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How Natanael Cano Became the Pioneer of Corridos Tumbados
Natanael Cano isn’t just making music—he’s creating something entirely new for Mexican regional sounds. By blending traditional corridos with urban genres like trap, he’s managed to do what few artists accomplish: connect deeply with younger generations and invent a style all his own, known as corridos tumbados. His journey as the pioneer of this subgenre, along with his collaborations with other major artists, show how much he has grown and evolved over the years.
The singer has received his first-ever nomination at this year’s 25th Latin GRAMMYs in 2024, in the exciting category of Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album with his remarkable work, “Nata Montana.” Join us as we dive into his incredible journey!
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Beginnings: Building a New Sound
Natanael started playing guitar at just 13 years old in Hermosillo, Mexico, inspired by Mexico’s traditional corridos. But he didn’t stick to the classics for long. From the start, he wanted to try something different, exploring sounds uncommon in the corrido scene, like rap and trap. Over time, Natanael saw a way to bring together the story-telling style of corridos with the hard-hitting beats of trap, and corridos tumbados were born—an unexpected fusion that brought traditional tales into the urban landscape.
One of the biggest turning points in his career was collaborating with Bad Bunny on the remix of “Soy El Diablo.” This was back in 2019, and the mix of corrido and trap was like nothing people had heard before. This collaboration brought Natanael into the international spotlight and solidified him as one of the most promising new voices in the genre. From that point on, many started seeing him as someone who was truly innovating, with a lasting impact on regional Mexican music.
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Growing Reach and More Collaborations
Following the success with Bad Bunny, Natanael didn’t slow down. That same year, he released Corridos Tumbados, an album that featured collaborations with Junior H and Dan Sánchez. This record didn’t just introduce a new sound; it started a movement that helped define an entire generation’s musical tastes. Fans were drawn to the unique vibe of his music, which spoke to their everyday lives in a way that was both familiar and fresh.
Natanael kept releasing more music, but it was his constant collaborations that truly showcased his growth and versatility. Teaming up with artists like Snoop Dogg, Alejandro Fernández, Ovi, and Peso Pluma, he continually pushed the limits of corridos tumbados, proving that his music could reach across genres and cultures.
“Natanael Cano was part of the big leap,” says Victoria La Mala.
The Cultural Impact: Challenges and Triumphs
As corridos tumbados became a bigger part of pop culture, Natanael’s influence went far beyond music. His songs tell stories of daily struggles, ambition, and loyalty, connecting with young people who see their own lives reflected in his lyrics. Despite facing criticism from traditionalists in the Mexican music scene, he stayed true to his unique approach, breaking stereotypes and bringing in a fresh wave of artists who followed his lead. Now, the genre stands as a bridge for Mexican and Latino youth, especially in the US, letting them hold onto tradition while embracing the new.
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Of course, being at the forefront of a new genre isn’t without challenges. Natanael’s journey has had its fair share of criticism from purists who doubted whether corridos tumbados could go beyond being a short-lived trend. But Natanael’s success has proven that this genre is more than just a passing phase; it’s a voice for a generation, a natural evolution of Mexican regional music, and an undeniable part of the current music scene.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Natanael has already achieved something rare in music: he didn’t just make a name for himself; he made a new musical space. His music speaks to real-life experiences, and his rise has inspired a whole generation of artists who are now experimenting within and outside the corridos tumbados genre. And at just 23, Natanael has a bright future ahead, one that promises to keep redefining and expanding what Mexican music can be.
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