Rare has it been that a Latino rap group has been able to take the underground by storm without selling its soul. Independent Los Angeles artists Aztlan Underground see themselves as Indigenous campesinos (farm workers) planting seeds of rebellion for almost a decade. Their third release "Sub Verses" concocts the rage and wisdom of Chuck D with the passion of Rage Against the Machine.Like humble warriors they have moved in silence, steering clear of the paparazzi, while offering "War Flowers" in the struggle for decolonization.

Concha shells, phat bass lines, native drums, Peruvian flutes and screaming guitar riffs create a sound that both liberate and inspire the soul. Their music creates a native ceremony; a healing process where indeed la cultura cura. '(Culture cures) Amidst the healing, a dual awakening is also taking place at 'no holds barrred.' Their assault is a "lyrical drive-by" on cultural imperialism, Americanization and false prophets.

Aztlan Underground is a wake up call against the strategic mind control by TV screens and the silver screen that have most of us cloned like fiends. If music is supposed to inspire, not only do they spit fire, but they elevate our mind-state to a platform much higher.

Written by: Cesar A. Cruz

Permiso

They Move in Silence

No Soy Animal

Killing Season

Blood on Yor Hands

Reality Check

Lemon Pledge

Revolution

Preachersof of the Blind State

Lyrical Drive-By

Nahui Ollin

How to Catch a Bullet

Ik Otik

Obsolete Man

Decolonize

War Flowers