Gabito Ballesteros Honors Ariel Camacho With His New Spotify Single, Te Metiste
A Tribute to a Legend
As a music journalist passionate about Regional Mexican music, I was excited to hear about Gabito Ballesteros’ latest tribute to the late Ariel Camacho. On February 19, 2025, Ballesteros released a heartfelt cover of Te Metiste exclusively on Spotify. This song pays homage to Camacho, who tragically passed away in 2015 but remains a legend in the genre.
Ariel Camacho’s Lasting Legacy
Ariel Camacho, born in Guamúchil, Sinaloa, was the leader of Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho. His mix of corridos and baladas with tuba changed the sound of Regional Mexican music. Te Metiste was originally released in 2014 as part of the album El Karma. As of September 2024, the song has over 349 million streams on Spotify.
Gabito Ballesteros’ Connection to Camacho
In many interviews, Ballesteros has spoken about how Camacho’s music shaped his own career. He said:
“For many, Ariel is an idol because of his young age, his humble beginnings, and his guitar skills. Many of us follow his path and feel connected to him. We owe a lot to Ariel Camacho, and that will never change.”
A Modern Take on Te Metiste
Ballesteros’ version of Te Metiste blends the traditional sierreño style with modern corridos tumbados elements. His unique vocal style adds a fresh twist. Midway through the song, he dedicates the track to Camacho, a heartfelt moment that deeply connects with fans. The response has been strong—some listeners love the new take, while others remain loyal to the original version.
A Big Moment in Ballesteros’ Career
This release comes at an important time for Ballesteros. He is nominated in five categories at the upcoming Premios Lo Nuestro on February 20, 2025. One of his nominations is for “Canción del Año” for his collaboration with Prince Royce on Cosas de la Peda.
Ariel Camacho’s Growing Popularity
Even after his passing, Camacho’s influence continues to grow. Spotify reports a 130% increase in streams for Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho over the last five years. Surprisingly, over 40% of his listeners are under 24 years old, proving that his music still resonates with younger generations.
Keeping Ariel Camacho’s Spirit Alive
Gabito Ballesteros’ tribute is more than just a cover. It is a bridge between traditional and modern Regional Mexican music. His version of Te Metiste ensures that Camacho’s legacy remains alive, inspiring both long-time fans and new listeners.
With this release, Ballesteros has proven that Ariel Camacho’s influence is far from over—it continues to shape the future of Mexican music.
