TKA is a one of the top male bands in the freestyle music genre. The New York based group had major success during the late 1980s and early 1990s with multiple dance hits under Tommy Boy Records. There’s no doubt that TKAs music will always be considered freestyle classics.
The three band group initially consisted of Tony Ortiz, Louis “Kayle” Sharpe, also known as “K7” and Ralph “Aby” Cruz. Aby was a major part of the groups early success and often was the lead singer. Aby was eventually released from the group and replaced with Angel “Love” Vasquez.
Top songs from TKA
The album “Scars of Love” was released in 1986, and from this album is where TKAs most popular songs come from. “One way love” is the song most fans think of when they think of TKA. This song is undoubtedly a fan favorite. It was the first major hit by TKA that changed everything for them. “One way love” hit #75 on the U.S. Chart in 1986 and made it to #8 on the U.S. Dance Chart.
Surprisingly, during the peak of Latin hip-hop, “One Way love” was the only song from the “Scars of Love” album to make the U.S Chart. With that said, six songs from the album made the U.S. Dance Chart. “X-Ray vision” hit #26, “Scars of love” hit #25, “Don’t be afraid” hit #22, “Come get my love” hit #8, “One way love hit #8 and “Tears may fall” hit #6. It should be of no surprise that TKAs music was some of the most popular dance tracks out there.
In 1990, TKA released the “Louder than love” album. One of the songs from the album, “You are the one,” was used in the “Lean on me” movie and hit #91 on the U.S. chart while making it to #26 on the U.S. Dance Chart. The song “I won’t give up on you” gave fans a bit of a different sound from the group. Even though the song had more of an R&B sound than their previous work, “I won’t give up on you” hit #65 on the U.S. Chart and #15 on the U.S. Dance Chart.
Another song that gave a complete different sound on the album was “Crash – Have some fun.” This song had what sort of seemed like a mellow rap sound to it, but fans still loved it as it made its way to #80 on the U.S. Chart and #7 on the U.S. Dance Chart. Michelle Visage, a member of the popular freestyle girls group “Seduction” made a guest appearance on “Crash – Have some fun.”
Another song to note here is “Maria” which was released in 1992 under the “Greatest hits” album. Even though this song was used as a filler for the album by K7, it became a hit and made it to #44 on the U.S. Chart. At this time, TKA had broken up and K7 was doing his new thing with his group “K7 and the Swing Kids.” the song “Maria” was one of those new things. When they needed an additional song for the TKA greatest hits album, K7 gave them “Maria.”
Fun facts about TKA
How did TKA begin their music career?
The three original members of TKA were discovered while singing at a Sweet 16 party in 1984. Record producer, Joey Gardner, seen the boys performing and was impressed. With his help, the group was signed by Tommy Boy Records. These three original members of the group were Tony Ortiz, Louis “Kayel” Sharpe and lead singer Ralph “Aby” Cruz.
How did the group come up with the name TKA?
It comes from the group member’s names. Tony, Kayel and Angel. This even worked with the original members as it was Tony, Kayel and Aby.
What ethnicity are the members of TKA?
All members of TKA are of Puerto Rican decent
Is it true TKA wanted to be a rap group?
They certainly did. At the time, there was no demand for an all Puerto-Rican rap group, so they had to settle for singing. TKA fans are no doubt thankful for the ways things played out.
Who are current members of TKA?
As of 2022, K7 is the long standing member of TKA. The other two TKA members are Tre and Los.