Giant Panda, still a symbol of remembering traditions without forgetting progression, is composed of childhood friends Newman and Maanumental(hailing from Seattle) and Chikaramanga(a Tokyo native), with their foundation based out of Los Angeles, CA. The trio’s name is simply an analogy to their ethnic and cultural make-up: what else would you call a group made up of white, black, and Asian guys?

The first single released was “88 Remix” independently in Dec. 2002, with airplay across the globe. The follow up to that was the acclaimed 12-inch single “With It” in September 2004 on Tres Records. “With It” received raves from print critics such as Chairman Mao from XXL.

2005 saw the release of Giant Panda's first full length, Fly School Reunion (Tres Records). FSR recieved great reviews in URB (4 1/2 stars) XXL, XLR8R, HHC, NME and plethora of other international magazines, and became a hit with college radio (#3 on CMJ hip-hop charts).? Giant Panda made URB’s list of the Next 100 in 2005. This buzz allowed Giant Panda to tour the West Coast with fellow Angelino hip-hoppers, People Under The Stairs and Time Machine. In 2006 GP hit the road with Ugly Duckling for a European tour, and then once again that year reached the European shores with People Under The Stairs.

In 2008 we will see the release of Giant Panda’s sophomore effort, Electric Laser. Overall Electric Laser is going to be forward step for Giant Panda, but not so forward to lose fans who appreciated their sound on their previous works.