It took me a while to get around to this review because I couldn’t stop listening to this album. I’m not the hugest J5 fan so I was really surprised at how much I loved it. The production on each song is first rate and when you add his lyrics to the mix you get something phenomenal. Fans of underground Hip Hop don’t need to be preached at about Chali 2na but the rest of you need to pay attention.
Chali 2na has been around for a long time from his days at Project Blowed to his time with Ozymatli and this is the best I’ve ever heard him. He has a deep baritone voice that is infectious and a lyrical delivery that is unmatched. The songs are a good mix of style and topic from feel good party music to heartfelt tributes to fallen friends. Some might say that there is nothing groundbreaking about the album but there is something to be said about making a solid album that is a natural progression on what came before.
The song So Crazy has an addicting beat. I like the idea of a defense of genius and how that genius can easily be eschewed as being crazy. It’s a good way to set up the listener for the rest of the album. Lock Shit Down features a guest spot from Talib Kwali and is off the hook except the chorus is missing something. The lyrics are tight however and that makes up for the weak chorus.
The album takes an energetic turn with the song Don’t Stop featuring Anthony Hamilton. The song really picks up the pace and is a good transition into more high energy music. The album overall has a lot of energy and really gets my head to bobbing; I haven’t had this much fun listening to an album in a long time.
My favorite track has got to be Comin’ Thru another high energy song that makes even me want to dance. The album is like an hour long party that never lets you hold up the wall, 2na takes control of every song and doesn’t let anything stop him, I have so much respect for him as an MC.
Some albums tend to wind down towards the end and so does Fish Outta Water, but that’s okay because 2na takes the opportunity to show his versatility as an MC. With a voice that deep it would seem hard for Chali 2na to change it up, but he manages anyway. When Will I See You Again is a curtain call for all the rap acts that blazed the trail for acts like 2na and others and is a great song with a smooth beat.
Guns Up featuring Damian Marley is probably my least favorite song on the album; it just doesn’t really jibe with the albums flow. It’s a good song but not in keeping with the party vibe the rest of the album has, it’s definitely a b-side song.
In the end I have to recommend that you give this album a listen, it will appeal to a broad audience because of 2na’s unique style and delivery and attention to what he says. He stays on point from beginning to end and a lot of artists don’t. This is a great album to introduce someone to Hip Hop with; it’s light on the cursing and has a very welcoming feel. Do yourself a favor and check out this great album
