SPOTLIGHT: Aztlan Underground
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The conscious, Indigenous, rock-infused, hip-hop music of Aztlan Underground is still bringing musical medicine to audiences after more than two decades.
An institution in their own right, Aztlan Underground has been instrumental in influencing a new generation of musicians and free-thinkers. Their work within the community proves their dedication to their word, work and statement as a real, conscious, intellectual musical movement in this world of fashion, commercialism and industry standards for the last two decades.
Aztlan Underground has played with amazing conscious groups like Dead Prez and Rage Against the Machine and continue to rock crowds and communities around the country and globe. With songs like the anthem "My Blood is Red" and "Decolonize", Aztlan Underground smashes through the expectations of what a rock band should be and keeps their self-determination on the frontline of their tools for conscious expression.
Their sound comes from a mesh of different musical backgrounds mostly reigning from the Punk and Thrash metal scene in Los Angeles. Mixed with some Hiphop and Traditional instruments, they have achieved an unforgettable sound that keeps everyone on edge til the last song is played and the eagle down settles.
Growing up within poverty and a violent society, Aztlan Underground has turned these societal ills around and projected this energy into a form of music and collective movement that has reached out to Indigenous people around the world. Using elements of their own culture like the traditional instruments and native language of Nahuatl, their music and philosophies have become the theme music of a generation and fuel to a fire of freedom and expression.
If you're on the path to decolonization and self-determination, Aztlan Underground is a definite must for your playlists. They will make you rethink, reframe then repatriate your eardrums and pledge allegiance to the ancestors and musical spirits for the coming of such a group.
To see more about Aztlan Underground check out the links below:
Aztlan Underground's YouTube channel
