I would like to share the coolest experience EVER involving the legendary Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force as well as, a mention to The Latin Rascals and Chris Barbosa... First, spare me a few minutes for my long post that will lead up to why... As most of you know, Ive been a DJ since I was 12 in the Bronx following the footsteps of my late brother. So without telling my age, lol, that means I started with Disco, the evolution of Hip Hop, the start of Electro Funk which eventually lead to my love for Freestyle. I remember experiencing a block party on Morris Park Ave and the energy was mesmerising to say the least. The group playing that day was, Zulu Nation. Although my memory is really, really bad, that stuck with me till this day. I have been blessed to have met many artists (eventually, marrying Ms. Nyasia) plus did some edit remixes and show tapes for a few. There are a few idols I have looked up to (Legends in my eyes) that i have met through my years: * Albert Cabrera & Tony Moran aka The Latin Rascals and Carlos Berrios- obviously for the love I have for Editing. * Chris Barbosa- humble isnt a good enough word to describe this man. In MY eyes, he is the man who started it all, but will never confess that. I was in awe and Blessed to have had him for the final Freestyle File Radio Show I did with Nyasia and DJ Dayer in Brooklyn back in 04 I believe * Finally, 11/8/14, I was honored to watch perform, meet and talk to the Soulsonic Force. There are 2 reasons this is very special to me.... [1 short & 2 long] 1- After over 3 decades (yes im old lol), I once again was able to experience and be mesmerized by their performance that so full of energy-- I felt like that 12 year old kid again... 2- After meeting, talking and snapping a few photos with them, I sat back down with my wife, MamaNaya, step-son and our 8 year old daughter, KelliRose. [Btw, I took this opportunity to bring them to watch their mom perform, accept this award and experience this big show which was open to all ages. Wanted them to see and hear how appreciative the fans were/are to Nyasia and all the other artist]. Ok, while we are sitting there talking, I see Mr. Biggs start walking to our table. He gives KelliRose an Official Soul Sonic Force t-shirt that I believe they usually sell and she was sooooo excited. She asked first who they were and why would he just give her a shirt. I went into a bit of their history and then said, Mr. Biggs liked the fact that she was there. He liked the fact that at 8 years old, we were teaching her the origins and foundation of the Freestyle and many other songs she loves. Their legacy will continue when we educate our children that REAL music started a very long time ago. The shirt (as dope as it is lol) was a small gesture and might not mean much to others, but to us, it was a gift to an 8 year old given by PIONEERS of music. When they went on stage, Kelli was anxious to see and hear them. I put her on my shoulder, she watched and felt their energy. She danced on my aching shoulder, yelled when they told the crowd to yell, and repeated anything they asked the people to say... Everybody say rockin no stoppin she said, ROCKIN NO STOPPIN!!! Loved it !!! Without asking, she said: my favorite part of the show were her mom, Judy Torres and the absolute best??? The Soulsonic Force... I couldnt have been more proud. This went longer than I planned, but really just wanted to say THANK YOU to Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force for impacting my mind at 12 years old and over 3 decades later, impact my 8 year old. Thank you for reading.... DJP Chris Barbosa Nyasia NayaNmartin Santiago Albert Rascal Cabrera Tony Moran Carlos Berrios Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force Soulsonic Biggs
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 01:27:11 +0000