11/29/2024
Deyra Barrera, a 49-year-old Mexican singer and mariachi performer, ended up on three songs from Kendrick Lamar's new album 'GNX.'
“My skin gets goosebumps because all of this happened so quickly for me... I want to cry. This is taking me by surprise.”
Barrera spoke to Rolling Stone about how it unfolded. Before her encounter with Kendrick, she was tapped by the Dodgers to sing at Game One of the World Series.
Within days, she was in the studio with Kendrick Lamar's team, where they played her beats and told her what they were looking for. “I had no idea what I would record. I make mariachi, not rap," she said. "They told me they wanted my style, my voice. I had no idea how it was going to end up on the record.”
Her vocals made it to “wacced out murals,” “reincarnated,” and “gloria.”
During her time in the studio, Kendrick came through and met her. “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. Lamar is a genius, a maestro. Everything he makes is magic.”
Barrera says she will take advantage of this "God-given moment" and hopes that it opens more doors for her.
“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. I hope people know that it’s Deyra Barrera who is on these songs.”
