Definitely worth following Ioan Grillo. He was one of the first English language journalists to cover Narco Mexico, and he remains amongst the most observant. To top it off, he writes clearly and succinctly.
I regularly visited and taught in Culiacan between 1998 and 2012. I communicate regularly with many former students and colleagues. It’s hard to believe that a half dozen of them have been professors for more than 20 years.
Thanks for the fantastic read. You mentioned these corridos, they have been widely popular nowadays many of them revisiting acts such as el Culiacánazo, El Ratón. Another song widely popular, JGL. (Joaquin Guzman Loera) how are these songs “OKd” for release? Both these songs are highly popular and some of these are not taken lightly in different states.
Thanks much Oscar. Yes, the corridos is a crazy world. Do you mean okay'd for release by the cartel figures themselves? If so, in many cases these are the narcos who commission the songs and actually look at the lyrics, or even co-write them. (I talked to a singer who made a song for a major narco):
There are other cases, however, when people just make songs without permission about an incident or reading stuff from the newspapers but that could get them in trouble. I need to do a piece just about this. All best there and keep in touch friend.
Excellent as always. I'm curious if you are ever apprehensive about being recognized during your encounters. I cant imagine there are many narcos who read much but your works are well known outside of Mexico (perhaps within too? I am not familiar). I don't imagine los punteros or similar groups would find it as favorable if they realized the filming was/is not actually about music, no?
I always try and be as honest as possible working in the field, identify as a journalist and explain what I am doing. I was pretty straight up on this case as I was filming a music docu series - but yes sometimes these people can quickly flip and be more aggressive. Anyway, please keep in touch and keep the conversation going. Best there friend!
Definitely worth following Ioan Grillo. He was one of the first English language journalists to cover Narco Mexico, and he remains amongst the most observant. To top it off, he writes clearly and succinctly.
Thanks so much and all best there Jim! Stay in touch.
I regularly visited and taught in Culiacan between 1998 and 2012. I communicate regularly with many former students and colleagues. It’s hard to believe that a half dozen of them have been professors for more than 20 years.
Yes, it's a great city in many way. And in other ways it is home of a lot of tragedy.
Thanks for the fantastic read. You mentioned these corridos, they have been widely popular nowadays many of them revisiting acts such as el Culiacánazo, El Ratón. Another song widely popular, JGL. (Joaquin Guzman Loera) how are these songs “OKd” for release? Both these songs are highly popular and some of these are not taken lightly in different states.
Keep safe, thanks again.
Thanks much Oscar. Yes, the corridos is a crazy world. Do you mean okay'd for release by the cartel figures themselves? If so, in many cases these are the narcos who commission the songs and actually look at the lyrics, or even co-write them. (I talked to a singer who made a song for a major narco):
There are other cases, however, when people just make songs without permission about an incident or reading stuff from the newspapers but that could get them in trouble. I need to do a piece just about this. All best there and keep in touch friend.
Ioan will you ever write a book on Los Chapitos? I have three of your books on my audible would love to add more when you release some.
Interesting idea - I have a few ideas for book No. 4 but lets see.
Whatever you go with Ioan no doubt I will get a copy of it.
Thanks so much compa!
Excellent as always. I'm curious if you are ever apprehensive about being recognized during your encounters. I cant imagine there are many narcos who read much but your works are well known outside of Mexico (perhaps within too? I am not familiar). I don't imagine los punteros or similar groups would find it as favorable if they realized the filming was/is not actually about music, no?
Thanks much for reading for reaching out Jack.
I always try and be as honest as possible working in the field, identify as a journalist and explain what I am doing. I was pretty straight up on this case as I was filming a music docu series - but yes sometimes these people can quickly flip and be more aggressive. Anyway, please keep in touch and keep the conversation going. Best there friend!
Does the series you mentioned have a name and release date yet?
Thanks much for the interest Chris. It will be early next year, and I'll give the details down the road! All best there friend.