Ozomatli is a seven-piece band playing primarily Latin, hip hop, and rock music, formed in 1995 in Los Angeles. They are known both for their vocal activist viewpoints and their wide array of musical styles - including salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, rap, and others. The group formed in 1995 and has since released seven studio albums. The group is also known for advocating for farm-workers' rights and immigration reform. The band has performed in various countries all over the world, including China, Tunisia, Jordan, and Burma.
In 1998, Ozomatli released its self-titled debut album, and soon after opened for Carlos Santana on his Supernatural world tour. The group released Embrace the Chaos in 2001, followed by Street Signs in 2004. Don't Mess with the Dragon followed in 2007, which saw the band experimenting with a more diverse array of musical styles. The group composed music for Happy Feet 2 and recorded Ozomatli Presents Ozokidz, a family-friendly album. Since 2011, Ozomatli has also served as the in-house band for stand-up comedian Gabriel Iglesias' television show, Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand Up Revolution.
Ozomatli is the debut studio album by the Latin funk band Ozomatli, released on June 16, 1998 on Almo Sounds. The song "Cut Chemist Suite" was featured on the soundtrack for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3.
We are living in dangerous times
And all Gods children have learned how to fight
Shedding their young blood
Shedding their tears
They can’t go on living their lives in fear
They’ve watched their empires rise and fall
Ghostly reflections through crumbled walls
So many innocents tried to stand tall
Only to be knocked down, battered and scarred
Someone will conquer, and someone will die
And some of them will just turn their heads
And turn away, in these dangerous times
A bustle in the kitchen to get supper on
The radio is playing some familiar song
There’s a lover’s quarrel, with the TV on
They’re all unaware of injustice and wrong
Someone will conquer, and someone will die
Some of them will just turn their heads
And turn away, oh...
Don’t you think it’s time to tell a nation
This can’t be right?
Or did someone kill the white dove
In the name of justice, or sacrifice?
All stands quiet in Tienanman Square today
No sign of trouble, no flowers on the graves
No raging voices, no sign of change
No sign of anything
But their blood-stained message remains
We are living in dangerous times
And all Goas children have learned how to fight
Shedding their young blood
Shedding their tears