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Latif Mercado
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FREESTYLE FOR LIFE Kindle Edition

by Latif Mercado (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 95 ratings
See all formats and editions
Freestyle music is the new sound of the City, and recording artist, Solo Cortes is the voice. Until New York’s Finest pays him a visit during the most important performance of his life…
Previous page
  1. Print length
    310 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    May 24, 2011
  5. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  6. Grade level
    8 - 12
  7. File size
    709 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

When Eric Charles Mercado and his mother moved from The Bronx to Queens, he was just 10 years old, little did either of them know, that the quiet suburban borough they moved to, would soon become New York City s Cocaine Capital. When the 1980 s crack epidemic fired up his neighborhood, Eric s dreams were lost in the smoke, redirecting him through the doors of the penitentiary. During his final three years of incarceration, Eric was so sick and tired of being sick and tired, that he decided to not only change his way of life, but also... His name. Upon his release, Latif Mercado knew he had a lot of catching up to do... and that he did! Today Latif resides in North Carolina. He is happily married, and has two children. His involvement in the music business for the past 20 years stems the gamut from Manager Agent, to Record Company Exec. His other involvements include filmmaking, Real Estate and of course writing. Latif can be reached through the many popular Social network sites on the internet and loves to hear from his readers.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0052N09X8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ La' Entertainment; 1st edition (May 24, 2011)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 24, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 709 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 310 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 95 ratings

About the author

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Latif Mercado

Latif Mercado

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Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 25 years, and though his role in the beginning was minimal, the role he’s been playing ever since, has been massive, and a major force behind the genre’s continued success.

As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Legends, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.

In an attempt to make people aware of the fact that Freestyle isn’t just a music, but rather a culture, La’ began writing books, in hopes of reaching fans through a medium they would never expect, and in 2011, his debut novel, FREESTYLE FOR LIFE, did just that!

Since then, Latif has released several books that, not only feature Freestyle as part of its overall theme, but also its main characters of Latin decent.

Though born and raised in New York, Latif currently resides in North Carolina with his wife, two grown children, four grandkids and a dog named Coco.

Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.

For more information on Latif, or to connect with him on the various platforms, please go to LatifMercado.com

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
95 global ratings
Great Stuff.
5 Stars
Great Stuff.
I'm still reading but this book is definitely worth purchasing and the wait..... Great Stuff... definitely can relate.... seeing as I grew up in the Freestyle Era.... I'm extremely pleased with my purchase.... Thank You Latif Mercado for sharing your story....
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Top reviews from the United States

Mitch Roper
5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic, gritty, dramatic debut
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2011
Verified Purchase
This is a well written first-person account of New York's Freestyle music scene of the 80's. It chronicles the life and times of a latino singer, Solo, at the height of the Freestyle latin music scene---and the start of the crack cocaine epidemic. A fictional but very realistic account from someone who lived through it. Some amazing dialogue and character development, and you really feel like you're there, whether it's at Riker's Island, where Solo, who's been framed for drug possession, is dealing with Cano, the big prison gangleader...or at a music club, or back at the apartment of his dear mother who has been keeping a secret from him. You can feel the tension build as things come to a climax. It's got it all: some touching relationships, a protagonist who goes through a lot and grows as a result,an amazing fight scene...and some comic relief, such as scene in which Solo is trying to produce a witnessed urine sample in front of his big, black, female Parole Officer!

I'd love to see more from Latif Mercado!
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Damian Wild
5.0 out of 5 stars A riveting, well written book that delivers
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2011
Verified Purchase
Latif Mercado knows the world of Latin Freestyle music better than most, and he has used that insider knowledge to craft a fascinating story that grabs you from the first sentence and doesn't let you go until the last page is done. You don't have to be a fan of the Freestyle genre of music to appreciate this novel, as the world of Freestyle is only a backdrop to the timeless story told through the eyes of the main character Solo Cortez. As a writer, Mercado is very impressive - his ability to tell a story and make you feel as if you actually know and can identify with these characters is something that many writers never master. His writing style is so descriptive and visual that the characters really jump off the page - I really felt for these people as if I had known them my whole life. If this is an example of what his very first novel is like, I can't wait to get my hands on the next one!
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Freddy "The Edit" Rivera
5.0 out of 5 stars Freestyle For Life! A MUST READ!! I LOVE IT!!!!!! :0)
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2011
Verified Purchase
Freestyle for life is a great read indeed. I appreciate the detailed writing and the genuine nature of this most memorable book. I was engulfed by the charachter "Solo" and his experiences. It felt like really being there. There was so much that I related to. From the not knowing what would happen next to folks making you second guess things and so much more! I have to tell you, I seriously could not put this book down. I would have to peel myself away so I could get on with my day or even sleep. It just had me wanting to know what would happen next! This story had me sad, upset, almost in tears and of course excited and very happy too! I loved the way the author took me for a spin on the emotional roller coaster. It was kick ass great! I loved the feel of "REAL" the author brought to the characters in this great story. You just felt like it was almost you in that story! I highly recommend that you get a copy of this book. It's GREAT!!!! I LOVE IT!!!! Great JOB!!!!! BRAVO!!!!!!!! FREESTYLE FOR LIFE!!!!!!!!! =o) SERIOUS IT'S KICK ASS GREAT!!!! =0)
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REX3 Entertainment
5.0 out of 5 stars Freestyle For Life
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2011
Verified Purchase
Knowing the Author, I only hoped that this book was going to be worth reading. I would have to face Latif and I hate lying. However, once I started reading the book I became excited for Latif. I was amazed at the work he had created. Working in the industry I was able to relate to many of the characters, not to mention the promotion 101 chapter. Before computers, promoting an album and an artist was all about the street team. Flyers, posters and record instores was how it was done. Making or breaking an Artist is all about the team! I gotta had it to you La, you messed with my head when it came to the dream scene. This book is a must read! If you love great chracters, a great story and want to reminisce about a time when life was all about the "LOVE" of the music. Then purchase this book! I called my mother after reading this book and told her I loved her and made her promise to cook me a "Spanish" home cook meal. Your book made me hungry! Now get busy and start writing the next one. You got some big shoes to fill. Your like Santos, is there anything you can't do!!!
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David A. Martinez
5.0 out of 5 stars Freestyle for Life
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2011
Verified Purchase
Latif Mercado has made a very impressive debut with this book. I originally heard of this book from rave reviews by a few well known Freestyle artists. Being a true fan of Freestyle, watching it grow from its infancy in the streets of Spanish Harlem and the South Bronx to a world wide phenomenon that still has a cult following to this day, I was very excited to see what this book was all about. First I have to say that Latif is a great writer who truly knows how to set up a scene, set a tone, and build characters. Like all great writers he knows how to draw the reader into the story and empathize with the main character. Although this is a book about freestyle music with a few tweaks the author could have made this about Salsa music, Hip-Hop music,or something else. Meaning this is more about an new artist struggling to break through into the music business and share his gift with others. its's the struggle all artists have to face, trying to balance their art form and their "real life". The main character Solo Cortez is so well written is that I found myself becoming him during his triumphs and feeling like a helpless brother or best friend during the tough times. I found myself breezing through this book at an alarming pace rushing through to the ending then craving for more. You don't have to be a fan of freestyle or the music genre at all to enjoy this book. If you're a fan of strong, well written character based stories then you won't be let down. I can't wait so see what Latif Mercado bring us next. I for one have become a huge fan and plan to buy the paperback when it comes out as well as his next novel. Whatever subject it' Freestyle For LifeKindle, Wi-Fi, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology s about.
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