In an unprecedented fusion of hip-hop and mariachi, Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album “GNX” has taken the music world by storm. It features an unexpected collaboration with mariachi vocalist Deyra Barrera that originated from a chance encounter at a Dodgers World Series game.
The 12-track album, released without warning on Friday, marks Lamar’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” The project showcases the 37-year-old rapper’s continued evolution as an artist, blending traditional hip-hop elements with unexpected cultural influences.
Barrera’s journey from performing at a World Series tribute to featuring on three tracks of Lamar’s album reads like a modern fairy tale. “My skin gets goosebumps because all of this happened so quickly for me,” the 49-year-old singer told Rolling Stone, describing her whirlwind experience.
The collaboration began when Lamar spotted Barrera performing “El Corrido de Fernando Valenzuela” at Game One of the World Series. Within days, she found herself in his studio, bringing her traditional mariachi vocals to tracks including “Wacced Out Murals,” “Reincarnated,” and the SZA-assisted “Gloria.”
The album’s production credits read like a who’s who of music industry titans. Jack Antonoff is a co-producer on nearly every track, while longtime collaborators Sounwave and DJ Mustard contribute their signature sounds. The project also features notable appearances from SZA on multiple tracks, including “Luther,” which cleverly samples Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s vocals.
The release is pivotal in Lamar’s career, following his high-profile rap battle with Drake and his upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show performance in New Orleans. The timing has added extra weight to tracks like “Not Like Us,” which has already earned seven Grammy nominations.
Music critics have praised the album’s ambitious scope. The production seamlessly integrates early ’80s samples from artists like Debbie Deb and Whodini, while Lamar’s lyrics tackle themes ranging from personal growth to industry politics. In “Man at the Garden,” he reflects on success with characteristic introspection: “Dangerously / nothing changed with me / still got pain in me.”
The collaboration represents a potential turning point for Barrera, who has spent decades performing at restaurants, weddings, and quinceañeras with her group Trío Corazón. “I hope this helps me. This industry is tough,” she says, adding that she views it as a “God-given moment” to expand her reach as an artist.
The album’s success highlights Lamar’s unique ability to bridge cultural and generational gaps without compromising his artistic vision. As the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize (for his 2017 album “DAMN.”), Lamar continues to push boundaries with “GNX.”
The complete tracklist includes standout songs like “Squabble Up,” “TV Off,” and “Heart Pt. 6,” each showcasing different aspects of Lamar’s versatility as an artist. While some critics note that the album feels less concept-driven than his previous works, others suggest this might be intentional, possibly as a prelude to a larger project.
As “GNX” dominates streaming platforms and social media discussion, it’s clear that Kendrick Lamar has once again managed to surprise and challenge his audience while expanding the possibilities of what hip-hop can achieve. Including Barrera’s traditional mariachi vocals alongside contemporary hip-hop production demonstrates how cultural bridges can be built through music, creating something entirely new.