Among the boldest releases in El Fantasma’s discography, 2021’s bluntly titled Carteles showcased the música mexicana star’s penchant for narcocorridos. Twice as long as its predecessor, and with far cuter cover art, the second volume in the emergent series reinforces his status in this often contentious format. Those in the know will recognize many of the figures and organizations represented in these songs, either by pseudonym or by reputation. The opening pairing of “Aquí en Jalisco” and “Acá por Tijuana” both set the tone for what’s coming and provide subtle contrast with one another. Through the tremendous and forceful voice of this genre master, the violence of cartel warfare receives unapologetic documentation on tracks like “El 40 (Durango),” while “Comandante X” and “En Guasave ya se Sabe” serve as rousing narratives delivered with first-person familiarity. Less bellicose—though only by comparison—is “La Sombreriza,” its lyrics filled with declarative statements of mission and intent.