Numerous Mexican regional musicians, including popular corrido artists Peso Pluma and Junior H, have found themselves in the crosshairs of increasingly menacing cartel threats, highlighting the dangerous intersection of music and organized crime in Mexico. The narcocorrido genre, which often glorifies cartel leaders and their exploits, has created a precarious relationship between performers and the criminal organizations they reference in their lyrics.
Since 2006, over 431,000 deaths have been linked to cartel violence in Mexico, with musicians increasingly becoming targets as they navigate the complex cultural landscape of narco-influenced music. In September 2025, Peso Pluma received explicit death threats via narcomantas posted throughout Tijuana, warning him against performing at his scheduled October 14 concert. The threatening banners, allegedly issued by the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), condemned the artist for being “disrespectful and loose-tongued,” suggesting displeasure with his lyrics or perceived affiliations. Authorities reported the successful arrest of a suspect connected to placing these threatening narcomantas across the city.
The lethal tango between narcocorrido artists and Mexican cartels continues to claim lives, with musicians becoming pawns in territorial power struggles.
Junior H and other corrido musicians face similar dangers from rival cartels, particularly from factions within the Sinaloa cartel like the Chapitos, who have intensified scrutiny of artists with suspected ties to opposing groups. Some performers, including Natanael Cano, have reportedly been warned they could face deadly consequences for allegedly providing financial support to rival organizations.
The relationship between corridos artists and cartels presents a double-edged sword: while narco-themed content can drive popularity and financial success, it simultaneously exposes musicians to potential retaliation. These songs often represent a powerful fantasy of respect that resonates with young audiences seeking to escape societal limitations. Artists under threat could benefit from establishing clear promotional goals when shifting their content toward safer themes while maintaining their audience connection. This dangerous dynamic is particularly devastating as it threatens one of the most lucrative income streams for regional Mexican artists who might otherwise benefit from safer revenue channels like merchandise sales and digital platforms. Cartels view these artists as both valuable propaganda tools and possible liabilities, depending on their perceived loyalty or disrespect.
Despite efforts by Mexican authorities to protect threatened musicians, including the arrest of individuals responsible for placing the threatening narcomantas against Peso Pluma, the pervasive power of cartels limits the effectiveness of legal protections in many regions.
As tensions escalate, some artists have canceled performances in high-risk areas or modified their lyrical content to mitigate danger, reflecting the stark reality that in Mexico’s narcocorrido scene, creative expression can carry life-threatening consequences.
