Get ready to feel the beat with Lifetime's upcoming Lisa Lisa biopic.
Can You Feel the Rhythm: The Lisa Lisa Storywhich premieres on the network on Saturday, February 1, tells a story Lisa Velezalso known as Lisa Lisa, is a 15-year-old Puerto Rican singer turned global phenomenon. Executive produced by Phyllis herself, the movie stars Gernest Corchado In the titular role alongside Angie Martinez and Pre-Z.
in Us WeeklyWith an exclusive first look at the film's trailer, fans are given a glimpse into the true story of Lisa Lisa's journey to becoming the first Latina artist to hit multiple Billboard music charts while battling sexism, racism, and a breast cancer diagnosis.
“When I was a kid, I used to dream that I was on stage singing,” Lisa says in the teaser, later telling her mother: “One day, I'll be very rich, Mummy.”
While initial photos of Lisa show Lisa on stage, strutting down the sidewalks and getting her first big break with her 1985 hit “Can You Feel the Beat,” things soon take a turn when Lisa realizes there's a darker side to the industry than she expected.
“The music business is not going to be what you think it's going to be. It's going to try to take a piece of you,” Bre-Z, who portrays Lisa's best friend, said Tony MinajHe tells her. “You can't let them.”
Quick flashes show Lisa being told she would have to start “treatment immediately” for her breast cancer – “I can’t stop touring,” she replied, with tears in her eyes – as she was physically assaulted and threatened by her team.
“You can't do this without us,” warns her manager, to which Lisa responds: “Watch me.”
In May 2024, Velez, now 57, announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer at the height of her career, but decided to keep it a secret — even from her mother — in order to continue working.
“It was hard to talk about at the time,” Velez explained in an episode of the show. Tamron Hall Show. “It was hard, and no one was talking about it. Men were asking me: ‘Have you gained weight? Are you pregnant?’ And I said to myself: ‘No, I’m going through chemotherapy.’ No one knew, I basically had to hide it, and my mum didn’t know.” until”.
Velez said she noticed bruising on her chest one day and knew she had to get a checkup. “So, during my layover during a nine-month tour, I went in for a checkup, and my oncologist said, 'You have ductal carcinoma,'” she said.
Ultimately, Velez – who is now in remission – chose to continue with her career, while balancing her professional commitments and chemotherapy.
“It was hard,” she said. “It was really hard. I didn't know what to do, who to talk to. My doctor was like, 'You shouldn't be on tour,' and I said, 'I have to work because I have bills to pay.'
Can You Feel the Rhythm: The Lisa Lisa Story Premieres on Lifetime Saturday, February 1 at 8 p.m. ET.
