Deyra Barrera, the mariachi singer who appeared on Kendrick Lamar‘s GNX, has shared the story of how she ended up collaborating with the artist for three songs on his surprise album.
Speaking to Rolling Stone, the singer explained that it began a few weeks ago when she was asked by the Los Angeles Dodgers to perform a tribute for the late pitcher Fernando Valenzuela during the first game of the World Series. “I was in tears, singing for my friend who died, at a packed stadium,” Barrera, who performed “El Corrido de Fernando Valenzuela” and a medley for her longtime friend, said. “And, El señor Lamar was there. He listened to me sing.”
Just several days later, Barrera found herself in Dot’s studio following an introduction of former Interscope Records exec Kimberly Barrena. She listened to the beats on GNX and was told of the emotions that the rapper wanted to convey, so she sat down and started writing a few lines even before his vocals were included. “I had no idea what I would record. I make mariachi, not rap,” she revealed. “They told me they wanted my style, my voice. I had no idea how it was going to end up on the record.” She and Lamar did eventually meet and he was grateful for her contribution to GNX. He stuck around for a bit to listen to some of her takes, “He welcomed me and was so kind. He said, ‘You have such a powerful voice. Thanks for coming.’ I had no idea what to say.” She added, “Lamar is a genius, a maestro. Everything he makes is magic.”
With her appearances on “wacced out murals,” “reincarnated” and “Gloria,” Barrera is hoping that she will get more opportunities to share her music after working as a singer since moving to the US in 1993. “Ever since I can remember, we’ve sung to pay for rent and to make enough money to eat,” she said. “It’s been many years of highs and lows, but I haven’t thrown the towel in because this is what I love.” She continued, “I hope this helps me. This industry is really difficult. I need to take advantage of this God-given moment to grow as a singer. From now on, I need to work a lot to have more people listen to my music, and learn who I am.”
“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,” she shared. “I hope people know that it’s Deyra Barrera who is on these songs.”
