While many labels face extinction, Los Angeles based Tres Records continues to build, network and produce high quality independent hip hop by sporting a rock solid roster and mind state that beholds lasting power. The artist owned label has already built a sturdy foundation with Giant Panda, Lightheaded, Thes One, DJ Alibi, Blu's side projects, Shawn Jackson, Big Tone, Paten Locke, Co$$, DJ Lowkey and continue to expand.
One of their most recent expansion draft picks was long time MC and activist, ESQ. This nomadic MC has already released three solo records, trekked our countryside with numerous marquee artists, and helped spread US hip hop throughout Asia, but it wasn't until long time friend Paten Locke introduced him to Giant Panda DJ and Tres co-founder, Chikaramanga, that ESQ got a proper spot on the soapbox.
Later this year, ESQ and Chikaramanga will release their debut collaboration record, The Succession, but until then we have been given gift in the form of a 19-track mix tape that is beautifully mixed by DJ Lowkey and spotlights ESQ's mic skills over various Tres Record beats. In one of the most slept on mix tapes of 2010, ESQ lifts the dying spirit of an underwhelming year in independent hip hop with a throwback tongue twisting temperament reminiscent of the years when intelligent, creative, and viable record labels still roamed the earth.
Download: ESQ & Chikaramanga- Recession Free
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