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Becky G talks about why she wanted to name her new album Esquinas; her inspiration for stepping into regional Mexican music; collaborations with Peso Pluma, Gabito Ballesteros and other regional Mexican artists; going on her first headlining tour; continuing to embrace her Mexican-American heritage and more.

Becky G:We’re not necessarily erasing our traditions, we’re embracing tradition as well as giving it our own new school flair. Que paso familia? It’s your girl, Becky G, and you are watching Billboard News.

Isabela Raygoza:So you’ve had quite the evolution you know, musically, as a rapper, to a pop reggaeton hitmaker, now you’re stepping into regional Mexican music. Talk to me about that evolution.

Becky G:Yeah, it’s been quite the journey, girlfriend. Honestly, even since I was little music has always inspired me. I grew up listening to all kinds of music in English and Spanish. I consider myself a genreless artist.

Isabela Raygoza:What did you rediscover? Or how did you reconnect with your heritage? Or what’s one thing that you learned?

Becky G:You know, what’s so interesting is that I feel like that essence of me being Chicana, born and raised in Inglewood, and obviously being very proud of being my you know, my Mexican roots, like, I think it’s always been there. Two years ago, when I lost my my papi, my abuelito Miguel, que descanse un paz, he was the kind of the catalyst as to why I decided it was time to do the project because it was a dream of mine. I definitely feel like it’s a part of my soul when I sing musica regional.

Isabela Raygoza:Talk to me more about the title Esquinas. Where did you come up with the title?

Becky G:For me, I think I’ve always felt like I’m not this side of the streets that raised me or this side of the streets, I am literally la esquina now like I’m at la esquina now, where those cross streets are of, like, I always say those two languages, those two flags, the two cultures. It’s a very intentional body of work from all the visuals and all the song selections and all of the collaborators. You know, Edgar Barrera is like, you know, family to me, and he really helped kind of create a sound that I think represents me in this space. And so it’s been a … it’s been a lot of hard work, but I feel like you can really hear me and see me in this, in this album.

Watch Becky G’s interview with Billboard above.