but she can sing. Beyonce is very good as well. But you, TKA,Goerge Lamond,etc are great and are left out. Yeah in the late 80's it was all about freestyle and those artist were superstars then,but it hasn't died. Why did the light go out on them? At least some if not all are still performing. Let's bring them back cause in my opinion their better then ever. Good Luck Judy and GOD BLESS!!!!

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    1. Hey, Connnie...thank you so much for your constant & undying support for the music and my career!!! Lady Gaga has nothing to do with what has happened - at least that's how I see it. Blaming any other artists won't help me, I believe...but it's nice to know that we paved the way for future artists!! Loveya always! Muah!

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  9. Love ya Judy. Don't love the "Silent Hell" part though. Hope all is well and you know where to find me if you need to talk! :) Hoping this show comes through for you but I will tell you that producers of these shows are looking for conflicts that they can exploit to make "great tv". So be careful.
    jp

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    1. Hi, John...yea, so tough can't even begin to find a way to talk about it yet, lol. Ihope the show comes through too, but I hear your warning about the desire to exploit the "conflicts" for the price of good tv. You are right - I have thought about this more in regards to how it would affect my relationship with the Quiet One and my family. I believe if it is meant to be a good thing, it will happen...thank you for "protecting" me! Muah! Love you!

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  10. Hi Judy, this is awesome news to hear and hope it will come through. My brother and I have kept and continue to keep FREESTYLE alive in our home. I have 3 teens and a couple of younger sisters who are well aware of FREESTYLE and they are loving it as well. In the past my brother helped promote a freestyle concert out here in AC/NJ and it went very well from what I remember. I remember going to most of the FREESTYLE concerts in south Jersey and a few in Philly and NYC-Queens back in the early 90's---always was a blast and very memorable. We are just simply true pioneers in our area on continuing to support this beautiful music along w/ all the old school club house as well:) I would love to see you guys on a reality show for sure---may God place you and the rest of the crew on a wonderful and successful direction on this journey.
    #LOVEFREESTYLE4EVER:)
    PS- I still got all my cassette tapes too and play them from time to time, but I must jam to my mix FREESTYLE CDs in my car on a must-do weekly basis;)

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  11. Hello, Bvi3k7711! Thank you so much for keeping freestyle going in your heart and passing it on to your children as well! That is what we all need to do! THank you for your support for the reality show...I have my fingers crossed! Cassette tapes forever, lol!! Muah!

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  12. Judy! That is awesome news! I would love to see that!

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