For well over a decade now, Gerardo Ortiz has been a dominant figure in corridos, penning and performing some of the most notable songs in the genre this century. The journey from 2010’s Ni Hoy Ni Mañana to No Tengo Rival may have had its share of challenges and demands, yet he reached this stage of his career through dogged perseverance and a commitment to his craft. Take, for instance, “Listos Pa la Guerra,” a rugged reflection of his talents modified by an intricate instrumental mix. His mastery of corridos comes through on tracks like “El Gabito” and “Gente del Nini,” yet he still makes room for the decidedly more upbeat “Linda Linda.”