"Cool feat. Big Tone" 7" Release by CHIKARAMANGA (of Giant Panda)

Alright, we've got two weeks until the exhibition of "EARTH" begins. We'll keep you updated with what's going on in the life of SIR members, and some "behind the scenes" sneakpeaks...

For the night of reception event, we'd like to welcome Chikaramanga from Tres Records in Los Angeles. He is known as MC/DJ/producer from the Hip Hop trio Giant Panda, and one of the founders of Tres Records. He is currently working on his solo project - a series of 7" vinyl releases in collaboration with other artists from his label. Check it out!

Artist: Chikaramanga (of Giant Panda)

Title: Cool feat. Big Tone

Cat# TR396-065

Format: 7”

Track List:

Side A

Cool feat. Big Tone

Side B

Cool - Instrumental

About Chikaramanga

Raised in Shibuya, Tokyo, Chikaramanga (General Manager and one of the founders of TRES Records), developed his Hip Hop career starting off as a DJ in ’93. After a year of rocking the crowd (both on the tables and on the mic), he began to take on the roll of the MC more seriously, but in his native tongue. With this natural progression that most DJ’s seem to go through, Chikara eventually found himself making beats. With all three titles under his belt, it was time for this Japanese MC/DJ/Producer to make his next move. So in ’97, he moved to the United States.

Here in the U.S., he met future group mates, Newman and Maanumental, and in 2001 they became Giant Panda. In 2005 they dropped their debut album, Fly School Reunion, and in 2008, had their sophomore album, Electric Laser (Chikara serving as a DJ/MC/Producer). He’s currently putting together his “producer” project, which will include collaborations with his close friends and affiliates. This project will be a series of 7 inch releases.

The first song to be released from the series features Detroit native, Big Tone. The track is appropriately titled, Cool. The title itself, explains the entire vibe of the song. From the comping of the keys, to the loose style of Tone, and from the subtle horn lines, to the swingin’ chopped drums, Chikaramanga made this track do exactly that. It remains cool, and allows the listeners to do as well. With a jazz sample laced with drums to match, the complex, yet easy flowing wordplay of Big Tone pieces it all together to make the perfect debut single from Chikara’s special 7 inch project.

About Big Tone:

Big Tone is one of the latest acts to come out of the TRES Records label. With his solo album “The Art of Ink”, his long list of production credits, and the great opportunity to be featured on Jay-Dee’s Welcome 2 Detroit LP, Big Tone is definitely hailed as another great artist to come out of Motor City.

Check out TRES RECORDS Official Website:

http://www.tresrecords.com/