Picture the 1980s—a time of beatboxing, breakdancing, and disco clubs. For those in their 40s today, it stirs nostalgia, making them reminisce, "Those were the days." Meanwhile, Gen Z might react surprisedly, asking, "Mom, you wore those clothes?" or "You listen to this music?" The answer is a proud "Yes." Many fashion trends, today's music beats, and dance moves trace back to this vibrant decade, with groups like Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam making a significant impact.
"Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story" tells the inspiring journey of Lisa Velez, a determined 15-year-old Puerto Rican girl from Hell's Kitchen, New York City, who dreams of becoming a singer. In 1983, she and her bandmates—guitarist and bassist Alex "Spanador" Moseley and drummer and keyboardist Mike Hughes—signed with Columbia Records. The group achieved fame in the 1980s with iconic hits such as "I Wonder If I Could Take You Home," "Can You Feel the Beat," and "All Cried Out." Their story highlights their relentless pursuit of success despite facing significant challenges.
Additionally, the film highlights a deeply personal battle as Velez dealt with cancer in secrecy, keeping this struggle hidden from her record label, bandmates, and even her family. It's a poignant reminder of the pressures she faced not just in the industry but in her personal life as well. The story may seem like a rags to riches, however, the movie is filled with turmoil. During her career, she dealt with sexism, harbut and creative control. According to remindme.com, she discussed the issues she faced. "I have to say that all of that stress and work ethic that I went through made me who I am today. I don't regret going through any of it, but it's the music industry, it's business. They were looking to make their money. And I was there at the time; I was their moneymaker. It was never a question of how I was feeling: 'Are you sick? What's going on?'.
The movie powerfully depicted Velez's battle with cancer, a struggle she fiercely concealed from her record label, bandmates, and even her own family. This compelling storyline intricately explored the themes of loneliness and the immense pressure to uphold her public image while grappling with such a devastating personal fight. It resonated deeply, illustrating the lengths to which one might go to protect their loved ones from the harsh realities of life.
The story of Lisa Lisa and The Cult Jam is an inspirational narrative that sheds light on the music industry before the #MeToo movement. This film celebrates her achievements and reminds us of the perseverance required to navigate the music scene.
Watch Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa story on Lifetime.
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