Before the meteoric rise of Jennifer Lopez, there was the pioneering talent of Lisa Lisa, a trailblazer who emerged from the vibrant streets of Hell’s Kitchen, New York, with a sound that would resonate through the decades. With her debut single “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” released in May 1985, Lisa Lisa—born Lisa Velez—ushered in a new era of Latin pop, laying the groundwork for future stars like Lopez.
Reflecting on her career, Lisa Lisa recounted a pivotal moment in 1991 during the rehearsals for the “Let the Beat Hit ’Em” video, a collaboration with Cult Jam. It was there that she met Lopez, then a dancer on the popular television show “In Living Color.” “Darrin Henson, the choreographer, introduced us,” Lisa Lisa recalled. “At that point, J.Lo was just starting out, but she already had this infectious energy and ambition.” Lopez confided in Lisa about her aspirations to break into music, which only highlighted the common thread of determination that linked the two artists.
The early ’90s marked a significant shift in the music industry, particularly for Latino artists. Lopez would ultimately ride the wave of the Latin pop explosion that Lisa Lisa had initiated with her groundbreaking work. In fact, Lisa Lisa’s influence is evident in Lopez’s own journey, as she carved out a niche that would captivate audiences around the world.
Lisa Lisa’s recent Lifetime biopic, “Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story,” alongside her 40th anniversary tour—including a high-profile performance at the legendary Apollo Theater—demonstrates her lasting impact on the music scene. “I was the very first Latina to cross over and open up a couple of doors for these youngins,” she said, proudly acknowledging her role in paving the way for future generations. Yet, despite her significant contributions, she remains grounded. “I just love everything that I’ve done and everything that I still want to do. I’m just gonna keep it moving.”
Her journey began in her teenage years, balancing her studies at Julia Richman High School and a job at Benetton while auditioning for music groups. It was during one of these auditions that she caught the attention of Full Force, a music production group, and subsequently recorded her first hit. Interestingly, she noted that at the time, she was blissfully unaware of the song’s underlying themes. “I had no idea,” she admitted. “I just wanted to sing. I didn’t know what I was saying.”
The magic of the studio was a revelation for Lisa Lisa. “I remember walking in and being in awe,” she reminisced. “It was my very first time being in a recording studio, and I had never done anything like that. The guys were so good at bringing out the best in me.” This experience would lead to the creation of both “I Wonder If I Take You Home” and its follow-up single “Can You Feel the Beat” in a single, whirlwind session that showcased her raw talent.
As “I Wonder If I Take You Home” gained traction—especially in Europe, where it was featured on a breakdancing compilation—Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam had to scramble to complete their self-titled debut album. “We had to finish it within a week,” she recalled. “We were constantly on the road, but we would rush back to the studio to record as many tracks as we could.” This relentless work ethic produced hits like “All Cried Out,” their first Top 10 success, and continued to shape their sound.
The duo’s next album, 1987’s “Spanish Fly,” would yield two more No. 1 singles, “Head to Toe” and “Lost in Emotion,” both of which were influenced by Lisa Lisa’s early love for Motown. Yet, it’s her very first single—the one that introduced her to the world—that still holds a special place in her heart. “I still love performing it,” she said with a smile. “That put me on the map.”
As she prepares for her performance at the Apollo, it’s clear that Lisa Lisa’s journey is not just a flash in the pan but a rich legacy of talent and determination that continues to inspire artists today. In a world that often overlooks the contributions of trailblazers, Lisa Lisa’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one artist can have, opening doors and creating pathways for future generations to follow in their footsteps.
