Natanael Cano

Natanael Cano, whose real name is Natanael Ruben Cano Monge was born on March 27, 2001, in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. He is a pioneering figure in the Latin music industry. He is best known for creating and popularizing the genre known as “corridos tumbados,” a unique fusion of traditional Mexican corridos with elements of trap music. This innovative blend has not only earned Cano widespread acclaim but also positioned him as a leader in a new wave of regional Mexican music that resonates with younger audiences.

Cano’s early life was steeped in music. From a young age, he displayed a natural talent for performing, often entertaining at family events and parties. His journey into music became more focused when, at the age of thirteen, he taught himself to play the piano using online tutorials. Inspired by the legendary Mexican band Maná, his first self-learned song was “Rayando el Sol.” However, his passion soon shifted towards regional Mexican corridos, particularly those of Ariel Camacho, who became a significant influence on Cano’s style and musical direction.

At sixteen, after dropping out of Santa Ana High School, Cano began releasing his own music on YouTube. His first song, “El de los Lentes Gucci,” marked the birth of what would later be recognized as corridos tumbados, blending the narrative style of traditional corridos with the beats and themes of modern trap music. This innovative approach quickly garnered attention, and by 2018, Cano was performing in the underground music scene, gaining a dedicated following.

In 2019, Cano’s career took a significant leap forward when he signed with the independent label Five Music and later with Rancho Humilde, a Los Angeles-based urban regional Mexican label led by Jimmy Humilde. His debut studio album, Todo Es Diferente, and the release of the single “El Drip” marked his entry into the mainstream, with the latter song landing on the US Hot Latin Songs chart. The collaboration with Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny on the remix of “Soy el Diablo” further catapulted Cano into the spotlight, earning the track multi-platinum certification and establishing him as a major player in the Latin music scene.

Cano’s contributions to music have been widely recognized. In 2020, he became the first Mexican artist to be featured in Apple Music’s ‘Up Next’ series, an honor that underscored his impact and influence in the industry. His 2022 album, Natakong, was named one of Rolling Stone’s “The 50 Best Spanish-language Albums of 2022,” further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in his genre.

Cano’s artistry is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and the cultural backdrop of his upbringing in Mexico. His lyrics often reflect his life and the stories of those around him, infused with the rebellious spirit of trap music and the storytelling tradition of corridos. He cites artists like Bad Bunny, Jhay Cortez, and J Balvin as musical inspirations, while also drawing heavily from the corrido traditions established by artists such as Gerardo Ortiz and Ariel Camacho.

Despite his success, Cano remains focused on evolving his sound and collaborating with a wide range of artists. His dream collaboration is with Anuel AA, and he has expressed a desire to work with other Latin trap artists like Mickey Woods Jr. and Bad Bunny, aiming for organic and natural partnerships.

Natanael Cano’s influence in the music industry is undeniable. With millions of views, chart-topping hits, and recognition from prestigious platforms like the GRAMMYs, Cano is not just redefining regional Mexican music but also bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary Latin sounds. His innovation and dedication continue to inspire a new generation of artists and fans alike.