El Tranza

Damas Gratis, a prominent band in the cumbia villera genre, brings forth a raw and unfiltered narrative in their song 'El Tranza.' The lyrics delve into the gritty realities of street life, focusing on the interactions between a buyer and a drug dealer, or 'tranza.' The protagonist starts by describing his modest means, having just enough money to buy some drugs. However, when he approaches the dealer, he is met with hostility and refusal, which only fuels his frustration and anger.

The song paints a vivid picture of the desperation and volatility that often accompany the world of illicit drug transactions. The protagonist's irritation is palpable as he describes feeling 'enroscado' (tangled up) and 'enchufado' (plugged in), indicating a state of heightened agitation. The dealer's reluctance to sell, possibly due to the late hour or other reasons, exacerbates the tension. The lyrics 'te pones en transa luqueas la balanza y me cortas el papel' suggest that the dealer is being deceitful, manipulating the scales, and shortchanging the buyer.

The narrative takes a darker turn as the protagonist threatens the dealer with violence, expressing a willingness to resort to extreme measures to get what he wants. The line 'con mi cuatro y medio la merca te voy a zarpar' implies that he is armed and ready to steal the drugs by force. The song concludes with a grim warning, 'te vas a morir sin derecho a nada,' highlighting the brutal and unforgiving nature of this underground world. 'El Tranza' serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and moral decay inherent in the drug trade, offering listeners a sobering glimpse into a life fraught with peril and desperation.