Chali 2na: Fish Outta Water

Chali 2na
Fish Outta Water
Decon

For those of you saddened by the break-up of Jurassic 5, you can rejoice because Chali 2na has re-emerged with his debut solo album, and it’s easily as good as any of his former group’s records. Chali 2na, the “friendly neighborhood baritone,” is perhaps the most recognizable voice of J5, and on his debut he largely plays to his strengths. On “Comin’ Thru” Chali bounces between singing and rapping over a guitar-based funk beat reminiscent of classic J5. The album makes a slight misstep with “So Crazy,” which features what sounds like an attempt at a trendy snap beat. With diverse production and great guest spots from Talib Kweli, Anthony Hamilton, Damian Marley and Stephen Marley, Fish Outta Water succeeds and makes for a rewarding, multi-dimensional listen from front to back.
Kirt Lind

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