GÉNESIS, the third studio album by Mexican artist Peso Pluma, was released on June 22, 2023, through his own Double P Records. With this album, Peso Pluma firmly establishes himself as a driving force in the Latin music scene, particularly within the corridos tumbados genre. Collaborating with a host of well-known artists such as Jasiel Nuñez, Junior H, Eladio Carrión, Natanael Cano, and Grupo Frontera, GÉNESIS blends traditional Mexican musical elements with modern urban sounds, pushing the boundaries of regional Mexican music.
The album opens with the standout track “Rosa Pastel,” a collaboration with Jasiel Nuñez that sets the tone for the project with its emotional depth and catchy melody. Released as a lead single, “Rosa Pastel” not only became a major hit, but also marked the first release under Peso Pluma’s label. The song performed well on the charts, debuting at number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100 and highlighting Nuñez’s first appearance on the prestigious list. From there, GÉNESIS dives into various themes, including love, fame, and personal struggles, all while maintaining a distinctive sound that merges acoustic guitars with Peso Pluma’s addictive vocal melodies.
“77,” featuring Eladio Carrión, is another standout collaboration, showcasing Peso Pluma’s ability to blend genres seamlessly. This track features a mix of trap influences and regional Mexican music, giving it a unique sound that appeals to a broad audience. “Bye,” a solo single by Peso Pluma and his first since 2021’s “Por Las Noches,” was released alongside “77” and further solidified his presence on the charts, peaking at number 48 on the Billboard Hot 100. With its introspective lyrics and melancholic vibe, “Bye” resonates with listeners who appreciate Peso Pluma’s more personal and vulnerable side.
As the album unfolds, Peso Pluma continues to experiment with diverse collaborations. Tracks like “Carnal,” featuring Natanael Cano, and “Las Morras,” a collaboration with Blessd, maintain a high-energy, rebellious tone. These songs help define Peso Pluma’s “feisty” musical style, as noted by critics like Lucas Villa from Spin, who praised the album for pushing the genre into the mainstream. Additionally, songs like “Lady Gaga,” featuring Gabito Ballesteros and Junior H, became instant hits, with “Lady Gaga” topping the US Hot Latin Songs chart and peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The deluxe edition of GÉNESIS, released a week later on June 29, 2023, introduced additional tracks that further expanded the album’s reach. Peso Pluma added the previously released singles “PRC,” featuring Natanael Cano, and “Las Morras,” alongside a brand-new collaboration titled “Tulum” with Grupo Frontera. These additions helped GÉNESIS continue to climb the charts, securing its position as the highest-charting regional Mexican album in the history of the Billboard 200.
Critics received GÉNESIS positively, with many praising Peso Pluma’s ability to innovate within the traditional corridos genre. Andrew Sacher from BrooklynVegan highlighted the album’s minimalist approach, characterized by fiery acoustic guitars and insistent horns, noting Peso Pluma’s addictive vocal delivery. The album’s chart success was undeniable, debuting at number 3 on the US Billboard 200 and setting a record as the highest-charting regional Mexican album in the chart’s history.
In GÉNESIS, Peso Pluma demonstrates his commitment to pushing regional Mexican music into new territories while staying true to the genre’s roots. The album’s innovative collaborations, infectious melodies, and thematic diversity make it a landmark release in Latin music for 2023.
