De Topo Hasta La Sierra
Novillos de La Sierra
The Ballad of Loyalty and Power: Unpacking 'De Topo Hasta La Sierra' by Novillos de La Sierra
The song 'De Topo Hasta La Sierra' by Novillos de La Sierra is a narrative that delves into the life and experiences of someone deeply involved in the Mexican drug cartel, specifically referencing the Sinaloa cartel once led by Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán. The lyrics are a testament to the singer's loyalty to the cartel and its leaders, as well as a declaration of their role within the organization.
The opening lines set the stage for a call to action, as the singer is summoned from Culiacán, a city known for being a stronghold of the Sinaloa cartel. The mention of 'la cosa es derecha' suggests that the singer is involved in cartel activities that they consider to be just or correct. The reference to 'la empresa,' which translates to 'the company,' is a euphemism for the cartel. The singer claims allegiance to 'El Chapo' and his sons, indicating a position of trust and responsibility within the cartel hierarchy. The FECH on the chest symbolizes a badge of honor or commitment among the cartel members.
The song continues to describe the might and reach of the cartel, boasting of over 800 men ready for battle and the control they have from the town of Topo to the mountains ('la sierra'). The 'chutiza' resembling the Mexican army ('la sedena') implies that the cartel's armed wing is as formidable as the country's military forces. Despite facing raids by the authorities ('los guachos'), the singer is confident in their knowledge of the terrain and their ability to evade capture. The lyrics also hint at the firepower at their disposal, with mentions of M60 machine guns. The song concludes with a nod to the singer's roots in Charay, a place of personal significance and ongoing involvement with the cartel.
Overall, 'De Topo Hasta La Sierra' is a corrido, a type of Mexican ballad that often tells stories of revolutionary heroes, personal experiences, and in modern times, the exploits of drug traffickers. Novillos de La Sierra's song is a vivid portrayal of life within the cartel, emphasizing themes of loyalty, power, and the harsh realities of the drug trade in Mexico.