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Who Is Becky G?
Becky G, a California native, rose to fame with her hit single “Shower” before transitioning to Spanish-language tracks like “Sin Pijama” and “Mayores.” Her music is a vibrant blend of rap, pop hooks, reggaeton, and Latin influences. In 2013, she expanded her brand by signing on as a representative for CoverGirl, the beauty line. In addition to her music career, Becky G has guest-starred on the television series Empire and played a leading role in the 2017 film adaptation of Power Rangers. Her journey began at the age of nine when her family faced financial hardships that forced them to move into her grandparents’ garage. The courage and determination of her grandparents, who emigrated from Mexico to the United States, have greatly inspired her, highlighting the opportunities they created for future generations.
Family and Early Life
Born Rebbeca Marie Gomez on March 2, 1997, in Inglewood, California, Becky G is the daughter of Alex and Frank, who were high school sweethearts at Santa Monica High School. The couple welcomed Becky, along with her brothers Frankie and Alex, and younger sister Stephanie. As a second-generation American, Becky’s heritage is rooted in her grandparents’ emigration from Mexico. Following a financial setback that resulted in losing their home due to rising mortgage payments, Becky’s family moved into a small converted garage. It was at this point that a determined nine-year-old Becky decided to pursue a career in entertainment to help support her family. She actively sought out child talent agencies, secured an agent, and began working in commercials, voiceovers, and modeling. Becky’s experiences in a large extended family fostered the attention-getting skills that contributed to her success in the entertainment industry. Additionally, she has openly discussed her struggles with anxiety, crediting her family’s unwavering support as instrumental in her coping mechanisms.
Music Career
Becky G began writing her own music at the age of 11 and learned to play the guitar by 13. Her cover of Kanye West and Jay-Z’s “Otis,” among several other cover videos posted on YouTube, attracted the attention of producer Dr. Luke. In 2011, she signed with Kemosabe/RCA Records, leading to the release of her EP, Play It Again, in 2013.
Throughout her career, Becky G has collaborated with prominent artists such as will.i.am and Pitbull, with their track “Can’t Get Enough” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Latin Rhythmic Airplay chart. She also holds writing credits for Cody Simpson’s “Wish You Were Here” and Cher Lloyd’s “Oath.” Furthermore, she has toured alongside notable singers, including Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, and Fifth Harmony.
Drawing inspiration from icons like Jennifer Lopez and the late Selena Quintanilla, Becky G’s musical influences are diverse, spanning rock classics, 1990s hits, and traditional Mexican music.
Notable Songs
In 2013, Becky G released her debut single, “Becky From the Block,” which cleverly referenced Jennifer Lopez’s iconic “Jenny From the Block” (2002). The song gained further prominence with Lopez herself making a cameo appearance in the music video.
The summer of 2014 marked a significant milestone for Becky G with the release of “Shower,” a track that achieved considerable success by charting in the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Spanish-Language Music
Initially, Becky G found success singing in English; however, she eventually felt a disconnect with songs written by others. To reconnect with her roots and regain inspiration, she ventured into Spanish-language music. Notable Spanish singles include “Sola,” “Todo Cambio,” “Sin Pijama” (featuring Natti Natasha), and “Mayores,” the latter featuring Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny and boasting over one billion views on YouTube. Becky G has expressed that the music videos for her Spanish-language songs serve as “mini-movies” to help English-speaking audiences grasp their meanings.
Despite acknowledging her initial struggles with the Spanish language, Becky G expressed pride in embracing her heritage and the opportunity to create music that resonates with her identity.
Movies and Television
In 2015, Becky G made a guest appearance as Valentina on the acclaimed TV show Empire. She transitioned to film with her debut as Trini, the Yellow Ranger, in the 2017 adaptation of the beloved 1990s series Power Rangers. Trini’s character was recognized as the first LGBT protagonist in a major superhero film, although her sexuality was addressed only briefly in the dialogue.
Additionally, Becky G lent her voice to a character in the animated film Gnome Alone (2017) and starred in the family adventure movie A.X.L. (2018).
Half-Sister
In December 2017, Becky G publicly shared her relationship with her half-sister, who had recently turned 18. Despite having known about her sister since she was 13, their contact had been limited. In her heartfelt message, Becky expressed her desire to strengthen their bond, stating, “I want you to know that I wish you all the best in life and that you find happiness wherever your heart takes you.”
Political Views
In response to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, which began in 2015 with disparaging remarks about Mexicans, Becky G dedicated the song “We Are Mexico” to him. The song highlighted the family values, hard work, and positive traits of immigrants.
Becky G has been a vocal advocate for voter participation, particularly among her demographic. She has also expressed support for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), a program that provided educational and employment opportunities for individuals who, despite lacking legal status, had lived in the United States since childhood.
Personal Life
Becky G began dating professional soccer player Sebastian Lletget in 2016, after being introduced by her Power Rangers co-star, Naomi Scott. Before this relationship, she was previously involved with singer Austin Mahone.