Luis R Conriquez is a leader in regional Mexican music, one of the fastest-growing Latin sub-genre in the United States. Conriquez has solidified his reign as the “King of Corridos Bélicos.” The singer-songwriter, now 28, is not just a voice but a movement — pioneering a sound that has not only gone global but shifted the entire landscape of música mexicana.
World Music Views takes a look at a Billboard interview with Conriquez who recently performed at the inaugural Belicolandia festival produced by his label, Kartel Music. Conriquez closed out the night in front of thousands of fans at Pico Rivera Sports Arena, just outside Los Angeles.
He is described as a larger than life figure in public but behind the scenes, he is humble, approachable, and quick to joke with his friends. “We like to have a good time,” he shares, laughing with close friend and fellow Kartel Music signee, Tony Aguirre. The gathering of regional Mexican artists around him only adds to his aura, with both established and emerging talents stopping by to greet the man who has helped define a new era in Mexican music.
From Gas Station Attendant to King of Corridos
Luis R Conriquez’s rise wasn’t scripted. Born in Sonora, Mexico, Conriquez grew up without a musical background or formal education. He wrote his first corridos as a hobby, often offering them to local friends. But soon, the dream of becoming a musician was no longer a distant fantasy. “I became my biggest fan,” he recalls with a grin. “I knew there was something there, so I kept writing.”
It was that self-belief that set him apart when he auditioned for the then-newly formed Kartel Music in 2019. Working at a gas station at the time, Conriquez performed his bélico-flavored corridos at the audition. “Freddy and Leo were just starting, but so was I,” Conriquez says of Kartel founders Alfredo “Freddy” Becerra and Leonardo Soto. “It was all about trusting each other. They needed someone to help them grow, and I knew I could help them.”
His confidence was well-placed. Since joining Kartel, Conriquez has not only seen his music explode in popularity but has also become co-CEO of the label, overseeing six other artists. His breakthrough hit “El Buho” set the stage for his dominance, with corridos bélicos evolving into a global phenomenon. Describing the genre, Conriquez emphasizes that while the term “bélico” might suggest violence, the music stands out because of its bold, unique instrumentation. “‘Bélico’ means that something has a lot of presence,” he explains. “This music stands out thanks to instruments like the tololoche and charchetas.”
A Chart-Topper and Collaborator
Today, Conriquez is as much a force on the Billboard charts as he is in the studio. His Corridos Bélicos, Vol. IV reached No. 5 on Top Latin Albums and debuted at No. 36 on the Billboard 200. He also made his first entry into the Hot 100 with “Si No Quieres No,” a collaboration with up-and-coming artist Neton Vega. With 1.42 billion on-demand streams in the U.S. alone, his influence is undeniable.
But it’s not just the numbers that define him. Conriquez prides himself on his collaborative spirit. His latest album brought together both veterans and rising stars in corridos. “Everyone on that album is my friend,” Conriquez says with pride. “If I see you have talent and are a good person, I’ll give you a hand. I do it from my heart.”
This camaraderie extends beyond the studio. Despite his rapid rise to fame, Conriquez remains grounded, citing his upbringing and love for music as the foundation of his career. “I grew up listening to corridos and reggaetón,” he says, reminiscing about his early love for music. “I’d put on my headphones when I was going to sleep and when I woke up, music was still playing in my ears.”
The Kartel Music Journey
The story of Kartel Music is as unconventional as Conriquez’s rise. Becerra and Soto, childhood friends who grew up in a trailer park in California, founded the label after a failed attempt at concert promotion. When they met Conriquez, they knew they had found something special. “He was so confident on stage,” Soto remembers. That confidence turned into a partnership built on trust, with the two founders backing Conriquez in any way they could, even buying him new clothes for his first music video. “We would go to Ross and Marshalls and show up with a stack of clothes,” Soto laughs. “He appreciated it.”
From those humble beginnings, the trio grew Kartel Music into a powerhouse. During the pandemic, Conriquez and the label adopted a strategy of releasing new music constantly — a decision that helped him skyrocket in popularity. “The consistency plays a big part,” Soto says. “Luis has released a song every Friday since we began working together.”
The Future of Corridos Bélicos
As corridos bélicos continues to rise, so does Luis R Conriquez. His commitment to his craft and to supporting fellow artists is unwavering. Whether collaborating with stars like Peso Pluma or welcoming new talents into Kartel Music, Conriquez remains a beacon for the future of regional Mexican music.
With each new release, he redefines what it means to be an artist in the modern era of corridos. “I know how the business works,” he says confidently. “I just needed someone to support me.” And with Kartel Music behind him, it’s clear that Luis R Conriquez’s reign as the King of Corridos Bélicos is just beginning.
