Arley Pérez, also known as El Rayo de Sinaloa, is a singer, songwriter, and accordionist known for narcocorridos and rancheras, with a strong following in Northern Mexico and the Southeastern United States. He became one of the defining voices in the alternative corrido lane by leaning into a raw, outlaw style that made his music both controversial and highly influential.

Inspired at a young age by major regional Mexican influences, he started composing at 11 and was already writing songs as a young teenager under the mentorship of established artists. His recording run began with live albums in 2008, and over the next several years he kept building momentum through touring and a steady stream of releases, even as parts of his music faced bans in Mexico because of its subject matter.