
I gotta admit so far this is the best release of 2009. Former Jurassic 5 member Charles Stewart aka Chali 2na has finally released his fist solo album (in stores July 7). Not counting the 2004’s Fish Market , which was more a collection of Chali 2na’s guest spots other peoples’ tunes than an actual solo album.
This album is pretty solid from beginning to end.
The collection of tunes on Fish Outta Water covers a combination of diverse (but yet coherent) musical styles. From Reggae to Memphis Soul to a touch of hipster hop and of course California underground Hip Hop.
One problem to note is I didn’t much care for the collaboration between Chali and Stephen & Damien Marley on “Guns Up“. It did not match the goodness of the collabo of Chali & Beenie Man on “International“.
The other problem on this release is the addition of Talib Kweli on the track “Lock Sh*t Down“. The song is pretty stellar however Talib’s lackluster performance on song is so disappointing and unexpected. He should have been asked to redo his rhyme of be taken off the track. Talib what happened to you? That is not the Kweli we know and love.
The track “Graf Time” which is an ode to Graf writers has a reggae style to it which on surface would seem not to work but amazingly it does.. and does very well.
The song “So Crazy” which features a Rick James sample and an electro/hipster beat works delightfully well too.
Unfortunately another disappointment (though not unexpected) is no guest appearances from J5 members with the exception of DJ Numark with the tune “Comin Thru“.
The big surprise of the album has to be the last track entitled “4 Be Be“. It is Chali’s tribute song to the memory of and about the death of his cousin Bianca “Be Be” Ferguson. Who tragically died in E2 stampede in Chicago in 2003.
The song features an incredible surprise of the vocal talents of Ming Xia from the group the Spooks. Whom Chali worked with on 2003 Spooks’ song “Faster Than You Know“. Along with Adriana Evans Ming has be one of my favorite singers and I’m sure will be yours too after hearing the track.
Another pleasant surprise is the best song on the album “Don’t Stop” featuring Anthony Hamilton. The combination of Chali & Anthony voices go together so smoothly.
J5 fans I’m sure will love album and people new to Chali 2na will definitely become fans of Chali after hearing this release. A solid collection of great music.

So Crazy - Chali 2na [3:59m]:
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Don't Stop - Chali 2na ft Anthony Hamiltion [3:11m]:
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4 Be be - Chali 2na ft. Ming Xia [4:52m]:
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