BudaMunk & Chikaramanga "The Quest" (7”)

Limited Edition of 300 Copies

Beatmakers BudaMunk and Chikaramanga—who have built their careers between Tokyo and Los Angeles—join forces for a split beat project titled The Quest, set for release on May 23rd (Friday) via limited edition 7-inch vinyl (300 copies) and digital platforms.

The concept of The Quest revolves around each artist’s personal journey in sound. With one track per side, each beat represents a completely different approach to production, showcasing their distinct individual styles.

Side A: “Blunted Quest” by BudaMunk

A signature BudaMunk joint—smoky, heavy, and deeply hypnotic. Slowed-down samples and loose, rugged drums blend like a hazy cloud, pulling the listener into his introspective world.

Deceptively simple on the surface, the track highlights BudaMunk’s refined sense of space and subtle architecture. “Blunted Quest” is an evolution of his artistry—a reminder of the philosophy that underpins his beatmaking.

Side B: “Los Marvels” by Chikaramanga

Driven by the unmistakable knock of the Akai MPC 60, this track delivers a raw 90s Hip Hop vibe with a modern twist. With shifting loop arrangements and a strong narrative feel, “Los Marvels” carries a sense of storytelling that’s core to Chikaramanga’s style. Far from mere nostalgia, it reflects a fresh interpretation of tradition—true to his signature approach.

Two distinct sonic philosophies, pressed onto wax—The Quest is a true “dialogue in sound.”

Through contrasting perspectives, BudaMunk and Chikaramanga carve their respective paths of exploration into this split release.

About BudaMunk & Chikaramanga

BudaMunk & Chikaramanga are beatmakers whose paths converge at the intersection of Tokyo and Los Angeles, embodying a deep-rooted connection to both the golden era of Hip Hop and the evolving beat culture of both cities.

They first crossed paths in the early 2000s at a show in Los Angeles where Giant Panda and BudaMunk’s crew, Live Radio, shared the stage—a moment that sparked their long-standing connection.

BudaMunk, born and raised in Shinjuku, Tokyo, moved to LA in 1996 and began crafting beats during his time there. After returning to Japan in 2006, he released numerous projects—both solo and with groups like Sick Team and Green Butter—through influential Japanese labels such as Jazzy Sport and Dogear. Balancing commercial work with a strong underground presence, his sound eventually reached global audiences through releases on Delicious Vinyl, Fat Beats, and more.

Chikaramanga, known for his role in the iconic LA-based Hip Hop collective Giant Panda, brought his craft back to Tokyo after leaving a mark on the underground scene of the early 2000s. Renowned for his mastery of the Akai MPC 60 and Maschine, he also heads the LA-based label TRES, driven by a mission to “preserve the tradition, yet stimulate the progress.” Drawing inspiration from 70s and 80s Japanese vinyl, his beats connect the roots of hip hop with its next wave.

Together, BudaMunk & Chikaramanga channel their shared experiences in Tokyo and Los Angeles into timeless beats—bridging distinct approaches to beatmaking with a unified vision to push the culture forward on a global scale.

If you are in Japan or other Asian countries, please order from Third Party Collectives in Japan.  

If you are in Europe, please order from HHV.de.

Artist: BudaMunk & Chikaramanga
Title: The Quest
Cat#: TR396-096
Format: 7" Vinyl (45 RPM / Black vinyl with a large hole)
Condition: New (Original)

Track List
Side A:  BudaMunk / Blunted Quest
Side B: Chikaramanga / Lost Marvels