Justin Morales

Justin Morales (born February 7, 2004) is a Mexican singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.^[1] He is known for his work in the regional Mexican and corridos tumbados genres, and is signed to the prominent Rancho Humilde record label.^[2]

Justin Morales was born on February 7, 2004, in the La Gunilla barrio of Cuernavaca, Morelos.^[1][3] From an early age, he developed a passion for music, particularly corridos, which he learned to play on his grandfather's guitar.^[1] He began performing traditional Mexican songs at family gatherings and with friends, eventually creating his own compositions. Growing up in Cuernavaca, one of Mexico's most violent cities, Morales' music reflects 21st century urban concerns while remaining deeply rooted in Mexican musical tradition.^[4] His upbringing in the La Gunilla neighborhood significantly influenced his songwriting, as evidenced in tracks like "LaGunilla Mi Barrio."

Morales draws inspiration from traditional Mexican corridos and rancheras, with his musical style described as featuring "hypnotic corridos and rancheras" that combine traditional elements with modern urban themes.^[4] Like many artists of his generation, he was influenced by the late Ariel Camacho, a prominent figure in regional Mexican music.^[1] His work is characterized by the use of minor keys and what critics describe as "trancey guitar playing" with emotionally resonant vocals.^[3]

Morales began his professional career in late 2020 when he uploaded his debut single "Desde Morro" to his YouTube channel under his own JK Entertainment label.^[1] The track quickly gained traction, accumulating over 35,000 views within the first month based purely on word-of-mouth promotion.^[1] The success of "Desde Morro" attracted the attention of Jimmy Humilde, CEO of Rancho Humilde, who was impressed by Morales' "gritty, poetic lyrics, emotionally resonant voice, and trancey guitar playing."^[3]

In early 2021, Humilde signed Morales to Rancho Humilde, making him part of the label's "corridos tumbados" (trap corridos) movement.^[4] The label re-released "Desde Morro" in April 2021 with better distribution and exposure, leading to the track achieving over 100 million views and nearly 200 million streams.^[4]

Following his breakout success, Morales collaborated with fellow Rancho Humilde artist Dan Sanchez on "Carencias de la Infancia" in January 2021.^[3] Throughout 2021, he released several successful singles including "Llenas Las Cuentas" (featuring Oscar Maydon), "LaGunilla Mi Barrio," and "No Creian."^[3] His career culminated with the release of his eight-song EP "Líricas de Oro" in October 2021, which included his version of "Carencias de la Infancia" and featured collaborations with Natanael Cano, Oscar Maydon, and Dan Sanchez.^[3]

Morales has maintained over 1.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and is considered part of the new generation of corridos tumbados artists alongside Natanael Cano, Peso Pluma, and Junior H.^[5][6]

Additional popular tracks by Justin Morales include "La Vida Es Un Juego," "Miren," "El Primo," "Volar Hasta Las Nubes," "Pa Ser Cabrón," "Ka$h," "Esos Ojitos," "Bien Fiera," and "Ando Prendido."^[13][14]