What is narco corridos?

Narco corridos, also known as drug ballads, are a subgenre of Mexican folk music that glorifies the lives and exploits of drug traffickers, often with violent and graphic lyrics. The lyrics of narco corridos describe the lifestyles of drug lords, their power struggles, and violent crimes. These songs often contain explicit descriptions of violence and drug use and are highly controversial.

Narco corridos have been popular since the 1970s but gained widespread attention in Mexico during the 1990s with the rise of the Sinaloa Cartel. They have earned criticism for their glorification of drug trafficking and violence and their influence on society's attitudes towards crime. However, proponents argue that the music is a reflection of the current realities of life in certain parts of Mexico and should be seen as a form of cultural expression.

Despite the controversy surrounding narco corridos, they have remained popular among certain segments of the Mexican population and have even crossed over into mainstream music, with some artists achieving international success.