At 29, Becky G has been in the entertainment industry for nearly twenty years. With her latest album, Baraja Bendita (“Blessed Deck of Cards”), she revisits the rap style that originally drew her to music. Becky G shared with Morning Edition that her urban roots are integral to her identity. “It is how I got signed. It is how I got discovered. It is one of my first loves,” she explained.

Her enthusiasm is evident in tracks like “Epa” and its music video, which was shot at El Mercadito in Los Angeles. The video features a scene where Becky G smashes a large ice block, which then erupts into a joyous dance celebration. When asked about the significance of this imagery, especially during a time when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids are prominent in politics, Becky G noted the foundational urgency of the song’s chords, likening them to alarms.

Becky G reflected on her gratitude for having spaces where she can express herself freely. “We need to keep creating,” she stated. “That’s also part of our resistance.” The ice-breaking scene symbolizes this idea, releasing a shared joy as everyone dances together.

In a discussion with NPR’s A Martínez, Becky G elaborated on the inspirations behind Baraja Bendita and her artistic evolution. Her commitment to fostering and protecting spaces for Latino joy resonates throughout her work.

To listen to the full conversation, use the audio player provided by NPR.