Mexico’s ongoing Drug War is horrific to say the least. According to the LA Times and the University of San Diego, more than 22,000 have died since 2007. The border states, Michoacán and Sinaloa, have had the worst hits. But one thing is clear: thousands have died this year alone. And in true exploitative fashion, it has also informed music and movies, the most well known are narco corridos, which celebrate the excesses of the criminal lifestyle. So, what’s to be expected? Well,violence, bravado, and comedy. Yes, a genre that invites violence also breeds surrealism, some intentional, some not.

But narco corridos are quite the sticky subject. There are legitimate artistic reasons (not to mention moral reasons) to dislike narco corridos. Just last month, singer Sergio “El Shaka” Vega was murdered. Singers must be careful who they sing about, lest they get unwanted attention from the cartels (apparently, they’re soft skinned). Then again, there are some who have (thankfully) taken this genre into another more comedic or over-the-top direction. Then there are others who take their bravado to the point of self parody.

Let’s start with this guy: Mario “El Cachorro” Delgado. Known for corridos, Delgado came out with this gem last month. It’s (wait for it!) titled, “El Corrido del Chavo de Ocho.” It’s just what you think it is, with images of supersoakers and slingshots replacing RPGs and AKs.

Check this out yourself:

Besides El Cachorro, there are others whose works are so bizarre that they become advertisements for military weapons and trucks rather than actual songs. Enter songs like El Komander‘s “El Señor de las Hummers.” As the title suggests, it’s all about those gas-guzzlers and the video itself leaves nothing to the imagination. That’s the point of it all, of course, but at the same time, these songs rapidly turn into gun/car porn.

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“THERE ARE LEGITIMATE ARTISTIC REASONS

(NOT TO MENTION MORAL REASONS)

TO DISLIKE NARCOCORRIDOS.”

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These songs are also tied into the thriving narco film scene. Yes, the people clamor for these Sundance also-rans and judging by sales, they are here to stay. Many narco musicians also appear in these films as well as their works. Indeed, the music and film industries feed off each other as musicians appear in films and films are inspired by particular songs (Chrysler 300 anyone?). In case you were wondering, there are sequels! Viva la republica!