By
Erin Coulehan
Photography by
Ab Gonzalez and LFDC Studios
At Peking Garden, a sun-drenched Chinese restaurant tucked near the edge of El Paso’s Morningside Heights, Krystall Poppin’ is in her element. She’s sipping hot and sour soup while reminiscing about childhood, a plate of fried pork dumplings steaming between us like a memory made edible.
“This was the spot,” she says, smiling, and it’s clear the beloved spot has seen its fair share of lunches, dinners, and all sorts of celebrations.
These days, there’s plenty to celebrate. Her long-awaited album Morningside Heights drops June 27, her first full-length project since 2019. Named after the neighborhood where she grew up, the album is a return to her roots and a declaration of growth.
“A lot has happened since the last album,” she says, reaching for a dumpling. “There’s just been so much growth for me as a person and as an artist.”
The last few years have been transformative for her.
After nearly quitting music following the release of Starstruck in 2016, she bounced back with the 2021 single “One More Time,” featuring Paula DeAnda. The track – a breezy, nostalgic summer anthem – landed on multiple playlists and introduced a wider audience to the layered storytelling beneath Krystall Poppin’ polished hooks.
But her talent doesn’t stop there.
She made her acting debut in “Lost Soulz,” an indie coming-of-age film about young musicians searching for purpose on the road. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2023 and later screened at the El Paso Film Festival, bringing her journey full circle.
“It was such a raw, emotional story,” she says. “And being part of something like that, especially something that hit home for so many people – it was healing in its own way.”
Back in the studio, Krystall Poppin reunited with longtime friend, producer, and collaborator 3am to build Morningside Heights piece by piece over the winter.
“I couldn’t have done it without my manager, Lorenzo Zenteno, A.K.A. ‘Smooth Vega,’” she says proudly. “He’s been a huge part of my growth over these last two years and he’s also the executive producer of the album.”
The result? A collection of tracks that bridge her past with her present – gritty, graceful, and honest.
“I was hibernating, literally,” she says with a laugh. “Just writing, reflecting, letting it all come out naturally.”
The upcoming album may be personal, but Krystall Poppin’s energy is still out in the world.
In early 2025, she dropped the hard-hitting single “Champions” with Houston rap legend Paul Wall. The track stands on its own as a victory lap for two Texas artists who’ve earned their stripes.
“Working with Paul Wall was one of those full-circle moments. We wanted to create something motivational, something to ride out to when you need to remember who you are.”
For Krystall Poppin, remembering who she is means staying grounded.
“I love being based here,” she says. “I used to think I had to leave to prove something. But now? I’m proving it because I stayed. I’m making music here, I’m with my family, I go to church with my family. You can dream big without forgetting where you came from.”
As we wrap up lunch, the server drops off the check and two fortune cookies. Krystall Poppin’ cracks hers open and laughs. She holds up the slip of paper with a knowing smile.
“Your generosity will pay off.”
“Yup,” she says, re-reading. “I believe that.”
Because whether she’s on screen, behind the mic, or breaking bread in her hometown, Krystall Poppin is living proof that generosity, talent, and tenacity can rewrite the story.
Morningside Heights isn’t just her next album – it’s a milestone. A love letter to the neighborhood that shaped her, the people who uplifted her, and the future she’s building right where it all began.
