Meaning of “El Azul” by Junior H & Peso Pluma

The note, the title of this song (“El Azul”) happens to also be the name of a famous Mexican drug dealer, one Juan José Esparragoza Moreno, who, despite making millions of dollars via that illicit trade, has spent the last couple of decades on the run (if he’s still alive). So some have speculated that these lyrics may be based on his famous life.

But with that being noted, there is also an indirect shoutout given to an even more popular and richer kingpin, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, in the pre-chorus. And as for the word “azul”, that’s how they refer to the color blue in Spanish (i.e. the language in which these lyrics are relayed). 

And the color itself is mentioned in the chorus, when Featherweight refers to “the Blue Angel” – and also at the beginning of the second verse, where a “blue Rolls-Royce” is featured.

So even though this piece may have been named after El Azul, it speaks to a wider reality in general. And that is the allure of becoming a drug dealer, in a country such as Mexico, despite the moral ramifications of making such a decision.

Or as implied, the vocalist may believe in God alright and, as expressed at the end of the first verse, is even asking for protection from on high. But as illustrated in the chorus (according to a number of analysts), he’s also very much cognizant that the lifestyle he chose is one of sin. And indeed, the Mexican drug cartel business is also an extremely-violent and, if successful, sumptuous one.

“Y con el corridón del Ángel Azul
A Dios le pido perdón por los pecados
Pero así es esto”

For example, the aforenoted El Azul spent seven years in prison, under the charge that he was involved in the absolutely brutal torture of an undercover DEA agent. Such is the modus operandi in this illegal line of work where regular dudes from the bush, if you will, are able to become billionaires. 

And indeed, the main personal vice which the vocalist confesses to possessing is being “in love with money”. Furthermore, his insatiable desire to have more is what makes him a “devil” in the game.

By the time all is said and done, it can be argued that this song is actually biggin’ up the dealer lifestyle, akin to how a gangsta rap track may do street traffickers. For instance, in the pre-chorus we find the vocalist and his crew rolling with straps, just like in a rap song, as they are not privy to being punked by anybody and are “already warlike”, i.e. understanding the risks of their occupation and being willing to die for the cause. 

And on that note, we can conclude by saying that particular element, i.e. understanding the risks, is also what differentiates “El Azul” from a standard gangsta rap. In other words this narrator(s), as formidable as he may be, is not coming off as if he’s invincible, in the right or even justified. To the contrary, he knows that the drug game can be merciless and requires serious participants, like himself, to engage in questionable practices.

When Was “El Azul” Released?

“El Azul” was released as a single on February 9 of 2023.

Credits

The song was composed by Brandon Daniel Candia Nunez while the skilled hands of Jimmy Humilde took charge of its production.