Over the past year, Peso Pluma, the talented Mexican singer/songwriter, has skyrocketed from obscurity to become the second most-streamed Latin artist on Spotify, with only Bad Bunny ahead of him. His unique blend of trap-infused corrido, a traditional folk song form, has placed regional Mexican music on the global stage. In his latest album, “Génesis,” Peso Pluma unleashes his rebellious spirit, presenting a spirited collection of songs that pushes corridos into the mainstream and beyond.
Revolutionizing Corridos: A New Generation of Mexican Artists:
Peso Pluma, along with a wave of Gen-Z acts like Natanael Cano, Junior H, and Gabito Ballesteros, represents a new generation of Mexican artists revitalizing traditional genres.
Pluma’s music transcends the boundaries of time, transforming age-old corridos into party anthems, love songs, and introspective reflections. His experiences as Mexico’s biggest pop star infuse these tracks with authenticity, making Peso Pluma a true pioneer of música Mexicana.
Embodying “Bélico”: Peso Pluma’s Rebellious Spirit:
Through his music, Peso Pluma has not only popularized the term “bélico” but also personified its meaning. This Mexican slang, synonymous with “badass,” perfectly captures Pluma’s fierce attitude. In the fiery track “Zapata,” he pays tribute to the strength he draws from Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, using it to overcome challenges.
In “Rubicon,” a feel-good anthem, he dismisses the naysayers, keeping his circle tight while reveling in the extravagant lifestyle, accompanied by the sounds of banda music. Pluma’s most powerful expression of “bélico” is found in the knockout collaboration “77” with Latin trap star Eladio Carrión.
Controversy:
In 2022 Peso Pluma, and Luis R Conriquez, made a song together, titled “Siempre Pendientes.” The release of the song caused a stir among news outlets due to its perceived glorification of the notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
The lyrics of the song and the subsequent music video sparked public outrage and led to its removal from YouTube. Pluma’s live performance at the 8 Music Fest in Culiacán further intensified the controversy, drawing criticism for the projection of El Chapo’s image during the event.
Accompanying the release of “Siempre Pendientes” was a music video directed by Cesar Acosta. The video depicted Pluma and Conriquez holding rifles in the desert, supported by a large crew. This visual representation further fueled the controversy surrounding the song.
Within its first 24 hours of release, the music video garnered 2 million views on YouTube. However, due to public outrage and criticism, the video was removed from the platform three days later. The decision to remove the video highlighted the platform’s response to content that is deemed offensive or inappropriate by a significant portion of the audience.
This decision sparked backlash from the audiences, organizers, city council, and netizens, as it was seen as promoting drug trafficking and glorifying a criminal figure.
The Romantic Side: Love, Heartbreak, and Influencers:
Peso Pluma’s musical prowess extends beyond party anthems and fierce attitudes. On the sultry track “Lady Gaga,” he explores the romantic side of corridos. Teaming up with Junior H and Ballesteros, Pluma sings of being captivated by an influencer who flaunts extravagant shades.
On the flip side, “Bye” delves into the pain of heartbreak, serving as a haunting farewell to an ex-girlfriend who shattered his world. With raw emotion, Pluma candidly expresses his attempts to numb the heartache through substances, revealing a deeply personal and vulnerable side.
An Adventurous Blend: Corridos Meet Alternative Rock:
In addition to his traditional roots, Peso Pluma fearlessly experiments with alternative rock influences in his music. The dreamy collaboration “Luna” with Junior H showcases a fusion of genres, melding the signature guitar chords of corridos tumbados with an emo edge.
Both artists plead with the moon to watch over their lingering memories of past lovers. Another enchanting track, “Lagunas,” twinkles with a similar charm as Pluma and Jasiel Nuñez reminisce about past relationships that might have thrived in another dimension.
Génesis: Peso Pluma’s Reign and Future:
With the release of “Génesis,” This talented artist solidifies his status as a trailblazer, revolutionizing corridos on a global scale. While paying homage to Mexican traditions, he fearlessly propels his culture forward, breathing new life into the genre. Like his namesake implies, Peso Pluma, the “featherweight,” is just getting started, ready to face any challenges that come his way.
Peso Pluma’s meteoric rise and innovative approach to corridos have positioned him as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Through his music, he defies conventions, captivating audiences with his rebellious spirit and heartfelt lyrics. As Peso Pluma continues to evolve and shape the future of corridos, the world eagerly awaits his next triumph.
