Exodo＜Tan Smoke Vinyl＞

Released almost exactly a year after his 2023 debut album Genesis, 2024s Exodo sees Mexican superstar Peso Pluma continue his corrido dominance while making his first ventures into a variety of alternative Latin and hip-hop styles. The double albums first disc is dedicated wholly to the regional Mexican sounds that make up the Zapopan-born pioneers wheelhouse: "La People II" offers a slightly flashier continuation of 2023s "La People," "Bruce Wayne" mixes raps with infectious, drunken rhythms, and "Me Activo" is anchored by a catchy, high-stakes guitar line. Though significantly shorter in length -- just eight tracks to the first discs 16 -- the albums second disc includes trap-led, U.S.-centric collaborations with Cardi B, Quavo, and Rich the Kid, alongside forays into reggaeton with Anitta, Ryan Castro, and Kenia OS. Once again, Pluma continues to make his name with collaborations: only four of the albums 24 tracks are solo, with the scene-wide list of local collaborators including regulars like Luis R Conriquez, Tito Double P, Junior H, and Natanael Cano. ~ David Crone