Cartel Madras is an absolute journey to witness. The hip-hop duo, featuring Chennai-born and Calgary-raised sisters Contra and Eboshi, crash through Chicago supporting Sudan Archives on their first U.S. tour ever. Signing to Sub Pop through the discovery of Ishmael Butler, most known as a member of Digable Planets and Shabazz Palaces, the duo delivers a righteous and tenacious set focused aiming to tear down the projects placed on their cities and their identities by historical crimes of culture. There is a storied effort to recapture and throw back the labels given to Chennai. “Madras” - the name given to the city by English colonizers in the 19th century, is given new authority in the duo’s moniker, placing “Madras” in a space where of reclaimed power taken purely by force. There’s a riot to be had in their world and the duo looks to lead the charge.
Cartel Madras opened for Sudan Archives at the sold-out Sleeping Village in Chicago. Check out the show gallery below:
