Fish Outta Water
After years of rapping with hip-hop group, Jurassic 5, Chali 2na comes out with his first solo album. Nicknamed, 2na Fish, the album, entitled "Fish Outta Water," seems a very fitting title for the successful rapper straying away from his collaborative efforts to develop his own music. Even in his solo album there is plenty of collaboration with other popular artists such as Talib Kweli, Beenie Man, and Damian and Stephen Marley. Chali 2na released his album independently and listening to the CD really gives you a closer look at the man behind one of the most lasting hip-hop groups in the past decade.
"Get Focused" is a fun intro to the album through a radio clip of the two "Chali 2nas," the other being a cheesy radio host. The song brings us into Chali 2na's developed style as the "fish outta water" through an addicting beat and buildup. "Lock Shit Down" really makes the most of Chali 2na's low, echoing voice that sends chills. There's a slowly stirring tempo that completely takes you in. Talib Kweli offers up his lighter, but equally tight, intense, rapping.
Songs such as "International" and "Guns Up" give us a reggae tone that Chali 2na's low bassy voice contrasts wonderfully. In "International," Beenie Man's vocals alongside the static bouncy beat help bring a dancehall style to Chali 2na's booming rapping. "Guns Up" uses a reggae party feel with upbeat tones to imitate police sirens. The song is one of the more atmospheric songs on police brutality. Chali 2na plays the role of the oppressed man searching for justice in the situation, while the Marley brothers take away the chorus, singing in an honesty about the state of things.
"So Crazy" is another upbeat number where Chali 2na defends himself as an artist. The song starts up with slow sliding beats that help lure you into the song one beat at a time. The heartfelt chorus is really just mockery towards his critics. It puts forward the man people think Chali 2na is and brings forth the man that is really there. "Comin' Thru" is another high energy number that is very reminiscent of his Jurassic 5 material. It marks where he is now, but also embodies a sense of thankfulness and an awareness of his roots. "Don't Stop" is another one of the several dance suitable songs that have plenty of variation. We are given classic Chali 2na through his rhythmic and lyrical flow alongside the soothing singing of Anthony Hamilton in the chorus.
"When Will I See You Again" is one of the more pop sounding songs on the album. It's surprising that with a baritone voice as low as Chali 2na's that any song could have a light poppy feel to it. The song actually works very well, separated by a light soul searching chorus and Chali 2na's inner contemplations through the much heavier paced remorseful rap. "Fish Outta Water" should please fans of Jurassic 5 and Chali 2na's work with Ozomatli. Chali 2na maintains his sense of style and rapping mentality that his fans have known him by for years. The album isn't anything completely new so some might be disappointed that there wasn't more of a revelation as this was Chali 2na's solo debut. Still, you have to respect how Chali 2na finds a good balance between his roots and the emerging artist in him. The album is a ton of fun with a lot of upbeat party tracks. There are also songs that tackle more serious subjects. "Fish Outta Water" gives us the return of stylistic and fun rap, while helping Chali 2na emerge as an independent artist.