music
February 27, 2026
Experience: My Record Company Replaced Me With an ‘Impostor’
Kendrick Lamar has sampled my track. I’d love to ask him if he knows my story
TL;DR
- The author, Debbie Deb, started her music career in the 1980s after being discovered by producer Tony Butler.
- Her first singles, "When I Hear Music" and "Lookout Weekend," became successful but she was replaced by another performer due to her appearance.
- She was forced out of the music business and later pursued a career as a hairstylist and mother.
- In the 90s, she re-entered the industry, releasing an album and touring.
- Her songs have been sampled by artists like Janet Jackson and Pitbull.
- Kendrick Lamar's new song "Squabble Up," which samples "When I Hear Music," reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was performed at the Super Bowl.
- She expresses a desire to connect with Kendrick Lamar to discuss her original contract and his use of her music.
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