18 year-old Xiuhtezcatl (pronounced “shoe-tez-caht”) Roske-Martinez from Denver, known mononymously as Xiuhtezcatl, is a climate reform activist and, now, hip-hop artist. His name translated from the Nahuatl language means “Turquoise Warrior,” and he is of Mexica heritage of the indigenous Aztec peoples of México.
Xiuhtezcatl released his first full-length hip-hop album titled “Break Free” (2018) this past October. The songs touch on the plights of modern society like environmental issues, police brutality, and institutional repression. His sister, Isa, was one of his major collaborators for this album. Another prominent feature is fellow Standing Rock activist and Hollywood actress, Shailene Woodley who can be heard on the track “Young”.
But, before the release of his album, Xiuhtezcatl had already garnered public attention for his activism. He has an impressive resume as an environmental reform advocate, starting from when he was just 6 years old years old. He is especially known for his participation in a lawsuit against the United States claiming neglect of the government towards the worsening conditions of climate change. Xiuhtezcatl argued this neglect of climate change as dramatically affecting the future of the planet and inevitably, the health and existence of future generations. Most of his work has been associated with Earth Guardians, an organization that provides youth activists a way to connect with each other. He is also one of the faces for Shepard Fairey’s newly announced We the Future project.
Though he is just now emerging into the music scene with Break Free, writing as an avenue of activism and expression was not something completely foreign for Xiuhtezcatl. In September of 2017, Xiuhtezcatl released a book titled We Rise, in which he details his start in activism. On the press tour for the book, he was a guest on The Daily Show and told host Trevor Noah that his next move is suing the Trump Administration.
“Break Free” marks Xiuhtezcatl inserting his message into popular culture alongside his other accomplishment of inserting himself into the narrative of U.S. politics.
Written by Celia Davalos