Gerardo Ortiz Proves He's A Survivor

By Michael Lopez

For 20 year-old Gerardo Ortiz, earning a #1 slot on Billboard’s Latin Albums Charts is meaningful on many levels. Not only is it a great accomplishment musically, it is also a personal victory. Just last month, the tejano star was nearly killed in a hail of gunfire.

By all accounts, Ortiz should not have lived beyond March 20, 2011. That day a Mexican drug gang ambushed his SUV, firing multiple shots with AK-47 assault rifles. Both Gerardo’s cousin and his business manager were killed instantly, but miraculously the singer and his father escaped unharmed.

What would provoke such a violent attack? Believe it or not, it was Gerardo’s lyrics that caused the uproar. Famous for singing "narcocorridos," his folksy ballads have reflected the bitter truths of life in Mexico, angering many of the country’s most ruthless drug cartels.

Interestingly, some critics have claimed that Ortiz’ music has glamorized Mexico’s notorious gangsters. Gerardo’s official website does portray graphic imagery such as ski mask-wearing thugs and grenades. And Ortiz, himself, has been photographed brandishing a semi-automatic pistol on the cover of his albums.

But that obviously should never condone attempted murder. Independent music promoter Miguel Torres told Billboard that the trend in “narcocorridos” music is increasing and that isn’t necessarily a good thing.

"Narcocorridos have been around for a long time," Torres explained. "But now these songs present a new kind of dangerous element that can lead to major consequences."

But, like it or not, the music has definitely connected with audiences. Gerardo’s “Morir y Existir" album already shot to the top of the charts, overtaking established artists like Prince Royce and Gloria Trevi. Additionally, Gerardo has already earned two Top 10 singles and scored a major deal with Sony Records.

Seeing how this latest album was recorded before the March incident, we can only imagine what kind of lyrics Ortiz will be cooking up next.

Are you a fan of Gerardo Ortiz? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Billboard, Chisme, Gerardo Ortiz, Música, Morir y Existir, narcocorridos