Tercia de Ases
Enigma Norteño
The Ballad of the Cartel Kings
The song "Tercia de Ases" by Enigma Norteño is a narrative set within the context of a festive gathering among some of Mexico's most notorious drug lords. The title itself, which translates to 'Trio of Aces,' alludes to a powerful hand in a card game, metaphorically representing the three influential figures mentioned in the song: El Chapo, El Mayo, and El Licenciado. These names refer to Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, and Dámaso López Núñez, respectively, who are well-known leaders within the Sinaloa cartel. The song paints a picture of a rare and opulent event where these figures are seen together, highlighting the power and reach of these individuals within the criminal underworld.
The lyrics describe a lavish party with live music, where the cartel leaders are accompanied by beautiful women and surrounded by a heavy security presence. The mention of '200 soldiers' guarding the ranch emphasizes the level of protection and the seriousness of the event. The song also name-drops other significant individuals such as Iván Archivaldo and Alfredo Guzmán, sons of El Chapo, as well as Dámaso López Serrano, known as 'El Mini Lic.' The presence of these individuals signifies the passing of the torch to the next generation within the cartel hierarchy.
Musically, Enigma Norteño is known for their 'norteño' style, which often features accordion and bajo sexto. Songs like "Tercia de Ases" fall under the genre of 'narcocorridos,' a subgenre of Mexican folk music that tells stories about the lives of drug traffickers. While these songs can be controversial due to their subject matter, they remain popular and reflect a cultural fascination with the narco lifestyle. The song serves as a narrative window into the cartel world, offering listeners a glimpse of the opulence and danger that characterize the lives of these infamous figures.