code: shing02
alias: vector omega
crew: freelancers utd, kosmic renaissance, the knocks (of CA)
photo: ayako yamamoto, hood by official tourist

shing02 - rap activist, peace advocate, inventor. Born in Tokyo 1975, raised in Tanzania, England, and Japan. Shing02 landed in SF Bay Area in '89 after the quake at the age of 15. After a move to Berkeley for schooling in '93 he became immersed in the local hiphop scene that launched dozens of acts worldwide. Initially he used his art skills to get acquainted with the budding East Bay scene. In '96 Shing02's music made its way back to Japan, then partnered with Mr. Higo of Mary Joy Recordings, garnering tremendous support in his homeland. Now residing in Oakland, he's working on music with his new collective "Freelancers Utd", futuristic Jazz trio "Kosmic Renaissance", and as 1/2 of production crew "The Knocks (of CA)" with Doc Max. He is currently working on a new Japanese LP while collaborating with various artists.