Country and Mexican Music Unite in New Hit Collaboration

Nashville, TN — On March 28, 2025, country star Jimmie Allen released a new single titled “She Hurts Like Tequila,” featuring the rising Mexican artist Carin León. This collaboration blends traditional country sounds with the vibrant elements of música mexicana, showcasing a unique cross-cultural fusion.

The lead single’s catchy chorus blends both genres seamlessly, with León singing, “No puedo negar que un día me va a matar/She hurts like tequila,” setting the tone for the song’s exploration of love and heartache intertwined with the theme of tequila. Allen joins in on the next verse, adding his signature style: “Every taste of her heavenly lips/Is laced with her wickedness.”

In a behind-the-scenes video released alongside the track, Allen shared that the inspiration for this collaboration struck him while dining at a Mexican restaurant. Listening to León’s music for the first time, he was compelled to connect with the artist. “I downloaded everything on my phone. The next day, at my ranch, we were roping. I played all of the albums I had downloaded,” he explained. “My buddies said, ‘What is this? I can’t understand anything they’re saying. It’s all in Spanish. But it feels good. It feels really good.’”

The duo then met in Las Vegas to craft the song, drawing on the cultural significance of tequila. “I appreciate you giving me the chance to crossover to a whole different type of Spanish music,” Allen said. León responded warmly, emphasizing the importance of this collaboration: “For my country and for my music, it’s important to cross this line between música mexicana and country music. I’m very glad it’s with you.”

León has been a major force in bridging the gap between these genres, having made history last year as the first Mexican artist to perform at the Stagecoach Festival. “It was nearly impossible for this moment not to come,” he stated after his performance. “It was almost intuitive, especially with how similar these genres are. The music on both sides is almost primal, without pretension.”

This new bilingual collaboration marks Allen’s first single since the release of the deluxe edition of his album last year, which included tracks like “The Painter” and “Dirt Cheap.” León has also been busy, featuring on tracks such as “La Güera y La Morena” and collaborating with PabloPablo and Ralphie Choo on “Eso Que Tú Llamas Amor.”

As the collaboration gains momentum, fans are eager to see how this blending of musical styles will shape the future of both country and Mexican music.