Los Tigres del Norte aren’t mincing words in their new single, “Aquí mando yo” (I’m in Charge Here). The track, which they are releasing on Thursday (May 30) along with an EP of the same name, talks about the legendary Mexican group’s struggles as immigrants, as well as the price of fame, with verses that may — or may not — refer to the current state of Mexican music and its new stars.
“Aquí mando yo, y este colmillo no lo tuve que comprar […] Ya veníamos de la tienda cuando tú ibas por el pan (I’m in charge here, and I didn’t have to pay for this fang […] We were already back from the shop when you were going in for bread),” they sing in the chorus.
But group leader and lead singer Jorge Hernández, who spoke with Billboard from his home in California, says the words aren’t meant for anyone in particular.
“I saw this theme as the story of so many immigrants who come from their towns with nothing. That was my first reaction,” says Hernández. “Then, the sentiment in other parts of the lyrics is that suddenly those of us who tell the truth are judged and those who lie are the heroes […] Also suddenly there are people who don’t quite see the roots of the tree. And many of these new elements today, I don’t know if they ignore this — or if this is an example so they can see who came before them, just as we’re also thankful for those characters who were interesting in their time.”
“Aquí mando yo”, with its clear message of empowerment as well as advice (“Many students have been swallowed by money; they forgot their roots and became arrogant”), is released as Los Tigres announce the rest of their world tour, including their first date at legendary Madison Square Garden, set for May 24, 2025.
After playing what will be more than 50 dates between the United States, Mexico, and South America — with stops including Foro Sol in Mexico City, three nights at the Movistar Arena in Bogotá, and dates in Spain — 12 months of touring will culminate for Los Tigres with their MSG date, their first ever in that venue.
Details of the concert, presented by Zamora Entertainment, which is producing the group’s tour, will be announced May 30 at a press conference at MSG.
“I never imagined I would be in that place, and I think it’s very important for our career and for our style of music,” says Hernández — noting the group have been ambassadors of norteño for over five decades. “We have fought to dignify this music, and to carry it and showcase it around the world. We’ve managed to visit large and small towns in the United States, and now we travel the world dignifying this music in the best way. And it has been a very big job, ensuring the music endures and and it’s looked at with good eyes.”
Also on Thursday night, Los Tigres will release their new five-song EP, also titled Aquí Mando Yo, on Fonovisa. The album includes songs by various writers, including Héctor Guerrero, who penned the title song. As has historically been customary for Los Tigres, the group listens to a lot of music, from many writers — even new ones — before choosing what to record. Guerrero, whom Hernández had never met, presented 15 songs to the group.
“I always listen to them all,” says Hernández, who unlike many current artists, does not put his name as a composer unless he’s actually participated in the songwriting. “You know we respect everyone and all our colleagues,” he adds. “I don’t try to compare myself to anyone […] I always say that when music does well, there is a great opportunity for the music movement to continue, and that makes me very happy. If someone is successful, somehow I will be successful. The selfish never succeed.”
Here are the complete lyrics of “Aquí mando yo,” available beginning Thursday (May 30).
Singing to our people
Felt like an incoherent dream
We broke a thousand barriers, starting from the bottom
Without a dime, that was tough.
In the world of myth
Lies finally float
And there’s a lot of students eaten up by money
They forgot their roots and became arrogant.
I think many students won’t like
today’s class
There’s several names missing from the list, their run is over
and what was strong starts to crumble.
I’m in charge here
I didn’t have to pay for this fang.
It’s years of trajectory, we’ve tasted glory
We were back from the store when you came in for the bread.
You have to face the truth.
(SPEAKS)
These verses I speak today
Were made for many now running their mouths
in a hypocritical world, those who speak the truth becomes villains,
Loose lips full of fake words
telling stories they never lived,
but in this jungle
The crown isn’t passed around, and the TIGER is respected, his head held high
even if you look own on me, know that I’M IN CHARGE HERE
Lying is common
I’ll refresh your memory, now that you’re sitting down,
when it comes to the boss of bosses, you never talk down.
I think many students won’t like
today’s class
There’s several names missing from the list, their run is over
and what was strong starts to crumble.
I’m in charge here
I didn’t have to pay for this fang.
It’s years of trajectory, we’ve tasted glory
We were back from the store when you came in for the bread.
You have to face the truth. I’m in charge here!
