For Becky G, ‘Encuentros’ marks her next chapter

For Becky G, 'Encuentros' marks her next chapter

As I reflect upon Becky G’s journey, I am struck by the raw emotion and resilience that shines through her music. Her ability to transform her personal struggles into powerful, relatable songs is truly inspiring. The range of emotions she conveys, from rage to hope, from heartache to new beginnings, is a testament to her depth as an artist.


Moving towards the dusty edge of Angels Point in Elysian Park, they prepare for their final scene at the beautiful vantage point overlooking vast Los Angeles, signaling the start of the twinkling tune about restored affection, “Otro Capitulo,” yet another time.

As I stand rooted, I rhythmically tap my heels, creating a lively one-two-and-three beat. A mechanical breeze, orchestrated by leaf blowers, swirls around, blurring the edges of the frame into a dreamy mist. With every spin, I warmly cradle the city that nurtured me in my arms, expressing my deep affection.

I ran into Rebecca Marie Gomez, a well-known Mexican American singer, on the main road leading up to Elysian Park. She had changed out of her silky bandanna top and was now wearing a more comfortable baby pink t-shirt instead. Around her neck was a delicate gold chain bearing the title of her fourth studio album, “Encuentros,” which came out on October 10th.

For Becky G, 'Encuentros' marks her next chapter

After taking a moment to catch her breath from the joy-inducing dance, Becky openly expresses her happiness and readiness for a fresh start in life, which is why she titled her latest LP’s sole cumbia song “Another Chapter.

She expressed that the tune captures a sentiment I’ve harbored for quite some time, symbolizing a fresh start or change. It feels as if I’ve recently cast off layers and layers of my old self.

The earworm of cosmic bliss and new beginnings is also the name behind her sophomore headlining tour, Casa Gomez: Otro Capítulo, which kicked off Oct. 11 at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom.

The song finds itself nestled within a broader compilation of contrasting feelings, a delicate dance between personal beliefs and sorrow.

‘Encuentros’ felt like a palpable embodiment of a rollercoaster ride through human emotions: ‘Not just anger, not just fear, not just confusion, but joy too,’ I exclaimed, vividly experiencing each sentiment as I spoke.

In March 2023, there were whispers about infidelity involving Sebastian Lletget, his long-term partner, on the internet. This led to a public apology from Lletget, who is an FC Dallas midfielder, to Becky and his decision to enter a mental wellness program. Despite the online chatter, Becky chose not to comment publicly about the social media buzz surrounding their relationship.

She explained, ‘I believe there was an instance when my quietness might have been mistaken for vulnerability. It was a decision I made, and I feel it’s crucial for me to acknowledge and respect that.’

A few years back, a 27-year-old had the conviction that she was well-versed in life’s wisdom, a reasonable level of confidence for someone who had spent her teenage years and young adult life under the public spotlight.

For Becky G, 'Encuentros' marks her next chapter ×

She remarked, “A larger part of my life happens online these days compared to what it used to be, and that’s quite remarkable to consider.

14-year-old Becky G secured a record deal with Kemosabe/RCA Records by showcasing her passionate rap skills over Jay Z and Kanye West’s “Otis” beat on YouTube. She had aspirations to excel beyond her brief tenure in the pop girl group, G.L.A.M., expressing that she was with the wrong label at the wrong time through her raps.

In 2013, she expressed her professional goals in her JLo-inspired freestyle “Becky From the Block,” stating, “I won’t rest until I reach the pinnacle.” Following this, “Shower” was released in 2014, a catchy pop tune about an unrelenting infatuation that marked her first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100.

For Becky G, 'Encuentros' marks her next chapter

Becky stated, “I felt as if I was already a ‘young woman,’ thinking I knew it all. However, as I grow older, I realize I actually know very little. This discovery excites me immensely.

Even before releasing her debut album “Mala Santa” in 2019, Becky G swiftly established herself in the music industry by teaming up with notable artists such as Pitbull, Banda MS, Daddy Yankee, Snoop Dogg, and Bad Bunny. She showcased her versatility by expressing herself fluently in both English and Spanish, spanning genres like pop, trap, and reggaeton. Notably, she opened for major acts including J Balvin, Katy Perry, and Demi Lovato.

The artist from Inglewood explained that the tunes they’ve produced throughout their career are reminiscent of the diverse playlists they listened to as a child. This eclectic mix ranged from salsa and merengue, to rancheras, Spanish pop/rock, hip-hop, R&B, and pop music.

Previously, she embarked on a fresh journey by launching her debut Mexican music album titled “Esquinas,” which celebrated her Mexican heritage through renditions of heartfelt ballads such as “Un Puño de Tierra,” “Cruz de Olvido,” and “Por Un Amor.” Additionally, she commemorated her late grandfather, the source of her inspiration, in the poignant tribute “Querido Abuelo.

In my own words, I expressed that this place symbolized culture, fellowship, and ties to the influences that shaped me, from my grandparents to my siblings, all the way to the dual flags and languages that defined my upbringing. I found it necessary to delve further into a space of acceptance, acknowledging that I will never again be a child cradled by my father while he plays Chalino and Ramon Ayala’s music.

During her performance at Coachella in 2023, the “Sin Pijama” singer hinted at her move into a new genre by sporting a blue Tejano hat and a rhinestone bralette. The stage represented what she referred to as “Casa Gomez,” evoking the warm familial atmosphere found at a carne asada barbecue. She invited special guests Marca MP for their slow version of “Ya Acabó” remix from 2022 and Fuerza Regida’s lead singer, Jesus Ortiz Paz (also known as JOP), for an emotional performance of their 2023 song “Te Quiero Besar.

Next, a budding collaboration titled Peso Pluma emerged for their duet “Chanel,” which was the lead single from “Esquinas” and debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 55. The gravelly-voiced Mexican artist later took the stage at Coachella in 2024, inviting Becky G to join him as a special guest on the desert stage this time around.

For Becky G, 'Encuentros' marks her next chapter

In front of a vast audience, Peso Pluma declared, “She was the initial person, a woman, who gave me assistance in this field.

In my experience, I’ve encountered criticism regarding my foray into Mexican music, as some people argue that I identify as Mexican solely when it benefits me. However, I am deeply connected to and proud of my Mexican heritage, and this journey is a testament to that.

She chuckled, tapping her forehead gently, “I laugh because it’s like having a cactus on your forehead,” she said, using a familiar phrase to highlight her Mexican heritage in her looks. “From the very beginning, I’ve been unapologetically proud of my roots.

Critical remarks serve as motivation for her, even more so since she’s seen herself, along with fellow contemporary artists from Southern California, contribute significantly to the popularity of the genre.

She mentioned that she discussed the topic with both Ivan Cornejo and JOP. In our discussion, we’ve been communicating in English and occasionally breaking into Spanish songs. She added, with a chuckle, “It seems like there’s something we want to demonstrate or prove.

As a passionate moviegoer, let me share that Becky’s artistry stirred within me the courage to express myself. I, being the Riverside-born vocalist who partnered with her on the poignant sierreno duet “2ndo Chance,” found inspiration in her work.

Entering the music world, I felt a little anxious since I’m of both Mexican and American heritage, but she assisted me in feeling more confident with my identity within this industry.

Becky G additionally aimed for a joint project with Delilah Cabrera, the emerging 16-year-old vocalist who is signed to Los CT, a record label founded by Natanael Cano, a trailblazer in the corridos tumbados genre.

The Wenatchee, Washington teenager expressed that she finds her incredibly inspiring, especially for Mexican-Americans. She considers this person more like an older sibling.

In the soft, guitar-strummed song “Todo,” the words expressing deep emotion are found in the two verses that describe a careful exploration of a fresh romance.

Becky stated, “Laying one stone at a time, we’re carrying forward the construction of this bridge that artists such as Selena Quintanilla began but couldn’t complete. My dream is that we can make it easier for children who share our background to embrace their true selves.

For Becky G, 'Encuentros' marks her next chapter

Becky G’s album, titled “Encuentros,” is a raw and honest collection of songs reflecting her emotional journey over the past year. The opening track, “Xlas Nubes,” is a powerful corridos tumbados number, filled with the harsh sounds of pain. Following this, she expresses her sorrow in “Desierto,” a banda ballad that curses a former lover to suffer endless karmic retribution. The LP’s lead single, “Como Diablos,” is a bold message to an ex, asserting that on a scale of one to ten, she’s a thousand times as strong.

Songwriter and music producer Hector Guerrero, known for creating tracks for prominent regional acts such as T3R Elemento, Grupo Firme, and Los Tigres del Norte, collaborated with Becky to create the powerful “Encuentros” corrido tumbado beats. The most prominent track on the album is the lead single “Mercedes,” which features Oscar Maydon of Mexicali, and quickly climbed to the number one spot on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart shortly after its debut.

According to Guerrero, Becky shared her deeply emotional experiences that shaped this album. When she departed from the studio, she would impart those thoughts upon us.

However, amidst the songs that echo the intensity of a breakup, there are also radiant tracks filled with optimism such as “Muchas Gracias.” This song features a heavenly interlude that ponders a timeless dilemma: How does one mend a fractured heart? “Robando mas corazones? Quebrando más corazones? O sanando mi propio corazón?” (Are we stealing, breaking or healing more hearts? Or are we healing our own?)

And then there’s the bubbly techno tune, the one that was caught in an infinite loop the day of the interview, “Otro Capitúlo.” It is the nucleus of “Encuentros,” packed with a killer electric guitar solo, a nod to La Factoria’s 2006 reggaeton hit “Perdóname,” and sprinkled zest of the late Tejana singer Selena Quintanilla. “Lo que pasó, baby, ya pasó, Vamo’ a empezar otro capítulo” (What happened, happened baby, let’s start a new chapter).

The song also foreshadows what’s to come in Becky’s life.

As an artist, I find myself prepared to embrace love once more, for I believe it’s essential. We share a profound connection, and our affection for love is undeniable. If one were to traverse life behind fortified barriers, isn’t it more like existing than truly living?

In the makeup area, preparing her face for a second time today, Becky discusses the potential impact of winning a Latin Grammy for her song “Por El Contrario,” a touching ballad she co-wrote with the Aguilar siblings, Ángela and Leonardo. This song is nominated in the regional Mexican music category. She began writing this piece in 2020 alongside renowned songwriter Édgar Barrera, who has won 21 Latin Grammys and is famous for his work with artists like Shakira, Grupo Frontera, Maluma, and others.

For Becky G, 'Encuentros' marks her next chapter

Indeed, winning a Latin Grammy would undoubtedly be a satisfying validation for the Chicana singer, who hails from Los Angeles and often feels she didn’t quite measure up as “Mexican” enough to secure such an honor.

Near the conclusion of the interview, Becky pauses briefly before adding a playful comment that seems to echo the thoughts of many famous women whose personal relationships are frequently discussed in the media.

As I sit here, proudly embodying the fierce and fabulous ‘jefita chingona’, I’ve been working tirelessly, putting in the hard yards. Yet, it seems that some people are more inclined to dwell on my personal life rather than the decade-long career void of scandals, five Latin Grammy nominations, four studio albums, and two headlining tours I’ve accumulated along the way.

She encouraged him to unwind,” she said, flashing a warm grin as she brushed aside the wind with her hand, much like the youthful Becky from the Block who had long aspired for a life at the summit.

The sun has disappeared from Chavez Ravine, but for Becky, the day’s activities aren’t finished yet. She lingered in the makeup room even after our conversation ended because there was another part of the photo shoot coming up, this time featuring a car. Later on, she emerged from her dressing area wearing a tan football jersey and a faux fur bucket hat, looking confident and prepared to begin anew.

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2024-10-15 00:32

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