After two decades in the music business, Lisa Velez continues to show the world why she is the "Queen of Latin Hip-Hop." Over the course of her career, she has sold more than 20 million records—serving as an inspiration to artists like Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Selena, and Jennifer Lopez.
On July 14, 2009, Lisa Velez will release her seventh album, Life 'N Love, with Mass Appeal Entertainment. 22 years removed from Spanish Fly, "Lisa Lisa" still makes music that entices its listeners to move and groove from "Head to Toe."
Upon the release of Life 'N Love, Lisa Velez managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on Breakdancing, Jellybean Benitez, and the origin of her stage name, "Lisa Lisa."
Although it's been 15 years since your last studio release, over the years, you have managed to stay relevant in the contemporary music landscape. What factors do you think have allowed you to maintain such longevity?
I think by the fact that we had such special hits — "I Wonder if I Take You Home," "All Cried Out," "Can You Feel the Beat" – the lyrics were so relatable, for lack of a better word. We have a strong following. And to this day, we're still out there performing on stage. People are still requesting us. Ninety percent of the shows that we do are radio shows because the audience had called in and asked for us to be brought into these towns to perform. I think those are the reasons we've been able to come back out with an album.
What's the hardest thing about trying to record an album for this generation? Do you go with what you know and the sound that you're used to? Or do you mold your sound to contemporary stylings?
I go with the flow, definitely. I go with what I'm used to. We always have to keep it back to basics because you have to please the fan base and people who do buy your music and listen to you. But, you know, you update it. You keep it fresh and new and original. I have a lot of the stuff that's on the album now that we have completed and will be released soon that still had a lot of the original sound – just updated – a lot more R&B, though, a lot more Spanish guitar that's underneath it. Everything that I've learned in the 20 some odd years that I've been in this business has been put into this album. I think that's what keeps us out there.
Article comments
1 - Vida Starr
I love Lisa Lisa... but how is she the queen of Latin hip hop? She's not hip hop. And other than Lisa Left eye Lopez... Latinas in Hip hop aren't even at the forefront. Jennifer Lopez is nowhere near hip hop. So who is Lisa Lisa Reigning over?
2 - ArrayanoChamp
Lisa Lisa Is the Latin Hip Hop Queen ASK NEW YORK CITY!!! I just hate she had the breast reductions, she was my cousin in laws godmother, she's still beautiful tho, she was my first crush at like 4. LOL. BELLISIMA!!!
3 - Boots09
Lisa Lisa was the first Latina to make a mark in R&B n Hip Hop By putin a latin twist to it. She along with Cult Jam and Full Force truly were the first to do it. She is the Latin Queen of Hip Hop n R&B!!!
4 - Lynn Angela Pisco
I just wanted to say that I think Lisa Lisa is one of a kind when it comes down to music, I'm glad that I had the opportunity to meet her after yesterday's concert here in San Jose has really changed my life ever since. She is truly " A Diva Of Freestyle " no matter what . She has inspired so many artists through the years and still manage to create her own image as well no matter how old she is still can sing 80's come on now . Thank u Lisa Lisa for everything that you've accomplished through the years with your music . Your style, grace and love have touched so many fans around the world including myself and family . Showing that if you can believe in yourself music will definitely can change you no matter what . I think she is considered to be not only an artist with so much dignity and grace but certainly she is a true diva with heart and soul . I love you Lisa Lisa so very much and I wish that you can appeared on " The Ellen Degeneres Show " and see how " Freestyle " is now making a national come back and the energy will never dies !