K7, who scored hits as frontman of Latin freestyle group TKA and as a solo artist, ranks among the players set for Saturday’s Poconos Freestyle Takeover 2 at the Sherman Theater, Main Street, Stroudsburg.

The Puerto Rican singer/rapper, born Louis Sharpe and raised in New York City’s Spanish Harlem, co-founded TKA. The latter, whose classics permeated dance clubs and beyond, released its debut album “Scars of Love” in 1987. Lead single “One Way Love” cracked Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.

Aside from the title track, sophomore set “Louder Than Love” yielded Hot 100 hits “You Are the One,” “I Won’t Give Up on You” and “Crash (Have Some Fun).” TKA, which disbanded shortly thereafter, scored its highest-charting Hot 100 hit with 1992’s near-top-40 single “Maria.”

TKA’s reunion album, “Forever,” arrived in 2001, with K7 writing and arranging most of the set. K7 and production partner Pascal “P. Version” Zumaque helmed 2016’s “Love Goes On,” a TKA 30th anniversary album that included guests such as freestyle singers George Lamond and Coro.

K7’s solo debut, 1993 hip-hop set “Swing Batta Swing,” featured the Hot 100 top 20 hit “Come Baby Come.” The album’s other singles, “Zunga Zeng” and “Move it Like This,” also cracked the Hot 100

Before the Pocono show, K7 — whose discography also includes 2002 and 2009 solo albums, plus most recent single “BidiBom” — took time to discuss his career and freestyle’s long-lasting appeal.

Q: What led to your career in music, and who were some influences/music favorites?

A: Music was always part of my life growing up in New York. It was everywhere: block parties, clubs, radio, the streets. Freestyle connected with me because it was emotional and honest. It spoke about love, heartbreak and real life without pretending to be something else. It fit who we were.

My influences came from all over: Prince, Rubén Blades, Grandmaster Caz, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley. They all showed me that feeling and truth matter just as much as technique.

Q: What was your music experience prior to TKA, and how did the group come to form? When and why did you take on the names of Kayel and K7?

A: Before TKA, I was already writing and performing, soaking up everything happening musically at the time, especially through block parties and the local scene. TKA formed organically and once it clicked, we were off. We didn’t overthink it; we just knew something was there.

Kayel came from the phonetic sound of my nickname initials and felt personal, grounded and intentional. K7 came later as a symbol of freedom and evolution; me stepping fully into my own voice.

Q: Did you sing lead on material prior to “Louder Than Love?”

A: I had lead vocals on select tracks on the “Scars of Love” album, but “Louder Than Love” was where I fully stepped into that role and carried the album vocally. Originally, the group shared vocals across the board. Before we started recording albums, we were always writing and performing together, which eventually forced us to choose a lead voice. It was a natural progression, not a sudden shift.

Q: Did you want to pursue hip-hop prior, and did the success of “Come Baby Come” surprise you?

A: Hip-hop was always in me long before that record. Freestyle just happened to be the lane that opened first. The success of “Come Baby Come” was surprising; not because I didn’t believe in it, but because of how far it reached. It crossed genres and generations. That was special to witness.

Q: Is freestyle your favorite genre, and what songs from your catalog rank among your favorites?

A: Freestyle will always feel like home, but I don’t limit myself to one genre. I enjoy recording anything that feels honest and true. “Louder Than Love” means a lot to me because of the growth involved. “Come Baby Come” represents creative freedom and taking a risk that paid off. There are later records that matter just as much because they reflect where I was in life at that time.

Q: Could a TKA reunion project ever come to fruition?

A: Sadly, no. I do occasionally record with the group’s first lead singer, Aby, and I respect that history. I’m happy with what I’m doing. If this is how it ends, I’m at peace with it. This is all I want to be doing.

Q: You’ve released a number of singles this year. Will more follow, and possibly an album?

A: There’s more music ready to go and more being created. I don’t rush albums anymore. If it becomes a full project, it’ll be because the body of work tells a story and feels complete, not because it’s time.

Q: What should fans expect at the Poconos Freestyle Takeover?

A: High energy, connection and moments that feel real. I approach shows like a conversation with the audience, not just a performance. There may be surprises, but the focus is always music and the people.

Q: Why do you think freestyle commands such passion and devotion from fans?

A: Freestyle represents real emotion and memory. It takes people back to first loves, heartbreaks, youth and freedom. It was never perfect, but it was honest. That honesty creates a bond that lasts, and that’s why the fans stay so devoted.