Deyra Barrera: The Mariachi Voice Behind Kendrick Lamar’s New Album

Deyra Barrera’s her journey from traditional mariachi music to working with Kendrick Lamar on his GNX album is definitely a story worth sharing.

Meet Deyra Barrera

Deyra Barrera was born in Villa Juárez, Sonora, Mexico, and grew up listening to mariachi music. Her passion for music blossomed early, fueled by the traditions of her hometown. Like many musicians from small towns, her early experiences included performing at local festivals, family gatherings, and cultural events. It wasn’t long before folks recognized her talent—a voice that could express pain, joy, and all the emotions in between.

Photo Credit: Instagram @deyrabarreratv

As Deyra got older, her passion for music took her to Tucson, Arizona, where she started building a professional career. She kicked off by recording songs that mixed traditional ranchera music with her own unique style. Over the years, she put out albums like ‘Sufriendo a Solas’ and ‘Mi Juventud a los 40.’ These albums included a blend of covers and original tracks, highlighting her talent for infusing her own emotions into cherished classics while also sharing her personal stories.

Deyra’s major breakthrough happened in 2021 when she appeared on the show La Voz México. Competing under the mentorship of singer María José, Deyra made it to the “Battles” stage, where her performances left a memorable impact. Although she didn’t win the competition, she gained something even more valuable: a platform that introduced her to a wider audience.

But La Voz México wasn’t her only venture into breaking barriers. In 2019, Deyra joined Viejas de Cuidado, a mariachi trio with Carmen Ríos and Verónica Rosales. The group challenged stereotypes in regional Mexican music, a genre historically dominated by men, and made space for women’s voices and stories. Their self-titled album celebrated their strength, resilience, and unapologetic authenticity.

A Chance Encounter at Dodger Stadium

Despite all her achievements, nothing could have prepared Deyra for the moment that would redefine her career. In October 2024, she was invited to sing at Dodger Stadium in memory of her friend, the legendary baseball player Fernando Valenzuela, before Game 1 of the World Series.

Photo credit: Instagram @deyrabarreratv

That night, Deyra gave it her all on stage. Singing to thousands, she felt a mix of heartache and pride. In the audience was Kendrick Lamar, one of the most acclaimed artists in the music industry. Lamar wasn’t just there to enjoy the game—he was truly touched by the passion and emotion in Deyra’s voice.

A few days later, Deyra got a surprising call inviting her to a studio session with Lamar. Initially, she thought it was a joke. “I’m a mariachi singer, not a rapper,” she said with a laugh in an interview. But once she got to the studio, she understood that Kendrick wasn’t after a rapper—he wanted her voice, her energy, and her authenticity.

Lamar’s project, GNX, was kept under wraps, a total mystery. Deyra had no clue what she was going to contribute or how her sound would mesh with it all. But Lamar knew exactly what he wanted. “He welcomed me as if we’d been friends forever,” she said. “He told me, ‘Your voice is so powerful. Thanks for being here.’ I was at a loss for words.”

And the outcome? Deyra’s voice became a standout feature on three tracks of the album, including the striking opening song, “Wacced Out Murals.” Her Spanish vocals, rich with emotion and tradition, set the stage for the entire album, taking both fans and critics by surprise.

How Deyra’s Style Revolutionized the Album

In GNX, Kendrick Lamar seamlessly wove his trademark introspective style with cultural influences from around the globe, and Deyra’s contribution brought a fresh perspective to the project. Critics hailed their collaboration as one of the standout features of the album. Tracks like “Reincarnated” and “Gloria” combined Lamar’s profound lyricism with Deyra’s mariachi-inspired vocals, creating a genre-blending masterpiece that was both organic and revolutionary.

For Deyra, the experience was like a dream come true. “When my friend texted to tell me that my voice opens the album, I couldn’t believe it at first,” she shared with Rolling Stone. “Even now, hearing my voice on those tracks still gives me chills.”

The album also includes Mexican-American rapper Peysoh and Guatemalan-Mexican artist Lefty Gunplay, adding some diverse Latin talent to Kendrick Lamar’s latest project.

Now, Deyra is at a fresh crossroads. With Kendrick Lamar set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in 2025, she’s hoping for another chance to collaborate. “Imagine singing on that stage,” she said. “It would be a dream come true.”