The following play list examines Pablo Escobar’s meteoric rise from the poverty of Medellin to his reign as the leader of the largest drug cartel in the world. Escobar provided hope for those around him and a target for those abroad. A well noted philanthropist yet brutal drug lord, Escobar sought to change the world by any means necessary. While he was eventually gunned down by a special police unit in 1993, his life continues to reflect, for better or worse, what we call the “American Dream”.

The Message- Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

The Message tells the story of Grandmaster Flash’s life growing up in an American ghetto. Pablo Escobar, like Grandmaster Flash, grew up in a poverty stricken area and sought refuge within the neighborhood gangs. A petty thief in his younger years, by the time of his adolescence Escobar had already begun stealing tombstones from graveyards and selling them to Panamanian smugglers. While most see such an act as immoral and despicable, The Message helps provide a glimpse into the conditions which lead to people, such as Escobar, going to such great lengths to improve their lives. The lyrics and beat provide a somber feeling yet still seem to provide a sense of pride and hope in the "thugs, pimps, [and] pushers" that feed off of the ghetto.

You grow in the ghetto, living second rate

And your eyes will sing a song of deep hate

The places you play and where you stay

Looks like one great big alley way

You’ll admire all the number book takers

Thugs, pimps, pushers and the big money makers

Casey Jones- Grateful Dead

With the discovery of cocaine and the drug trafficking business in his early twenties, Escobar encountered the most important decision of his life. Although Escobar had managed a meager existence through petty crimes, he soon gravitated towards the successful drug lords he saw around him. As with the fictional character Casey Jones, Escobar began to let the drug take over his life. Even though he knew it may lead him to “trouble ahead”, he decided to take that risk as he assessed the similar “trouble behind”. Also, as with lyrics and mood of the song, Escobar jumped right in with little hesitation and great anticipation of the ride ahead.

Driving that train, high on cocaine

Casey Jones you'd better watch your speed

Trouble ahead, trouble behind

And you know that notion just crossed my mind

Grindin’- The Clipse


As with most small time drug dealers, Escobar began moving weight as a way to support himself and later his family. The lyric below discusses about a young drug dealer’s entry into the cocaine business. Much like the character in the song, Escobar was enticed by dreams of “hideaway(s) by the lake” and the other perks of the wealthy citizens of Colombia. The song's beat and meter produce a sense of "grindin" through the constant yet rhythmic pounding similar to that of a street hustler banging on the streets. Also, the song mentions taking out “whoever gets in the way”, something for which Escobar would become extremely infamous.

My grind's 'bout family, never been about fame

From days I wasn't "Abel/able", there was always "Cain/caine"

Four and a half will get you in the game

Anything less is just a goddamn shame

Guess the weight, my watch got blue chips in the face

with two tips whoever gets in the way

Not to mention the hideaway that rests by the lake

Consider my water meaning the icing on the cake

Pusherman- Curtis Mayfield


Escobar continued to push his way to the top. With increased power and respect, he began to view his business as a “solid life of crime” that dealt with “ghetto demands”. Fueled by fear and “[insecurity] from the past”, Escobar expanded his empire to an unbelievable size. Like Mayfield, Escobar used his charisma and drive to work his way up. The song provides a laid back sound, one that serves perfectly to correspond to Escobar's comfort at being on top and underlying hubris. As with any high, however, the question of “how long can a good thing last?” was always lurking.

solid life, of crime

a man of odd circumstance

a victim of ghetto demands

feed me money for [style]

and i'll let you trip for a while

insecure from the past

how long can a good thing last?

Black Republicans- Nas ft. Jay Z


As Escobar’s power and wealth grew, he began to use his influence in other arenas. Unable to “turn [his] back on the hood” or “clean up (his) act for good”, Escobar began pumping large amounts of his dirty money into the local communities. Though many knew of his illegal dealings, few objected to his philanthropic efforts, including the erection of numerous schools, hospitals, and soccer stadiums. Also, in an attempt to gain further power in Colombia, Escobar ran a political campaign and was elected to the national senate. As with this song, a person who many see as unwholesome envisions the change he would make if placed in a position of political power. The song is very dark and has a grim sound. It offers a sense of the brooding nature of those who rise from nothing to positions of power.

I feel like a black militant takin' over the government

Can't turn my back on the hood, too much love for them

Can't clean my act up for good, too much thug in 'em

Probably end up back in the hood, I'm like f**k it then

Pool Shark- Sublime


As Escobar’s power continued to increase, the wealth and drug trade became an addiction for him. Similar to a heroin addict who’s “got the needle”, Escobar began to let things spiral out of control. Even as one of Forbes ten richest men in the world, Escobar refused to let up his ruthless tactics for economic gain. Though this attitude is what led to him to prominence, it also would lead to him “[losing] the war”. While not as dark as many of the other songs, the lyrics and mood seem to blend together to display the frantic nature of an addict looking for one more high, even if that high may be his last.


Now I've got the needle,

And I can shake,

but I can't breath.

Take it away, I want more and more.

One day I'm gonna lose the war.

Hate Me Now


After years of ruthless tactics, even the citizens of Medellin wanted nothing to do with Pablo Escobar. Following a serious of bombings that were clearly orchestrated by Escobar, a search bloc was formed to find and arrest Escobar. Though the search bloc used advanced technology and had numerous leads, they were never quite able to catch up with Escobar. As with this song's lyrics, Escobar seems to know "there's no turning back now" yet seems to thrive off the sense of imminent danger. The beat is very powerful and seems to engulf the listener, only further adding to this sense of the chase. It provides a romanticized view of the criminal lifestyle and demonstrates the iconic status criminals such as Escobar often achieve.


It's been a long time, been a long time comin

Looks like the death of me now

But you know, there's no turning back now

This is what makes me - this is what I am

Somebody’s Gotta Die- Notorious B.I.G.


When the pressure from the government and the threat of extradition became too intense, Escobar surrendered to authorities. Escobar did so, however, under the condition that he could remain in a prison he built himself, cleverly named La Catedral. After numerous murders were reported on the property, the Search Bloc moved in. It was clear that, as with "Somebody’s Gotta Die", there was no peaceful way to resolve the situation. The song does not provide a sense of fear but more that of readiness for a conclusion. The darkness and bluntness of the song reflect the real life scenario that was about to play out for Escobar. Escobar “let the gunshots blow” when he was confronted by authorities and died from a shot to the head, ending a life punctuated by remarkable highs and lows.


Somebody's gotta die

If I got, you gotta go

Somebody's gotta die

Let the gunshots blow

Somebody's gotta die

Nobody gotta know