GET TO KNOW: HINDOWA

Portland-based rapper HINDOWA is quickly emerging as one of the most distinctive voices operating within alternative hip hop, crafting music that feels as personal as it is uncompromising. His latest project 'Warchief 2: The Cure' is a sprawling 17-track mixtape that dives deep into themes of identity, heritage, resilience, and self-discovery, all filtered through an experimental sonic lens that embraces imperfection and authenticity.

Led by the powerful single 'Honcho’s Dead', the release showcases HINDOWA’s gift for vivid storytelling and emotionally charged lyricism, while drawing from a family history shaped by migration, survival, and perseverance.

So with the new collection out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and influences over the years.

What was the first band or artist you fell in love with? 

Definitely 50 Cent. What he was doing at the time was seamlessly bridging his life into the music with the final product sounding like a motion picture film. Bands I from O’jays, The Roots, Jackson 5, & Beatles.. later down the line I’m introduced to Gorillaz, Good Charlotte & Linkin Park from whatever Tony Hawk or Madden Game I was playing at the time.

(Khruangbin & The Roots) I’d say are my standouts

Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like? 

Oh yeah, rap group after rap group; even a few go go bands; before Van Cortlandt Music Group (VCMG) . When it came to Go-Go I was usually playing keyboards & for that our sound was decent, grass-root & raw, I was satisfied with those sounds. 

As far as rap and hip hop I wanted to cover all angles. You could be out rapped by a guy with a guitar who could do John Meyer covers easily. A Colombian guy with an international flavour so it didn’t come across as an impersonation but distinguished.. it stood out.

A singer with a natural R&B arsenal with a voice potentially big as broadway & other artists multifaceted able to work & contribute in film. All in all the sound was international, undeniable.. at the least profitable.

What has been your primary inspiration in writing music? 

Primary inspiration is wherever things are in life at the moment. Once I hear an instrumental a chorus immediately just comes together. Sometimes something would happen during my day I think to build on but daily occurrences usually just fall into the verses. These days I never really know until the instrumentals are going.. some things come and I expound on it.

What is a song you wish you had written yourself? 

“End of Beginning” by Djo

If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be? 

Relive? No. Anything that was that cool I’m going to again if I haven’t already.

Which artist would you most love to share a stage with? 

Any instrumentalist, DJ or producer

And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well? 

Any instrumentalist, DJ Steezy Steve, Pharrell Williams

Where do you see yourself in five years time? 

In 5 years I see song placements for video games and films. A strong fanbase that’s gotten to grow with us over the time. Intimate shows to remember and still enjoying this.

Listen to HINDOWA's new mixtape 'Warchief 2: The Cure' below.