Q&A Becky G

The ‘reverse crossover’ star on empowering women, singing at the Oscars, and working with another ‘G’

- JULYSSA LOPEZ

Becky G is only 25, but she’s already lived a few different lives in the music industry. After starting out as a precocious teen star, she morphed into a full-blown Latin music sensation — “a reverse crossover,” as she calls it. In between, she’s faced major difficulties, including a complicated lawsuit and a highly public breakup, yet still found a way to keep thriving. “I feel like the test dummy that’s been in I don’t know how many vehicles to make the best one,” she says, laughing. “I’m just like, ‘I’ve got a broken arm on this side, I’ve got one eyeball falling out on the other side, but I’m here, and I’m only going to get stronger.’ ” Her upcoming album, Esquemas, is a testament to that. It’s Becky at her most confident and playful, exploring disco-pop, electronic production, even touches of doo-wop. “By no means do I have it all figured out,” she says, “but I know I’m the closest I’ve ever been because I’m absolutely terrified. But if you’re not peeing your pants and something isn’t pushing you to grow, it’s probably not right for you.”

You’ve always made it a priority to collaborate with other women, and recently you were on “Pa Mis Muchachas” with Christina Aguilera, Nathy Peluso, and Nicki Nicole. Talk to me about empowering women through these songs.