The Colombian Artist Redefining Música Mexicana

Wearing a signature black mask and a black tejana hat, viral star Corridos Del Rey refuses to reveal his identity for a very specific reason: He wants “no distractions to be able to deliver his message through music.”

The masked artist cultivated a music career for more than 10 years as an urban music singer and composer, mainly singing about the dangerous street life, drugs and excesses, and having an inflated ego. Now, he’s found a new purpose in his journey thanks to his viral hit “Ayer Hable con Dios,” which has generated more than 5 million video creations on TikTok and nearly 15 million views on YouTube.

“I was already feeling it, and paying the price,” he tells Billboard over a Zoom interview, still hiding his identity. “I felt something telling me I shouldn’t continue with that plan because it would end very badly. And one day, while I was in my apartment on the 23rd floor, I was feeling really bad and overwhelmed. So much so that I even thought about ending my life, and I thought, ‘Well, let’s get rid of this problem,’ but thank God, he sent me a message.”

He revealed that a fan — who was a follower since he was an urban artist — sent him a message to his previous Instagram account, encouraging him to trust in God, stay patient, remember that there’s always a way forward, and to keep his family in mind. The heartfelt conversation was his beacon of hope.

Corridos del Rey went back to reconnect with his family and what really mattered to him: “I promised God that if he got me out of that hole I was in, I would take this testimony all over the world.”

He then started creating songs with messages of hope and faith with motivational, and optimistic lyrics, resulting in his breakout hit “Ayer Hablé con Dios” (I spoke to God yesterday) — a traditional corrido fused with classic acoustic chords, powerful requintos and profound lyrics. “The sky is going to open wide/ What’s coming is yours/ And nobody’s going to take it away from you,” he sings.

“Ayer Hablé con Dios” has become so impactful that it even earned Corridos del Rey the stamp of approvals from music mogul Jimmy Humilde and Puerto Rican star Farruko. The latter even jumped on the official remix out now (June 18).

“A few days after posting our first video, it went viral, and suddenly, we received a message from Farruko,” he shares. “‘Respect, I love what you’re doing, blessings, keep spreading God’s message.’ I was stunned. How did this happen? Farruko is a legend in Latin music, and someone I’ve admired since childhood. He has been a part of my journey as an artist from the very beginning.”

Caught in a whirlwind of events, he paused to wonder why everything was unfolding so quickly.

“I didn’t realize it was God already opening doors for me,” he elaborates. “So I reached out to Farruko and said, ‘Let’s do the remix.’ It was my idea. I invited him because I believed he was the right fit.”

Watch the exclusive premiere for “Ayer Hablé con Dios” feat Farruko below: