Label: Decon

Before writing this review I had to dig out the old Jurassic 5 EP and listen to Jayou one time. Just to bring me back to 1997. That EP was my shit back when I was seventeen. The '90s seem so far away now that we're on the verge of 2010. Time changes and best friends become strangers. It's a new era and everybody is a solo rapper now. There are no real groups anymore...maybe a few duos or the occasional collabo project. Like most groups, J5 could only stay together for so long. Naturally the lead emcee has to go for his and Chali 2na is the chosen one. He's the Barry White of Hip Hop. Dude's voice is deeper than James Earl Jones. All jokes aside, his voice gives him a unique sound. That's a good thing in a world full of rappers that sound the same. Fish Outta Water is a very suiting album title considering Chali's current situation. Things starts off on the right foot with 2na busting an uptempo flow on the first track called Get Focused. I swear he released the single with Beenie Man, International, over a year ago. Regardless, it's a great party jam for the summer. Another joint I'm feelin' is Don't Stop featuring Anthony Hamilton. Chali 2na flows like he was Clyde The Glide in the lane doing the smoothest lay up you ever seen. The collab with DJ Numark has that throwback J5 sound. Besides being a smooth operator on the mic, Chali's got the type of music you can listen to with your kids or your parents around. This album should come with a "for all ages" sticker. Guns Up featuring Damian and Stephen Marley is my joint. Chali sounds ill over this dub flavoured gem. Time to roll one up and hit the repeat button. Graff Time is one of the freshest graffiti raps I've heard in years. I would quote the chorus but you gotta hear the song to fully appreciate it. If you've been missing J5, Chali's back to fill the void.