Kendrick Lamar spotted a mariachi singer performing at a Dodgers game, and now she’s featured on his platform ‘GNX,’ as reported by Sarah Reingewirtz for the Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG.
A life-changing day for Deyra Barrera began with an unexpected fortune cookie message: “Tomorrow will be a very important day for you.” By the next morning, the 49-year-old mariachi singer from Tucson discovered her vocals were featured on Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album release, GNX. The news left her stunned. “I couldn’t believe it,” Barrera shared, overwhelmed by the whirlwind of events.
Barrera’s powerful ranchera voice opens the album with the haunting line, “I felt your presence here last night,” blending seamlessly with an operatic choir. As she listened to more tracks, she learned her vocals appear in multiple songs, including the Tupac tribute “Reincarnated” and the SZA-assisted finale “Gloria.” The magnitude of her unexpected feature left her on the brink of tears.
Her journey to GNX began weeks earlier when she performed at a Dodgers game to honour the late baseball legend, Fernando Valenzuela. On that emotional evening, Barrera sang a medley of heartfelt songs, including the tribute “El Corrido de Fernando Valenzuela.” Unbeknownst to her, Kendrick Lamar was in the audience, captivated by her performance. “It felt like a blessing,” Barrera said, crediting her late friend Valenzuela as a guiding angel who opened this door for her.
Soon after, Lamar’s team invited Barrera to his studio to collaborate. She scribbled lyrics to match the emotions Lamar wanted for the album. Though new to working outside her mariachi roots, Barrera embraced the challenge. “I never imagined my voice on a rap album,” she admitted. Lamar personally thanked her for contributing, praising her powerful voice and professionalism.
For Barrera, this opportunity is the pinnacle of a career filled with determination and resilience. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1993, she spent decades singing at restaurants, weddings, and events across Los Angeles, drawing inspiration from legendary ranchera artists like Amalia Mendoza and Lola Beltrán. Despite years of financial and professional struggles, she persevered, pursuing her passion for music.
Her achievements include appearances in Spanish-language singing competitions such as La Academia, Reina de la Canción, and The Voice Mexico. However, her collaboration with Lamar is a game-changer. “This is my biggest accomplishment,” Barrera said, hoping it will bring her wider recognition and more opportunities to share her music.
With her eyes set on future possibilities, including a dream of performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show with Lamar, Barrera remains focused on her craft. “I want people to know it’s Deyra Barrera on these songs,” she said, determined to seize this moment and build on her hard-earned success.
