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Chali 2na, 'Fish Outta Water': Hip-hop's best baritone shines out loud
Metromix New York * July 6, 2009
by Scott Thill

The buzz: L.A. wordsmith Chali 2na has a sonic resume worth memorizing. In the early '90s, he starred at the legendary Good Life Cafe with what would become purist hip-hop outfit Jurassic 5. He also lent his distinctive baritone and gift for tongue-twisting, conscientious rhyme to bands like Ozomatli, which featured his friend and Jurassic 5 DJ Cut Chemist. But 2na was a stellar free agent as well, teaming with rap-bangers Linkin Park, U.K. rapper Roots Manuva, NOLA funketeers Galactic and more. All of that heavy rhyming set the stage for this highly anticipated solo debut, which more than meets the hype halfway.

The verdict: Jurassic 5 and Ozo fans will feel right at home with "Fish Outta Water," which hopscotches from old-school hop to reggae and even R&B without missing a beat. "International" finds 2na matching blazing raps with Beenie Man, and the dub-hop majesty of "Guns Up," featuring Damian and Stephen Marley, is probably the solo effort's standout track. The graffiti anthem "Graff Time" and the Numark bouncer "Comin' Thru" feel like leftovers from hip-hop's golden age, while 2na's more soulful, sensitive side unfurls on "4 Be Be," "Love's Gonna Getcha" and "Righteous Way." It's an impressive debut from one of the finest, smartest rappers in the biz.

Did you know? Known as Charlie Stewart off-stage, 2na's fishy alias references the old StarKist tuna mascot, whose animated guise boasts a similar baritone.