1. Early Releases and Social Media Buzz
In 2018, Cano began uploading homemade videos of himself performing covers of corridos and his own songs to YouTube and Instagram. These early performances helped him gain local recognition. Soon, his original music caught the attention of audiences looking for something new—corridos with a modern twist.
He released his first independent single, “El de la Codeína,” showcasing his signature style: gritty lyrics with urban beats and acoustic guitars. This song helped Cano start building a loyal fanbase.
2. Breakthrough with “Soy El Diablo” Remix (2019)
Cano’s big break came in 2019 when Bad Bunny, one of Latin music’s biggest stars, collaborated with him on the remix of “Soy El Diablo.” The unexpected partnership attracted mainstream attention, as it was rare for a Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar to collaborate with an artist from the regional Mexican scene. The song went viral, solidifying Cano’s reputation as a trailblazer.
3. Pioneering the Corridos Tumbados Movement
Later in 2019, Natanael released his debut album, “Todo Es Diferente,” which included several hits blending trap with corridos. He followed this with “Corridos Tumbados”, an album that helped establish the movement officially and garnered millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
His unique approach not only appealed to young listeners in Mexico but also resonated with Latin youth in the U.S., expanding his fanbase internationally.
4. Rapid Success and Chart Dominance (2020-2022)
In 2020, Cano released multiple projects, including “Corridos Tumbados, Vol. 2” and “Trap Tumbado,” where he continued experimenting with the fusion of urban and traditional sounds. His music topped regional Mexican charts, and he became one of the youngest artists to achieve consistent chart success on Billboard’s Latin Albums and Regional Mexican Airplay charts.
Natanael’s rapid rise also landed him collaborations with artists like Ovi, Snoop Dogg, and Aleman, expanding his reach beyond regional Mexican genres into hip-hop, reggaeton, and even international markets.
5. Controversies and Industry Challenges
Despite his early success, Cano’s career has not been without controversy. Known for his outspoken personality, he has faced public feuds with other artists and industry figures. A notable incident occurred in 2020 when he had a brief fallout with Pepe Aguilar, a respected figure in traditional Mexican music, after Natanael criticized older musical styles in a social media exchange.
Additionally, his rebellious attitude and anti-establishment lyrics have drawn mixed reactions from traditional Mexican audiences, though they resonate with younger fans who appreciate his authenticity.
6. Recent Work and Evolution (2022-Present)
In recent years, Natanael has expanded his sound while remaining true to his corridos roots. Albums like “A Mis 20” (2021) reflect his growth as an artist, featuring more introspective lyrics about fame, family, and personal challenges. He has also experimented with trap-heavy beats and emotional ballads, showing versatility.
Natanael continues to release singles regularly, often collaborating with new and up-and-coming artists, which helps him stay at the forefront of the evolving Latin music scene. His work has shifted towards more personal themes, highlighting the tension between success and personal struggles, as heard in songs like “Nataaoki” (a collaboration with DJ Steve Aoki).
7. Awards and Recognition
Cano’s contributions to music have earned him several awards and nominations. His projects have been recognized at Premios Billboard and Latin American Music Awards. While he may not align with the polished, traditional awards circuit, his influence is undeniable, as he represents a new generation of genre-defying artists.
