At 29, Becky G has spent nearly two decades in the entertainment industry. Her fifth studio album, Baraja Bendita (Spanish for ‘Blessed Deck of Cards’), marks a return to rap, a genre that initially drew her to music. ‘My urban roots are a part of me,’ she shared with Morning Edition. ‘They’re how I got signed and discovered, and they’re among my first loves.’
This creative passion is evident in the track ‘Epa’ from the album, along with its music video, filmed at El Mercadito in Los Angeles. In one notable scene, Becky G shatters a block of ice, leading to a burst of dance. This image carries significance, especially as US Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids dominate national politics.
Becky G explained that the song began with chords that felt urgent, almost like alarms. Reflecting on her own fortune of having a safe space for expression, she emphasized the importance of creating. ‘That’s also part of our resistance,’ she noted.
The ice-breaking scene symbolizes this idea. After the ice breaks, a sense of euphoric joy emerges as everyone dances. In a conversation with NPR’s A Martínez, Becky G delved into her inspirations and artistic evolution. You can listen to the full conversation by clicking the play button above.
This web adaptation was prepared by Majd Al-Waheidi.