Vol. IV cover

Vol. IV

Cartel de Santa · 2008

44 min · 13 tracks · Latin hip-hop

Energetic beats and provocative lyrics collide, creating a vibrant landscape of Latin hip-hop that captures the essence of urban Mexico.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Babo Regresa — This opening track reintroduces the group's frontman with a punchy beat and confident delivery, setting the tone for the album's energetic vibe.
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    El Cabrón — Layered with catchy hooks and playful banter, this track exemplifies Cartel de Santa's signature style while addressing themes of street life.
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    Filosofía Rítmico — With its reflective lyrics and rhythmic complexity, this song showcases the group’s ability to blend introspection with danceable beats.
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    Puro Cartel Pa' Arriba — The celebratory nature of this anthem encapsulates the group's pride in their roots and musical identity, resonating strongly with fans.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic beats with provocative lyrics, showcasing Cartel de Santa's unique style within Latin hip-hop.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, maintaining this pace through the first half before introducing slower beats in the latter tracks.
  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interactive feel of the music.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady rhythmic flow throughout
  • party-ready anthems for gatherings
  • catchy hooks for group sing-alongs
  • energetic beats for workout sessions
  • vibrant soundscapes of urban life

Maybe skip if you

  • slow, introspective listening preference
  • seeking deep lyrical narratives

Where this album fits

Career context
By the release of 'Vol. IV' in 2008, Cartel de Santa had already established themselves as prominent figures in the Latin hip-hop scene, following their breakthrough album 'Cartel de Santa' in 2003. This fourth studio album continued to build on their reputation for bold lyricism and dynamic production, solidifying their influence in the genre during a period of rising popularity.
Stylistic neighbors
Cypress Hill· Control Machete· Kase.O

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Cosas de La Vida

    The narrative shifts from personal anecdotes to broader social commentary on life's challenges and triumphs.

    This transition serves to connect the singer's individual experiences with collective struggles, emphasizing shared realities in Mexican society.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Babo Regresa 3:02
  • 2 Cuando Babo Zumba 3:48
  • 3 El Cabrón 4:00
  • 4 Filosofía Rítmico 2:58
  • 5 Brillo Humillo 4:17
  • 6 Puro Cartel Pa' Arriba 3:57
  • 7 De México El Auténtico 3:17
  • 8 Hay Mamita 3:28
  • 9 Vato Sencillo 3:03
  • 10 Esa Nena Mueve El Culo 3:08
  • 11 Por Atras 2:30
  • 12 Sientes Los Graves 3:30
  • 13 Cosas de La Vida 3:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata