On Rapping, Motherhood And The Music Industry: La Goony Chonga
Over the last decade, La Goony Chonga has blossomed.
At the start of her rap career, she was a dancer and primarily writing in English. Then, in 2017 after the birth of her first child, she began writing in Spanish and incorporating trap beats into her sound—which transformed her music into an emblematic representation of Latin rap pop.
With every opportunity and change, though, Goony has always remained true to her chonga roots, repping for Miami and ensuring that the chonga lifestyle (popularized in the early aughts) gets the cultural recognition it deserves.
In anticipation for her headlining performance at our CYBERBABES showcase this Sunday March 15, Goony shares some of her inspirations, her thoughts on the music industry and what it means to be chonga.
who: LA GOONY CHONGA
La Goony Chonga (@lagoonychonga) is a Cuban-American recording artist/songwriter from Miami, Fl. Since beginning to record music in 2012, she has released four solo albums along with popular singles such as "Tira-Tira" and "Buena y Guapa.” As an icon in the latina community, many know her music to be empowering and energetic. Her latest release is her album Dimen5ión with JHawk Productions where she infuses west coast sounds into her latin trap style. On the album, she collaborates with different artists like Brooke Candy & La Zowi. La Goony Chonga also showcases her genre diversity with songs like "Pensamientos" and "Dejame Amarte" where she experiments with singing and more chill instrumentals. A fan favorite is her 2nd single off the album titled "Duro 2005" which brings us back to the classic reggaeton music she grew up listening to.
Goony, let's start with your career thus far. Can you take us through where you were when you started versus where you are now?
Since I started releasing music in late 2012, things have definitely changed. I started off only rapping in English and my brand was very "stripper" from like 2014 to 2017, being that I was a dancer. After getting pregnant in 2017, I stopped dancing and my brand was solely focused on chonga. In 2016, I started making music in my native language—Spanish—and it was the best decision I ever made. I basically took the same style and "trap" sound and switched it up in my language. Since then, my sound has continuously evolved into what it is now. If you go through my discography you can hear the evolution and how I have experimented with different genres. What has remained pretty much the same is the empowering feeling my music has always gave off.
Of your released projects, which are you into the most and why?
Honestly, I love them all. they are all my babies and represent different times of my life. If I had to pick my favorite it would definitely be my most recent album "Dimen5ion" because this is where I took that sound from my previous album "Dinero" and elevated it to the next level. I reached levels musically that I never thought I could reach, such as singing and even switching the topic up and making more "romantic" songs. "Dimen5ion" has so many different moods so every listener can relate somehow and thats what I love the most.
How would you describe your creative process? What gets you in the mood to create?
I get inspired by experiences and people. Sometimes, something someone may say can spark up an idea. Most of the time, though, what really gets me going is the beats. When I'm in the studio going through different instrumentals I usually let them speak to me. If the beat is fire, the words and melodies come to my mind instantly. If the beat doesn't really move me or spark up an idea, I won't even bother to force it. It either clicks or it doesn't. Once it does though, a hit is the works for sure!
The word chonga has been reclaimed over the years, moving beyond Miami and into culture as a term to describe self-empowered, kick-ass women. As the ultimate chonga, what does the word mean to you? What kind of power does it hold?
For me, chonga is a lifestyle. It's something I have always been proud to identify with growing up in Miami. It represents who I am. I first heard the word in middle school when all the Latina girls wore big hoops, gelled down ponytails with the wet hair look and the clear glossy lips with the Chinese slippers to go with it. Something about the whole aesthetic and attitude is so empowering. A lot of girls went through a "chonga phase" but for me it pretty much stuck. I will always and forever be a proud chonga.
As a mama in the music industry—and likely one of the only women in rap to publish a music video pregnant—what words of advice / encouragement do you have for other art moms and creative parents?
Being a mother is one of the most beautiful experiences for a woman. I think that as a creative specifically in the music industry, women are always encouraged not to have children especially when you are up and coming. I never planned on getting pregnant, but it happened. Many people didn't agree with my decision to follow through with it. Instead of looking at the situation as an unfortunate one, I looked at it as a blessing and as motivation to go harder. Having my child made me get a lot more serious about the business side my career, too. When I was pregnant, I worked harder than I ever did. I did more music videos and songs during that time more than any other time because I knew that realistically being a mom would set me back a little. More important than anything, women should know that even though you can take what others say and think into consideration, always go with your gut feeling and tap in to your intuition. You know whats best for you.
How do you navigate the ebbs and flows of the music industry? What keeps your head up as the structures behind it shift and opportunities come and go?
The music industry is a crazy game. It’s not always fair to say the least, but I feel like as long as I sty true to myself, work hard toward my goals and keep a strong mindset, my career will continue to flourish. Throughout the years, I have been given so many opportunities and they all led to another. Making music is what I was born to do and that is what I am doing and will continue to do regardless of anything.
What's one thing you've un-learned in the last few years that you wish you had realized sooner?
I have realized that being a successful artist means having your business in order. I used to think making good music was all it took to be successful, but in reality that’s the least important part! If you don't have your business in order, you won't be able to make a living off of music or anything really. Most creatives like myself aren't usually the most business-savvy people, but I have learned to incorporate the two in order to further my success and accomplishments.
Anything else you want to share or say?
Stream and purchase my new album Dimen5ión!!!!
want to see La Goony Chonga in-person?
Goony will be headlining CYBERBABES, our collaborative queer and femme showcase with p1nkstar and Y2K, this Sunday on March 15. Click here to RSVP.