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Chali 2na is a name that’s been invoked on this website a couple different times already. But seeing as how he’s one of my personal favorite MC’s - and considering he just recently released his first solo album, Fish Outta Water - I thought he deserved a dedicated post.

2na Fish was a founding member of both Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli, and he made important contributions to six albums and countless concerts between the two groups. Unfortunately J5 has since disbanded, but Ozomatli appears to still be going strong. In addition to his new solo album he’s also had an official mixtape, Fish Market, in circulation for a few years now.

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing J5 in concert twice and Ozomatli once. Each time, Chali 2na commanded the attention of the audience unlike any other on stage. He’s truly a performer, and I suspect he probably prefers being on stage over being in the studio. I was actually able to meet him very briefly in 2006 before J5’s concert at the 9:30 Club in D.C. and he seemed like a real cool guy - the type that really appreciates his fans. He’s also huge… dude must be like 6′ 7″.

Fish Market (2004) is definitely a solid mixtape. Honestly, if he was just a little more choosy about which songs made it on (there’s 17) and if he spent a little more time/money producing it, he probably could’ve labeled it as an album instead of a mixtape and reached a wider audience. Some notable guest appearances include J5, Supernatural, and Dilated Peoples. There’s also a track from Linkin Park’s Reanimation album and Ozomatli’s Street Signs album, both of which Chali spit a verse on.

Fish Outta Water (2009) is the long-awaited and much anticipated first true album from Chali. Seriously 2na - what took so long? I remember him talking about this project back when J5 played Bonnaroo in June 2005. And usually rappers release a mixtape to build the hype, then follow it up with an album a year or so later. Anyway, Fish Outta Water was delayed many times and probably for many reasons, but it’s finally out now so there’s no more reason to fret. This album has on overall bright and feel-good mood to it with some R&B overtones. It doesn’t exactly break new ground or anything, but if you appreciate any of 2na’s prior work then you will most likely enjoy this as well. As usual, the hallmarks are Chali’s deep voice and rapid-fire, staccato-style flow. Guests include Talib, Raphael Saadiq, Damian and Stephen Marley, and Elzhi of Slum Village.

Both the audio clips I included are from Fish Outta Water. The first features rapper Kanetic Source from Ozomatli, and the second features soul singer Anthony Hamilton. Also check out Nirav’s Ozomatli post and Dave’s Jurassic 5 post; both of them include audio clips that feature Chali.