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Music Scene with Luis Vazquez

Special for elboricua.com

EL BLING BLINEO 2007
* Photos by Marlene Vazquez

The key event for a genre in the largest media market left something to be desired. El Bling Blineo 2007 lacked something. It wasn’t the talent on display or even the production. The artist’s performances were excellent but nothing stood out. If you were an outsider viewing this performance to measure the current state of Reggaeton, you could feel the passion but more importantly you would view the empty seats around Shea Stadium.

This would be an indication of why La Kalle has started to tinker with it’s format to a more varied style somewhat abandoning it’s pure street oriented music style which many feel has been played out. Now don’t get me wrong. This show was as entertaining as one would expect from some of the elite talent in this genre.

The absence of Daddy Yankee, one night before the event, robbed the event of its most marketable name performer. However even though the roster of talent for this show was not as packed numbers-wise, the depth of quality was still here as Tito El Bambino, Wisin and Yandel, and Don Omar displayed the reasons why they have risen to the upper echelons of this business. Even the late no-show of Calle 13, three-time Latin Grammy winners, failed to dull the enthusiasm of this crowd.

Some young veteran artists stepped up to the plate to announce their arrival on the big stage. Notch, for example, who brought his multi-dimensional skills to play. He got the party started in fine fashion. However, it was Torito, the former lead singer of Los Toros Band, who got the first ovations by playing the part of the crooner well with his pleading voice and basic showmanship which stole all the ladies hearts. Jowell and Randy laid it out with hits like “No Te Veo”. This duo is the latest talent to pay their dues over the past few years and is now cashing in.

The sight of Mexican host, Pacha rolling around on the Shea Stadium infield was quite significant. His appearance was the greatest evidence of the changes at La Kalle’s station this past year. In attempts to keep up with their rivals they have balanced their play list with more mainstream Spanish music. Pacha represents the growing Mexican influence in the U.S particularly in New York City.

The explosive clean- up hitters started to arrive as Tito El Bambino blew past any shadow his former partner Hector El father cast with a phenomenal year of hits as he fulfilled the potential many felt was always his to capture. Hector didn’t do badly as he incorporated a large number of dancers to window dress his act. He soon got the ultimate complementary player to add some spice as Yomo joined “The Father”.

The radio hosts of La Kalle entertained during many long lulls in the action. This was probably the only major glitch during the evening, which lengthened things a bit. However between DJ Kassanova, Stef La Kallejera, and Lisa Rodriquez along with DJ Neko , Enrique and Joe, kept things moving until the arrival of Wisin and Yandel.

This duo has only exceeded their popularity with their new album “Los Vaqueros”. They are in demand overseas as well as in the United States. Their stage presence as well as duel ability to rap and sing equally well made for the second large impact of the night. During the playing of Rakata, one could feel the rails vibrating inside the concession stands.

Then the evening had a change of pace as Victor Manuelle, who showed that a young Salsa singer could melt the crowds every time. As he prodded the ladies to finish a chorus, the crescendo of unified voices confirmed that Victor was not out of place in the Shea night.

Finally the King of Kings arrived. Don Omar took the lead mantle. Dressed in black sweater with a dragon emblem, the mightily slimmed down Don took the main event status performed with his unique ability to both sing known songs with a different touch as well as belt out his recent hits. He was even joined by Wisin and Yandel as they sang “My Space”.

All in all it was an entertaining evening but historically nothing more. The genre known as Reggaeton is searching for its next outlet to ride. However with promising new acts and an evolution in style has given us a hint of what the future of Latin Hip-Hop will look like for the balance of 2007. It will also give a clue to it’s survival.

Summertime concerts in New York City run from events in small arenas to larger events in outdoor parks. On the night of June 9 at Shea Stadium in Queens, NY, the Super Bowl of Reggaeton will take place. The Spring Bling Blineo 2007 is the showcase that will show off the top acts of a genre that is enjoying its third major season in the mainstream spotlight.

The assemblage of talent starts at the top. Daddy Yankee is riding the success of his latest single, “Impacto”, from the soon to be released album “Revolucion” this June. He will be joined by Don Omar, Hector “El Father”, Victor Manuelle, Tito “El Bambino” and Wisin and Yandel.

In addition Calle 13 and Notch will bring their unique styles to play. This will not be all as there are some planned special surprises planned. The hosts for this event will come from the ranks of the station that is the flagship of Reggaeton, Univision's La Kalle 105.9. FM. Representing will be Lisa Rodriquez, Laura Stylez, DJ Kassanova, and DJ Neko.

You can be assured that this show will maintain and should exceed past La Kalle events like 2005 and 2006 Block Parties as well as last year’s Blineo in Nassau Coliseum. Reggaeton is the latest evolution of Latin Hip-Hop, whose history goes back as far as the beginning of Hip-Hop.

ElBoricua.com is proud to report on this event as this genre and the majority of acts hail from the island of Puerto Rico. As they endeavor to win more fans stateside we look forward to a classic show representing all music that is coming out of the streets via the island beats, La Kalle.

A PERSONAL JOURNEY WITH NINA SKY

They are sisters. Everyone knows that. They are twins and that has been overstated. They are possessors of a number # 1 song in their careers but it has become the measuring stick. This year when their sophomore effort, “The Musical”, is released, the results will reflect the endless work and effort combined with a hustle that is second to none. Nicole and Natalie Albino refuse to be pigeon-holed. They are not just hook-chicks. They are not one-hit wonders. They are more than “Move your Body” They are talent demanding to be utilized properly and what better judges of the correct time to expose this to the world than Natalie and Nicole.

I spoke with Nina Sky and here you will truly get to know Natalie and Nicole better. They shared a lot and bared their souls on a variety of topics. To appreciate where the Albino sisters story starts you have to go back into time, around the 80’s. The beginning saw two young girls who wrote at an early age and an idea was formed. Nicole recalls the tale. “We used to stay in front of our building and just write songs. We wrote our first song when we were seven years old. We were like; this is what we want to do. We want to be singers. When you’re younger you say I want to be famous. We always had a love for music, it was something we heard when we were babes.”

Nicole speaks about the upbringing that shaped their lives. “My parents are Puerto Rican. My grandparents are actually from Puerto Rico. My parents were born here. We were born and grew up in Queens, raised by our mother and stepfather and our father also. It was pretty much like any Queens upbringing. We lived with our parents and there was a lot of music being played. That’s how we got into music, our father was a DJ.”

Having both a father and stepfather is generally not the easiest transition. Natalie tells us how this worked out. “Our step dad was basically our father since we were two years old but our father was also present in our lives. They were two people who played important roles in our lives. It wasn’t really difficult.”

The direction that Nina Sky takes musically is as diverse as you will find in this business. This is a direct result of their family which through music, were the pied pipers that led young Natalie and Nicole to the world that they aspire to today. They may have taken a different route but the philosophy was basically similar. Nicole explains, “The type of music we heard growing up was everything from Latin music, Salsa. He played the congas a lot. We went to Central Park on Saturday’s and see the Congeros play.”

“We listen to rock, Hip-Hop, House music. We grew up listening to freestyle music like Lisa Lisa, Noel, all these people. We listened to everything and that really influences us and our music today. You look at our music and we’ve done everything from “Move your Body” which is a reggae influenced track using a Lisa Lisa beat at the end to Reggaeton to Hip-Hop songs with Alchemist and Mobb Deep. We are really a product of all the types of music that was played in our household.” (Photo to the right by: Desiree Feliciano)

Natalie had her views as well, “I’m influenced by everything, all different kinds of music. Of course, as she said, pretty much because of our household and step dad being a DJ and playing different music from freestyle to Rock and R&B, Pop, Merengue, Salsa, Jazz. That was what kind of began our love of music.”

The focus that Nina Sky has was honed through watching and absorbing from those close to them. Whether it was their grandparents or an older brother they took the lessons to heart. That is why the ultimate appreciation is reserved for their mother, who is the center of their universe. From so many family examples, a work ethic was displayed and a blueprint for success was bestowed. Nicole shares first, “My mom always told us if we want to achieve something then keep your mind focused and believe in what your doing and you can achieve it. Nothing is impossible so that really influenced us a lot and it comes from watching our grandparents and all our elders. Everything they did. My grandparents for example came from Puerto Rico when they really young. One is a head chef at a big hotel and my grandmother is a seamstress. The fact they achieved that from nothing shows that anything can happen.”

Natalie agrees, “My grandparents are retired now and they own three houses. They were really hard workers and that really inspired us and showed us the way we have to be. They were good role models.”

As for her Moms, Natalie has this to say. “She always supported us and had access in whatever we chose to do. We are blessed and lucky to have our Mom around and even today our Mom is our best friend. We really admire her and appreciate everything she’s done for us.”

Nicole is known as the DJ of the duo. She learned first hand from her older brother. She saw her brother spinning records and decided that would be something she could do. Nicole tells why, “It was like so cool and you see all these men DJ’ing and I don’t see any females doing it. I said, “you know what, I’m going to learn how to do it, and my brother started teaching me. I’ve been doing it since I was thirteen. I still do it and own a lot of records, vinyl.”

Nina Sky as twins lead people to assume that they are one mind, one thought. Not always so. Even though there is a mystical connection between twins, they are still two people. Is that the case with Nina Sky? Natalie approached the subject first. “I think there are a lot of similarities as well as a lot of differences. We are both really driven. We have always followed our dreams. We can both be really outgoing but at the same time we can both be really quiet.”

Nicole adds, “I think we are very similar. We grew up together and lived with each other all our lives up until last year. Natalie moved out and we live in separate apartments now but we are very much alike for that reason. We spent almost our entire lives together. We both love music. We are both very outgoing but we change it up. One day you’ll see Natalie really outgoing and I’ll be the quiet one. Natalie jumps in, “We kind of dress different. We enjoy doing different things in our free time but for the most part we are pretty similar. We get on each others nerves but we’re best friends and we get over it. We’ll argue one minute, five minutes later we’ll be talking again.”

We pattern ourselves after those that appeal to us. It is no different for Nina Sky. They tell us about their role models growing up. Nicole started us off “As far as our number one role model it will always be our mother. She played the biggest part in our lives than anyone could have played. Our older brother is also a role model. He inspired us a lot when it came to doing music. He always helped us out. He is currently our road DJ.

“Musically as far as the music industry, we are inspired by someone like Jennifer Lopez who has her hands in all these things from acting to clothing to production companies. Someone like her being Latina and being so successful, we look up to her and we like that. It’s what we want to do one day.”

The behind the scenes story of Nina Sky and “Move your Body” song is best explained by Nicole, “We came to Cipha Sounds from Hot 97 MTV and he had this idea to record this song over the “Cool Riddum” which was a reggae rhythm that was big at the time. We got into the studio and did fifteen minute vocals and in forty-five minutes it was done. That is the story of “Move your body”. He started playing it on the radio and started giving it to other DJ’s and the song just exploded. It wasn’t only in New York, it was in every state, it was worldwide, people started playing it. From that we got an offered a deal from Next Plateau/ Universal Records. We just tried to follow that success.”

The stigma of being Hip-Hops resident hook-chicks has been a hard title to remove. Why does Nina Sky score memorable moments in joint efforts with other artists then fail to duplicate it with their own project. I approached them on this issue and they were not shy in telling us why this happens. “When we are getting with other peoples albums, their pushing their albums so far, the labels and their backing and everything is getting pushed so far. That’s why it’s exceeding that limit or doing that well. When our album comes out we are going to show people that the music speaks for itself.” Natalie strongly states.

Nicole bangs back, “When you see a song explode and then you don’t see the sales translate with that. A lot of times all a label understands is sales. They don’t understand that sometimes you need that extra push. So with us we put a lot of effort independently. We didn’t get that extra push. They didn’t because they were looking at the numbers. “Turning me on” was played all over the world. In Europe people know that song. We go to the label and say this song is huge and they see the numbers aren’t translating, so a lot of it is just business to them.”

The goal’s one set’s is a measure of their expectations and aspirations. Nicole tells us about this, “This is just the beginning. The music is just the beginning and hopefully it will lead to other things. We’re always getting acting scripts and such but our main priority is the new album, The Musical. When we have the time we will go forward on that. We are looking at a lot of scripts. I have a love of DJ’ing. We just started a company together. We just want to get our heads in as many things as we can.”

Nicole also has something for those who underrate Nina Sky’s contributions to their songs. “We are not only musicians, we are artistic people. We are also business oriented because to be a really successful musician you can’t only focus on the music. We’re growing everyday in that aspect and hopefully one day we’ll be able to open our own business and be successful at it.”

Songwriting is Nina Sky’s passion. Since writing the song “sisters” at the age of seven, they have continued to pursue this aspect of creativity. Natalie shares first “I love writing but the fact that the first album we had only three weeks to do it. So we really went into our old songs that I had written that we used on the first album. Nicole writes a lot. It’s really a team effort. I probably write more.”

Nicole adds, “Natalie wrote most of the first album. This album we both came together and sat down. We recorded over a hundred songs. I don’t think I can remember or breakdown who wrote what because we recorded so many songs this time. Natalie writes so much. She is my favorite writer.” Natalie responds back, “She is my favorite DJ.”

The importance of this album cannot be overstated. Nina Sky worked with more producers which is not usual but is something that works for them. They seemed intent on getting the whole experience due to the rush job that was forced on them in their previous effort. Nicole states the reason “We are pleased with the outcome of the album. We love to be in the studio writing along with the whole creative process. We are not one to go to the studio and accept a song someone else writes for us because it doesn’t represent what Nina Sky is necessarily. This time around we are excited about the opportunity to do that. We do not have a deadline and we did a song with Cipher Sounds and his new partner, Solitair that they asked us to do, the first single, Sugar Daddy. We also worked with a lot of other producers like Ryan Leslie, Salome Remi, the Jettzons, Rick Ross.”

Natalie adds, “Cool and Dre as well. We were just happy to be working with so many producers. It’s a real blessing. On the first album we didn’t get to work with many people. We were excited. I think its Dope that we have so much dope talent on our album. Amazing people were willing to work with us this time around. It’s an advantage.”

Nicole adds a comment, “We and Natalie are not the type of people that are like “We want to work with the biggest producer because he’s going to write and produce this incredible song. It was like getting to the studio and people to edit these and really vibing out with them and creating music. To work with so many different people was big for us. We love to be creative and to write. We love to do music.”

The work that is being put into this project shows what is at stake. Nicole tells us their feelings on the pressure of this second official effort. “The second album is so important. It’s going to make you or break you. This is going to confirm Nina Sky is here and we’re here to stay. I don’t even want to say or even think about if it doesn’t. We really put so much work into this. We recorded over a hundred songs and hopefully this will confirm to everybody that were real and we put out great music. Hopefully people embrace and take the time to listen.”

“That just goes to show how much work we put into it. We are not two girls that sit back and wait for something to happen. We are two girls whoa re in the studio nonstop recording songs, doing mix tapes, working on collaborations and keeping ourselves out there. You have to know the importance of hustling. A lot of people say they are grinding but what goes to show that. We send out all these mix tapes that we have done on our own. We went to Puerto Rico, worked with Ivy Queen, with Yaga and Mackie and all these people because it’s so important to be out there and givesomething to your fans so they know that you’re really working for them. Even when the album is not out we are on the grind. I just hope people will really embrace it, take time to listen to it, and get into it because we put a lot of work into it.”

Among the mix tapes Nina Sky released was called 80’s babies. Why the 80’s? “We were born in the 80’s. We decided why not, do something different. It’s not like a regular mix tape where we just recorded songs. It’s me DJ’ing and Natalie hosting. We take a totally different approach. What other girls are putting out mix tapes and DJ’ing? We chose our favorite 80’s songs and even did a remix of our single “Sugar Daddy”, an 80’s remix. 80’S music is so uplifting, so fun.”

When Nina Sky began I felt that they were the next evolution of freestyle. Natalie shared her opinion on this. “We love Freestyle music. You know what’s really cool. You thought we were the evolution of freestyle. Some people would say Reggae ton and others would say Dance artists. I love that, the way you just said that. We solely embrace all the different genres of music and its dope that people see that. We have our own perception and others have theirs. It just shows that we can do all these different kinds of music. We really do know about music. Its show’s in our music, so, its cool.”

The initial release of “Sugar Daddy” led many to call it a man-bashing song. Nicole corrects this opinion. “This song was produced by Cipher Sounds and his new partner Solitaire. We wrote the lyrics. It’s funny because the chorus was written by a male. A lot of men say this is man bashing. The song is about females going out to have a good time. I think the perception that women go out and are money hungry and they want guys to buy their drinks and then at the end of the night if they but enough drinks then something is going to come out of it for them. All we’re saying is we’re not looking for that. We are not looking for sugar daddies. We’re going out with our girls to have a good time and have fun. You guys can participate as well. It’s just to have a good time together.”

The tours that Nina Sky took to Germany led to an interesting experience. Natalie shares the story with us, “It was the coolest thing we have ever done. We usually don’t get to sight see. We’re working everyday. We went to this club. It was a full bar made of ice. You walk in and they give you these big snorkel jackets to put on. The glasses are made of ice. There were ice sculptures. It was really an amazing experience. We never did anything like that before.”

Natalie also shares some of the locales that Nina Sky would like to visit in the coming years. “I want to go to Brazil because I hear it’s so beautiful over there. We haven’t gone to Puerto Rico yet. I’d like to go there. We have family and friends that are waiting for us to go there. We have visited but never performed there. Australia is another. Japan because the style over there is so different. Everyone that goes there says they love it. Their style and the fact they are so advanced technology wise.”

A more experienced and mature duo should be the sensation of this coming summer. Look for “The Musical” and watch these two princesses of Puerto Rico bust out again.

ERICKA PINO
BREAKING BARRIERS AND GETTING NOTICED

Her smile is infectious. Her bubbling enthusiasm spices a newscast. Her knowing gaze promises much on screen as she entertains us every morning with her unique presentation of the weather. But she is more than these things. She is focused, professional, and demands much of herself. She has always delivered. She is Ericka Pino and if you ask, who is she? Then you are now part of the underground force that worships this woman. She is the weather anchor for Telemundo 52 in Los Angeles. Her story is one of knowing what you want and fighting for it. This former high school and college cheerleader knows how to keep motivated, leap hurdles, and endure set backs to stay on top of her game.

Ericka has been in news for nearly five years. She is in her mid-twenties and has just scraped the surface of her talent. Born in Peru, Ericka and her twin sister, Zadith were brought to the United States by their mother at age nine. As any person who learns English as a second language, nine is late in the game to start. However this was never a problem for Ericka. In her unique way she introduces herself to us.

“My dad came to the United States in 1985. Three years later, along with our mom, we came to meet up with him. We lived in Flushing, Queens for a couple of months until we moved to New Jersey. It’s funny, I remember we arrived in Queens on a Wednesday and by Thursday night I was outside playing manhunt. No one spoke Spanish and I really didn’t care. I don’t know how, but I was communicating immediately, all I wanted to do was play. I assimilated right away, unlike my parents that had to worry about being in whole different country and not speaking the language, and pay bills and the like, my only concern was how I would touch base without letting anyone see my hiding spot. Months later, we moved to New Jersey. Even though I was born in Peru, I consider that I did most of my growing up in North Bergen. Here is where I met the best friends I still have to today, where I finished grammar school, high school, and had my first job (I was a lifeguard at the North Bergen pool)”

Along with her sister Zadith, they made the most of their educational experience and participated in a lot of school activities. That is when adversity reared its head. How she dealt with it however exposed her trademark tenacity and showed that she was in for the long haul. Ericka tells us how it was.

“I went to North Bergen High School and I loved it! Don’t forget I have a twin sister so it was twice the fun because I had a friend, a live-in friend, a slumber party everyday. Don’t get the wrong idea; though we are twins, we look nothing alike, even personality wise we are very different. Especially when we were younger, I was always playing outside, getting dirty while Zadith was home doing homework, getting good grades. I think that’s why we made us such a great team; I know it sounds corny but we were so different we completed each other. I played all the video games, rescued all the princesses while she read the manuals and figured out what the best strategy would be. One thing that we were alike in was that we were both very popular and involved in school activities. I was more athletic and she was very studious taking special classes that led her to an Ivy League school (University of Pennsylvania).”

“As we got older, I found myself stuck because I realized my sister was going to a very important school and all my friends were going away to college. I applied to five different schools. I was an average student, a B student. I ended up not getting accepted by anybody. I was an athlete. I played softball, I was a cheerleader, ran track and was on the student newspaper, yet somehow I kept falling through the cracks. Luckily we went to one of those College fairs. I found out that Rider University had a special program called E.O.P., Special Opportunity Program. It provided a bunch of B and C minority students a chance to sharpen up and prove that you deserve a chance in a University. It was a tough program. We started in June as opposed to September. We were not allowed to go home, we had full days of classes that started at 8:00am and ended when the sun went down. It was tough, but I made it! By September I was considered an incoming freshman just like everyone else.”

Being on her own for the first time and having only herself to depend on, Ericka found it appealing to be in total control of her destinies. “I was like a kid with a brand new notebook, do everything from scratch, start all over and really apply myself. I changed my major from Education to Communications and that made all the difference. When I took communications I was a different monster. I loved my classes and professors. Igraduated in 2000 with a 3.75 grade point average, my mom and my sister still can’t believe it!”

INTERNSHIP

It was at this time while taking communications when the need for internship credit came up. This would immerse Ericka in the world of Media. Simply put, she took the ball and ran with it. She tells us the stories of this six-year period that led her from Communications major to anchoring weather newscasts in major markets.

“In my second year while taking communications I needed an internship for credit. I procrastinated a little. I thought, since I’m the only Hispanic, I’ll make it work to my advantage, I’ll send in my internship application to Univision and Telemundo. They’ll surely take me right away; it’s going to be easy, one-two-three and its over. There was one problem. When it was time to get my internship I realized that Univison and Telemundo didn’t have internship programs. I ended up making things way harder for myself. With no where to go, not getting the grade was completely out of the question, so I had no choice but to use my imagination and make it up. Yeap, all of it! I had to invent it, make believe Univision let me in and let me work there for a couple of months. Then in the summer I would figure out how I was going to really get in there, for real this time, and get credit for it. I wrote a paper and incredibly got an A. That summer I had to put myself to work, I got a part time job a substitute teacher in North Bergen, my full- time job was to call Univison every day, every time I was by a phone to express, again and again, how important it was to at least have an interview with someone please.”

One day, encouraged by my mom, I showed up at the station. The receptionist said there were no internships. Two weeks later I went back and there was a different receptionist. I looked over her desk and memorized three extensions and names, the entertainment, promotions and news directors. I knew the first three numbers; all I only had to remember was their extension. One day I called and asked the receptionist who was the nicest one out of the three. She said Promotions. Good! I called her every single day for about 5 weeks. One day I came home from work and had a message from Miriam Coletta, Promotions Director. She said something like this, “Ericka, I don’t know who you are, either you come in for an interview tomorrow or I’m putting a restraining order on you.” Sometimes in life you know, you just know that the right opportunity will come. As I sat in her office she showed me a pile of resumes with mine on top. She said, “Listen I get these resumes all the time. All these kids want internships. We do not have the budget for it and you are not the most qualified, but you are by far the most persistent and because of that I’m going to see what I can do.”

“One week later she called back. That’s when my life really changed. I took it upon myself to show Univision how much they needed me. Show them that I was unbeatable and unstoppable. I would come in the mornings and leave at ten or eleven at night. I was paid 6 dollars an hour for no more than 4 hours a day. In a week they started calling me “Super intern” because I did everything. After four weeks I was writing this, translating that, and different departments were borrowing me. I even translated scripts when UPN and Univision came together to judge the Emmys in 1999.”

“When I returned to school, I knew I had made a good impression with everyone at Univision. So when I had to do another internship for credit, I chose the same station, just different department. This time it was much easier, I told Alejandro Guerrero, the news director at the time, that I was coming back to work with him this time. He said no problem. After my second internship, and with my whole senior year still ahead of me, I was offered a full-time job. Since school and work were about 2 hours away, I chose school. My Mom said: if they want you now, they would probably want you in a year as well. That’s exactly what happened. I graduated on May 2nd 2000; May 3rd I became the assistant Entertainment producer at Univison. Three Months later, I took over as entertainment producer. I had just turned 21.”

UNIVISION

As the entertainment producer, Ericka contributed as a writer and chose the music formats for shows such as “Sabado al Medio Dia” and later “Onda Latina”. However looking at the next step Ericka found a way to position herself as Mary Joel Duran’s backup as traffic reporter. She eventually won the position outright when Mary Joel was bumped up to street reporter. Later, when there was an opening for weekend Weather anchor, she took on that responsibility as well. For almost 2 years she worked seven days a week. Ericka pushed herself to her limits as she took on a weekly outdoors segment, a book club and was the traffic reporter on 93.1 Amor.

“Before I made the transition from behind the cameras to in front, I just knew it would it happen for me. It was not easy, every time I auditioned, I heard the same thing over and over: you’re too fat, too short, you’re not what we’re looking for and you voice is too squeaky. Luckily all that negativity only made me stronger and fight harder. For months, my parents would drive me into New York City at four in the morning so that I could train with Mary Joel Duran. At about 7 a.m. I would walk to Port Authority to take the bus into New Jersey, get home and Drive to my regular 10:00 to 7:00 as producer. When it was finally time for my audition, I kicked butt. I knew how to use the maps, the cameras, I had practiced so many times, and I also knew all the traffic terminology I could possibly learn. After the very first time I was on air, I remember walking to Port Authority thanking God over and over. At the time I didn’t know weather or not I would be called back to do it again, and truthfully it didn’t even matter. I knew I had done my very best. It was awesome. I remember thinking I could have died that very moment and feel completely accomplished. “

FOX 5 GOOD DAY

She was still doing seven days a week, when she caught the attention of Fox 5 news director, Neil Goldstein. She would replace Adrienne Watson, a change that villanized her throughout her Fox tenure. As Ericka recalls,

“I was asked if I would like to work for Good Day New York. I asked what about Adrienne Watson? I knew of her because I used to monitor other traffic reporters to gauge their styles. Ironically, my favorite was Fox 5 first, followed by WB 11. They said they were going in another direction. I was interviewed shortly after and was offered the position. At the time, was not under contract with Univison. The truth is that when Fox called I had not considered at all. It was a big surprise, to say the least. I knew eventually I had to stop working so much because I would burn myself out, but I wasn’t looking. It was so weird, this amazing opportunity came right to me, something I wasn’t used to. Everything that I was doing until that very day I look, for fought for. Until that very moment doors had never really opened for me, I had kicked them open. Simply put, it was a chance of a lifetime, something I never imagined, and an opportunity I had to be crazy not to accept. I had to go for it and try my luck; there really was no way around it. It was tough leaving Univision yes, I had been there for many years, I celebrated my twenty-first birthday there, made many friends, made them part of my family. It was a good and safe environment yet I knew I had to move on.

At Fox it was a case of bad direction and poor judgment from manegent. Things did not go as planned. Unfortunately there was no transition period between Adrienne Watson leaving and Ericka coming in to replace her. “When I worked in Spanish I was viewed as nice, humble, simple and overall friendly. This was not the case this time around; when I arrived at Fox 5, I was the young Latina they fired Adrienne Watson for. Before I could take in what was going on around me, I was being written up in various newspapers in the same page as Howard Stern!!

TELEMUNDO

Soon Ericka got back on her feet. She left with class and joined a talent agency. She got a job in Miami doing weather for WSVN (fox affiliate in Miami). There, she took time to relax, build her demo tape even more, and take in some sun. During this time, she was also chosen to do 6 national commercials for Kraft.

“Miami was the best place to go. I had a great schedule, I was working just as hard, but I went to the beach a lot, had a chance to relax and regroup. It was a good opportunity to regain perspective.” Soon thereafter Telemundo New York called; It seemed a natural progression to go back home. It was nice to get back to where I started; it felt like viewers were happy to see me again working for them in Spanish.”

LOS ANGELES

Three months later, LA. Was knocking. “It was so quick. At first I didn’t know if moving so far away would be a good idea after I had regained my legs. Still, I interviewed and waited around for an offer, not knowing weather I would take the leap or not. Soon after, they offered me the job. It took about a minute of research to realize what a positive change this would be for me, Los Angeles is a whole different monster, and it’s huge. The exposure that any talent gets in this market doesn’t really compare to anything I have done before”. Los Angeles is the number one market in Spanish.

Ericka shares her perspective on work,
“There are no words to describe how much I enjoy what I do. What drives me every day when I wake up at 1:45 in the morning are people. Knowing that viewers enjoy what I do, that they wake up and switch me on. I make them aware of what’s going on with their day, if it’s going to be cold or warm. I love making people smile, and even though I look into a camera, I’m really not; I’m looking at someone that is always in my mind. It’s a woman, I made her up, she a mom, she’s a grandma, she’s probably someone’s wife, Her name is Juana and she lives in the Bronx. She is my biggest fan. I think of her and I smile and the rest just comes easy. I know it sounds weird but I take her with me everywhere, weather I’m in Miami or LA. She’s watching me and I’m smiling.”

Not bad for someone who has been out of our daily eye a lot in the past two years. Look out for Ericka because she is going to blow up in the year to come. In the future she’ll be putting up a website for those who have demanded it. Right now she has a Yahoo Group that commands nearly 300 members. The Underground movement that is fueled by Pino Power is in total effect.

THE HITMAKER WHO HAPPENS TO LIKE CLASSICS

By: Luis Vazquez
Photo by: Jonathan Velez

Boy Wonder, whose real name is Manuel Alejandro Ruiz, is standing in front of a media crush at the Loews e-walk Theatre. He is here for the premier viewing of “Chosen Few II: El Documental”. He is a humble person and generally downplays his role as the Chosen One. However there is no doubt that because of him, Reggae ton now has two definitive records well documented for all to view and learn.

“ I’m just trying to put things together. I’m just looking to move forward now after these two compilations. I want to focus now on my artists. I want to get involved solely with my own artists. But it was an opportunity. I don’t know if I should look at myself as a historian or nothing like that. I don’t think about that at all. All I care about is the people see and either understand and that the artists are able to express themselves. That it makes sense, that its credible, a lot of people do things and don’t have the credibility of what’s happening or going on with the artists. The artists are talking what they really feel in their head, what they really feel inside, what they see.”

The early indications are that the CD and DVD will do well. “In L.A. we had 247 people to view it. In New York there was over a thousand at the various locations. We sold out in all the stores. The response thus far has been very good. I’m very grateful. “I’m not surprised. I always believed in the genre. I was surprised at how fast it happened
I really believe in this movement, which is why I did the first documentary.

Mr. Ruiz tells us about the contrasts between the two documentaries. “ It is about Reggae ton from three years until now. It is also about a historical tour that took place, the first tour in the history of Reggae ton and Hip-Hop. We were on this bus to promote that album, “Chosen few II: El Documental” It’s like having a reality show showing everything we had to go through to make the album number one.”

Boy Wonder has a great roster of talent on this album. Boy Wonder tells us more about them. “I’m going to finish LDA’s album. They are the first male/female duet in Reggae ton. They really got a buzz. The Chosen Few II album will have a lot of Latin Hip-Hop underground artists like Reychesta “Secretweapn” who was involved with Tres Coronas and I have Getto whose doing the Tempo thing with me and he’s doing a single with Jim Jones and Hector El Father. Each one is working. I’ve been fortunate to utilize my work and be able to use the opportunity to put my artists out there.”

The origins of what Boy Wonder does can be traced to his school days at a Queens High School where he got the inspiration for his companies future name and provide the stage for his future endeavors. “Chosen Few is something I had from my childhood. My production company is called Chosen Few Emerald Entertainment. Chosen Few is actually came from when I was in school where everybody had their clique or crew. In High School we called ourselves the Chosen Few.”

“I liked music and bought records and seeing a lot of TV, music videos. I never really thought about music, I was trying of being an athlete because I was a really competitive person. It just fell that way. Sometimes it’s like a calling. It really started for me when Hip-Hop was really going up. I was in Long Island City High School that happens to be the area where Naz, Mark D, Capone y Noriega were from. Everybody wanted to be a rapper.

The difficulty in putting together a project of this magnitude cannot be measured. Boy Wonder tells us why that is and how the evolution of Latin Hip-Hop fits his production well. “Both documentaries were very hard to put together. I think I was really determined and I’m willing to work all the endless hours and do whatever it takes. The artists have difficult schedules but I’m very patient. There would be times when I had to wait until four in the morning for an artist, so that’s what I did. I had like eighty artists and you have to know how to deal with people. These artists are all creative and everyone is different and special in their own way.”

Boy Wonder cares about the direction of Latin Hip-Hop. He even used a song from the tour to raise 15,000 for the AIDS organization afar. Manuel gives us his thoughts.
“The Chosen Few is very isolated. I want to bring more people together to this genre. I want to be able to make to easier for the next person who comes after me. I hope that I can open doors for the next one to get a better record deal, the same for artists.”

“ I’m a real supporter of Latin Hip-Hop. I want Chosen Few to be known as a LATIN Hip-Hop album. My goal is to take Latin Hip-Hop to another level and more mainstream.”

“I work at being the best but everyone can be their best. So long as I give my best at one thing, it may not be the best to others, but I give it my 100%, my all. I’m happy with that. You know my motto, it’s not about making a hit, it’s about making a classic.”

CARMELINA PRESENTS: GENERATION “ñ”

By Luis Vazquez
November 2006

Carmelina is the word. The living embodiment of Generation “ñ” is here and its story will be told. In March of 2007 an album will be released and a movement will take flight.

Born in the Dominican Republic but raised in Spanish Harlem, Carmelina Vargas grew up with parents who stressed education first. She honored her parent’s wish to the tune of a Bachelor of Arts and Literature.

She went to work, saved her money, and used her ability to soak up knowledge from others wherever it presented itself. She applied it properly where it was most useful and as a result, Morena Records was formed. She is the sole owner of the label and with the “R-1 Management team behind her, there can be no doubt that 2007 is the year of generation “ñ.”

We got to speak to Carmelina recently and she touched on several topics concerning her life, her dreams, the importance of music in her life, and what Generation “ñ” means. Presenting for your listening pleasure, Carmelina, La Morena.

A young girl grows up from an island in the Caribbean and moves to a town like New York and suddenly ones horizons expand. So it was for Carmelina. “Since I was a little girl I wanted to do music and dance. One of the things that called me is music. My family is very musical. My dad was part of a merengue band. My parents were always encouraging me to dance in front of family members so It was pretty much a big part of my life especially on the weekends and on Sundays when we would have get togethers.”

The love of books and the importance of reading can have an impact. Whether helping to acquire new language skills, to express oneself through writing, or to successfully assimilate oneself into a new culture cannot be overstated. Unwillingly to limit herself Carmelina took it upon herself to immerse herself and dominate a new tongue and leave nothing to chance.

“When I grew up I had this love for reading and writing, one of the things that interested me was the lyrics of certain songs. So I would analyze those in order to understand what an artist view would be in terms of what they writing about. There would have to be a kind of message in the song and I decided that if I was ever to write a song that I would definitely want a message out that my fans could listen to. You can teach lessons and tell stories. I love the whole storytelling idea. I feel when I write one of my songs that I share stories and paint pictures. I have a real good time when I’m recording because there are so many ways you can go about it.”

Family and influences by friends you meet along the way can shape the path one takes in life. The vision of ones mind is expanded only as far as their experiences. Carmelina gives us a peek at that journey. “ I feel my style is geared to a Hip-Hop concept and I blend it all to form an innovative pop fusion. An arroz con pollo, like she prefers to call it. It’s not hard, where I grew up in Spanish Harlem, musically it’s a diverse neighborhood. I sing Spanish and English because both are a part of my culture.”

“My parents saw education as more important than anything. It was the number one priority. It’s the most prized object, education, its priceless. It helps to expand your world. W hen I went to college I was exposed to a lot of different things. I love books. I love the whole power of thought. This helped me write my songs and exposed me to a whole new arena of things.”

Education was the engine, which would drive the car that allowed Carmelina to cover vast territories. It also signified sometime more. “I feel literature is a vehicle I used to do the things I learned. More like a personal goal because when I came to the U.S. I spoke only Spanish so in order to hold my own in the Public Schools I would have to get better. It was a personal journey for me.”

Music was the calling, the aim of destiny from those early days when the claps and cheers came from adults who showed pride in their little girls who could express themselves through their performances with natural grace and beauty. “Music is an inspiration for everything, it touches everything I do. It’s my best friend. My favorite artist was Madonna. My dad bought me my first Madonna album. Back home there was a lot of merengue and Salsa. Merengue though is very repetitive and it’s about how much fun your having.”

There is a movement coming. It’s a new generation. Generation “ñ” has come of age and Carmelina tells us how it started and what it is about. “Generation “ñ” is going to be a colloraborative effort of songs and stories that can be told. It’s about how we grew up and the experiences of things that are happening to me at the moment, it also incorporates the generation that I come from. We are Latinas and we feel we are under represented and now is our time to shine. It represents the kids who are born or grow up in NYC. We style in English, but we learn to speak Spanish at home. Generation “ñ” is a representation of my neighborhood and how much we love Hip-Hop and R&B. We like to go back and forth whether it’s Spanish to English or Spanglish to English.

Carmelina’s ideas were always placed on the back burner and that did not sit too well with her.. To be an independent can be good in some ways but it has its drawbacks. However, by surrounding herself with people who care and want to help her succeed has given her the foundation to build towards her debut effort coming this March of 2007. The name of the album is Generation “ñ”. The label is called Morena Records. Carmelina tells us why it had to happen this way and what we should expect from the album. “ I pitched my ideas to a few people but I was always shoved to the back and I got so sick and tired of that. The “I Wanna”, “Buscando Amor” and the “Enamorada” songs were put on the myspace.com site at the suggestion of my very good friend Edwin “Karu” Ramirez (former member of Oro Solido) Originally, most of the songs (which were mixed by Frank Nitty- formerly of the Trackmasters) were to be shopped to a major label but Carmelina’s project got sidetracked. Although discouraged at first, carmelina took it upon herself to share her songs which have now become the favorites of quite a few large label names.

“ Music is still calling me. Owning a music company is not easy. I tell you I had to learn from the people that I am around all the time. There are people who have nurtured my ability to dream. I see how they run their day-to-day businesses, how they go about branching themselves out. I feel like nothing can stop me from putting my master plan together putting it out there. I save my money, I budget it, which is important. I make plans and goals, some short, others long-term. I pick up a little from everybody I come across whether you are a millionaire or someone standing in the trains. I have a love for people. Morena Records is going to have different umbrellas. We will incorporate different aspects of the industry whether its fashion, promoting, or marketing. It’s only the beginning.”

The people behind the music are the unsung heroes of all musical successes. Despite a shoestring budget the album will not lack in quality backing. Carmelina endeavors to make sure we recognize the talent that has supported her in this journey. The company that will push the album is R1 Management. The talent includes upcoming rappers Star Kim, Caleesh, and producers Game G, Ritchie Pena (Don Omar),Curt Gowdy (50 Cent, Tupac) Baby Paul (NAS, AZ), and Manny Loco. Ney Flava of Clavo music(Wu Tang, Omawi Bling) will be the CD’S art director..

What is the impact that Generation “ñ” will have? Carmelina tells us simply “ We are Latinos. We are encourage able yet we have dreams. We are aware of everything that is happening in the world. We are a generation where we want to be presented properly. I realize that the music has to be more important than a logo or cover. It has to be the best; it has to be tight to get up there. Success won’t surprise me because I am a fan of music, we need someone to step up to the plate and be what we don’t have at the moment in the market especially for Latinas.”

“ Even though this is a personal project it definitely needs some innovative. I do a lot of the footwork in terms of harnessing my sound. I’m always looking for that special summer song that becomes my theme song. Morena is the voice of the strong Latina woman. You treated me second for someone else but you know what, I am myself and I have a future. I don’t need someone to define who I am. You dream about me because I am who I am and to be is very powerful.”

“I would really like the fans really enjoyed the music and support it and if they’re inspired by my songs its because of them is my private ambition and my inspiration to put a voice to it. I feel in my heart that it has to be done. I’m a pillar and many who are working on this project are inspired by my message. One of the few people I value as mentors are Porfirio (Popi) Pena, my first manager, now a director at BMI Latin Also Sandro of Wu Tang Latino as well as Ney Flava and especially my parents. I want to thank him exclusively for always guiding me although we took different paths. Currently I have two manager’s, one is Donnie Linton, who is the manager of Proyecto Uno and Ray who is the hands on, everyday manager of R-1 Management.”

In closing Carmelina has an opinion on stars who set up my spaces but don’t take the time to answer their fans.“ I take a totally different approach. I like getting acquainted with my fans and listening to their opinions.”

So now you have met the artist. Support Generation “ñ” and Morena records by contacting Carmelina through:

R1 Management at (646) 342-7956 / email: harlemconnect@yahoo.com.

Also support the music. Check out her my space site at
http://www.myspace.com/carmelinamusic

DAISY SPEAKS CULTURALLY THROUGH FOOD

By: Luis Vazquez
Elboricua.com
October 23, 2006

Daisy Martinez has made a big splash in the past year. As a Brooklyn born Puerto-Rican, she has emerged as the newest cooking television icon. She can be seen on PBS channel 21 and her book “Daisy Cooks” can be found in any bookstore. Her devotion and enthusiasm for what she does translates on screen and serves as an important link to our roots using food as the basis for cultural renewal. I got to speak to Daisy about food, of course, family, her modeling and acting days, and how eating attracts and binds us all.

Daisy was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her mother is from Arecibo and her father from Aguadilla. Her parents migrated to the United States during the depression. They along with daisy’s grandparents were self-sufficient. “ My grandmother was a seamstress and my grandfather had a little business, he hand-wove cigars.”

The impact of Daisy’s grandmother cannot be measured by the ninety-nine years she spent on this earth. She owned a house with a lot of space and anyone who arrived from Puerto Rico could stay until they got on their feet. As a little girl Daisy watched how one takes care of people. A house full of people at the table eating and talking and enjoying themselves in an atmosphere that allowed them to be who they were, a Puerto Rican family. Daisy shares her experiences, “ My grandmother was one of the most amazing individuals, and the fact she is my grandmother fills me with immense pride. She was a generous person and loved to have a full house.”

The passing on of culture through the kitchen was born with the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. It was the link that allowed Daisy to survive a move to Staten Island away from her center. “I remember spending time in the kitchen with my grandmother. Saturday mornings I would go the second floor where she would have this archetypical abuela bed with four large posts, cabbage rose wallpaper and I would climb into bed and we would go downstairs and make breakfast. She would fry me eggs, tostados, and the whole nine yards. She never made me feel as a child that I was in the way. She enjoyed sharing the kitchen with her family.”

The transition in cultures from a pre-dominate Spanish area in Brooklyn to an all-white one in Staten Island made it somewhat difficult to recreate that which bonded the family but Daisy’s parents found ways. It was important to maintain that culture. Daisy learned firsthand the importance of this from visits to Puerto Rico during the summer. “The whole food thing on the Island is very different from anything I ever experienced here. My grandmother lived in Arecibo. She lived in this way, making oatmeal in the morning or farina for the man around the corner or mondongo or cake you brought to the lady down the street, your neighbors. You are always knocking on the door with a plate of something. That was very much a part of the experience that Grandmother taught me. My mother is fond of saying “You make enough for who is sitting at your table and for anybody that may show up. That’s how I was taught to cook.”

The family put their roots down in Staten Island. Her father was one of the first Puerto Ricans in the NYFD. Daisy found being the only Latina in school with no English speaking abilities to be a rough transition. However she endeavored to learn. “I love to speak English but up until that time all we spoke was Spanish. I had not needed to speak English, but I tell you by the first grade I had the highest reading level in the class. My Dad would come home with the Daily News and teach me by having me read the newspaper. He instilled a great joy of reading. I am very grateful to him for that.”

The road to success begins with a single step. In Daisy’s case it began with a single pair of shoes. Working at Macy’s at the age of seventeen, Daisy met a couple of Australian and one Italian gentleman. They were importers of shoes and would procure Daisy to wear their shoes for tradeshows. Competition came from the Spanish who inundated the market by coming in numbers to capture the top spot from the Italians. Daisy would be brought in to become part of a famous shoe ad. Daisy tells us about it. “ They were contesting that leather from Spain was as fine as anything you would find in Italy or France. They would bring an upscale Spanish line. The guys were trying to do it through numbers. A number of them came up to me and asked if I wanted to be the Martinez Valero girl? It was a much more upscale line so I went with the Spaniards. I would do two shows a year, fall and spring lines. They paid very, very well and I got to keep the shoes. This was awesome because I was this total shoe whore. (Daisy laughs) I just love shoes. So they sent me whatever shoes I wanted. I did that for a couple of years through College (Long Island University) because the money was great.”

Daisy took a back step for her husband and family. It was a decision she never regretted.
She had four children and supported his residency after he graduated from medical school. “I was a very hands on parent. I was class mother for four different kids. It’s a time in my life where I knew where my priorities laid. Raising my family and supporting my husband until he got things on track.”

Now in her 30’s with the children in school Daisy began to see how far her Bachelor of Biology could take her. She thought of being a Podiatrist. Her girlfriend talked her out of it and dared her to see her talent agent friend and as a result she took commercial courses and took advantage of her bilingual skills. She did commercials in English and Spanish. She did this for five years getting on soaps but when she turned thirty-five she gave birth to her daughter. “I told my husband I am just going to be here for her. Whatever she needs whether it’s her ballet classes, it was all about her at that point. My boys were older and in school full time and I just didn’t want to miss a minute with her.”

Daisy’s husband noticed his wife looking at cooking magazines absently. He surprised her for her fortieth birthday by matriculating her at the French Culinary School. It was a true surprise birthday gift. As Daisy recalls her husband saying, “You have always put all of your things aside for us, now its time for us to return the favor. Don’t worry about a thing I’ll take care of the house, the kids, you go ahead and do your thing. You don’t have to tell me twice. I was like OK I’m there.”

She would win a prize for her final project at the culinary school called “The Passionate Palate.” Two weeks later she booked her first job. What type of training takes place at that institute.”? You get out of it what you put into it. The instructor would ask me, “Did you sleep here last night? I was always the first one to arrive and the last one out. For me I did not want to miss a single thing. I wanted to be on the first page. I did the culinary curriculum, which takes you through a very intense hands-on course. What they teach is not how to cook, they teach you the classic techniques of cooking. Once you have that then you go do whatever you want. They will teach you the basics. They teach you knife skills, how to build a sauce, how to run a restaurant because the third or fourth level students would be responsible for running the restaurant. I learned how to make puff pastries from scratch. They invite me back every once in a while to judge a graduating class. For a person who applies himself, the program is dynamite. You can find work immediately.”

While working her first job she was asked if she wanted to do a show on television. Daisy saw how it all fits together. “ Everything I had done previously in my life had led up to that moment. The performing, the acting, the cooking had reached a perfect point. And here I am.”

It is quite an accomplishment to model and get acting opportunities starting at the age of thirty. She worked in the movies “Scent of a woman” and “Carlito’s Way” along with Al Pacino along with many bit parts even appearing in “Juice” with Tupac. Culminating with the show “Daisy Cooks” and a book by the same name everything seemed to come together for Daisy who is most appreciative, “ There is no denying the force of God, when things come together like that there is no denying it. “Daisy Cooks” aired in April of 2005 in ten markets across the United States. It went nationwide, over 250 stations around the United States and Puerto Rico.”

The popularity of cooking shows is ridden on the backs of personalities like Emeril who opened the doors for such shows. Daisy concurs, “ I would venture to say that someone as dramatic and as forceful in front of the camera as Emeril definitely made an impact on cooking shows as entertainment. The funny thing about cooking shows is a lot of people who watch cooking shows do not cook. They say Food was the theatre of the 80’s, that’s when the whole craze started. Latin food is ethnic without being alien.”

Daisy Martinez has a positive personality and bright outlook on life that has never been dulled. It hasn’t always been easy but she always put her best foot forward. Thinking of others was engrained form early on and she passes that legacy to her children. Daisy leaves us with this. “ You have to prepare yourself for any eventuality so when opportunity knocks on the door you are ready to run not walk through it. Don’t ever, ever let anybody tell you that no you can’t do that.”

Look for Daisy Martinez new website at www.Daisymartinez.com to learn more about this wonderful lady. Elboricua.com is honored to have been bestowed this interview.

ZULEYKA RIVERA- MISS UNIVERSE 2006- PUERTO RICO’S NEWEST SHINING STAR

On July 23, 2006 in Los Angeles, California, the 2006 Miss Universe pageant winner was crowned. The honors went to a nineteen year old from Salinas, Puerto Rico. The victory marked the fifth time in the pageants history that a representative from Puerto Rico was chosen. In the battle to deflect negative stereotypes, Puerto Ricans have had to accomplish great things to get noticed as a positive contributor to the culture of this country. Whether it is a championship Boxer, an Olympic upset of the United States in Basketball, or the dawning of the Reggae ton era in music, Boricuas have had to prove themselves to the masses in the United States. The yearly parade that runs along Fifth Avenue is only covered superficially and elicits mostly negative side stories.

Zuleyka Rivera now stands today as an excellent representative, a woman with goals, perspective, and a plan borne out of a solid family background that has kept her well grounded yet always with her eyes to the sky. Zuleyka tells us about her life, her views on Puerto Rico’s politics, the fainting spell at the pageant and her hopes for the future. Let us welcome Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Universe 2006.

Like many Puerto Ricans born on the island, many dream of great things but some work harder to realize it. Zuleyka Rivera tells us about her town and gives us a look at her background. “My family and I are from Salinas, Puerto Rico. There were five of us which include me, my two brothers along with my Mother and Father. I moved to San Juan, the Capital, when I was sixteen to attend the University of Puerto Rico. My major was communications. I had to stop though because the opportunity to participate in the Miss Universe arrived.”

The historical aspect of becoming the fifth Puerto Rican woman to be crowned Miss Universe was not lost on Zulekya. “It was a big thing because it put us in second place all-time. It is an honor to share this crown with Marisol Malaret, Deborah Carthy-Deu, Dayanara Torres, and Denise Quinones. They have been very successful. I know I will also be successful.”

Miss Universe is about the personification of beauty. If that be the case then Zulekya does not take a back seat to anyone. Her interests are varied and contribute to a well-rounded lifestyle. Her thoughts tell as much, “In my free time I like to play Tennis. I love tennis. It helps me to stay in shape. Also in Puerto Rico my uncle owns horses, so I get to ride them as well. I also like all different kinds of music like Hip-Hop, Balada, Pop, and Reggaeton. Music has the capacity to balance your emotions. It can make you happy, sad, or angry. We listen to a lot of Reggaeton. We have a lot of artists that are known around the world.”

The feelings that Zulekya and her family have for a gentleman named Ismael Rios goes beyond words. Zuleyka tells about the 'difference maker' in her life. “We met when I was 16 and he; (Ismael Rios) is a gentleman in life. He stole my heart and my family. At this time what person who is not family or blood related, would do this for me and inspire me to do my best. He showed me the true meaning of love and friendship. He is my father, brother, cousin, friend. He is one of my greatest loves in the world.”

The political relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico has been strained for most of its history. Zulekya has a more positive outlet on this relationship between her homeland and the country which opened large doors for her currently. “The union between the U.S. and Puerto Rico has generated many advances. There has been a lot of economical growth. If its working it should remain the way it is. I trust the capability of Puerto Ricans to solve problems anywhere and anytime.”

The evening of July 23 saw our champion endure a fainting spell upon victory. Zuleyka tells us what happened that evening. “It was very heavy, my outfit. It was like ten pounds. It was very tight and the feeling I had at that moment I was excited. I was proud. I was thinking of my family. I think that’s why I fainted.”

The goals that we make in life define us ultimately. Miss Universe is a heavy burden. It has a plethora of responsibilities. There are many challenges yet there are many perks.” I would like to be an actress and having access to classes will help and being able to go anywhere and have access as a result of celebrity is a great experience. However I want to lead by example, to travel the world and promote AIDS awareness. That is my purpose I feel.”

The memories of childhood are the springboard to who we become as adults. Some images which are simple are sometimes the most enduring. “I remember family, Nana, and dancing a lot as a child. I never had anything so expensive” (referring to the crown and prizes that are a part of the package.).

The Legacy of the newest Miss Universe will be shown a year from now when she passes the torch to a new holder. We also wanted to know her thoughts on this and the people of Puerto Rico. “I want to be known as the woman I am now with the same qualities and the same personality, a warm person. I want to thank you all for the support. I love Puerto Rico, la Isla del Encanto.”

TEGO TO AMSTER-JAM NEW YORK

Reggaeton has made some important advances in the past year. Tego Calderon will once again enter the New York Market and show off why the island of Puerto Rico and its version of Latin Hip-Hop called Reggaeton can hold its own with the best the business has to offer.

Did you ever think that you would become a member of Freestyles most popular girls group?

EE-“Absolutely not. It was a really big surprise. I would listen to the group and other freestyle artists because at that time it was so happening. Never did I think I would be part of the group the Cover Girls. It was very far-fetched.”

Tell us about your background and the personal journey that led to you joining the Cover Girls.

EE-“I was born in New York. My parents are from Puerto Rico. I would be what you would consider a Nuyorican. I sang from when I was very young. My dad sang in the lupidios with the little guitar in clubs in P.R. I would wake up to my dad. singing and playing his guitar, he’s not the best guitarist, but hey it worked. I guess it kind of rubs off.”

“I also liked listening a lot to Barbara Streisand. She is actually my favorite singer. It was just very natural for me and I would participate in little plays and choirs. I was very shy. I was always among the crowd but never doing anything on my own. When I was a teenager I participated in a Menudo group because it was the thing. I was part of one of those groups trying to win competitions. I was usually the lead singer and I guess I started breaking out of my shyness then and there.”

“A very good friend of mine worked with the Cover Girls as road manager at the time. He knew I could sing but never got the opportunity to do anything professionally so he came and picked me up in my home one day and said, “Evelyn, come on, we’re going to meet Sal Abbatiello. You’re going to be part of his group”. I thought it was a joke obviously. That’s how it worked out, he really liked my voice when I sang for him and the rest is history. It was my first professional job and it was really hard in the beginning because I was always home. I never went to clubs. My parents were very strict. I was 19 when I first got married. I was very conservative. When I experienced the Cover Girls it opened up a whole new world to my life. I got exposed to different countries, to different things, it was an eye-opener for me.”

The Cover Girls had already been established with several hits and their members were already well established in the psyche of their fans. Then you came along and had to establish yourself. Did the song “Wishing on a Star” become your signature song?

Photos by: Marlene
Amaya-Vazquez

EE- “Yes, I believe it went up to number four on the billboard charts. It did really well for us. It went pretty far, we were really, really lucky. We traveled a lot performing that song. Actually starting from Love Boutique was the “B” side song that I had done with the Cover Girls in my first initial period with the group called” Don’t stop now” then Andy Panda decided he wanted to do a “B” side, it was a very funky groove, I did some adlibs, its a hook, very funky and that actually started people flipping the vinyl over and they loved “Love Boutique” and that helped everything else come along for me.”

How does it feel to be the lead singer with the pressure that you replaced Angel, who was the lead previously?

EE- “It’s always hard to come in and try to fill someone’s shoes because people will always compare. It was very hard and still is very hard because there still are moments when the comparison is still there and negative comments are made. All you can do is embrace the fans that do appreciate what you do because it’s a passion and a love that I have. I love singing and entertaining and I really do it from the heart. Unfortunately someone left for my opportunity to come along but it wasn’t my fault that they left and a lot of people don’t realize that.

People say Freestyle is dead but these genres fans never believed it. What’s you’re your take on it and what does Freestyle mean to you?

EE-“ Well let me say first of all the fans are fabulous. They are the ones who have kept freestyle music alive passing it down from generation to generation. Whether pumping on their radios or on their stereos. Their children are listening to it and they are like Wow, I like that. I really feel that freestyle has been underrated and maybe with an opportunity like this there will come an opportunity for freestyle to become a little more exposed in the mainstream than it has been. Freestyle to me is a fusion of our Spanish culture and our American culture, it’s just a mixture of the two and a lot of Latinos have a music that they can relate to. I don’t mean that in a negative way. African-Americans have their R&B and their Hip-Hop, pure Latinos have their Bachata, Salsa, and everything but we Nuyoricans and everyone who has Latin roots but were born in New York we have our own music too and that’s Freestyle. A lot of people are going to see that Freestyle is alive and well and will probably get its second wind now.”

Do you hope that this concert will start a yearly showcase for Freestyle music at Madison Square Garden?

EE- I’m really hoping it will. I am hoping that this will open a lot of doors. Do you remember when Rickey Martin did the Grammy’s, that’s when Latinos were recognized. He has opened a lot of doors and he gave us that recognition that we are here and we are not going anywhere and we are talented. I’m hoping that this event will have a similar effect. There are so many artists performing that night. Lisa Lisa, TKA, Stevie B, these people are great. Shannon is my girl I love Shannon. It amazing that they are not noticed because their records are so good, and their sounds are good and they are so talented. Its one of those things that make you go Hmmmm.”

7-Things come in a circle, unlike other veterans who had their heyday you are all in your prime now and can bring it just as hard as you did ten years ago. Your thoughts?

EE-“ With experience you grow and it teaches us to become better. I think if freestyle is in its prime, this might be the time. The next generation is up and coming and maybe we are paving the way for them. I feel I’m really blessed. To perform in Madison Square Garden, how much better does it get. One of my dreams come true.”

For New York Puerto Ricans Madison Square Garden has to be the pinnacle as an artist.

EE-“Absolutely, we are greatly appreciative. The people that have supported us and gotten us to Madison Square Garden, they are showing that they do have faith and that we are going to be around for a while. We are going to let them know that we are here and we are not going anywhere except forward and up.”

Do you have any new projects for the near future?

EE- “We are now in the process of finding the right producers to record new songs. We want to make sure that’s it good. Its really hard to release something especially when we haven’t released any material in quite a while so we have to make sure that when we do release something that we have to have faith in it. We have to really believe in the project.

So, another album will come.

EE-“Yes. Definitely.”

Do you think that based on how things go at Madison Square Garden; you will have an idea of where you want to go?

EE- “Yeah, definitely that night is going to be the turning point for a lot of things and for a lot of our future decisions. “

You have performed at some impressive venues. Tell us about that?

EE- “Yes we did the Rose Bowl with Martika and that was pretty hot. That is a huge stadium. It was massive. It was packed back in 91’. We got to perform with Wilson Philips and they were hot at the time and Martika so we were fortunate to be invited to do it. I try not to believe too much in the hype. I like to keep myself grounded.”

What are your expectations about the concert to come at Madison Square Garden?

EE- “We are so excited. I am so just nervous. It’s a good nervous. I just want that day to get here. I want to enjoy and savor every moment and just really enjoy it. Before you know it it’s going to be over and our stage time is going to be done but it just amazing.

Tell us about Sal Abbatiello.

EE-“Sal, I love him dearly. He is like my father. He had faith in me when nobody else did. He gave me that chance and I will forever be grateful. He is really a great person. He is part of the Legacy, he is like in the music Hall of Fame.”

Tell us about what Legacy you would like to leave on the genre of Freestyle.

EE-“ I just want to be remembered as part of the legacy and that would be enough for me.
The Cover Girls is part of the Legacy and that’s nice because every girl that has been in this group has contributed something one way or another.”

Post note. The Cover Girls were awesome that evening. They pumped out the hits and won the crowd as soon as they showed their wares. They continue to tour so look out for Evelyn Escalara and the Cover Girls, Legends of Freestyle.

I had the pleasure to speak to K-7. He was one-third of the premier group in freestyle. Later on he had continued that success with K-7.We spoke just before the infamous Freestyle concert that took place at Madison Square Garden in New York. We got some of his thoughts concerning Freestyle. I later had the honor of meeting up with him at Sal Abbatiello’s latest freestyle super card at the Copa this past Memorial Day. I asked about his feelings about the impact of performing at the Garden for many of freestyles artists.

“I feel everything falls into place at the right moment. The fact that this show is happening for this style of music, I feel it’s a welcome thing. We are reintroducing freestyle to a younger and new audience. Before we reached their parents when it first came out, we are now reaching a younger demographic.

K-7 has a unique perspective on what Freestyle is. He comments on that. “ They listen to freestyle as our parents listened to Salsa when we were little kids. Parents raised us on it, listening at home on a summer afternoon or a drive in Bear Mountain for the weekend or Orchard beach with our parents. That is what freestyle has become for a lot of these kids. It was the music that your mom cleans the house to, or plays on the radio on Sunday morning while making breakfast. Like R&B before and Hip-Hop now, the style of music, freestyle, is about teenagers and childhood angst. The fear of love, and of being heartbroken by love was a recurring theme. It continues to work. I don’t have mixed feelings about it. I’m really happy its happening.”

It helps to know the story of how an artist began and the ups and downs that invariably lead to success for some and legendary status for others. TKA background story is told by K-7. “ We were the first New York group to do freestyle music and gain notoriety. Three guys from East Harlem located in El Barrio, NY. We used to write songs and we wanted to be a rap group. When we got to the label they didn’t want us to rap but be a dance version of the do-op acts that were happening at the time like the Force MD’s. We had no clue; we thought we were going to be a rap group. I had a song I’d written called “Scars of Love”. That we used to perform. It used to be more of a rap record with a singing hook. When our record label, Tommy Boy, heard it they fell in love with it. They said, “Well, were going to speed that up. You guys are going to take the raps out of it. You’re going to write a third verse and be a singing group.”

"I had a whole repertoire of songs already and me and my manager, Joey Gardner started producing a lot of the tracks together. We wrote songs for the group. Luckily we became popular. We became popular at the Devil’s Nest. We used to do local shows for radio stations that were popular like KISS FM and places like that. When they saw we were Hispanic they were surprised. We gained

Photos by: Marlene Amaya-Vazquez.

popularity in our neighborhood and throughout the Bronx and Brooklyn. Our name started circulating. We got lucky to be honest with you. Music is all about chance, having the right thing at the right time.”

History, Clothes, and Music styles, given time, ultimately come around in a circle .The past influences those that follow. K-7 knows about such things. He adds, “ In the beginning they were comparing us to great people like the Supremes. It is normal for people to compare you to groups prior to them. You can only follow by the examples set before you. I thought we were more like Frankie Lyman and the Teenagers because we were Hispanic. The only ones who were at the time was Frankie Lyman. “

Freestyle came from the streets and from the everyday experiences of the everyday lives of the 80’s Latin youth. K-7 explains why that was essential in reaching their core audience.

“We love to promote ourselves and do the right thing and try to be a new version of this. How do we make it now and how do we make it fresh. One day we looked at each other and said we’re trying too hard. We just got to be us. We were going through so many growing pains that I just started writing. Our experiences whether it was group related, personal, or a best friend’s, was put on paper. We were able to reach our audiences because they knew who we were. They fell in love with us because they understood where we came from and our struggle, what we were going through and they got to know us better. They knew the lyrics of our songs, etc.”

Artists create many songs and are defined by signature songs but the artists usually have a personal favorite.


“Louder than Love” and “Scars of Love” were my personal favorites. “Scars of Love” because it was my first record and the one that changed our lives and “Louder than Love” because it marked the end of what the Freestyle era really was at the time. Also our Last hit “Maria” really defined the ending of the old Freestyle era”, says K-7.

The breakup of TKA was a sad moment in freestyle history but they went out with a bang with one of the greatest hits in the genres history. K-7 expounded on that moment. “At the time musically we tried to record an album with Warner Brothers at the time and we wanted to venture out and do our own thing. I started recording my own ideas for a solo album. Maria was part of that. We were going to do a greatest hits package but we needed a couple of new songs. Maria just happened to be the song I gave which ended up being on my solo project which later was on the K-7 album. It transcended our expectations. I wasn’t sore or angry that I gave it away. It was a perfect closing song. We came in on a high note with “One way love” and I felt that we should leave with a bang. Luckily “Maria” was that song for us.”

As the freestyle sun was setting for many, a few managed to cross that bridge to the next period of their careers. K-7 was one of them. The hits from the “Swing Batta Swing” album included the classic “Come Baby Come”. How did Kayel transform himself from a group setting to this new solo phenomenon known as K-7?

“I wish that I had the perfect word or answer. I think that God was guiding me at that point and I got lucky. I don’t see it as I have the magic formula. I was writing songs and was able to do something with what my talent was. Other artists like George Lamond went on to a successful career doing Salsa. Lisette went on a successful run doing more Hip-Hop based music. I was the first to branch out and I chalk it up to like the first time around having the right thing at the right time. Sometimes its like Chance, a roll of the dice.”

Why did the freestyle train suddenly come to a halt? One of freestyles greatest gives his thoughts on that. “ To be honest with you a lot of people said there was a decline. The only decline was that radio didn’t embrace it and in addition we didn’t record any brand new music for a ten-year period. Some of us have continued to work on a regular basis in clubs in New York, Philadelphia, Florida, Chicago, Texas, and California where we have been able to continue to work on a constant basis. Many grew up and the desire that they had when they were younger faded. But for the most part all of us return and we go out there and get the same response. George Lamond came out with a Salsa album and was promoting it yet he still was doing freestyle shows, getting the same embrace he always did.”

The fan base that preserved the music and these artists for this extended period was the elixir of youth that maintained the genre through trying times. K-7 tells us why that is, “The popularity of the street and on radio was limited until KTU came back on the air. All the formats changed were changed to freestyle music. Our fan base stayed intact. As we grew up we saved it for a special occasion. We have fans that really stuck by us. We do a major event every year at Beatstock for KTU. The highlight of those shows is that they sell it as the cream of the crop with a surprise. One year Sweet Sensation came back together. And in 2000 TKA was reformed. It helped maintain us and build us. As far as Freestyle we never had great publicity, that machine to open it up.”

The rivalry between freestyle and Hip-Hop is not mentioned often. However it is there under the surface. K-7 is one of the few to tackle the topic, “Freestyle is basically Hip-Hop. The thing is that early on in the game Freestyle and Hip-Hop became distant family members of a dysfunctional family. It basically catered to Latin’s, there weren’t a lot of blacks that embraced it automatically. It did not really appeal to them in a sense because it was a bit too fast at the time. They respected it. I spoke with Africa Bambatta and Planet Rock is the base of most freestyle music. Listening to Planet Rock you could practically hum every freestyle record known to man. He was a mentor to me when I was young. He asked me, “You know where all this comes from?” I responded, "I know exactly where it comes from, it comes from Hip-Hop." It emerged from all the different facets of it. He responded, “So long as you know that then you will have all the colors you will ever need knowing where it came from before and where it could lead”. A lot of producers out there knew what it was and mixed it with dance music, it became more danceable but its still Hip-Hop. It has the attitude of Hip-Hop, the balls, and in some cases the anger of Hip-Hop, all the passion if you will. It is a distant family member to Hip-Hop. A lot of diehard fans won’t like it being referred to it as such, but as an artist I know where it came from.”

The Legacy of Freestyle means different things to different people. K-7 is no different, “The Legacy is before you already. Freestyle has gone back to its original roots. You hear the melodies; you hear the same type of passion, the same kind of vocal tones as Reggaeton. Reggaeton is yet again another child of what Hip-Hop was. It went back home with its brand new kid, Reggaeton.”

“This is the kind of Garden performance that I’ve always wanted my entire life. I get to perform in the big room. It’s all about Freestyle. It’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait to see what it feels like.” These were his words a week before what would be a classic evening at Madison Square Garden and TKA/K-7 tore the house down as they always do. It confirmed what it means to us all, the fans and the performers alike as they were linked in History forever. We at elBoricua.com like to thank K-7 for taking the time to speak to us. As for myself it is was an honor to speak to a legend of Freestyle music.

Photos by Marlene Amaya-Vazquez

We wanted to know when was the moment hector knew he had reached the top level in the business and his opinion on winning awards like the Billboards early and now nearly a decade later. Hector explains, “ It has never changed. We still wake up at 4 AM and go to bed late. The artists work hard and I believe when you do the public notices and gives back via recognition like the billboards. The day we stepped into the arena in (Pasto), Columbia we saw thousands (60,000 to be exact). That’s when I knew it. This is it.”

The album is the first dip with the U.S. Market in mind. I asked what should be expected and finally what legacy he would like to leave when all is said and done. Hector says, “ Again, I am a fanatic with the music so they what they will see is a complete album with good music and good rhythms which can be heard from the first song to the last. As far as my legacy besides all the awards that come, the fans and all the money that comes in the future I want my public to say despite all those things I had my feet firmly planted on the ground.”