Kendrick Lamar surprised fans on November 22 with the release of his sixth studio album, GNX, featuring 12 new tracks. The album opens with a rousing verse by Mexican mariachi singer Deyra Barrera, marking a significant collaboration. Barrera, relatively unknown with fewer than 500 Spotify listeners, also features on two additional tracks: “reincarnated” and “gloria.” Her Spanish-language verses serve as a poetic thread throughout the album, earning her co-writing credits on these songs.

Barrera, known for her mariachi performances and appearances on shows like La Reina de la Canción and La Voz, reportedly caught Kendrick’s attention after performing at the 2024 World Series in honor of Mexican baseball legend Fernando Valenzuela.

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GNX also features contributions from Latino artists, including L.A.-based rapper Peysoh on the title track and Guatemalan-Mexican-American rapper Lefty Gunplay on “tv off.” Fans have praised the album for celebrating the Latino community and acknowledging their influence on hip-hop, tying back to Kendrick’s long-standing admiration for Latino culture in California.