Mariachi Singer Shares How She Ended Up on Kendrick Lamar's 'GNX'

Mariachi singer Deyra Barerra has revealed how she ended up on Kendrick Lamar’s new album GNX.

The singer explained in a chat with Rolling Stone that it all started with her performing a tribute for former Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, who died in October, at Game 1 of the World Series.

“I was in tears, singing for my friend who died, at a packed stadium,” Barrera told the outlet. “And el Señor Lamar was there. He listened to me sing.”

Barerra revealed that just a few days later, she was in Lamar’s studio singing. His team allegedly played her the beats that they planned on using on the album, and they gave her an explanation of the kinds of emotions that the rapper wanted to showcase on them.

She used a pen and paper to write down a few stray lines and perform them.

“I had no idea what I would record. I make mariachi, not rap,” Barrera said. “They told me they wanted my style, my voice. I had no idea how it was going to end up on the record.”

Afterwards, Barrera said that Lamar came to visit her and thank her for being a part of the album. “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,” Barrera explained to Rolling Stone.

Barrera appears on three tracks from GNX: “wacced out murals,” reincarnated,” and “gloria.” In a commemorative post after the LP dropped, Barrera penned an emotional message to Lamar celebrating him for collaborating with her.

“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.”

“Thank you, Kendrick, for giving me the greatest opportunity of my career, for listening and believing in me,” Barrera added. “I feel honored to represent Los Angeles and my beautiful culture with my voice on your new album.”

GNX dropped on Friday to the surprise of fans and fellow artists. The 12-track LP features production from DJ Mustard and frequent Taylor Swift collaborator Jack Antonoff.