When he’s not doing the robot in cyberspace with Giant Panda, making beats, DJing somewhere in the L.A. area he is running Tres Records. Who is this superman? Chikaramanga that’s who.

Continuing to fill his busy schedule, he has recently teamed up with rapper ESQ for a new album, The Succession (iTunes). The team of ESQ and Chikara is a great match and the album reflects that. We were lucky enough to have him take the time to sit down with us. In this two part interview, we talk with Chikara about his early music history, his equipment, and watch as he demonstrates how he builds a beat for the new album.

There are so many instrumental names in the SoCal hiphop scene, I consider Chikaramanga to be one them and we were fortunate for this opportunity.

You can keep up with Chikara and Tres Records through their website Tres Records as well as on Twitter, and FaceBook.

Chikara is currently DJing at Las Perlas (Down Town LA) 107 E.6th St LA 90014. NO COVER. 21+. Every Friday