Moshow, born Dwayne Molock, is known throughout the Internet as the cat rapper. In his song “Cat World,” he raps, “I’m chilling in a cat world/ I got cats in my house man/ cats on the floor.” And it’s true: Moshow and his girlfriend make a complete family with their four hairless cats, and making music is a family affair. His girlfriend films his videos, and his cats — Tali, Sushi, MegaMam, and Ravioli — all have starring roles in them.

The Portland resident describes his music as “very colorful,” and adds that it’s “filled with cat love and love for cat ladies.” So if you’re needing a bit of a pick-me-up, he's the emcee for you.

Hometown: Baltimore, MD

Homebase: Portland, OR

Why do you call yourself Moshow?

Moshow comes from my dad; his last name is Molock, and they called him the “MO-SHOW” back in high school because he was a star basketball player. So it’s me paying respect back to my dad.

What came first? Wanting to be a musician or falling in love with your cats and using them as inspiration? 

I was born and raised in the Projects Perkins Homes in Baltimore. I was always exposed to music through my parents and friends as a kid. I had my musician moment when I couldn't stop writing rhymes and freestyling. One day I just grabbed my cat and started rapping. It’s what I’ve been doing for years off camera, so I just did it. I feel in love with my cats because they truly love me. I'm their father and we just have a connection I can’t explain in words. I use them because they keep me alive. They make me happy; they are part of me and we are ONE.

Who are your musical heroes and why do they inspire you?

Lil Wayne, because he's one of the greatest to ever do it. James Taylor — I just love all his songs and he's a legend. Senses Fail — I love this band because they were always so raw with emotions. Sade, because she's just mind blowing.

What's the story behind your hairless sphynx?

I have three sphynx, all three are girls ... Tali is the actual birth mom to Sushi and MegaMam, who are birth sisters, so YES I have one big family!!! I also have one Devon Rex cat who's a boy, and his name is Ravioli. So I have four cats altogether. I always wanted Sphynx cats because they remind me of me. Very weird and bald, just like me! I feel like I understand them and they understand me. I have four cats because I'm CAT CRAZY!

How did you end up in Portland from Baltimore?

It was a goal of mine to move across the country to follow my dreams, so one day I made up my mind and set a date. When the date came I made it happen.

How does living in Oregon influence your songwriting?

I just feel super free here, and I just don't care. It makes me create what makes me happy, and as long as I'm happy with my music I'm happy! 

What's your songwriting process?

I wake up and whatever I'm feeling that day, I start writing and start making it happen.

I read that you were into gangsta rap as a kid but that didn't feel like you. Which of your contemporaries do you now enjoy listening to?

I pretty much enjoy listening to everybody because music is music, so I'm always excited to listen as a fan to see what people create.

How do you describe your music to people who haven't heard it before?

I would say it’s kinda odd, when some people listen to it the first time. You may not understand it at all, but eventually it starts to make sense. It’s more of a lifestyle and feeling!

What's the craziest thing a fan has ever done for you?

They made a seven-foot cardboard cut-out of me and partied with it all night at a casino and through their town. [Laughs]

If you were a hashtag, what would you be?

#TheCatGod

What’s on your to-do list before 2016 ends?

Just to be the best I can and try my very, very best to spread the cat love.

Who makes your videos?

My girlfriend Emcee; she's my favorite cat lady.

Is it easy to film with your cats?

Yes its very easy to film with my cats because what you see in my videos is what my life is off the camera. This is all real-life things that happen daily.