Los 4 Grandes
Los Buitres de Culiacán Sinaloa
The Ballad of the Brave: Decoding 'Los 4 Grandes'
The song 'Los 4 Grandes' by Los Buitres de Culiacán Sinaloa is a corrido, a traditional Mexican ballad that often tells a story of heroism, rebellion, or the lives of infamous figures. In this case, the song narrates the tale of four men of great courage, presumably involved in illicit activities, as suggested by references to drug trafficking and their bravery in the face of danger. The corrido is a genre deeply rooted in Mexican culture, often used to express admiration for those who live outside the law, while also serving as a form of social commentary.
The lyrics mention specific locations such as Jalisco and Sonora, which are known for being hotspots of cartel activity. The song speaks of 'medio kilo lavado' (half a kilo washed), 'nuevas camionetas' (new trucks), and 'avionetas' (small planes), alluding to the transportation of drugs. The characters are identified by nicknames and numbers, which is common in the secretive world of cartels. The 'shakalosos' (a term that could be interpreted as 'tough' or 'ruthless') are portrayed as powerful and elusive, evading capture and growing in power.
The song's narrative structure and the use of code names and metaphors like 'cola de borrego' (sheep's tail) for drugs, and 'luz verde' (green light) for permission to proceed, create a vivid picture of the operations and lifestyle of these individuals. The corrido ends with a hint of continuity, suggesting that their story is far from over and that their legend will continue to grow.