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Will Kendrick Lamar Bring Latino Flavor to the Halftime Show?
Kendrick Lamar is set to take the spotlight at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, stirring up excitement among fans who are eager to see how he’ll leave his mark. Celebrated for his knack for pushing boundaries and embracing diverse cultures, Lamar’s latest album, GNX, has fans buzzing with anticipation, hoping his halftime performance will bring a unique Latino twist.
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Released in late 2024, GNX wasn’t just another Kendrick Lamar album—it was a bold collaboration with Latin artists who injected fresh energy and richness into his music. The album starred mariachi singer Deyra Barrera, Mexican-American rapper Peysoh, and Guatemalan-Mexican-American rapper Lefty Gunplay, each contributing their unique flavor to the project.
Deyra Barrera, a mariachi singer from Sonora, Mexico, became an unexpected but unforgettable voice on the album. She opens GNX with “Wacced Out Murals,” delivering emotional Spanish vocals that set the tone for the entire record. Her voice also appears on tracks like “Reincarnated” and “Gloria,” blending traditional mariachi sounds with modern beats in a way that’s both nostalgic and groundbreaking.
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Barrera’s journey to GNX began at Dodger Stadium during the 2024 World Series, where she paid tribute to her late friend and baseball legend Fernando Valenzuela with a song. Kendrick was in the audience, mesmerized by her performance, and invited her to the studio soon after. “He told me, ‘Your voice is so powerful,'” Barrera recalled. “I couldn’t believe it was real.”
Her mariachi roots and years of experience performing in small towns and on TV talent shows infused authenticity into the album. Now, fans are speculating that her heartfelt vocals might make it to the Super Bowl stage.
Peysoh, a 20-year-old Mexican rapper from Maywood, California, also made a significant impact on GNX. Drawn from the inspiration of his late friend MoneySign Suede, Peysoh’s lyrics often dive into themes of family struggles, personal loss, and resilience. His verse on the track “GNX” highlights his powerful storytelling and deep connection to his roots. Collaborating with Kendrick is a huge milestone for Peysoh, who began creating music at just 13 years old. He described the experience as “surreal” and hinted at more projects with Kendrick in the future.
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Lefty Gunplay, a Guatemalan-Mexican-American emerging rapper from Baldwin Park, lent his voice to the outro of “TV Off.” Known for his candid and emotional lyrics, Lefty offers a perspective shaped by his upbringing in the San Gabriel Valley. His contribution to GNX resonated with both fans and critics, showcasing his talent for addressing personal struggles while staying connected to his roots. “Kendrick told me this wouldn’t be the last time we work together,” Lefty said.
Through GNX, Lamar didn’t just spotlight Latin talent; he celebrated it. These collaborations represent the lively culture of Los Angeles and the strong connection between Latin music and hip-hop.
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For the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Lamar has already confirmed that he will be joined by his friend and singer SZA. However, it’s easy to envision Lamar bringing some Latino flavor to the stage. Deyra’s mariachi-inspired vocals could create a stunning moment on one of music’s biggest stages. Peysoh and Lefty could bring raw energy and heartfelt storytelling to the performance, showcasing the diverse talent that made GNX so special.
While no official announcements have been made, fans are buzzing with anticipation. Could Lamar’s halftime show include his GNX collaborators? If so, it might just make history in Latin representation at such a major event. For now, all eyes are on February 9, 2025, as we wait to see if Kendrick Lamar brings the bold creativity and cultural celebration that defined his album to the Super Bowl stage.
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