Mariachi’s Soul Meets Hip-Hop’s Beat: <a href="https://www.archyde.com/kendrick-lamars-gnx-a-game-changer-in-rap-music/" title="Kendrick Lamar's GNX: A Game-Changer in Rap Music”>Deyra Barrera‘s Unexpected Collaboration with Kendrick Lamar
For over 30 years, Deyra Barrera’s voice has captured the soul of Mexico, her powerful renditions of mariachi classics echoing throughout Southern California and beyond. Now, the renowned singer is captivating a whole new audience with an unexpected collaboration – rap superstar Kendrick Lamar.
Barrera’s journey with Lamar began with a heartfelt tribute. Before the first pitch of World Series Game 1, she took the field to honor her late friend, baseball legend Fernando Valenzuela. Lamar, watching from the stands, was instantly moved. Days later, he reached out, inviting Barrera to add her distinct voice to his latest album, “GNX.”
“This is a huge, huge thing happening in my life,” Barrera expresses, her voice brimming with excitement. “My whole life dreaming to do many things with music, with Mexico, with ranchera music…”
The collaboration resulted in three tracks on “GNX,” blending Barrera’s traditional mariachi style with Lamar’s innovative hip-hop sounds. The fusion, she believes, works seamlessly.
“I think everybody is talking good things about that collaboration and I’m very happy for that,” Barrera says, a smile warming her face.
Barrera’s San Gabriel Valley home reflects her unwavering passion for mariachi. The walls are adorned with portraits of legendary mariachi singers, a constant reminder of her musical heritage.
As she sings a haunting ballad in her living room, the power and grace of her voice fill the space. This collaboration with Lamar, she hopes, is just the beginning.
“I hope many doors open for my career and doing more things that I’ve been dreaming for many years,” Barrera shares, her gaze hopeful.
More than personal success, Barrera dreams of something bigger.
“I hope this will open even more doors for mariachi music to be used with other genres,” she says, her voice ringing with conviction. “It deserves to be heard and appreciated by the world.”
What was Deyra Barrera’s experience working with Kendrick Lamar in the studio like?
## Mariachi’s Soul Meets Hip-Hop’s Beat: Deyra Barrera’s Unexpected Collaboration with Kendrick Lamar
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show! Today we have a very exciting guest, Deyra Barrera, the Mexican Mariachi singer who recently collaborated with hip-hop giant Kendrick Lamar on his new album “GNX.” Deyra, welcome!
**Deyra Barrera:** Thank you so much for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Your voice is incredibly powerful, and you’ve been captivating audiences with your mariachi music for decades. How did this unexpected collaboration with Kendrick Lamar come about?
**Deyra Barrera:** Well, it was quite a surprise to me as well! Kendrick’s team reached out, expressing their admiration for my work and their interest in incorporating mariachi elements into his new album.
**Interviewer:** That’s amazing! Was it a challenge blending the two genres?
**Deyra Barrera:** It was definitely a unique experience. Mariachi and hip-hop may seem worlds apart, but there’s a core element of storytelling and emotion that connects them both. Kendrick was incredibly respectful of the mariachi tradition and worked with me to create a harmonious fusion of sounds. [[1](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2511782/who-is-deyra-barrera-the-mariachi-singer-featured-on-kendrick-lamars-gnx-album)]
**Interviewer:** What was it like working with Kendrick in the studio?
**Deyra Barrera:** Kendrick is an incredibly talented and focused artist. He had a clear vision for the project, and it was inspiring to see his passion and dedication.
**Interviewer:** This collaboration is breaking new ground, introducing mariachi music to a whole new audience. What do you hope people take away from this unique fusion?
**Deyra Barrera:** I hope that listeners will appreciate the beauty and power of mariachi music, and perhaps discover new ways to connect with it. It’s a genre that tells stories of love, loss, joy, and struggle, emotions that transcend cultural boundaries.
**Interviewer:** That’s beautiful. Deyra Barrera, thank you so much for sharing your experience and your talent with us. We wish you continued success!
**Deyra Barrera:** Thank you for having me.