Deyra Barrera’s Surprise Feature on Kendrick Lamar’s GNX Album
Courtesy of Deyra Barrera
Deyra Barrera’s life took a turn for the better when she received a surprising text from a friend telling her that Kendrick Lamar included her vocals on his newly released album, GNX. The 49-year-old mariachi singer from Tucson, Arizona was overcome with shock and confusion, remembering the moment as’surreal’.
“My skin gets goosebumps because all of this happened so quickly for me,” Barrera said in disbelief. Her commanding voice opens the album’s first track, “Wacced Out Murals,” and also appears on “Reincarnated,” a tribute to Tupac Shakur, and the SZA-assisted closer, “Gloria.”
Barrera’s journey to this unexpected collaboration began several weeks ago when she performed a tribute to late baseball legend Fernando Valenzuela during Game One of the World Series. Kendrick Lamar, who was present, was captivated by her powerful performance of ‘El Corrido de Fernando Valenzuela’ and a medley of songs.
“El señor Lamar was there. He listened to me sing,” Barrera recalled. She believes Valenzuela, whom she considered a dear friend, played an angelic role in aligning her stars. “I believe in angels. And he is an angel for me.”
Barrera received an introduction from Lamar’s team and was invited to his studio after her performance. Barrera relied on her intuition and mariachi singing experience to perform without any prior knowledge of the project or the music style. She used a pen and paper to jot down lyrics that matched the emotions Lamar wanted to evoke.
Barrera is a skilled performer who has been working as a singer in Los Angeles County since immigrating to the U.S. From Villa Juárez, Sonora in the year 1993. She has competed in various Spanish-language TV singing competitions, including La Academia, Reina de la Canción, and The Voice.
Barrera’s ultimate aim is to have more individuals listen to her music and gain an understanding of her identity. She hopes to be on stage with Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl Halftime Show with her eyes set high.
Barrera is thankful for the unexpected opportunities and blessings that have come her way as she navigates this new chapter in her career. Deyra Barrera is prepared to make her mark in the music industry with her powerful voice and determination.
