Kendrick Lamar brings Deyra Barrera’s mariachi magic to ‘GNX’

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Last week Kendrick Lamar unexpectedly dropped his latest album, “GNX,” a project that defied expectations both musically and culturally. The album blends Lamar’s signature lyricism with West Coast production, incorporating a rich array of sounds, and prominently features Los Angeles-based mariachi singer Deyra Barrera. Known for her powerful voice and mastery of traditional Mexican music, Barrera’s evocative vocals are woven on three of the album’s cuts, adding a rich layer of emotion and cultural depth to Lamar’s complex artistry. 

This is not the first time Lamar has paid homage to the Latino artists in his hometown of L.A. Barrera’s powerful vocals open up the album on “wacced out murals” singing—“Siento aquí tu presencia la noche de anoche, Y nos ponemos a llorar” (“I feel your presence here last night, and we start to cry”). This heartfelt intro sets the stage for a song that delves into the theme of betrayal, as Lamar reflects on the defacement of his murals, symbolic of how he’s been targeted by those who once idolized him. 

In true Lamar fashion, the song blends the deeply personal with the universally relatable, offering a sharp commentary on the challenges of navigating success and betrayal. It’s a rallying cry to rise above the negativity, persevere through the attempts to undermine you, and never let others "put smut" on your name—staying focused on your work regardless of those who wish to see you fail.

Barrera is also featured on “reincarnated,” Lamar’s poignant tribute to the late Tupac Shakur, as well as on “gloria,” the album’s closing track. Her vocals are instrumental in helping to set the tone on “GNX,” seamlessly bridging the worlds of traditional mariachi and modern hip-hop. Her haunting vocals add a layer of depth and authenticity to the project, grounding Lamar's complex narratives in a rich cultural context while pushing the boundaries of genre.

Who is Deyra Barrera?

Barrera is a singer, renowned for her commanding voice and ability to bring emotional depth to the traditional sounds of mariachi music. Hailing from Villa Juárez, Sonora, Mexico, Barrera currently resides in Los Angeles. Barrera has spent more than two decades perfecting her craft, even participating in the third season of “La Voz” on TV Azteca, in 2021. Renowned for her exceptional vocal talent, she is celebrated for her command of traditional Mexican music, excelling in genres like banda, corridos and mariachi.

Although Barrera grew up learning to sing and perform in a variety of mediums, she has made a name for herself within mariachi circles, including Mariachi Corazón de México. Her powerful vocals are rooted in the deep history of Mexican music, and she has collaborated with notable mariachi bands, often as a featured soloist. Barrera's connection to the music is visceral, as is evident in the emotion she brings to Lamar’s album. 

The unexpected collaboration

Lamar first learned of Barrera during Game 1 of the World Series, where she performed a tribute to former Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, who passed away in October. 

Lamar recognized Barrera’s exceptional talents and a few days later, she found herself in Lamar’s studio, where his team played her the beats intended for his upcoming album and explained the emotional themes Lamar wanted to convey. Inspired by the vision behind the music, Barrera began to craft and perform her contributions with a pen and paper, marking the start of a powerful musical partnership that would shape the sound of “GNX.”

Lamar has long acknowledged the profound influence of Latino culture on his upbringing in Compton, and his decision to incorporate mariachi elements into “GNX” reflects more than just a musical choice—it is a deliberate cultural statement. By weaving traditional Mexican sounds into his work, Lamar both honors the rich diversity of his L.A. roots and embraces his evolving relationship with global musical influences. 

In a statement released online, Barrera expressed her gratitude to Lamar. “The universe works in mysterious ways. I am very grateful for the way my life has evolved in these past few months,” she wrote, “from honoring my friend and legend Fernando Valenzuela in the World Series to this collaboration with one of the best artists of this generation, Kendrick Lamar.”

She called the collaboration with the Grammy-winning rapper, "the greatest opportunity of my career." Barrera went on to thank Lamar for believing in her, saying, "I feel honored to represent Los Angeles and my beautiful culture with my voice on your new album.”