The Rise of Corridos Tumbados: A Cultural Revolution in Mexican Music
A new musical movement is taking the world by storm: corridos tumbados. The genre, rooted in Mexican tradition, has recently exploded in popularity, resonating deeply with young generations. Far from a passing trend, corridos tumbados have firmly planted themselves in the musical landscape, dominating Spotify charts, radio waves, and even TikTok feeds. This revolution in Latin American music not only highlights the influence of young, innovative artists but also paves the way for future generations to carry powerful cultural expressions forward, albeit not without criticism.
Background & History
To fully grasp the origins of corridos tumbados, it’s essential to understand Mexican music’s broad landscape. While regional Mexican music’s recent surge in popularity has brought many other genres to the forefront, Mexican music encompasses various genres that extend far beyond a single category. Corridos tumbados, as suggested in the name, stems from the traditional genre of corridos.
Corridos are all about storytelling. Unlike romantic ballads that tell stories of first love and heartbreak, corridos narrate the tales of heroes, bandits, and significant historical events, with roots stretching back to Mexico’s independence era. Corrido songs gained popularity during the Mexican Revolution, in particular, in rural areas. During the Mexican Revolution, corridos were used as a way of spreading news about current events and aimed to shape public opinion, specially in the areas where communication was scarce.
One of the most iconic corridos during this period was none other than “La Cucaracha,” which tells the story of rivalries between revolutionary camps, becoming a popular anthem. “La Curacha” transcended its revolutionary origins, becoming a global symbol of Mexican culture. Its catchy melody and humorous lyrics led to its inclusion in movies, TV shows, and even cartoons like A Bug’s Life and The Looney Tunes, where it became one of the most frequently used songs, further embedding the tune into pop culture.
As corridos spread to northern Mexico, they evolved by incorporating the region’s sounds, including Norteño and Tejano music and eventually giving rise to the unique variant we now know. Today’s corridos tumbados encompass a wide array of subjects but still hold the essence of heroic tales. This modern iteration blends the traditional narrative style of corridos with contemporary influences such as trap, hip-hop, and urban music.
Modernizing Corridos
Among the first artists successfully introducing corridos tumbados was Natanael Cano, who is considered one of the genre’s pioneers. Cano’s first major hit, “Soy El Diablo” was a groundbreaking fusion of trap music and regional Mexican corridos. Written by Dan Sanchez, this song paved the way for other corrido artists and set the stage for the genre’s explosive growth. As corridos tumbados began to take shape, the lyrics increasingly reflected the harsh realities of life in dangerous environments, often dealing with struggles and triumphs in achieving wealth and success.
Artists deliver these unfiltered stories through a mix of singing and rapping set to the backdrop of guitar rhythms. In Natanael Cano’s first corrido tumbado, he shares his own journey, the ups and downs, his rise to fame, and the obstacles he overcame to get where he is today.
“Diamantes” is another example of Cano’s storytelling. In the song, he writes, “My mother suffers no more and now she looks different. She isn’t worried ’cause there’s nothing to worry about anymore.” This personal and raw approach to music resonated with a new generation of listeners.
But beyond the musical innovations, corridos tumbados have also become a cultural phenomenon, reaching audiences across Mexico, the United States. and beyond. Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have played a significant role in the genre’s rapid rise, allowing artists like Natanael Cano, Peso Pluma, and Junior H to achieve global acclaim at unprecedented speed. The genre’s blend of tradition and modernity, coupled with its ability to speak directly to the experiences of today’s youth, has ensured that corridos tumbados will continue to evolve and thrive as a dynamic force in contemporary music.
Prominent Figures and Iconic Tracks
Natanael Cano
As previously mentioned, Natanael Cano is credited as a pioneer in the corridos tumbados’ scene. His innovative approach has redefined and popularized regional Mexican music among a younger audience. Tracks like “Soy El Diablo” and “El Drip” blend storytelling with hard-hitting beats, setting the stage for a new wave of artists inspired by his style.
His collaboration with Peso Pluma and Gabito Ballesteros on “AMG” became a major hit, underscoring how Cano seamlessly merges cultural influences with contemporary themes of luxury and success, as seen in the song’s references to the Mercedes-AMG. This versatility has been key in bringing corridos tumbados into the mainstream.
But Cano’s impact extends far beyond his own music. The singer has influenced emerging young artists and his work has opened doors for corridos tumbados globally, which makes him a key figure in the genre’s evolution.
Peso Pluma
Similarly, Peso Pluma, born Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija, has emerged as one of the leading figures of corridos tumbados, breaking through barriers and achieving superstar status in a remarkably short period.
Even if you haven’t actively kept up with his music, there’s a high chance you’ve come across one of his songs. Whether it’s playing on the radio during your commute, providing the soundtrack to a sunny outdoor lunch, or popping up as the background to a viral TikTok video, Peso Pluma’s music has become nearly inescapable.
At just 24 years old, Peso Pluma has consistently set new milestones, shattering records and redefining the boundaries of Mexican music on the global stage. His song “Ella Baila Sola,” a collaboration with the group Eslabon Armado, known for their distinctive corridos tumbados style, made history as the first regional Mexican music track to break into the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, with over 24 million streams. The track also reached No.1 on the Billboard Global 200 and garnered over 300 million streams during the summer of its release. Peso Pluma’s “Ella Baila Sola” performance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon marked a significant moment as it became the first regional Mexican song showcased on late-night American television.
Taking on the Global Stage
Peso Pluma’s success is not just about breaking records; it’s about redefining the sound and reach of corridos tumbados. His music seamlessly blends the traditional narrative elements of corridos with modern urban influences like trap and hip-hop, creating a sound that is both authentic and innovative. Tracks like “Ella Baila Sola” and “La Bebe (Remix)” embody the essence of corridos tumbados’ raw storytelling with a contemporary spin that has also captured the imagination of listeners worldwide.
In 2023, Peso Pluma became YouTube’s most-watched artist, accumulating over 8.5 billion views, surpassing global superstars like Bad Bunny. His track “La Bebe (Remix)” secured the third and fourth spots on YouTube’s U.S. Top 10 Songs of 2023 list, further cementing his status as a dominant force in contemporary music.
When reflecting on his rapid rise to fame, Peso Pluma has expressed his pride in representing Mexican culture on the world stage. “These accomplishments mean so much to me[…] It shows I’m an artist to pay attention to, and I’m so proud that I can wave the Mexican flag up high” he told Rolling Stone.
Fuerza Regida
Another force to be reckoned with in the world of corridos is the band Fuerza Regida, best known for their viral hits “TQM,” “Sabor Fresa,” and “Harley Quinn.” The band consisting of lead vocalist Jesús Ortíz Paz, José “Pelón” García, Samuel Jaimez, and Khrystian Ramosand Moisés López, stands out in the corridos tumbados scene with their distinct fusion of norteño and trap influences.
Known for their high-energy performances and authenticity, Fuerza Regida has captured the essence of social issues in their music, becoming a favorite among fans who crave extravagant storytelling. In their hit song “Sabor Fresa,” Fuerza Regida delves into the narrative of desire, blending rhythms with evocative lyrics that capture the intensity of emotions and complexities of life.
Controversy: Separating Corridos Tumbados from Narcocorridos
Although corridos tumbados have captivated young listeners, this music phenomenon has also sparked significant controversy. Critics point out the violent and often explicit references in the tracks, particularly raising concerns in Mexican states where cartel violence remains prevalent.
For instance, narcocorridos, a subgenre of corridos criticized for glorifying drug trafficking, has faced censorship attempts since as early as 1987. As noted in academic discourse, “This measure sought to suppress from the radio, the corrido that dealt with drug trafficking, on the grounds that it exalted violence” (Salcedo et al., 2022). This early controversy surrounding narcocorridos provides a backdrop to understanding the current scrutiny faced by corridos tumbados.
While corridos tumbados are a separate subgenre from narcocorridos, they share thematic similarities, particularly in their portrayal of drug-related content. In Peso Pluma’s song “El Gavilán,” he boldly declares, “Soy de la gente del Chapo Guzmán”(I am from Chapo Guzmán’s people). He’s dressed in extravagant looks and rides a four-wheel drive — a type of vehicle often linked to drug cartels. Such imagery and lyrical content have drawn sharp criticism, as corrido tumbado artists echo themes generally addressed by narcocorridos.
The Fine Line
The controversy extends beyond the lyricism. Accompanying music videos often depict scenes with guns, luxury cars, and extravagant parties, closely mirroring the lifestyle of notorious drug traffickers. One of Peso Pluma’s early music videos, “El Belicon,” is set in a world of lavishness, featuring firearms, stacks of money and high-end vehicles. The video’s imagery of armed guards and masked figures, along with the showy display of wealth, reinforced the narrative of power associated with the cartel lifestyle, further fueling criticism against the genre.
Artists like Natanael Cano, Peso Pluma, and Grupo Firme are often at the center of this debate. While their music has struck a chord with a generation seeking relatable narratives, it has also been accused of romanticizing and normalizing a culture of violence and crime. For example, in Natanael Cano’s track “Soy El Diablo”, he raps, “Traigo la super del once, por si se ofrece. Cuerno de chivo, granadas, bazucas, y uno que otro cohete” which translates to “I bring the eleven super, in case it is offered. Goat horn, grenades, bazookas, and the occasional rocket,” which references weapons used for drug war. In his song “El Drip” Cano sings, “Las pacas de billetes, las pacas de lavada” directly mentioning bundles of cash — often a euphemism for drug money — and “lavada,” which alludes to money laundering.
Similarly, in Junior H’s song “El Tsurito,” he boasts, “Con un toque para andar relax con bolsa siempre activa” where “toque” is slang for smoking, and the reference to an “active bag” suggests drug dealing. These examples highlight how critics perceive the genre as frequently blurring the line between portraying reality and glorifying violence.
Tension Between Expression and Responsibility
The criticism has even reached the highest levels of government. Former Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has commented on the influence of corridos tumbados and their connection to narcocorridos, stating, “They can sing whatever they want, but we are not going to stay silent when they say that drugs are good and that they have a .50 caliber gun and that the most famous drug traffickers are their idols.” This quote underscores the concern of critics who claim that the lyrics not only glorify the lifestyle but also negatively influence young audiences.
The risks associated with glorifying the cartel lifestyle are not just theoretical. In 2023, Peso Pluma had to cancel tour stops in his Doble P Mexico Tour due to alleged death threats from drug cartels. These threats highlight the dangerous intersection between entertainment and real-life violence.
Supporters of the genre, however, state that these songs merely reflect the harsh realities of life in regions affected by cartel violence, offering a voice to those who live amidst the chaos. They argue that the music serves as a form of storytelling, capturing the struggles and aspirations of a generation growing up in the shadow of the drug trade. Yet the tension between artistic expression and social responsibility remains a focal point of the controversy surrounding the new genre.
The Future of Corridos Tumbados
As corridos tumbados continue to evolve, their influence on music and culture is undeniable. This genre has opened new avenues for artistic expression, blending the old with the new. However, the controversies around the genre also highlight the complex relationship between art and reality.
Whether seen as a form of storytelling that reflects harsh truths or as a questionable genre, corridos tumbados have sparked a conversation that transcends music. As the genre continues to thrive, its future will likely be shaped by both supporters and critics, each pushing the boundaries of what corridos tumbados can represent. This movement stands as a testament to the power of cultural expression, reminding us that music is more than entertainment, it’s a reflection of the world we live in, with all its flaws and even dangers.
Interested in more Latin music content? Check out EnVi’s ultimate Latin American nostalgia playlist here.
