Mariachi on a Rap Album? Meet the Latina Singer Making History with Kendrik Lamar's 'GNX'

Here’s everything we know about Deyra Barrera, the Latina mariachi singer featured on Kendrick Lamar’s new surprise album.

Latina Regional Mexican and mariachi singer Deyra Barrera is finally getting the recognition she deserves. On November 22, hip-hop icon Kendrick Lamar dropped his surprise album GNX, which features Barrera on three tracks. Mariachi on a rap album? Yes, you read that right.

“The universe works in mysterious ways, and I am so grateful for how my life has been unfolding these past few months,” she wrote in Spanish on social media. “From honoring my dear friend and legend Fernando Valenzuela at the World Series to now collaborating with one of the best artists of our generation, @kendricklamar.”

She continued: “Thank you, Kendrick, for giving me the best opportunity of my career, for listening to me and believing in me. I feel so honored to represent Los Angeles and my beautiful culture with my voice on your new album! VIVA MÉXICO 🇲🇽 and Viva La Música!”

Although information about Barrera online is limited, here’s everything we’ve uncovered about her journey.

Barrera’s Background

Deyra Barrera is 49 years old and currently lives in Los Angeles, CA. She was born in Tucson, AZ, and immigrated to the U.S. from Sonora, Mexico, in 1993.

According to Rolling Stone, Barrera performs regularly with her mariachi band, Trío Corazón, at quinceañeras, weddings, and restaurants.

Barrera’s Role on GNX

Barrera’s soulful voice opens Kendrick Lamar’s album 'GNX' on the track “Wacced Out Murals,” where she passionately sings:

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).

She also appears on the tracks “Reincarnated” and “Gloria” and is credited with writing all three songs.

Reality TV Roots

Barrera has been hustling since the start of her career. According to her Instagram bio, she competed in three major reality shows: La Voz México (2021), Reina de la Canción (2017), and La Academia (2010). She achieved third place on Reina de la Canción.

Clearly, this big break is one she’s been working toward for years.

How the Collaboration Happened

According to Rolling Stone, Lamar first heard Barrera sing during Game 1 of the Dodgers’ World Series, where she performed a tribute to the late Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela, including songs like El Corrido de Fernando Valenzuela.

An Interscope Records representative introduced Barrera to Lamar shortly after, and within days, she was in the studio recording.

A Step Forward for Latinos and Mariachi Music

This collaboration could open doors for more mariachi and Regional Mexican music in mainstream spaces. We’re in an era where música mexicana is blending with other genres and finding new platforms.

With Lamar headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show, could Barrera be part of the performance?

“I know Kendrick is going to do the Super Bowl Halftime Show… imagine if he invited me to sing with him? That would be incredible,” Barrera told Rolling Stone. “I hope people know that it’s Deyra Barrera on these songs.”

For now, we’ll keep an eye out for Barrera’s next moves—and maybe even some solo music. Stay tuned!