Cartel Madras are a Canadian Experimental hip-hop duo comprised of sisters Eboshi and Contra. Born in Chennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and raised in Calgary, Canada their music is a cultural syncretism; a heady mix of trap, punk ,and house.
Known for their live performance style; explosive and aggressive, Cartel Madras delivers their music by combining elements of the underground trap, queer, and punk scene – a new sound that has been anointed ‘goonda rap’. It is through word of mouth that followed their first year of performing in 2018 that their rise has been so quick. Their music is radical, racy, and truly unique in the contemporary international hip hop landscape. Signed to the legendary Sub Pop records in 2019, they released their hit single Goonda Gold in the same year which has found its way to MTV, Vogue, NME & UFC 4.
Fresh off their North American tour with Sudan Archives in 2020, Cartel’s international tour dates were cut short due to COVID19, since then they have released their third EP The Serpent and the Tiger featuring singles WORKING & DRIFT. In 2022 Cartel Madras has seen success at SXSW performing alongside label-mates CHAI, and will be touring the UK in May and Europe later on in the year. Beyond creating music, both Eboshi & Contra produce and direct most of their own music videos under the larger production entity FOREIGNERZ.
