El Encargo

Arley Perez's 'El Encargo' is a song deeply rooted in the narrative of the Mexican drug war, reflecting the violent and vengeful aspects of cartel culture. The lyrics speak from the perspective of a cartel member who is deeply involved in the violent retribution that characterizes the conflicts between rival groups. The song's title, 'El Encargo,' translates to 'The Task' or 'The Assignment,' which in this context likely refers to a mission of revenge.

The song begins by referencing specific figures and codes within the cartel, such as 'M1,' which is a nickname for a high-ranking member, and '14,' which is often associated with the letter 'N' in the alphabet, possibly alluding to the notorious 'Narco' culture. The protagonist expresses a disturbing comfort in enacting vengeance, describing torture and murder with a chilling detachment. The lyrics also mention the death of a comrade, referred to as 'mijo' (my son), and the subsequent fulfillment of a vow to avenge him, which is the central theme of the song.

The graphic depiction of violence in the song's latter verses serves to illustrate the brutal reality of cartel justice. The protagonist describes a decapitation, leaving a message alongside the victim as a warning to others. The song concludes with a call to focus on 'duties' and to avoid harming the innocent, suggesting a twisted sense of honor within the merciless world the song portrays. 'El Encargo' is a stark reminder of the harsh and often glorified violence within cartel culture, and it provides a window into the mindset of those who live by the cartel's code.