In a notable departure from the signature sound that propelled him to global prominence, Mexican artist Natanael Cano has unveiled his latest album, “Porque La Demora.” The title, translating to “Why the Delay?,” perhaps playfully alludes to an anticipated evolution, which the album emphatically delivers. This release marks a significant artistic pivot, moving beyond the corridos tumbados genre he is widely credited with popularizing.
A Radical Artistic Turn
“Porque La Demora” represents what has been described as a “radical turn” for the 23-year-old singer-songwriter. While previous projects like “NataKong” and “Trap Tumbado” hinted at genre experimentation, this new album fully embraces a diverse palette of urban sounds. The record seamlessly weaves together elements of trap, reggaeton, Afrobeats, and other contemporary urban genres, showcasing Cano’s versatility and ambition beyond his established niche.
Cano himself has characterized this new direction as “fresher,” suggesting a desire to explore sounds more aligned with current global trends while maintaining his distinct vocal delivery and lyrical style. He envisions “Porque La Demora” primarily as a soundtrack for celebration and nightlife, a collection designed to ignite a “party” atmosphere, a sentiment immediately evident in the album’s energetic opening track, which features Cano delivering rap verses.
Crafting the New Sound: Key Tracks and Collaborations
The album’s sonic foundation was significantly shaped by strategic collaborations and specific tracks that served as catalysts for the overall direction. The trap song “Como Es,” created in collaboration with producer EQ, is highlighted as a pivotal moment, paving the way for the diverse soundscape of “Porque La Demora.” Cano personally recommended the track “Polos Opuestos” as an ideal sample for listeners curious to experience the album’s new stylistic territory.
A hallmark of the project is its extensive list of featured artists, spanning a range of genres and nationalities, underscoring the album’s international urban focus. Chilean artist FloyyMenor contributes to the track “Mary Poppins,” while Puerto Rican trap star Eladio Carrión appears on “Como Tony.” The track “El Juez” features collaborations with both Myke Towers and Ganggy.
Further expanding the album’s collaborative reach, Victor Mendivil is featured on two tracks, “Bellakita” and “Comida del Espacio.” Notably, even artists rooted in the corridos tradition join the exploration; corridos artist Gabito Ballesteros lends his voice to “Perlas Negras,” a track infused with Afrobeats rhythms, illustrating the project’s genre synthesis.
Visuals and Context
The album’s release is accompanied by new visual content that reinforces its urban and global aesthetic. Cano recently premiered the music video for the reggaeton track “Hoy Nos Amanecio,” a collaboration with artists Badguychapo and Capo. The video, filmed against the scenic backdrop of Punta Mita, Mexico, captures the vibrant, high-energy essence of the album’s new sound and its party-oriented vision.
“Porque La Demora” follows Cano’s highly successful 2023 album, “Nata Montana.” While “Nata Montana” largely cemented his status within the corridos tumbados genre, this latest release signals a clear intention to evolve artistically and broaden his appeal across the burgeoning Latin urban music landscape.
By venturing into trap, reggaeton, and Afrobeats, Natanael Cano is not merely experimenting; he is actively repositioning himself within the competitive and dynamic global music market. “Porque La Demora” is more than just a new album; it is a bold statement about artistic growth and a potential roadmap for the future trajectory of one of Mexico’s most influential young musical exports.
