The Force Of Two - The Indigenous Cats Episode

Step Off! Radio

For the past several years underground Hip-Hop group Indigenous Cats, comprised of recording artists Calmplx and Ina Eyeris have made their rounds in the underground Hip-Hop scenes of Los Angeles, California. Garnering a small but dedicated and growing audience online, the duo regularly incorporate philosophies of decolonization, pan-Indigenous unity, and spirituality into their unique brand of music. With an increasingly growing profile, Indigenous Cat’s are swiftly rising stars in L.A.’s underground and Indigenous Hip-Hop scenes. Tracing their roots to El Salvador, and the islands of the Philippines and Russia, this literal power couple has built the foundations of their music on the sounds of underground Hip Hop, Reggae, and Jazz. Pulling inspiration from revered Hip-Hop artists such as Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest, Jedi Mind Tricks, Wu-Tang, MF DOOM, J Dilla, and Atmosphere. As well as acclaimed singers such as Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse, and Bob Marley. Utilizing classic Boom Bap production, the Southern California duo have crafted a sound that invokes the nostalgia of Hip-Hop’s golden era and conjures memories of classic New York artists of yesteryear. Together Indigenous Cats create a tapestry of different sounds, ideas, and philosophies in their music that is quite unlike anything else being created by their peers in the underground Hip-Hop scene of Los Angeles. Striving to create inspirational music that is timeless, not only for modern listeners but, future generations to come as well. Having garnered a dedicated and growing following online, the two are among some of the most prominent torchbearers at the forefront of Indigenous resistance in underground Hip-Hop. During our discussion with Calmplx and Ina we were able to talk about the origins and history of Indigenous Cats, their mixtape Traveling Souls Project, decolonization/Indigenous resistance in Hip-Hop, and other future projects currently in the works. With that said, we here at Step Off! Radio hope that you all enjoy our conversation with Calmplex and Ina of Indigenous Cats!