Lawyer Goes from Defending El Chapo to Dropping Sick Beats

MEXICO CITY (AP) A life of defending some of the most notorious figures in the world of organized crime can be intense and unforgiving, but for one lawyer, her journey has taken an unexpected turn into the world of music. Meet Mariel Colón, the woman who rose to fame after defending Joaquín El Chapo Guzmán, one of the most notorious drug lords of all time.

The scene has shifted significantly for Colón, who was once riding in a black SUV with tinted windows, flanked by heavily armed guards, as she arrived at the courthouse to defend her high-profile client. Fast forward to the present, and the same lawyer is now rolling up to remote mansions, strolling past security guards, and striding into dimly lit recording studios alongside none other than Emma Coronel, the wife of El Chapo himself.

Colón and Coronel have become an unlikely duo, sporting matching sunglasses and suits as they make their way through the exclusive mansion, which now serves as the perfect backdrop for Colón to explore her new passion music. The lawyer newfound fame has allowed her to transition into a new career path, leveraging her unique experience and connections to try her hand at producing and performing music.

Though some might view her transfer as unorthodox, Colón is no stranger to handling the spotlight and high-pressure situations. Defending someone like El Chapo is arguably one of the most intense and high-stakes professions imaginable, making for a very intense courtroom experience. Add to this the international notoriety surrounding Guzmán numerous escape attempts and subsequent recaptures, and Colón has truly earned her place in the big leagues of the law world.

With such high expectations and responsibility surrounding someone like El Chapo, Colón had become desensitized to danger. Riding in a bulletproof SUV, facing possible intimidation by the opposition, and dealing with numerous safety threats are just some of the experiences she became accustomed to making the relatively more serene world of music a welcome change of pace.