Written By: Wanjiru Waweru
Velez became an executive producer of “Can You Feel The Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story.” She also co-stars as the mother. Meanwhile, Jearnest Corchado (“Sneaker Heads,” “Little America”) will play the freestyle icon. Additionally, the biopic will feature Bre Z (“All American,” “Empire”) as Toni Ménage and NYC radio personality Angie Martinez as Nurse Rodriguez.
The movie tells the true story of Velez, a 15-year-old Puerto Rican girl who grew up in Hell’s Kitchen. She went on to influence artists including Selena Quintanilla and Jennifer Lopez. In turn, she became a role model to others in the 1980s and 1990s as she rose to stardom. As a teenager, Velez faced sexism and racism. She also hid her breast cancer diagnosis. She is known for hit songs such as “Can You Feel The Beat?”, “All Cried Out,” and “Lost in Emotion.”
According to Deadline, “the project also highlights Velez’s devoted friendship with backup singer, Toni Ménage, whose unwavering support helped Velez learn to take control of her professional and personal life. Lifetime says the biopic tells the story of ‘two best friends who refused to allow themselves to be destroyed by the entertainment business, filled with twists and turns and ends triumphantly as the two refused to give up on their dreams.’”
“Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story: would be premiered on Saturday, February 1 at 8 pm, EST as part of Lifetime’s “Voices of a Lifetime” with the following of Mary J. Blige’s “Family Affair”.
Sources
Can You Feel the Beat Trailer Details Lisa Lisa’s Ups and Downs
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