Lisa Velez, known for her iconic hits like “Can You Feel the Beat,” “Lost in Emotion” and “Head to Toe,” is celebrated as one-third of the influential 1980s group “Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam.”

What You Need To Know

  • When “Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam” helped create a new sound known as freestyle in the 1980s, Lisa Velez became the first Latina artist to go platinum in America

  • The new Lifetime movie "Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story" reveals Velez's struggles, triumphs and unbreakable New York spirit

  • Velez says playing her own mom in the movie was an emotional experience, but also reminded her how supportive her mom was of her childhood dreams

In a new Lifetime movie titled “Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story,” Velez opens up about her struggles, triumphs and the unbreakable New York spirit that fueled her rise to fame.

To discuss the biopic, she said it takes back to her childhood neighborhood.

“This is where I was born and raised,” she said, standing in front of 747 Tenth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen.

When asked about her determination as a youngster, Velez said, “I could feel it in my skin still.”

“I used to beg my mom to walk me up. ‘Cause straight up that way, about three to four blocks, is where Radio City is,” she continued.

Velez dreamed of singing there one day, a goal that eventually became a reality.

Memories flood back as Velez walks around with Toni Menage — her former backup singer, current manager and lifelong best friend, who also plays a key role in the movie.

“For me, it’s more about seeing her get her flowers, seeing her get treated the way she deserves to be treated. That’s what drives me,” Menage said, reflecting on their journey together.

“And I don’t want to do it without her,” Velez added.

Velez plays her own mother in the biopic, a role that brings her childhood memories to life.

“Thank you, mom,” she said, recalling her mother’s unwavering support. “She’s not here with us anymore, but she did good. She did, right?”

The movie also delves into Velez’s secret battle with breast cancer and celebrates her childhood dream to perform at Radio City Music Hall.

Velez reflected on the moment she finally performed at Radio City Music Hall.

“It was our last stop in that one tour. And I begged the bus driver, ‘Please pull up.’ When he pulled up on that side of the street, I jumped out, and I saw my name scrolling. Oh my God, I got on the ground and kissed the ground. I was like, ‘This tells you that you made it.’”

Velez also shared with me some of the artists she’d still love to collaborate with, including Bad Bunny, Cardi B and Raphael Saadiq.

“I would love to have a Broadway show about my life, about my story. That would be wonderful,” she said.

Now, as she embarks on the 40th anniversary tour of her hit “I Wonder If I Take You Home”, Velez proves her story is far from over.