Giant Panda: Funky Music

“We’re just trying to keep music funky.” Their only disclaimer is that they put it down…every time. Without hesitation, they know their group brings new energy and as their second album release, Electric Laser, their progression can’t be stopped. Arrogant? No. Confident and loving what they are doing? Yes. It’s simple. This recipe includes three dudes; two that have grown up together and the third included during college who had sheer production talent = Giant Panda. Their personal description reads: Maanumental (black dude, rapper of few peers), Newman (white dude, raps some, beats), Chikaramanga (amazin Asian dude, bilingual emcee, chops samples like karate champ). “We’d say we’re in between Ghostface and G-Unit. Aesthetically, we’re like the Gorillas. It’s an animal war.”

Maybe it’s not really an animal war, but like the Gorillas, Giant Panda brings originality and creativity. They classify their sound as funky hip hop, full of hard drums and good rhythm. That’s what good music is missing they state. People aren’t feeling good. Materialism, violence, drugs, women, cars; you name it, it’s killing the game and good content is scarce. Their song, 90s states all of that. It’s a pictorial reference to hip hop when it was at its prime. When artists cared about what they said and integrity was the focal point. How many artists can you name that still focus on that?

Electric Laser is their newest project. Its foundation resembles everything they grew up with. “We are in our own little area; we aren’t trying to be like everyone else. We grew up in the Yo! MTV Raps era that played videos and exposed kids to all walks of life. So, we’re into everything as a result. Even the boogity-woogity. “I grew up with skateboards and Alex used to be in punk bands and Chikara loved Bobby Brown! Lol”

With a long list of artists from hip hop’s past that still get play on their playlists; newbies such as Kanye West, People Under the Stairs and currently Raashan Ahmad are some of the artists that flood their systems. “We’re looking for that new Rich Boy! I heard it was supposed to be good lol N.E.R.D as well. We’re into anyone that likes to have fun.” Ahmad, with the release of his latest album The Push is who they are currently touring with. “We’re promoting our album and promoting our friend Raashan Ahmad’s album right now. Electric Laser dropped last month and it’s got serious beats with an electric laser sound. Some scary shit and some fun shit…our name came from Chikara, he wanted something 60s/70s-ish and we thought it sounded funny and redundant.”

Expect anything from Giant Panda. Vulnerable with a hint of conviction in delivery, their music is where hip hop is going; experimental sound, fresh rhymes and personality to match their name which suggests their aesthetic make-up; Asian, Black and Caucasian guys creating an atmosphere of their own.

www.myspace.com/giantpanda is where you can find their music.