What is Mexican cartel music?

Mexican cartel music, often referred to as "narco-corridos," involves songs commissioned by or about drug traffickers that glorify their exploits and influence. These songs are part of a broader "Narco culture," where criminals use music to establish a media presence and enhance their reputation. For example, traffickers pay musicians significant amounts to write and perform pieces that celebrate their violent and criminal activities 1.

This genre acts somewhat like a branding tool, akin to how corporations use endorsements for marketing. These narco-corrido songs are similar to gangster rap in the U.S. but infused with traditional Mexican musical elements like mariachi 1. Furthermore, such music is a cultural symbol in regions heavily influenced by drug cartels, reflecting a lifestyle and a way to assert dominance and heroism within their communities 1.