Mentado literally means "mentioned" or "spoken of," but in this context, it's used colloquially to mean "well-known" or "famous," often with a hint of notoriety.
In the song, the artist refers to himself as "El Mentado," highlighting his rise to fame and the changes it has brought to his life. It's an interesting word choice that captures the essence of his journey from obscurity to being a talked-about figure.
Have you ever felt like no one cared until you started doing well? That's exactly what Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho are singing about in "El Mentado"! The title itself, "El Mentado," means "The Famous One" or "The Talked About One," and the song is all about how life changes once you gain a little success.
He sings, "Ahora que soy muy mentado, Me busca el interesado" [Now that I'm very talked about, the interested ones seek me out]. It's a blunt look at how people suddenly appear when you're doing well, contrasting with the past when "Cuando miraban el piojo, Nunca voltearon sus ojos" [When they saw the louse, they never turned their eyes]. He even jokes about how many new "friends" and "family" have come out of the woodwork, but he knows who was there for him from the start. It's a pretty relatable feeling, don't you think? He's definitely not letting the newfound attention change who he is, staying "sencillo" [simple] and grateful for his life.
José Ariel Camacho Barraza (July 8, 1992 – February 25, 2015), known as Ariel Camacho, was a talented Mexican musician, singer, and songwriter from Guamúchil, Sinaloa. He rose to fame as the lead singer and guitarist of Los Plebes del Rancho, captivating fans with his expressive twelve-string guitar playing and authentic regional Mexican sound.
Nicknamed "La TuyÃa" and "El Rey de Corazones," Camacho's music blended traditional corridos with heartfelt lyrics and vivid storytelling. Despite his brief career, his influence on the regional Mexican genre has been profound, inspiring many young artists. Tragically, Ariel passed away in a car accident at just 22 years old, but his legacy continues through the enduring popularity of his songs and tribute albums honoring his unique style and talent.