Q&A With Aztlan Underground
[Originally published in the Mexika Eagle Society’s In Kuauhtlahtoa: The Journal of Native Resistance — Online Edition, 2002]
By Kurly Tlapoyawa & Ilwixochitl
Q — Who is Aztlan Underground? How many members are there?
A — Aztlan Underground is a band that is dedicated to spreading native identity and self-determination, fighting for all oppressed humanity and Mother earth. Very inspired by the EZLN. We consist of 6 members with various people helping out. Our core members are Bulldog-vocals, Native percussion and flute; Bean-samples, ZoRock-Guitar and samples; Ace-drums and Native percussion; Joe-Bass, Native percussion and huehuetl, and flute; Yaotl-vocals and huehuetl.
Q — When did you guys form as a group?
A — Conceptually in 1988 but formally in 1990
Q — When did you first get introduced to Mexikayotl — to our traditional ways?
A — We were introduced to Mexikayotl in 1985 when we were exposed to Danza here in LA. It was at a four directions cultural unity benefit in east los that we were first exposed. Danza was our first intro to our ways and way to meet others who were studying our cultura. By 1988 when we first were turned on to Black nationalist groups such as Public Enemy and BDP in Hip Hop we were moved by their message and realized that there was nothing for our people to look to and were/are confined to embracing the dominant culture. Ways of the Iztac. So, we wanted to break the notions that we were illegal by affirming to our people our native identity and roots of which our lost in these western schools that teach us George Washington is our father, huh!! We wanted to bring back the understanding of Aztlan and place of our origin. The connection to the land that was torn from us. To dissect the way in which they have colonized us and made us believe in the white ways and not our own from the Spanish to the English. We wanted and want to resurrect our true identity is how we started. So, we united the ancient with the present by fusing our native instruments with hip hop and our message to create a bridge to our identity.
Q — Did you ever seek a contract with a major label, or has the plan always been to be independent?
A — We never sought it out but after performing with Rage against the machine in 93 we were offered a demo deal by west coast PolyGram, who loved it but had to ok it through NY. New York is where the president of PolyGram had his office. He could not understand the native aspect of it and sent it to their marketing director. They could not figure it out. They ended up offering a single deal but did what they call “dragged the deal out” till it was void. That did not stop us as we have and always will continue no matter what. The message has to get out there. This is why we helped form the collective known as XRF to promote our art no matter what the odds. Self Determination and Art as a weapon.
Q — Where do you see the struggle for Native self-determination heading?
A — For us we see pan native understanding growing way more than it ever has but it really needs to gel more in order for us to be able to manifest the potential of true continental sovereignty. We still have a lot of homework to do.
Q — As far as Native people in entertainment are concerned — who do you think is actively representing our people in a good way as opposed to assimilating?
A — John Trudell, Xavier Quijas, Casper, Julian B, Shadowyze to name a few.
Q — What is one thing you would like our people to know about Aztlan Underground?
A — That it ain’t about AUG but about the message. We are humans like anyone and value the message over any individual/collective attribute. We need to come back to our natural ways of being Native, but we are making mistakes along the way. We wouldn’t be human if we didn’t. It is about the message and not the messengers.
©2002 Mexika Eagle Society All rights reserved.
