Debbie Deb's Rise and Betrayal in the Music Industry
Growing up in North Miami Beach during the 1980s, Deborah Wesoff-Lopez-Kowalski, known as Debbie Deb, enjoyed a vibrant childhood filled with bike rides and boombox music. In her mid-teens, a work placement at a local record store sparked a deep passion for R&B and rap, immersing her in artists like Grandmaster Flash and Run-DMC.
A Fateful Encounter and Early Success
At age 17 in 1984, record producer Tony Butler, alias "Pretty Tony," visited the store and invited her to create music. Embracing the opportunity, Debbie collaborated with Tony on two singles, When I Hear Music and Lookout Weekend, released under Jam Packed records. These tracks quickly gained traction, with Lookout Weekend entering the Billboard dance chart, marking a promising start to her career.
The Impostor and Industry Exclusion
Despite the songs' success, Debbie faced harsh realities. The record company, dissatisfied with her appearance during an era dominated by figures like Madonna, hired another performer to impersonate her at live shows and on EP covers. This impostor also recorded under the Debbie Deb name, despite vocal differences, effectively pushing the original artist out of the industry. The betrayal led to years of depression, during which Debbie avoided radio and pursued hairstyling and motherhood while undergoing therapy to heal.
Resurgence and Artistic Recognition
In the 1990s, Debbie re-entered the music scene with a new album and tours across LA, Arizona, and Texas, sharing her story publicly. This period restored her confidence, fueled by crowd support during performances. Over time, her work was sampled by notable artists, including Janet Jackson and Pitbull, but a pivotal moment came in November 2024 when her son alerted her to Kendrick Lamar's use of When I Hear Music in his hit Squabble Up.
Kendrick Lamar's Impact and Moving Forward
The sample propelled Debbie back into the spotlight as Squabble Up topped the Billboard Hot 100 and was performed at the 2025 Super Bowl. She expresses a desire to connect with Kendrick, curious if he knows her backstory and wishing to congratulate him. Today, Debbie balances music performances with a business selling handmade jewellery and paintings, focusing on positivity rather than past bitterness.
