Need help cutting traced image out of paths below

[TheRedSeth]

I have traced an image and then did expand on it giving me paths and compound paths. On a lower layer I have other paths that I would like to cutout in the shape of the upper layer. I cant seem to figure out how to do this and I think the issue is paths and compound paths not wanting to play nicely together.

If you look at the attached file what Im wanting to end up with is the shape of the dragon cutting through the colors so that the black background shows through. This is a design that will go on a black tshirt.
Can someone steer me in the right direction please?

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

Select all and then hit the button Merge in the Pathfinder panel.

Then ungroup.

Select one black shape and. Select > Same > Fill

Delete.

Then draw a shape and apply stroke and fill of none

Select > Same > Fill&Stroke

Delete.

[TheRedSeth]

Hmm...not following this. When I get to the delete step then everything is deleted. Following these steps im left with a blank workspace.

[TheRedSeth]

I kept playing around and ultimately used the Minus front after I did the same fill and stroke and that gave me what I was looking for. Thanks for the help

[Monika Gause]

Glad you could solve this.