Unlike most Japanese bands, Cro-Magnon actually formed in The USA. They started their band in Boston in 1996 as a jam band. The band creates intense music with just three members, Shigekazu Otake on drums, Tsuyoshi Kosuga on Guitar & Bass, and Takumi Kaneko on the keyboard. In 1999 they returned to their home country, Japan. After returning to Japan they created the highly acclaimed group, Loop Junktion who released two albums on their own but stopped playing as a band in 2004. That year the three members challenged their musical leanings and found a deep respect for genres that revolved around soul music; hip hop, house, dub, jazz, funk, reggae, among others. Seeing all the potential in all of these styles of music, the trio got back together as a new band called Cro-Magnon!

Before they knew it, they were playing live shows all over the place and getting known around Tokyo for having some of the dopest music around. In December of 2005 they released their first 12 inch EP which sold out in an instant. They particularly were highly regarded in Europe. They released their first album through NMLNL RECORDS. Their high standard for quality and invigorating live shows made them the center of attention in Tokyo's sprawling dance music scene.

In 2007, the Cro-Magnon switched their label to Lastrum, the bearer of quality when it comes to indies music. Through them, they released their second album "Great Triangle". 　In July of that year, they played at The Worldwide Festival in Sete, France. They followed up with a London Jazz Cafe and European tour and then they were off to Jakarta and Korea. Their unique sound has given them accolades of fans from around the world.

In June of 2008, they released a special concept album called, "Mellow out & Acoustic", which differed from their repertoire with mellow and acoustic arrangements of their own songs. They released their third album, "III" in 2008 followed by their fourth album "4U" in 2009. In addition to their band they are also members of one of the most highly regarded production teams, "Jazzy Sport Productions".