The Calgary-based hip-hop duo Cartel Madras has exploded onto the international stage. These talented sisters earned their spotlight through high-octane tracks that dive deep into sharp social and cultural commentary. In this article for calgary-trend, we’re spotlighting the rise of these incredible women.
The Origins of the Duo
Cartel Madras consists of sisters Eboshi and Contra. Born in India and raised in Calgary, they identify as queer artists who blend raw gangsta rap with techno and house influences. Their sound is so eclectic that it often defies traditional genre labels altogether.
Growing up surrounded by various Indian languages and musical traditions sparked their creative fire. For Eboshi and Contra, following a conventional path like medicine or engineering was never on the table; music was their calling from the start.
Having immigrated to Canada at a young age, the sisters hit the Calgary scene in 2017. Within a year, they were being hailed as some of the most original and captivating live performers in the Canadian hip-hop circuit. Their sisterly bond provides a unique creative edge, allowing them to balance their sound by playing off each other’s distinct strengths and talents.
Their ascent was rapid, fueled initially by tracks uploaded to SoundCloud. In 2018, they dropped their debut mixtape, “Project Goonda Part 1: Trapistan,” and made a massive impression performing at the POP Montreal music festival that same year.
A Career in Fast-Forward
By 2019, the duo signed with the iconic American record label Sub Pop. Under the label, they quickly established a bold visual aesthetic, often directing their own music videos. That same year, they secured a grant to produce the video for “Eric Andre (Slick Rick James),” which premiered in May. 2019 also saw the release of their breakout hit “Goonda Gold,” a track that garnered attention from MTV, Vogue, NME, and even landed on the UFC 4 soundtrack.
The following year, the duo embarked on their first international tour across North America, cementing their status among underground hip-hop fans. They followed this momentum with their third EP, “The Serpent and the Tiger,” featuring the standout singles “WORKING” and “DRIFT.”
Today, Cartel Madras continues to push boundaries. Their tracks tackle themes of feminism, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience, winning over audiences across North America, Europe, and India.
What Sets Them Apart?
In a male-dominated industry, Cartel Madras is on a mission to level the playing field. Women in rap often face immense pressure to be hyper-sexualized. While the sisters don’t mind embracing their “hotness,” they also give themselves the freedom to look unpolished or raw. For them, the priority is always the music and the quality of the art.
The sisters also bring a heavy dose of personality to their work. Known for their sharp sarcasm and wit, they aren’t afraid to inject “silly” or irreverent humor into their tracks. They reject the idea that “diaspora artists” must always be somber or defined solely by trauma. Life is tough enough, so Cartel Madras chooses to lead with a sense of fun.
As Eboshi noted in an interview: “I think people might expect two Indian female rappers to complain about being ignored by the West or how hard life is. Family struggles are definitely in our music, but it’s just as important to have a good time.”
Another defining trait is their refusal to chase algorithms. They avoid the trap of making music designed for clicks, focusing instead on creating unique pieces that resonate with a genuine, dedicated audience.
Ultimately, Cartel Madras is a true cultural force. By blending their heritage, personal authenticity, and modern musical trends, Eboshi and Contra prove that women in hip-hop can be exactly who they want to be: bold, witty, and fiercely independent.
