Lisa M

{{Infobox musical artist | name = Lisa M | image = | image_size = | landscape =  | alt = | caption = | background = solo_singer | birth_name = Mary Lisa Caceres | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|1|16}} | birth_place = San Juan, Puerto Rico | origin = | death_date =  | death_place = | genre = {{flatlist| * Hip hop * pop * merenrap * reggaetón * trap }} | occupation = {{flatlist| * Rapper * singer * songwriter * dancer * record producer * composer * DJ }} | instrument = Vocals | years_active = 1988–present | label = {{flatlist| * Prime * Sony Music * Right Touch * White Lion }} | associated_acts = Vico C | website = {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124123457/http://www.lisammusic.com/ |date=November 24, 2015 |title=http://www.lisammusic.com/ }} }}

'''Mary Lisa (Marlisa) Marrero Vázquez''' (born January 16, 1974) better known by her stage name '''Lisa M''', is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, composer, dancer, record producer, and global DJ. She is known as the first female rapper artist to debut in Latin America.<ref name=Barcelo>{{Cite web |last=Barceló Jimenez |first=Josefina |date=2018-03-28 |title=Regresa Lisa M para romper con todo |url=https://www.primerahora.com/entretenimiento/musica/notas/regresa-lisa-m-para-romper-con-todo/ |website=Primerahora.com}}</ref><ref>La Fountain-Stokes, Lawrence. (2023) [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13569325.2023.2197549 "Lisa M, 'La primera rapera mujer de Puerto Rico y de Latinoamérica', and Early 1990s Feminist Puerto Rican Hip-Hop Culture."] ''Journal of Latin American Cultural Studies'' 32:1, 133–155. {{doi|10.1080/13569325.2023.2197549}}</ref><ref>Rivera, Raquel Z. "Entrevista: Lisa M." ''Centro: Journal of the Center for Puerto Rican Studies'' 5.2 (Spring 1992-93): 30-51.</ref> In 2019, ''Billboard'' identified her as one of the leading women performers in the Latin urban genre, along with Glory,Natti Natasha, and Karol G.<ref>Fernandez, Suzette. [https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/ivy-queen-karol-g-natti-natasha-evolution-urban-female-latin-singers-8515871/ "Ivy Queen, Natti Natasha & Karol G: The Evolution of Female Singers in the Latin Urban Genre."] ''Billboard'', 30 July 2019. Retrieved 2023-07-04.</ref>

== Early life == Mary Lisa Marrero Vázquez was born on January 17, 1974, from a Dominican mother and a Puerto Rican father in Puerta de Tierra, a neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.puertadetierra.info/figuras/artistas/lisa%20m/Lisa_M.htm|title=Biografía de Lisa M|last=Hernández Suárez|first=Bibiana |website=www.puertadetierra.info|access-date=2018-06-28}}</ref> She started hip-hop dancing at the age of 11 years old, going on to work later as a dancer for the rap artist Vico C.<ref name=Barcelo/><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Escribano Carrasquillo |first=Rosa |date=2018-10-02 |title=Lisa M llega más atrevida |url=https://www.primerahora.com/entretenimiento/musica/notas/lisa-m-llega-mas-atrevida/ |website=Primera Hora |access-date=2023-07-04}}</ref>

== Career ==

=== ''Trampa'' and ''No Lo Derrumbes'' === Lisa M recorded her first album ''Trampa'' in 1989 at the age of 15 with the record label Prime Records. The first song she recorded for this album was "La Segunda Cita" (with Puerto Rican rap pioneer Vico C), which was the starting point to her successful career making her the first female Spanish-language rapper in Puerto Rico and Latin America. She grew more and more popular becoming successful for her interpretative strength, diversity, skills, and the sensuality of her performance. In a short time, she captivated her audiences in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the United States. The success of this album led to her first gold record.

Lisa M recorded her second album in 1990 titled ''No Lo Derrumbes'' which obtained platinum status, with over 100,000 copies sold in Puerto Rico and the United States. This album included the hits "No Lo Derrumbes," "Tu Pum-Pum," "Menéalo," "Ja-Rican Jive feat. Pesos," "Cuerpo y Alma," and "Rico en Amor." The album was produced by Miguel Correa, Jorge Oquendo (Prime Records), DJ Playero, Baron Lopez, and Eduardo Reyes. All of the songs were written by Vico C and Lisa M.

=== Sony Music === {{BLP unreferenced section|date=July 2023}} In 1991, Lisa M signed to the multinational record label Sony Music, and launched her third album titled ''Flavor of the Latin'' which had overwhelming success in Puerto Rico and throughout Latin America acquiring a platinum record. She sold out tours in Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia, Panama, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, and the United States, in which she performed concerts sharing and collaborating with celebrities like Celia Cruz, Juan Gabriel, Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Selena, and Tito Puente. The greatest hits of this album, "Tiempo De Amar," "Everybody Dancing Now," "Ingrato," and "Flavor of the Latin," won her an award for Best International Artist in ''TVyNovelas'' and at the Premios Lo Nuestro.

Her fourth album, ''Ahora Vengo Alborotá'', came out in 1992 adding to Lisa M's platinum status career.

In 1996, Lisa M released her fifth album titled ''Soy Atrevida'', which was equally successful. She went on to release her sixth album ''Y Sobreviví'' in 1998, working with artists such as Ricky Martin and La India. Given her success, she has been awarded gold and platinum for sales in the United States.

In 2001 she launched her calendar ''Lisa M 2001''. She also hosted the internationally known ''Jamz'' mun2 TV <ref>{{Cite web |last=Andrade |first=Javier |date=2003-05-15 |title=Quién tu eres, Mun2? |url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/quin-tu-eres-mun2-6348059 |website=Miami New Times}}</ref> show program on Telemundo, which achieved international ratings, opening the doors for reggaeton and urban music artists in the United States and Latin America.

=== ''Respect'' === In 2005, White Lion Records, recognized as one of the best labels of the urban genre at that time, signed Lisa M to her album titled ''Respect''. The album includes the songs "Fuego," "Hey, Ladies," "Quítate," and "Encendío." It was a collaboration with Moncho Rivera. "Quítate" was produced by Taino, while "Hey, Ladies" was part of the soundtrack of the 2007 movie ''Feel the Noise'' produced by Jennifer Lopez, starring Omarion Grandberry, Giancarlo Esposito, and Melonie Diaz.<ref>{{Cite web |last=IMDb |title=Feel the Noise Soundtrack |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0756703/soundtrack/ |website=imdb.com}}</ref> In 2008, Sony BMG launched ''Respect Delux'' which is a compilation of premixed hits, and a duet with La India, a well-known international salsa star known by her fans as "La Princesa De La Salsa."

=== Lisa M DJ === In 2005, Lisa M expanded her presence in the music industry as rap artist, record producer, and dancer, by working as a professional DJ, known as "DJ Miss M," focusing on electronic music. Lisa M launched her career as a DJ in Miami playing after hours marathon sessions.

As a DJ, she has performed at clubs and events in cities like Miami, Detroit, New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Granada, and Barcelona, and locations such as Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Spain, Greece, Monaco, Morocco, Sweden, and Ibiza, mixing a variety of musical styles including House, Techno, Tech house, Tribal Tech and Deep house. Lisa M is the first female Latin artist to become an International Celebrity DJ.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

In 2007 and 2008 her agenda was booked as she made appearances in various clubs and also at the Winter Music Conference in Miami Beach. In 2009 she started Couture Sound, the name for the label in which she recorded sessions, produced, and remixed for many artists, compilations, and other labels.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}

In 2010, Lisa M visited Barcelona to expand her music. She played in various clubs including Club Pacha. Later that year she returned to Miami to perform at the WMC (Winter Music Conference) 2010 and participated in important venues like the hotel pool party Shelbourne, Nikki Beach, Discoteka, and Nocturnal. When she completed her agenda in Miami, she went back to Spain in the summer, signing a contract with one of the most important Event Companies in Europe, Cafe Ole, positioning her as an important celebrity DJ in clubs all over Europe, such as Club Discothèque and Space Ibiza. Lisa M also worked with famous DJs such as David Guetta, Carl Cox, Wally Lopez, David Vendetta, Matt Caseli, Marco Carola, Steve Lawler, Loco Dice, and Oscar G. She also made an appearance at one of the most important live radio shows of Ibiza, Ibiza Global Radio, alongside David Moreno and Tony Moreno, and also worked with DJ Chus and David Penn on the song "Libres Para Siempre."{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}

In 2016, Lisa M returned to the recording studios to record her first single titled "La Calle Se Puso Pa Mi" under her own record label VBW inc. She recorded "Tentándote" in 2017. In 2018 she recorded "Malas Palabras" featuring Ñengo Flow, one of the most influential rappers in the urban genre.<ref name=":1" />

Lisa M has become a leading female DJ in the electronic music scene with a unique style of Super Tech Tribal Techno influenced by the sound and style of her favorite DJs Luciano and his label Cadenza, Technasia, Loco Dice, Carl Cox, and Nicole Moudaber.

=== 2023 Controversy === Lack of recognition of Lisa M's pioneering status among women rappers in Spanish language created controversy in 2023 after the Premios Lo Nuestro Awards recognized Ivy Queen as a pioneering female urban artist.<ref name=Premio>[https://www.elnuevodia.com/entretenimiento/musica/notas/lisa-m-sobre-premio-a-ivy-queen-ya-basta-de-esa-senora-seguir-tratando-de-tomar-un-sitial-que-no-le-pertenece/ "Lisa M sobre premio a Ivy Queen: “Ya basta de esa señora seguir tratando de tomar un sitial que no le pertenece.'"] ''El Nuevo Día'', 27 February 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.</ref> Comments by Dayanara Torres were interpreted as suggesting that Ivy Queen was the first artist of her kind, slighting Lisa M's contributions.<ref name=Premio/>

== Personal life ==

Lisa M came out as a lesbian on Facebook on April 19, 2010.<ref>Duque, Andrés. [http://blabbeando.blogspot.com/2010/04/puerto-rican-singer-lisa-m-comes-out-as.html "Puerto Rican Singer Lisa M. Comes Out as a Lesbian."] ''Blabbleando'' 23 April 2010. Retrieved 25 April 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.peopleenespanol.com/pespanol/articles/0,22490,1984139,00.html "La rapera Lisa M confiesa que es lesbiana."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828233957/http://www.peopleenespanol.com/pespanol/articles/0,22490,1984139,00.html| date=20110828233957 }} ''People en Español'' 23 April 2010. Retrieved 4 July 2023.</ref><ref>Brugueras, Melba. [http://www.puertadetierra.info/noticias/lisa_m/lesb.htm "Lisa M revela que es lesbiana."] ''Primera Hora'', 22 April 2010. Retrieved 25 April 2010.</ref> She married the Puerto Rican ex-model Marisol Díaz in May 2015.<ref>Santiago, Liz Sandra. [https://www.primerahora.com/entretenimiento/farandula/notas/lisa-m-regresa-felizmente-casada/ "Lisa M regresa felizmente casada."] ''Primera Hora'', 13 January 2016. Retrieved 4 July 2023.</ref>

== Discography ==

=== Albums === {| class="wikitable" |+ !Year !Album details !Label |- | 1989 | ''Trampa'' | Prime Records |- | 1990 | ''No Lo Derrumbes'' | Prime Records |- | 1991 | ''Flavor of the Latin'' | Sony Discos Inc. |- | 1992 | ''Ahora Vengo Alborotá...'' | Sony Discos Inc. |- | 1996 | ''Soy Atrevida'' | Right Touch |- | 1999 | ''Y Sobreviví'' | Sony Discos |- | 2006 | ''Respect'' | White Lion/Sony Music |}

=== Charted singles === {| class="wikitable" |+ !Year !Title !Billboard Hot

Latin

Songs !Album |- |1992 |Everybody Dancing Now |{{center|38<ref name=":1"/><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/lisa-m/chart-history|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629092143/https://www.billboard.com/music/lisa-m/chart-history|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 29, 2018|title=Lisa M Chart History|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2018-06-28}}</ref>}} |''Flavor Of The Latin'' |- |1993 |Subeme El Radio |{{center|32<ref name=":1" />}} |''Ahora Vengo Alborota...'' |}

=== Other songs === {| class="wikitable" ! Year !! Album !! Song(s) featured |- | 1991 || ''Meren Rap Cutout Compilation'' || "Tu Pum Pum" |- | 1991 || ''Dance Hall Reggae Español'' || "Ja Rican Jive" |- | 1994 || ''Playero 36'' || "Bailo y Salto" |- | 1994 ||''Playero 37'' || "A Todo El Barrio" |- | 1997 || ''DJ Stefano'' || "Retirarte" |- | 2002 || ''La Vieja Guardia The Oldschool'' || "La Segunda Cita" |- | 2002 || '' La Familia Above All'' || "Hombre Completo feat. Las Chiviricas" |- | 2003 || ''NYC Sex'' || "Come To My Party" |- | 2005 || ''Tony Touch''|| ''The Reggaetony Album'' "Toca-Me-La" |- | 2005 || Adassa ''Kamasutra'' || "Ya No Soy Tu Mujer" |- | 2005 || Eliel Presenta – Monster Reggaeton CD || "That Is The Flow" |- | 2016 || Single ''La Calle Se Puso Pa Mi'' || "La Calle Se Puso Pa Mi" |- | 2017 || Single ''Tentandote'' || "Tentandote" |- | 2017 || Remix '' La Calle Se Puso Pa Mi'' || "La Calle Se Puso Pa Mi feat. Bimbo" |- | 2018 || Single ''Malas Palabras'' || "Malas Palabras" |- | 2018 || ''Malas Palabras'' || "Malas Palabras feat. Ñengo Flow" |- | 2019 || ''Single'' || "Es El Amor" |- | 2019 || ''Single'' || "Animal" |-

== See also == {{Portal|Biography|LGBTQ|Music|Puerto Rico}} * List of Puerto Ricans * List of gay, lesbian or bisexual people * List of reggaeton musicians * List of club DJs

== References == {{Reflist|2}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lisa M}} Category:1973 births Category:Living people Category:Puerto Rican people of Dominican Republic descent Category:Spanish people of Puerto Rican descent Category:Spanish people of Dominican Republic descent Category:American people of Dominican Republic descent Category:American musicians of Puerto Rican descent Category:Singers from San Juan, Puerto Rico Category:21st-century Puerto Rican women singers Category:21st-century Puerto Rican singers Category:Puerto Rican reggaeton musicians Category:Puerto Rican rappers Category:Puerto Rican women rappers Category:Puerto Rican LGBTQ singers Category:20th-century Puerto Rican rappers Category:20th-century Puerto Rican singers Category:20th-century Puerto Rican women singers Category:American women DJs Category:LGBTQ people in Latin music Category:Women in reggaeton