Minutes before taking the stage at Mexico City’s Estadio GNP Seguros on Sept. 18, Natanael Cano was already in full corridos tumbados rockstar mode: cowboy hat, snakeskin jacket, chest on full display and the attitude of someone who knows exactly what he represents. “I’m looking fresh as hell — I’ve got that Tupac, DMX, Chalino Sánchez, Natanael Cano kind of flow,” he told Billboard Español, explaining with his charm the inspiration behind his look.

The image — a mix of norteño tradition, hip-hop bravado and irreverence — also captures Cano’s identity as one of the central figures in the movement that helped take corridos tumbados from regional circuits to Mexico’s and the U.S.’ biggest stages.

The interview took place shortly before Cano launched his first stadium tour across Mexico with two consecutive sold-out shows at the capital’s Estadio GNP Seguros. When asked how his U.S. visa situation had influenced — or affected — this new chapter of his career, the singer made clear that he did not feel limited by it. “Mexico never lets me down. Mexico always supports me and is always behind me,” he said. “And that’s something I can never thank the fans enough for.”

Cano also spoke about “Olivia La Flaca,” his latest collaboration with Tito Double P, Ovi and Víctor Mendívil. The trap-leaning single arrived Sept. 24. “All the homies on that song killed it, for real,” said the Rancho Humilde star. “It’s really dope, a song for all the fans — it goes hard. Pure happiness, pure peace.”

One of the most personal songs on his new album, Natanael Cano, Vol. 1, is “Mar Azul,” which the artist called his favorite. The song has been rumored to be about his ex. When asked what it means to him, Cano replied knowingly: “You know what it means.” He added, “I think everybody knows too.”

“Mar Azul” peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s Mexico Songs chart, No. 26 on Hot Latin Songs and No. 22 on Regional Mexican Airplay. The album debuted at No. 4 on Top Regional Mexican Albums and No. 10 on Top Latin Albums. Its 15 tracks represent a new chapter for Cano after he experimented with trap, reggaetón and afrobeat on 2025’s Porque La Demora.

Beyond the hits, Cano said he wants his fans to take away a message of perseverance: “Take the hard work, the perseverance, the dedication,” he said. “And even if you get sidetracked, that’s normal — life is fucking hard. But always take the good from it, and keep moving forward.”

Cano is currently on his Natanael Cano Vol. 1 Tour. His upcoming dates include Mérida on Oct. 17; Boca del Río on Oct. 30; Puebla on Oct. 31; Toluca on Nov. 6; Oaxaca on Nov. 7; Mexicali on Nov. 14; Morelia on Nov. 21; Saltillo on Nov. 27; Torreón on Nov. 28; and Acapulco on Dec. 5.

Watch the full interview above, and read our recap of the five best moments from Cano’s Mexico City tour kickoff.