Posted on 07/28/2009
To listen to Chali 2NA’s Fish Outta Water is to listen to the story of a man who has triumphed over several obstacles in his life: a tour bus crash that fractured his skull, the pain of tragically losing a close family member, and the struggles of separation from the mother of his son. On 2NA’s long-awaited solo debut, the former Jurassic 5 emcee installed the help of some high-powered producers and vocalists to craft this album, a reflective and forward-looking project about the state of hip-hop, the complexities of love and knowledge of self, and his affinity for graffiti painting, among other things. While the elements for success are clearly evident throughout this 15-track, 54-minute recording, 2NA’s robotic baritone, combined with inconsistent production prowess, eventually runs this album off the rails.

That’s not to say there aren’t very good moments on Fish Outta Water, which must be respected for its brutal honesty and raw passion. With the tremendous arsenal of talent on this album, 2NA, who is already a vaunted emcee and graffiti artist, becomes an afterthought at times when trading bars with the likes of more vibrant vocalists Talib Kweli and Elzhi, or giving space to Beanie Man, Anthony Hamilton, Damian Marley and Stephen Marley to breathe life into their respective choruses. On this album, 2NA stands strongest when he’s alone.

Fish Outta Water has definite highlights. “Don’t Stop,” featuring the aforementioned Anthony Hamilton, is the album’s first single and a straightforward jab to naysayers who proclaim the death of hip-hop. “F.O.W.” is a thoughtful spoken word poem written by his cousin and recorded on his voicemail. On “Righteous Way,” with the aid of a Curtis Mayfield sample, 2NA focuses on family and details the struggles of maintaining a relationship with the mother of his son. “When Will I See You Again,” which features Elzhi, is an ode to old-school hip-hop. “Graff Time” is a song about a love of graffiti, while “4 Be Be,” the album’s last song, is a tribute to another cousin, who was crushed during a stampede at a night club.

Chali 2NA is a traditional emcee, from the graffiti he sprays to the rhymes he spits. He has never wavered from his style, and at this point in his career, he should not change now. 2NA is also a rare breed in hip-hop, since he actually raps with a purpose and doesn’t rhyme to only chase cheddar. With that said, his flow can come across as being a little too stilted, which won’t keep his vocals blaring through the speakers of the current generation. Those who choose to consume Fish Outta Water must be liberal enough to embrace hip-hop’s roots and open-minded enough to listen to 2NA’s fascinating journey.

- Marcus Moore