The Power of Hip-Hop to Inspire Change

Shiprock Chapter

Yá’át’ééh. Naakai Diné’é nishłį́, Tachii’nii bashishchiin, Hooghan Łáni dashicheii, áádóó Tábąąhá dashinalí.

I am of the Mexican Clan, born for the Red Running Into the Water People Clan. My maternal grandfather is of the Many Hogans Clan, and my paternal grandfather is of the Water’s Edge Clan. I am a Diné man currently based in the unceded territory of the Tiwa people in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am also a descendant of the respected Diné leader and warrior Bizhoshi.

My name is Christopher Mike Bidtah, though most people know me by my artist name, Def-I., My artist name reminds me of who I am whenever I pray and reconnect with my culture. My family has always remained deeply connected to our Diné identity, our relatives, and our traditions. Those teachings continue to guide me in everything I do.

I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but I spent most of my childhood growing up in Shiprock, where my mother still lives today. Although I now travel extensively as a recording artist, music producer, poet, educator, presenter, and U.S. Cultural Ambassador, Shiprock will always be home. It was there that I found my voice, discovered hip hop, and realized music could become much more than entertainment. It became a way to educate, inspire, and advocate for my people.

One of the greatest influences in my life has always been my mother, Dr. Pandora Mike, who has dedicated her career to education across the Navajo Nation. Growing up, I spent many afternoons and evenings in her classroom, watching firsthand what it meant to serve your community through education. Coming from a family of educators taught me that learning does not only happen in school. Some of life’s greatest lessons come through culture, lived experiences, travel, creativity, and the people who invest in you.

My mother’s dedication to Diné students earned her national recognition as a National Distinguished Principal, making her one of the first Indigenous educators to receive the honor. Seeing her commitment to students inspired me to become an educator in my own way. Whether I am performing on stage, leading workshops, speaking in schools, or mentoring youth, I hope to encourage others just as she has inspired generations of students.

Growing up in Shiprock was not always easy. Like many young people on the reservation, I witnessed trauma, addiction, violence, and poverty. There were not always opportunities or creative outlets, and it would have been easy to follow a different path. Instead, I found Hip Hop.

My older brother Shane Bidtah, was the first person who introduced me to the culture. We grew up playing sports, wrestling, and doing what most kids on the reservation did. One day after wrestling practice, he suggested we try rapping. We started writing lyrics and performing together, never imagining that music would shape the rest of our lives.

Back then, making music was not as easy as it is today. We learned however we could. A neighbor, Gabe Dixon introduced us to recording equipment and beat production, giving us one of our first opportunities to create our own music. My poetry teacher, Mr.Jim Kelly, also believed in us. He encouraged us to perform our poetry, rap, and dance in front of the entire school at Shiprock High School. Those early experiences gave me the confidence to continue pursuing music.

Hip hop became more than music; it became a positive outlet and a lifeline. While many young people around us were being pulled toward drugs, gangs, and other destructive paths, we were writing songs, breakdancing, performing poetry, and collaborating with other artists. It gave us purpose, confidence, and a healthy way to express ourselves. It also showed me that art has the power to heal, connect communities, and create opportunities where few existed.

Throughout my career, I have lost people who meant everything to me. My older brother, Shane Bidtah, who first introduced me to hip hop, was tragically murdered. My best friend and longtime collaborator, (Wake Self) Andy Martinez but family and close friends called him Andy, was also taken from us far too soon. Wake was one of the most gifted freestyle artists I have ever known, and together we dreamed of creating music that would inspire our communities. Their memories continue to motivate me every time I step onto a stage. I carry them with me through every performance, every workshop, and every young person I encourage to follow their own dreams.

As I traveled and performed, I realized music could be about more than entertainment. It could educate, inspire, and create change.

One experience that transformed my perspective was attending the Power Shift Conference in Washington, D.C., alongside Wake Self. We joined thousands of young people advocating for clean energy and environmental justice. Standing beside Indigenous youth, artists, organizers, and community leaders showed me that music could amplify important messages and inspire action. That experience changed the way I viewed my role as an artist. I no longer wanted to simply entertain people. I wanted my music to advocate for my community, our land, and our future.

When I returned home, I became involved in environmental movements across the Navajo Nation, including the Desert Rock movement, where community members came together to protect Diné land. My aunt, Eloise Brown, invited us to perform in support of the movement.

I will never forget that day.

We traveled deep into our homelands while the ceremony was taking place. The moment we stepped onto the stage, an incredibly powerful wind swept across the area. It was so strong we could barely keep our footing, yet we continued performing. Standing there, surrounded by our people and our sacred homeland, I felt something much greater than myself. It reminded me that we were not simply performing songs, we were using our voices to stand with our community, honor our ancestors, and protect the land for future generations.

That experience changed my understanding of what music could do. From then on, I wanted every song to carry a purpose. Music became a way to advocate for Mother Earth, strengthen Indigenous communities, and inspire young people to use their own voices to create positive change.

I have been fortunate to perform across the United States and around the world, but some of my most meaningful performances have taken place back home on the Navajo Nation. Returning to Shiprock to perform for students feels like coming full circle. It reminds me why I started making music, not for fame, but to give back to the communities that raised me.

Today, I continue to travel as an artist, educator, and cultural ambassador, but my mission remains the same. I want young people to know that creativity can change lives. Whether it is music, poetry, dance, or visual art, every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their voice. If we continue investing in arts education, mentorship, and opportunities for our youth, I believe future generations of Diné people will not only preserve our culture, but they will continue to strengthen it and carry it forward.

— Christopher “Def-I” Mike Bidtah, Shiprock Chapter, August 2026