Becky G released her debut album, Mala Santa, on October 18, 2019. The 22-year-old rapper from Inglewood released her first EP titled Play It Again in 2013, but her single “Shower” in 2014 launched her mainstream career and peaked at #16 on the Billboard 100. Following “Shower,” Becky G has released singles in English and Spanish like “Can’t Stop Dancin’” and “Sola”; and she has been featured in collaboration with other artists like “La Respuesta” with Maluma and “Dura” with Daddy Yankee, Natti Natasha, and Bad Bunny. Finally, after 6 years, Becky G’s first LP has 16 Spanish-speaking songs with collaborations from artists like Natti Natasha, Bad Bunny, Myke Towers, Zion y Lennox and more.
(Photo Courtesy of Becky G on Instagram)
The introductory song to her album is “Mala Santa.” On this solo track with club-like beats, Becky sings that she is not pure or bad, “No soy ni mala ni santa.” The second song, “Dollar” with Myke Towers is upbeat with catchy lyrics. Becky sings that actions are louder than words in a relationship, and that there must be equal participation from both parties so their relationship can work. On “24/7” Becky expresses her desire to go out and have fun with everyone at every hour of every day.
(Photo by Becky G on Instagram)
“Si Si” is about Becky being an independent woman who doesn’t need a man, but if she wanted him he would be there. “De ti no dependo, / mi cartera sigue / igual sin ti.” (“I don’t depend on you, my wallet is full with or without you.”) “Vámonos” is sung in collaboration with Sech where both sing about getting away for the night and being with each other. This song has a hard-hitting techno beat, but it is contrasted with the soft and melodic lyrics from Becky and Sech. “Mejor Así” with Darell is about a dysfunctional relationship where both singers take the blame on their toxic relationship. Both admit to their mishaps and agree that they are better being with other people rather than being together and fighting. Next, “Peleas” starts with a guitar and moves to a soft beat. Becky sings about all of the men she has dumped and her persistence to stay in her current relationship, despite her partner constantly cheating on her and their constant fighting. Becky G’s lyrics resonate with her love for her partner and her feelings not being reciprocated by her partner. In “No Te Pertenezco” Becky explains that she has been in a relationship, but she remains an independent individual “Entiende que no te pertenezco” (Understand that you gong own me). Her following song, “En Mi Contra” is about a relationship where her partner has manipulated her into being with him and continues to do so, all while using her words against her.
(Photo by Becky G on Instagram)
With “Me Acostumbre,” in collaboration with Mau y Ricky, Becky sings that she was accustomed to giving her partner everything but that it was never enough. Reinforcing the constant theme of independence throughout her album, “Ni De Ti Ni De Nadie” Becky G sings about a casual relationship. She stresses that she does not make any promises, and she will not fall in love with anyone because she possibly will not reciprocate those feelings. “Subiendo,” a duet with Dalex, is about her and her partner having intimate times with each other. The soft beat of the song highlights the singers’ voices and sexy lyrics. Becky G, Zion & Lennox and Farruuko sing “Te Superé.” In this song, the artists sing and rap about the ups and downs of a relationship that can have great moments but upsetting consequences.
(Photo by Becky G on Instagram)
The final three songs of Mala Santa: “Cuando Te Besé,” “Sin Pijama,” and “Mayores,” were collaborations previously released by Becky G. However, these songs display Becky’s growth throughout the years and her consistency as a hip hop and pop Latinx artist. Mala Santa establishes Becky G as a force to be reckoned in the Latin genre. You can listen to Mala Santa here.