That being said, what do you consider to be the biggest lesson you've learned, in your 20 some odd years in the business?
The only thing that I have definitely learned in this business and in my career is to keep it real. Take my craft, master it and stick to it. I don't like to follow in anybody else's footsteps. I don't want to have to do what somebody else is doing. I stick to what I know best and that's just to be me and sing like me and do me. That's the one thing – keep it real. Keep it grounded, down-to-earth and that carries me.
Your breakthrough single, "I Wonder If I Take You Home," was featured on the Breakdancing LP, which was distributed in Europe before its debut in the United States.
Yeah, it was released out there first. It took almost a year to bring it back to the U.S. When it was, people thought that we were a European group. That was our door opening, a little crack in the hole just to get in and make sure something was released. Once something was released and started hitting hard, people wanted to know where this hit was coming from. They released it out here and we became number one quickly. It was cool.
Why do you think people abroad were so receptive of you before you were received in America?
I think it was the beginning of a new sound for them and for us, you know? They needed something fresh and new then. The reception was fantastic. Then when they brought it out here, it was the same reaction. You know, something new, something danceable, freestyle, cool. People liked it. This is good. You need a lot more of that today – originality.
In recent years, you have been dubbed as "The Queen of Latin Hip Hop." When did you first learn about this title?
I think I first heard about that in the early ‘90s. You know how music goes. It changes. Things change. First it was cult music, then the disco, then all that other rock stuff. Things change and because it changed and when it started to come out, a couple of radio stations in the United States were still playing that kind of music. I guess I was the first Latina to cross over and it was pop hit. I was the first crossover going from the R&B charts to pop, you know. I was the first Latina to do that. That community started making that kind of music and they just labeled me. I guess that's how they did it. I don't know. I personally think my music is pop R&B. Hip hop – it doesn't really sound like that but that's my opinion. All I have to say about that is I really appreciated any door that I have opened. I am thankful for that title, you know? But music is music to me. I try not to really think about all that. Categories to me is just ... I don't know.
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 !
5 - Star Hodelin
Lisa and I worked out at the Mid City Gym in Manhattan and she was wonderful. I wish her many years of success and happiness and hope to one day meet up with her again. Love you Lisa!
6 - i love lisa
i love lisa lisa.....and is so beautiful. i always wanted to marry her when i was young. and like full force i love whats under her chin. she was on a directv 101 game show a few years ago and still looked lovely.
7 - i love lisa
the fact she mentions her boobs is the reason she got her name is so real and so new york. so puerto rock. shes the best.
8 - What?
You're all outta your tree!
9 - Lisa Lover
I wish this were longer and that you had talked about Full Force. Without them she really was nothing, and that is not a mean statement. They wrote her biggest hits and really, the 6 guys in FF and the 3 people in Cult Jam at times seemed like one big band that broke apart and came back together again. Full Force are hugely under-appreciated by the music world in general with hits for themselves and other artists all through the 80s and 90s, and even in the 2000s had hits with Rihanna, Black Eyed Peas, Nina Sky, NSYNC and Backstreet Boys, and wrote for many more famous acts. I hope Lisa is still working with them.