Becky G talks Latino Joy, Sisterhood & Baraja Bendita at Latin Music Week
Becky G’s latest offering, the album Baraja Bendita, isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a vibrant testament to a life-changing year of artistic liberation and unapologetic self-expression.
In a recent discussion with Billboard co-chief content officer Jason Lipshutz, the Mexican-American artist reflected on the profound personal and professional significance of the new LP, which arrived in August.
“I definitely feel very blessed,” she shared. “It was a truly transformative year. Releasing Baraja Bendita, my fifth studio album, felt like a monumental moment—a release that I hadn’t thought possible at one point in my career.”
The project itself is rooted in a philosophy that mirrors the duality of her identity. Titled “the blessed deck of cards,” the album speaks to the idea that while we can’t control the cards dealt to us, we absolutely control how we play them. This concept perfectly encapsulates the genreless, Spanglish nature of her artistry.
“It’s the fact that I’m a Spanglish speaker. It’s the fact that I’m a genreless artist, and it is a genreless album, and it is a Spanglish album unapologetically,” she explained. She noted that she was signed in a time when this kind of freedom wasn’t as widely celebrated today.
This artistic freedom deeply informed the album’s sound. Rather than adhering to a strict sonic blueprint, Becky sought space to experiment, wanting to “f–k shit up” and make room for pure fun and play. This creative license allowed her to craft music that felt authentic and joyful.
The album arrived during a period of completion, marking the culmination of many career threads. Becky recalled previous moments of powerful collaboration, such as panels alongside artists like Karol G, Anitta, and Natti Natasha, highlighting the strength of female solidarity in Latin music. “We’re so much more when we come together,” she stated, emphasizing the power of sisterhood in the industry.
She emphasized that building this sisterhood required vulnerability and reaching out, especially in an environment where women often face competition. Looking back at the industry, she noted a shift in perspective: “There was one seat at the table. Now, we’re building our own table, and at our table, everyone eats.”
Beyond music, Becky G is also exploring her identity as a storyteller. She recently wrapped a boxing film that resonated deeply with her, touching on themes of community, coming of age, and mental health. Her passion extends to producing and directing, viewing music as a vessel for a larger message.
Ultimately, the source of her grounding amid this busy career remains constant: family. This foundation allows her to keep creating, fueled by the belief that art and advocacy can coexist. As she looks ahead, she remains focused, knowing that the next project is already taking shape, driven by the powerful pursuit of Latino joy.