One of the original groups signed to Headshots (which later became indie rap stalwart Rhymesayers), Los Nativos used both American and Latin musical traditions in their own blend of politically and socially aware hip-hop. MC Felipe Cuauhtli (Felipe Espinoza-Day) and MC/producer Chilam Balam (Jermain Ybarra) had to spend many years performing at small community events around the Twin Cities before their first single, "TtLtLACHINOLLi," came out in 2002, but their fan base proved strong and in 2003 Los Nativos released their full-length debut, Dia de los Muertos, followed the next year by Red Star Fist. ~ Marisa Brown