America ReFramed Season 4 Episode 22 We Like It Like That

We Like It Like That is the 22nd episode of Season 4 of America ReFramed, a documentary series that explores diverse perspectives and untold stories of American life. This particular episode focuses on the emergence and legacy of the Latin boogaloo music scene in New York City during the 1960s and 70s.

Directed by Mathew Ramirez Warren, We Like It Like That features interviews with musicians, music historians, and cultural figures who were directly impacted by the boogaloo music movement. Through their stories, the episode explores how the boogaloo genre arose from a blend of Latin, African, and American musical traditions and became a cultural phenomenon that reflected the experiences and aspirations of the Latino community in the United States.

The episode begins with an introduction to the unique sound and style of the boogaloo genre, characterized by its lively rhythms, catchy melodies, and politically charged lyrics. We learn about the key figures who pioneered this new sound, including Joe Bataan, Johnny Colon, and Pete Rodriguez, and how they drew upon influences from salsa, R&B, and soul music to create something fresh and exciting.

From there, the episode delves deeper into the social and political context that gave rise to boogaloo music. We hear from musicians who describe how the music reflected the experiences of second-generation Puerto Ricans who were growing up in New York City during a time of significant racial tension and economic inequality. Many of these musicians were inspired to create music that reflected their own experiences and spoke to the issues facing their community.

As the episode progresses, we learn about the boogaloo scene's rapid rise to popularity in the mid-1960s and how it became an important cultural force for Latino youth in New York City. However, the episode also explores how the genre faced significant challenges and eventually faded from mainstream popularity by the end of the 1970s. We hear from musicians who describe how they were pressured to tone down their politically charged lyrics or abandon the boogaloo sound altogether in order to appeal to wider audiences.

Despite these challenges, however, the episode also highlights the lasting impact that the boogaloo genre has had on American music and culture. We hear from musicians who describe how the boogaloo sound has influenced later genres like hip-hop and Latin freestyle. Moreover, the episode highlights how the boogaloo scene has inspired subsequent generations of Latino musicians to create music that speaks to their own experiences and reflects the cultural diversity of the United States.

Overall, We Like It Like That is a fascinating and informative look at an important and often overlooked cultural movement in American history. Through the stories of the musicians, historians, and cultural figures who lived through the boogaloo era, viewers are given a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Latino communities during this time and how they used music as a means of expressing their own identities and perspectives. Whether you are a fan of boogaloo music or simply interested in learning more about the rich cultural history of the United States, this episode is well worth watching.