In a candid conversation with Billboard's Leila Cobo, Bad Gyal, the Spanish hitmaker shared that her grandmother's approval was all she needed, stating, "If she approves it, if she is looking at me with eyes of hope and understanding it's me, then everything is fine."
Today, Bad Gyal's music, a fusion of dembow, reggaetón, and dancehall, has gained widespread approval beyond her family. Initially making waves with her unique rendition of Rihanna's "Work," she recently served as an opening act on Karol G's Mañana Será Bonito U.S. Tour and collaborated with artists like Ñengo Flow, Anitta, Nicki Nicole, and Ovy on the Drums. With over 13 million Spotify listeners, Bad Gyal has diligently crafted her own path, marked by a commanding stage presence, infectious beats, and cheeky (often explicit) lyrics.
The culmination of her journey is evident in her debut album, "La Joia," released under Universal Music Latino/Interscope. At 26, Bad Gyal explains that the timing felt right, with accumulated experience in songwriting, studio work, and producer selection. Reflecting on her growth, she emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and confidence, asserting, "I have always been certain that I'm going to do what I want to do. I have earned my position, and people respect me a lot."
Maintaining her autonomy, Bad Gyal recently made headlines when she declined an unexpected on-stage twerking invitation from Rauw Alejandro in Puerto Rico. The incident went viral on TikTok, with many applauding her empowered response as a girl-power move. Explaining her decision, Bad Gyal cites the lack of rehearsal and her preference for planning collaborations, adding, "In the future, I might" engage in such performances.
In the interview, Bad Gyal also delves into the creation of "Chulo Pt. 2," her collaboration with Tokischa and Young Miko, the challenges of juggling multiple jobs while studying fashion, and provides insights into the details of her new album, released on January 26. Bad Gyal's journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and unapologetic authenticity, establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
