Debbie Deb reflects on being replaced by another performer and her musical resurgence

Debbie Deb, born in North Miami Beach, recounts her journey in the 1980s music scene, where she became the voice behind early freestyle hits like ‘When I Hear Music’ and ‘Lookout Weekend’ under producer Tony Butler, also known as Pretty Tony. Despite the success of her singles, her record label replaced her with another performer for live appearances and promotional material because she did not fit the era’s preferred image. This forced Debbie out of the industry for several years, during which she pursued a career as a hairstylist and focused on her family, while undergoing therapy to rebuild her confidence. In the 1990s, she returned to the industry, touring and promoting her own music, reconnecting with fans, and sharing her story. Over the years, her work has been covered and sampled by various artists, including Janet Jackson and Pitbull. In 2024, she was thrilled to discover that Kendrick Lamar had sampled her debut single in the hit ‘Squabble Up,’ which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was performed at the 2025 Super Bowl. Today, Debbie balances performing with running a jewellery and art business with her husband, celebrating her musical legacy without bitterness and reflecting on her career with gratitude and pride.