You know Rhea Litrè. Whether it’s from seeing her at shows all over West Hollywood. Perhaps you know her through her drag mothers, Raja or Mayhem Miller, or from her drag bestie Willam Belli. Maybe it was as a member of Tranzkuntinental with Kelly Mantle, Detox, Willam, and Vicky Vox. Or maybe you remember her from the parody song, “Let’s have a KaiKai.”
So you know her, but you may not have known she was Latina. Litrè has just released a full Spanglish album with recording artist VELO titled PUNTO. Velo is widely known for his reggaeton-inspired club anthems, including Big D*ck Daddy and Perra (Bitch) with Dragula star Melissa Befierce, who also guest stars on this album.
“This album is a love letter to my Chicano, Tejano, and Mexicano heritage.” Rhea shares. She adds, “This album helped me connect with my roots and explore how incredible and authentic it is to sing in Spanish.”
The album was produced in the Dominican Republic by Velo Productions and premieres today on all streaming platforms and with the music video for the song “Tu Dueño.”
Litrè adds, “This goes out to all Latinos who don’t know Spanish fluently. People can be so cruel sometimes, especially within our own communities. You are Latino! Be Proud! Shout from the rooftops!”
She took some time to talk to the Blade about drag, the DNA of this album, and her own relationship to her heritage.
First, I have to ask: the album is named Punto… is that a play on the Spanish word for period/periodt?
That is exactly what I was going for. It may or may not translate perfectly, but I am no stranger to interesting album names, like my last studio album, BuckBonkey.
What made you want to release an album in Spanish?
I have been singing in Spanish for as long as I can remember. I never felt completely comfortable singing in Spanish because I do not speak it fluently. Christina Aguilera’s “Mi Reflejo” gave me a lot of strength in recording this album, and the more I learned the lyrics, what they meant, and how they were sung on this album, I became more connected than ever to anything I had ever felt.
I feel so connected to my culture when I sing in Spanish. This album is a love letter to all my Latino brothers and sisters who were not taught Spanish and still connect to our culture through other things like designing, dancing, or, in my case, music.
What was it like growing up Latino?
INCREDIBLE. My family was very close growing up. I have over 30 cousins. My Wella (abuela) and Wello (abuelo) had 12 kids, so there was always a birthday, graduation, holiday, or something going on. If you ask me, I was Wella’s favorite. Or maybe it was because I was her lil gay grandchild, but when all the boys had to leave to play outside, I got to stay with her in the kitchen. I will always remember that. The security in Wella’s arms and a warm, fresh homemade flour tortilla in hand is what I remember most about childhood.
How did this album come about?
Music has always been my main passion when it came to drag. When VELO approached me about doing music together back in 2017, we both knew we were going to do a Spanglish Album. Here we are, almost 10 years later, and it’s finally upon us. This is unlike anything we have done before; this album is written from the heart and shared with some of the best friends that I have been working with for my whole career. When Scarlett BoBo from Canada’s Drag Race and Melissa Befierce from Dragula joined VELO and me on this record, it truly turned into a family affair.
What was it like working with VELO?
VELO is incredible and knows how to handle the doll! He’s got all the swag and has the sexiest singing voice. I love the way VELO writes in Spanish for me. He knows exactly what I would want to say and how to say it. Incredibly, VELO and I recorded the majority of this album on a week-long trip to Maine and sent our stems out to the Dominican Republic to be produced and mastered.
What inspired the songs?
Partying, romance, and being a Bad Bitch have always been prevalent when it comes to my music. My travels to Mexico, especially Puerto Vallarta, have heavily inspired this album. There is something for everyone on PUNTO. “Debil” for Love, “Tu Dueno” for Romance, and “Down in PV” to dance!
What was the sound and vibe you were going for?
We got some tropical, we got some dance, some Reggaeton. We really wanted to create a sexy vibe for this record, and I believe we nailed it. One of my favorite tracks is “Down in PV” featuring Scarlett BoBo. Scarlett had a cabaret show and lived there for a few months last year.
I can’t even count how many times I have been to PV. I got to shout out all my favorite hotspots like the Tryst Hotel, CC Slaughters, the Mantamar & more! Puerto Vallarta was dreamt up by a gay man; it is truly my favorite place to have a Gaycation! “Down in PV” is a fun track to dance to! Let’s go dance!
Can you tell me a little bit more about these amazing guest performers?
I met Scarlett Bobo back in 2013 in Toronto while I was touring. Let’s be real, we are cut from the same cloth. I loved that bitch the second I met her, and we are best of friends today. Scarlett is a real one, and it just was so organic to have my sister on this record.
Melissa Befierce is one of the Baddest Bitches in the game. Melissa and I have hosted countless parties together, and I am completely enamored by her artistry and beauty through the art of drag. Melissa is an ICON, and I am honored to have her on this album.
What do you think makes drag different for Latin audiences?
Latinos are very connected to the culture. For example, when I watched Drag Race México, I felt every runway in my soul. I thought to myself, “I need to explore more of my culture.” I want to feel more than sexy and strong in my drag. I want to feel more connected to my culture, and that is what this record is about. PUNTO
Were there any funny stories while recording/working on the album?
After a full day of shooting the music video for “Tu Dueno,” VELO and I went to the Abbey. The Abbey serves the stiffest drinks this side of the Mississippi, honey, and I was lit! While blackout drunk, VELO shot me as a video ho for his song “Dimelo,” and the footage is hilarious. Go watch that video and see if you can tell how lit the doll is. I remember nothing!
You can catch PUNTO on July 1st on all streaming platforms and watch the premiere of the video for “Tu Dueño” on YouTube.