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Freestyle Star's Song Sampled by Kendrick Lamar
27 Feb
Summary
- Debbie Deb's 1984 hit 'When I Hear Music' was sampled by Kendrick Lamar.
- She faced industry challenges after her initial success in the 1980s.
- She desires to speak with Lamar about her original song's unfair contract.
In the 1980s, emerging artist Debbie Deb recorded 'When I Hear Music' and 'Lookout Weekend' with producer Tony Butler. Despite 'Lookout Weekend' charting on Billboard, Deb signed an 'artist for hire' contract receiving minimal pay. When the songs became hits, the record company used another singer for live performances and EP covers, effectively sidelining the original artist.
This experience led Deb to leave the music industry for years, later returning in the 1990s for an album and tour. Recently, Kendrick Lamar sampled her debut single 'When I Hear Music' for his track 'Squabble Up,' which became a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 and was performed at the 2025 Super Bowl.
Deb expresses a desire to connect with Lamar, hoping to discuss the unfair contract she signed for her original song and congratulate him on his success. She now balances performing with selling handmade jewelry and paintings, focusing on the positive aspects of her music's renewed life.
