For the past 4 months, the music industry has not shown any signs of slowing down due to the recent terrorists attacks on September 11th. Unfortunately, Freestyle, in light of the attacks, has shown some decline but a few key individuals have kept the flame going for the new year.

Freestyle great & CEO of Fever Records, Sal Abbetello, has teamed up with DJ Johnny Budz of WKTU and has released a very unique freestyle compilation capturing the essence of Fever's vast accomplishment in Freestyle appropriately titled, Freestyle Fever's Divas Vol. I. This album contains some of Freestyle's greatest divas and is a must for avid Freesytle listener. For more info visit: Fever Records.

After a much anticipated return, The Legendary Freestyle group, TKA, have signed once again with the TommyBoy Silver Label and have released a new album titled TKA FOREVER on November 6th, 2001. This album introduces TKA's new sound and illustrates the artistic growth of the group. Freestylemania caught up with guys and talked with them a bit more on the new direction they were taking with their music. To read about it, Click Here.

Also one to make a return in a different way was Freestyle great, NOEL. On August 22,2001, Noel released a new single titled "Will I Find True Love" with famed trance producer, FORD of Nebulous Records. Yes, Trance!!!!! Noel has taken a different musical approach and has recorded a trance single. However, he could not forget his freestyle roots and has teamed up with freestyle producer, Adam Morano of Viper Records, to do a Freestyle re-mix. To read more about Noel & Ford, Click here or visit: Nebulous Records.

Freestyle Legend, Johhny O, is soon to make his return back into the world of freestyle. He has recently returned back to the club scene performing at various events in the NYC area and recently participated in Euro Freestyle Invasion concert in Toronto, Canada. His new album that he is working on is said to be pure freestyle and through some sources, Johnny O promises this will be strictly FREESTYLE. His album is due some time around February. If you wish to contact the man himself, you can email him at: JohnnyOFanClub@aol.com.

Another album due out around February is from Freestyle Diva, Ashely. If you guys remember, she first came out of the Idolmaker Records camp with here hit single, "The Only One," which received massive airplay in Conneticut & all over the country. Then in 2000, She came back with another hit single from the FlipZide Records camp titled, "Quit All Those Games." The success of these 2 singles have led Ashley to do a full length album that will contain 12 blazing new tracks. Her debut album, at the moment, does not have a new yet but are leaning to the name, "Just Me." Ashley is open to any suggestions and if you should have one, you can email her at: IdolMaker Records.

For a long time now, I have wanted to include this piece in my newletters but always seemed not do so. So, I have done so now, lol!!! For all of you wishing to find hard to get Freestyle CDs or are looking for a freestyle outlet, you must visit Boogity Beat Records. The sites administrator, Blazing J, has an online Freestyle Store that can cater to all of your Freestyle needs. Remember, to keep freestyle alive, you must buy the music....its that simple!!!!

In another note, Tito Puente Jr. would like to inform the industry he is no longer associated with Gotham Records, management, or any affiliates. For inquiries on Tito Jr., call 305-502-3311 or via email at Tpuentejr@aol.com. Also, an honorable mention has to be made to TKA for their accomplishment in making the DMA Magazine Top 50 Club with thier spot at #20. For more info on TKA, visit: TKA Forever.

On a sadder note, Freestylemania mourns the recent loss of several members of our freestyle & dance community. In the year 2001, Ceaser Zuniga of the Freestyle acclaimed group, LATIN NATION, lost his battle due to an illness. Ceasar's other brother, Luis Zuniga, died a year earlier. The only surviving brother left is Alex Zuniga, lead vocalist of Latin Nation. I recently spoke with alex and told me that he has new projects due to come out on Artistik Records and will has written a song for his fallen brothers. Freestylemania sends our condolences to the Zuniga Family. For more info, contact: latinnation4da@hotmail.com.

Dance Diva Melanie Thornton, the 34 year-old former lead singer of Euro-pop group La Bouche, died Nov. 24th in a plane crash in Zurich, Switzerland. The Charleston, South Carolina native was traveling from Berlin to Zurich for a live performance to promoter her new debut solo album Ready To Fly, whose single "Wonderful Dream" is being used for a new Coca-Cola advertisement. Our thoughts are with the families of Melanie Thornton and Ceasar Zuniga.