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{{Short description|American rapper}}
{{BLP sources|date=January 2010}}
{{distinguish|Charlie Tuna|Charlie the Tuna}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Chali 2na
| name = Chali 2na
⚫
| image = Chali2na.jpg
| background = solo_singer
⚫
| birth_name = Charles Stewart
⚫
| image = Chali2na.jpg
⚫
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1971|06|26}}
⚫
| birth_name = Charles Stewart
| caption = Stewart in 2004
⚫
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1971|06|26}}
| birth_place = [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]]
| birth_place = [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], U.S.
| origin = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.
| alias = <!--this field is not for nicknames. See [[Template:Infobox musical artist/doc]]-->
| alias = <!--this field is not for nicknames. See [[Template:Infobox musical artist/doc]]-->
| genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]] <!-- Please read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Infobox_musical_artist#Genre
| genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]] <!-- Please read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Infobox_musical_artist#Genre
"The genre or genres of music performed by the act. Aim for generality (e.g. [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]] rather than [[East Coast hip hop]])."-->
"The genre or genres of music performed by the act. Aim for generality (e.g. [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]] rather than [[East Coast hip hop]])."-->
| occupation = [[Rapper]]
| occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|songwriter}}
| years_active =
| years_active =
| label = [[Monstercat]]
| label = {{hlist|[[Monstercat]]|[[Decon Records|Decon]]}}
| associated_acts = [[Jurassic 5]], [[Ozomatli]]
| associated_acts = [[Jurassic 5]], [[Ozomatli]], Dino 5
| website =
| website =
}}
}}


'''Charles Stewart''' (born June 26, 1971), better known as '''Chali 2na''', is an [[Americans|American]] [[rapping|rapper]] and [[hip hop music|hip hop]] artist, associated with the groups [[Jurassic 5]] and [[Ozomatli]]. He is known for his [[baritone]] and quick delivery rapping style.
'''Charles Stewart''' (born June 26, 1971), better known as '''Chali 2na''' ({{IPAc-en|tʃ|ɑː|l|i|_|'|t|uː|n|ə}}), is an [[Americans|American]] painter and [[rapping|rapper]], associated with the groups [[Jurassic 5]] and [[Ozomatli]]. He is known for his [[bass-baritone]] voice and quick delivery rapping style.


==Personal life==
==Personal life==


===Early life===
===Early life===
As a young boy, Stewart moved to [[South Los Angeles|South Central Los Angeles]], where the group [[Jurassic 5]] was formed in 1993. He was raised by his grandmother, a practicing [[Muslim]], who raised him in the Islamic faith. His [[stage name]] is a reference to [[Charlie the Tuna]], the deep-voiced animated mascot of [[StarKist Tuna]]. He and [[Cut Chemist]] became friends in [[high school]]. Together with Mark 7even, they were part of a seven-man group called Unity Committee. The Unity Committee crew would often spend Thursday nights performing at the [[Good Life Café]], where rappers and [[spoken word]] poets showed off their skills in an open mic format. They were, along with another three-person troupe called the Rebels of Rhythm, routinely chosen as the crowd's favourite performers. The two crews also appreciated one another's styles, and they teamed to record a 12" single, "Unified Rebelution", in 1995. The Rebels of Rhythm were MCs Akil and Daakir (also known as Soup); the men banded together to form Jurassic 5. In 2006, Cut Chemist elected to split from the group to pursue a solo career, and the Jurassic 5 group split up altogether in 2007.<ref name="sohh-j5-breakup">{{cite web | publisher = 4CONTROL MEDIA, Inc. | date = 2007-03-19 | url = http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/11181 | title = Jurassic 5 Break Up, "People See Us As A Loving Group, But That's Far From The Truth" | accessdate = 2007-11-03 | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070717151211/http://sohh.com/articles/article.php/11181 | archivedate = 2007-07-17 | df = }}</ref>
As a young boy, Stewart moved to [[South Los Angeles|South Central Los Angeles]], where the group [[Jurassic 5]] was formed in 1993. He was raised by his grandmother, a practising Christian, he later converted to Islam. His [[stage name]] is a reference to [[Charlie the Tuna]], the deep-voiced animated mascot of [[StarKist Tuna]]. He and [[Cut Chemist]] became friends in [[high school]]. Together with Marc 7, they were part of a three-man group called Unity Committee. The Unity Committee crew would often spend Thursday nights performing at the [[Good Life Café]], where rappers and [[spoken word]] poets showed off their skills in an open mic format. They were, along with another three-person troupe called the Rebels of Rhythm, routinely chosen as the crowd's favorite performers. The two crews also appreciated one another's styles, and they teamed to record a 12" single, "Unified Rebelution", in 1995. The Rebels of Rhythm were MCs Akil and Zaakir (also known as Soup); the men banded together to form Jurassic 5. In 2006, Cut Chemist elected to split from the group to pursue a solo career, and the Jurassic 5 group split up altogether in 2007.<ref name="sohh-j5-breakup">{{cite web | publisher = 4CONTROL MEDIA, Inc. | date = 2007-03-19 | url = http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/11181 | title = Jurassic 5 Break Up, "People See Us As A Loving Group, But That's Far From The Truth" | access-date = 2007-11-03 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070717151211/http://sohh.com/articles/article.php/11181 | archive-date = 2007-07-17 }}</ref>


He is a founding member of the activist [[Salsa music|salsa]] [[funk]] band [[Ozomatli]]; although no longer an official member (having been replaced as resident MC by Jabu of 4th Avenue Jones), he continues to collaborate with them on occasion and maintains his friendships with them. Along with salsa, his music and theirs have been influenced by [[reggae]] and [[soul music]]; he is also a fan of [[house music]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/Chali+2NA |title=Chali 2NA Discography at Discogs |publisher=Discogs.com |date= |accessdate=2012-05-23}}</ref>
He is a founding member of the activist [[Salsa music|salsa]] [[funk]] band [[Ozomatli]]; although no longer an official member (having been replaced as resident MC by Jabu of 4th Avenue Jones), he continues to collaborate with them on occasion and maintains his friendships with them. Along with salsa, his music and theirs have been influenced by [[reggae]] and [[soul music]]; he is also a fan of [[house music]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/Chali+2NA |title=Chali 2NA Discography at Discogs |publisher=Discogs.com |access-date=2012-05-23}}</ref>

Chali 2na is a teetotaler.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/65p8w3/we-interviewed-chali-2na |title=Chali 2NA|publisher=Vice.com |access-date=2023-06-01}}</ref>


==Music career==
==Music career==


===Jurassic 5===
===Jurassic 5===
Was a founding member of [[Jurassic 5]], which boasted in the song "Improvise" that the four MCs sounded like one.
He is a founding member of [[Jurassic 5]], which boasted in the song "Improvise" that the four MCs sounded like one.


===Solo album===
===Solo album===
''Fish Market'', an official mix tape, was compiled and released October 25, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fish-Market-Official-Mixtape-Selected/dp/B00068C7ZW |title=Fish Market - the Official Mixtape: Selected By Chali 2na: Various Artists: Amazon.co.uk: Music |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2012-05-23}}</ref>
''Fish Market'', an official mix tape, was compiled and released October 25, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fish-Market-Official-Mixtape-Selected/dp/B00068C7ZW |title=Fish Market - the Official Mixtape: Selected By Chali 2na: Various Artists: Amazon.co.uk: Music |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=2012-05-23}}</ref>
{{cquote|The mixtape is called the Fish Market, and basically it's just an accumulation of a bunch of songs that I did with other people man, that a lot of people might not have heard or might have, but might not have wanted to buy that album just to hear that song or whatever. So people could just pick it up, and it can kind of be like a little hand book on Chali 2na, before he actually comes out with an actual solo album. It's a series as well, because there is gonna be a ''Fish Market, Part 2'' with a bunch of other stuff that didn't make it.<ref>[http://www.thaformula.com/chali_2na_welcome_to_the_fish_market.htm] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061119152009/http://www.thaformula.com/chali_2na_welcome_to_the_fish_market.htm |date=November 19, 2006 }}</ref>}}
{{cquote|The mixtape is called the Fish Market, and basically, it's just an accumulation of a bunch of songs that I did with other people man, that a lot of people might not have heard or might have, but might not have wanted to buy that album just to hear that song or whatever. So people could just pick it up, and it can kind of be like a little handbook on Chali 2na, before he actually comes out with an actual solo album. It's a series as well, because there is gonna be a ''Fish Market, Part 2'' with a bunch of other stuff that didn't make it.<ref>[http://www.thaformula.com/chali_2na_welcome_to_the_fish_market.htm] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061119152009/http://www.thaformula.com/chali_2na_welcome_to_the_fish_market.htm |date=November 19, 2006 }}</ref>}}


[[File:Chali 2na.jpg-mika.jpg|thumbnail|2002]]
[[File:Chali 2na.jpg-mika.jpg|thumbnail|2002]]
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"Don't Stop"'s chorus was sung by [[neo-soul]] artist [[Anthony Hamilton (musician)|Anthony Hamilton]]. It was featured in the soundtrack of the video game ''[[NBA Live 06]]''. A second Chali 2na solo song, "The Anchor Man", was featured on the [[Dan The Automator]]-curated soundtrack to the latest installment in the game series, ''[[NBA 2K7]]''. Another song, "Something Different", was also featured on the ''[[All-Pro Football 2K8]]'' soundtrack.
"Don't Stop"'s chorus was sung by [[neo-soul]] artist [[Anthony Hamilton (musician)|Anthony Hamilton]]. It was featured in the soundtrack of the video game ''[[NBA Live 06]]''. A second Chali 2na solo song, "The Anchor Man", was featured on the [[Dan The Automator]]-curated soundtrack to the latest installment in the game series, ''[[NBA 2K7]]''. Another song, "Something Different", was also featured on the ''[[All-Pro Football 2K8]]'' soundtrack.


Five years after ''Fish Market'', a solo album, titled ''[[Fish Outta Water]]'', was released. The album received generally positive reviews, holding a score of 70 on [[Metacritic]].<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/fish-outta-water |title=Fish Outta Water Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More |publisher=Metacritic |date=2009-07-07 |accessdate=2012-05-23}}</ref> 2na delves into some of the formative experiences in his life, including a tragic incident in which his cousin, Be-Be, was killed in the [[2003 E2 nightclub stampede]]. Collaborators on the album include [[Beenie Man]] (with whom he recorded "International"), [[Raphael Saadiq]], his longtime friend [[Rakaa|Rakaa Iriscience]], [[Talib Kweli]], [[Anthony Hamilton (musician)|Anthony Hamilton]], [[Damian Marley]] and Ming Xia (on the final track 4 Be Be).
Five years after ''Fish Market'', a solo album, titled ''[[Fish Outta Water]]'', was released. The album received generally positive reviews, holding a score of 70 on [[Metacritic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/fish-outta-water |title=Fish Outta Water Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More |website=Metacritic |date=2009-07-07 |access-date=2012-05-23}}</ref> 2na delves into some of the formative experiences in his life, including a tragic incident in which his cousin, Be-Be, was killed in the [[2003 E2 nightclub stampede]]. Collaborators on the album include [[Beenie Man]] (with whom he recorded "International"), [[Raphael Saadiq]], his longtime friend [[Rakaa|Rakaa Iriscience]], [[Talib Kweli]], [[Anthony Hamilton (musician)|Anthony Hamilton]], [[Damian Marley]] and Ming Xia (on the final track 4 Be Be).


Another [[mixtape]] was released in 2010, [[Fish Market Part 2]]. Much like the first ''Fish Market'' album, this is mainly filled with collaborations 2na has completed throughout his career with famous artists such as [[Linkin Park]].
Another [[mixtape]] was released in 2010, ''Fish Market Part 2''. Much like the first ''Fish Market'' album, this is mainly filled with collaborations 2na has completed throughout his career with famous artists such as [[Linkin Park]].


In an interview with Mr. Wavvy, 2na revealed that he has a series of 5 EPs prepped for the near future.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvaeSrOcZ1M |title=Chali 2na (of Jurassic 5) &#124; Mr. Wavvy Ep. 1 |publisher=YouTube |date=2013-10-09 |accessdate=2014-08-19}}</ref>
In an interview with Mr. Wavvy, 2na revealed that he has a series of 5 EPs prepped for the near future.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvaeSrOcZ1M |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/bvaeSrOcZ1M |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Chali 2na (of Jurassic 5) &#124; Mr. Wavvy Ep. 1 |publisher=YouTube |date=2013-10-09 |access-date=2014-08-19}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


Chali 2na's song "Step Yo Game Up" was featured in popular video game in 2012 called ''[[Sleeping Dogs (video game)|Sleeping Dogs]]''.
Chali 2na's song "Step Yo Game Up" was featured in a popular video game in 2012 called ''[[Sleeping Dogs (video game)|Sleeping Dogs]]''.


===Collaborations===
===Collaborations===
Chali 2na collaborated several times with fellow MCs. Many, but not all of his featured guest appearances are catalogued on the ''Fish Market'' albums, [[mixtape]]s he released to give his collaborations to "people [who] might not have wanted to buy that album just to hear that song or whatever."
Chali 2na collaborated several times with fellow MCs. Many, but not all of his featured guest appearances are cataloged on the ''Fish Market'' albums, [[mixtape]]s he released to give his collaborations to "people [who] might not have wanted to buy that album just to hear that song or whatever."


He is a good friend of and frequent collaborator with [[British hip hop]] star [[Roots Manuva]], having worked with him on a number of songs (including "Revolution 5", which appears on ''Fish Market'' and ''[[Dub Come Save Me]]'', and "Join The Dots", which appears on Roots Manuva's second proper album, ''[[Run Come Save Me]]''). He has also referenced his friend in the lyrics.
He is a good friend of and frequent collaborator with [[British hip hop]] star [[Roots Manuva]], having worked with him on a number of songs (including "Revolution 5", which appears on ''Fish Market'' and ''[[Dub Come Save Me]]'', and "Join The Dots", which appears on Roots Manuva's second proper album, ''[[Run Come Save Me]]''). He has also referenced his friend in the lyrics.
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He has worked with [[Linkin Park]] on the song "[[Frgt/10]]" and the [[Hip hop skit|skit]] "Chali" from the 2002 album ''[[Reanimation (Linkin Park album)|Reanimation]]''. The song was also featured on ''Fish Market.'' He worked with [[Ozomatli]] on their first album and toured with New Orleans funk band [[Galactic]]. He is also featured on Galactic's 2007 release ''From the Corner to the Block'' on the cut "Think Back".
He has worked with [[Linkin Park]] on the song "[[Frgt/10]]" and the [[Hip hop skit|skit]] "Chali" from the 2002 album ''[[Reanimation (Linkin Park album)|Reanimation]]''. The song was also featured on ''Fish Market.'' He worked with [[Ozomatli]] on their first album and toured with New Orleans funk band [[Galactic]]. He is also featured on Galactic's 2007 release ''From the Corner to the Block'' on the cut "Think Back".


He collaborated with [[Blackalicious]] on their 2002 album "[[Blazing Arrow]]" on the track "4000 Miles, alongside [[Lateef the Truthspeaker]].
He collaborated with [[Blackalicious]] on their 2002 album ''[[Blazing Arrow]]'' on the track "4000 Miles," alongside [[Lateef the Truthspeaker]].


2na appears alongside fellow [[Jurassic 5]] MC, Akil, on the track "We know something you don't know" on the 2003 album "[[Music for the Mature B-Boy]]" by UK artist [[DJ Format]].
2na appears alongside fellow [[Jurassic 5]] MC, Akil, on the track "We know something you don't know" on the 2003 album ''[[Music for the Mature B-Boy]]'' by UK artist [[DJ Format]].


2na's work in Jurassic 5's "Red Hot" features alongside "International," in the 2005 video game ''[[SSX on Tour]]''.
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[[Fatlip]]'s 2005 "Today's Your Day (Whachagonedu)" from the acclaimed album ''[[The Loneliest Punk]]'' features a verse from 2na.


Chali 2na was also featured on [[Lyrics Born]]'s ''[[Everywhere at Once (Lyrics Born album)|Everywhere at Once]]'' album, performing on "Hott 2 Deff". Lyrics Born was also the MC for The Deadliest Catch Tour 2009. This hip hop tour featured Chali 2na, [[Gift of Gab (rapper)|Gift of Gab]] and Mr. Lif.
[[Fatlip]]'s 2005 "Today's Your Day (Whachagonedu)" from the acclaimed album ''[[The Loneliest Punk]]'' includes a verse from 2na.
Chali 2na was also featured on [[Lyrics Born]]'s ''[[Everywhere at Once (Lyrics Born album)|Everywhere at Once]]'' album, performing on "Hott 2 Deff". Lyrics Born was also the MC for The Deadliest Catch Tour 2009. This hip-hop tour featured Chali 2na, [[Gift of Gab (rapper)|Gift of Gab]] and Mr. Lif.


On [[K'naan]]'s 2009 album, ''[[Troubadour (K'naan album)|Troubadour]]'', Chali was featured on "America" together with [[Mos Def]].
On [[K'naan]]'s 2009 album, ''[[Troubadour (K'naan album)|Troubadour]]'', Chali was featured on "America" together with [[Mos Def]].
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On [[Long Beach Dub Allstars]] 2001 album ''[[Wonders of the World (album)|Wonders of the World]]'' Chali was featured on "Life Goes On" also featuring [[Half-Pint]], Ives (of [[Delinquent Habits]]), and [[Tippa Irie]].
On [[Long Beach Dub Allstars]] 2001 album ''[[Wonders of the World (album)|Wonders of the World]]'' Chali was featured on "Life Goes On" also featuring [[Half-Pint]], Ives (of [[Delinquent Habits]]), and [[Tippa Irie]].
In 2008 Chali 2Na recorded with Ditch for Ditch's CD "Public Intoxication" on the song "All Comes Down To Money" which he co-wrote with Ditch.
In 2008 Chali 2Na recorded with Ditch for Ditch's CD ''Public Intoxication'' on the song "All Comes Down To Money" which he co-wrote with Ditch.


Furthermore, Chali 2Na recorded a track together with Dutch rap artist Jerome XL in 2008. The track "King Sh#t" was released on JXL's solo debut album ''The Last Day'' in the first quarter of 2010.
Furthermore, Chali 2Na recorded a track together with Dutch rap artist Jerome XL in 2008. The track "King Sh#t" was released on JXL's solo debut album ''The Last Day'' in the first quarter of 2010.
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In June 2010, British [[dubstep]] star [[Rusko (musician)|Rusko]] released a collaboration with Chali 2na entitled "Gadget GoGo". The track was released as a [[bonus track]] to accompany the release of Rusko's debut solo record ''[[OMG (album)|OMG]]''. The track was also featured on ''Fish Market, Part 2''.
In June 2010, British [[dubstep]] star [[Rusko (musician)|Rusko]] released a collaboration with Chali 2na entitled "Gadget GoGo". The track was released as a [[bonus track]] to accompany the release of Rusko's debut solo record ''[[OMG (album)|OMG]]''. The track was also featured on ''Fish Market, Part 2''.


Most recently, Chali 2na appeared on the track "[[Speaking in Tongues (Hilltop Hoods song)|Speaking in Tongues]]" from the album "[[Drinking From the Sun]]", the 2012 release from Australian hip hop artists [[Hilltop Hoods]].
Most recently, Chali 2na appeared on the track "Break in the Glass" from the album ''Ways of the World'', the 2019 release from the alternative-reggae band, [[The Movement (reggae band)|The Movement]].

Chali 2na appeared on the track "[[Speaking in Tongues (Hilltop Hoods song)|Speaking in Tongues]]" from the album ''[[Drinking From the Sun]]'', the 2012 release from Australian hip-hop artists [[Hilltop Hoods]].


Chali 2na featured on the song "Get Original" on the Black Eyed Peas album "Bridging the Gap" released in 2000.
Chali 2na featured on the song "Get Original" on the [[Black Eyed Peas]] album ''[[Bridging the Gap (Black Eyed Peas album)|Bridging the Gap]]'' released in 2000.


In 2012, he featured on the remix of "Dreamers" by British hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks.
In 2012, he featured on the remix of "Dreamers" by British hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks.


In 2012, he featured in [[Slightly Stoopid]]'s track "Just Thinking" on their album, "[[Top of the World (Slightly Stoopid album)|Top of the World]]".
In 2012, he featured in [[Slightly Stoopid]]'s track "Just Thinking" on their album, ''[[Top of the World (Slightly Stoopid album)|Top of the World]]''.


In 2014, he guest starred in [[Epic Rap Battles of History]], portraying famous scientist [[Neil deGrasse Tyson]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Gutelle|first=Sam|url=http://www.tubefilter.com/2014/06/16/weird-al-yankovic-epic-rap-battles-of-history/|title=Weird Al Is Isaac Newton In New ‘Epic Rap Battles Of History’ Episode|publisher=''Tubefilter''|date=June 16, 2014|accessdate=June 18, 2014}}</ref>
In 2014, he guest starred in [[Epic Rap Battles of History]], portraying famous scientist [[Neil deGrasse Tyson]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Gutelle|first=Sam|url=http://www.tubefilter.com/2014/06/16/weird-al-yankovic-epic-rap-battles-of-history/|title=Weird Al Is Isaac Newton In New 'Epic Rap Battles Of History' Episode|publisher=Tubefilter|date=June 16, 2014|access-date=June 18, 2014}}</ref>


In 2015, he was featured on the song "Love Is Killing Me" by Savoy, which was released on [[Monstercat]].
In 2015, he was featured on the song "Love Is Killing Me" by Savoy, which was released on [[Monstercat]].


In 2016, he collaborated with Canadian electro-funk band The Funk Hunters for a 5-song EP titled ILLectric, released through [[Westwood Recordings|Westwood]].
In 2016, he collaborated with Canadian electro-funk band The Funk Hunters for a 5-song EP titled ILLectric, released through [[Westwood Recordings|Westwood]] and also with Australian beatbox/ loop station specialist dub FX on two tracks: "in another life" - which is a reworking of his track love's gonna getcha, and "the sky" which is with dub princess as well as dub FX.


2017 saw a partnership with Krafty Kuts, the English DJ and this has seen the release of two tracks "It Ain't My Fault" ft Dynamite MC and "Hands High". An album is due for released March 2018 according to Chali himself on Lauren Laverne's BBC 6 Music show
2017 saw a partnership with Krafty Kuts, the English DJ and this has seen the release of two tracks "It Ain't My Fault" ft Dynamite MC and "Hands High". An album is due for released March 2018 according to Chali himself on Lauren Laverne's BBC 6 Music show
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Chali 2na has also starred in the [[Epic Rap Battles of History]] video, [[Sir Isaac Newton]] versus [[Bill Nye]] as astrophysicist [[Neil deGrasse Tyson]].
Chali 2na has also starred in the [[Epic Rap Battles of History]] video, [[Sir Isaac Newton]] versus [[Bill Nye]] as astrophysicist [[Neil deGrasse Tyson]].


== Street Art ==
== Street art ==
Chali2na is an accomplished graffiti artist - and has painted extensively across Australia - including [[Perth]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/perthstart/photos/a.212067575620295.1073741828.211258195701233/491568234336893/?type=3&theater|title=Perth Street Art|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2017-12-13}}</ref> and has been a regular painter at the Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://bondigraffiti.com/past-artists/chali-2na/|title=Chali 2na|date=2017-12-13|work=Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall|access-date=2017-12-13|language=en-US}}</ref>
Chali2na is an accomplished graffiti artist - and has painted extensively across Australia - including [[Perth]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/perthstart/photos/a.212067575620295.1073741828.211258195701233/491568234336893/?type=3&theater |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/211258195701233/491568234336893 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Perth Street Art|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2017-12-13}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and has been a regular painter at the Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://bondigraffiti.com/past-artists/chali-2na/|title=Chali 2na|date=2017-12-13|work=Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall|access-date=2017-12-13|language=en-US}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
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'''Chali 2na'''
'''Chali 2na'''
*''[[Fish Outta Water]]'' (2009)
*''[[Fish Outta Water]]'' (2009)
*''Adventures of a Reluctant Superhero'' with [[Krafty Kuts]] (2019)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/adventures-of-a-reluctant-superhero/1470643068|title=Adventures of a Reluctant Superhero by Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts|website=[[Apple Music]]|access-date=August 13, 2019}}</ref>


'''[[Jurassic 5]]'''
'''[[Jurassic 5]]'''
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*''R.I.D.S.'' (2012) <small>(with Roc 'C', as Ron Artiste)</small>
*''R.I.D.S.'' (2012) <small>(with Roc 'C', as Ron Artiste)</small>


===Mixtapes & EPs===
===Mixtapes and EPs===
'''Mixtapes'''
'''Mixtapes'''
*''Fish Market'' (2004)
*''Fish Market'' (2004)
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===Guest appearances===
===Guest appearances===
*[[Black Eyed Peas]] - "[[BEP Empire/Get Original|Get Original]]" on ''[[Bridging the Gap (Black Eyed Peas album)|Bridging the Gap]]'' (2000)
*[[Swollen Members]] - "Full Contact" on ''[[Bad Dreams (Swollen Members album)|Bad Dreams]]'' (2001)
*[[Roots Manuva]] - "Join the Dots" on ''[[Run Come Save Me]]'' (2001)
*[[Roots Manuva]] - "Join the Dots" on ''[[Run Come Save Me]]'' (2001)
*[[Long Beach Dub Allstars]] - "Life Goes On" on ''[[Wonders of the World (album)|Wonders of the World]]'' (2001)
*[[Blackalicious]] - "4000 Miles" on ''[[Blazing Arrow]]'' (2002)
*Roots Manuva - "Revolution 5" on ''[[Dub Come Save Me]]'' (2002)
*Roots Manuva - "Revolution 5" on ''[[Dub Come Save Me]]'' (2002)
*[[Linkin Park]] - "Frgt/10" on ''Reanimation'' (2002)
*[[Linkin Park]] - "Frgt/10 (feat. Chali 2NA)" on ''[[Reanimation (Linkin Park album)|Reanimation]]'' (2002)
*[[Slimkid3]] - "Follow I'll Lead" on ''Liberation'' (2002)
*[[Soulive]] - "Doin' Something" on ''[[Turn It Out Remixed]]'' (2003)
*[[DJ Format]] - "We Know Something You Don't Know" on ''[[Music for the Mature B-Boy]]'' (2003)
*[[DJ Format]] - "We Know Something You Don't Know" on ''[[Music for the Mature B-Boy]]'' (2003)
*[[Ozomatli]] - "Who's to Blame" on ''[[Street Signs (album)|Street Signs]]'' (2004)
*[[Supernatural (rapper)|Supernatural]] - "It Ain't a Game" on ''S.P.I.T.'' (2005)
*[[Supernatural (rapper)|Supernatural]] - "It Ain't a Game" on ''S.P.I.T.'' (2005)
*DJ Nu-Mark feat. Chali 2na - "Comin' Thru" on [[Mushroom Jazz|Mushroom Jazz Vol. 5]] (2005)
*DJ Nu-Mark feat. Chali 2na - "Comin' Thru" on ''[[Mushroom Jazz#Volume 5 (2005)|Mushroom Jazz Vol. 5]]'' (2005)
*DJ Format - "The Place" on ''[[If You Can't Join 'Em... Beat 'Em]]'' (2005)
⚫
*[[Fatlip]] - "Today's Your Day (Whachagonedu?)" on ''[[The Loneliest Punk]]'' (2005)
*[[Breakestra]] - "Family Rap" on ''[[Hit the Floor (Breakestra album)|Hit the Floor]]'' (2005)
*[[Sérgio Mendes]] - "Yes, Yes Y'All" on ''[[Timeless (Sérgio Mendes album)|Timeless]]'' (2006)
*[[Marcelo D2]] - "That's What I Got" on ''Meu Samba É Assim'' (2006)
*[[Dan the Automator]] - "Anchor Man" on ''[[Dan the Automator Presents 2K7]]'' (2006)
*[[Zion I]] & [[The Grouch (rapper)|The Grouch]] - "Too Much" on ''[[Heroes in the City of Dope]]'' (2006)
*[[X Clan]] - "Funky 4 You" on ''[[Return from Mecca]]'' (2007)
*[[Galactic]] - "Think Back" on ''[[From the Corner to the Block]]'' (2007)
*[[Galactic]] - "Think Back" on ''[[From the Corner to the Block]]'' (2007)
*[[Hilltop Hoods]] - "Speaking in Tongues" on ''Drinking from the Sun'' (2012)
*[[Percee P]] - "No Time for Jokes" on ''[[Perseverance (Percee P album)|Perseverance]]'' (2007)
*[[Aceyalone]] - "Eazy" on ''[[Lightning Strikes (Aceyalone album)|Lightning Strikes]]'' (2007)
*[[K'naan]] - "America" on ''[[Troubadour (K'naan album)|Troubadour]]'' (2008)
*[[Lyrics Born]] - "Hott 2 Deff" on ''[[Everywhere at Once (Lyrics Born album)|Everywhere at Once]]'' (2008)
*[[The Mighty Underdogs]] - "Warwalk" on ''[[Droppin' Science Fiction]]'' (2008)
*[[Solillaquists of Sound]] - "Death of the Muse" on ''No More Heroes'' (2008)
*[[N.A.S.A. (musical group)|N.A.S.A.]] - "The People Tree" on ''[[The Spirit of Apollo]]'' (2009)
*Speech - "Start Spreading the News" on ''The Grown Folks Table'' (2009)
*[[Jerome XL]] - "King Sh#t" on ''[[De Laatste Dag ]]'' (2010)
*[[Rakaa]] - "Mean Streak" on ''[[Crown of Thorns (album)|Crown of Thorns]]'' (2010)
*[[Hilltop Hoods]] - "[[Speaking in Tongues (Hilltop Hoods song)|Speaking in Tongues]]" on ''[[Drinking from the Sun]]'' (2012)
*[[House Shoes]] - "So Different / Moody Interlude" on ''[[Let It Go (House Shoes album)|Let It Go]]'' (2012)
* Run DMT - "This or That" on ''Union Of Opposites'' (2012)
* Run DMT - "This or That" on ''Union Of Opposites'' (2012)
*[[Slightly Stoopid]] - "Just Thinkin'" on Top Of The World (2012)
*[[Rizzle Kicks]] - "[[Dreamers (Rizzle Kicks song)|Epic Dreamers' Remix]]" (2012)
*[[Slightly Stoopid]] - "Just Thinking" on ''[[Top of the World (Slightly Stoopid album)|Top Of The World]]'' (2012)
*[[Oh No (musician)|Oh No]] - "Animals" on ''[[Disrupted Ads]]'' (2013)
*[[Morcheeba]] - "Face of Danger" on ''[[Head Up High (Morcheeba album)|Head Up High]]'' (2013)
*[[Morcheeba]] - "Face of Danger" on ''[[Head Up High (Morcheeba album)|Head Up High]]'' (2013)
*Savoy - "Love Is Killing Me" on ''1000 Years'' (2015)
*[[Savoy (American band)|Savoy]] - "Love Is Killing Me" on ''1000 Years'' (2015)
*[[Cut Chemist]] - "Work My Mind" on Die Cut (2018)
*[[Krafty Kuts]] - "Hands High" on Hands High (EP)
*[[Cut Chemist]] - "Work My Mind" on ''Die Cut'' (EP) (2018)
*[[Slightly Stoopid]] - "Higher Now" on ''[[Everyday Life, Everyday People (Slightly Stoopid album)|Everyday Life, Everyday People]]'' (2018)
*[[Ozomatli]] - "Libertad" on ''Libertad (EP)'' (2019)
*[[The Movement (reggae band)|The Movement]] - "Break in the Glass" on ''Ways of the World'' (2019)


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:African-American male rappers]]
[[Category:American male rappers]]
[[Category:American male rappers]]
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[[Category:African-American rappers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:African-American Muslims]]
[[Category:African-American Muslims]]
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[[Category:Underground rappers]]
[[Category:Underground rappers]]
[[Category:Jurassic 5 members]]
[[Category:Jurassic 5 members]]
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[[Category:21st-century American rappers]]
[[Category:21st-century American male musicians]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American musicians]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American musicians]]
[[Category:Dino 5 members]]
[[Category:Muslims from Illinois]]

Latest revision as of 20:26, 31 August 2024

Not to be confused with Charlie Tuna or Charlie the Tuna.
Chali 2na
Stewart in 2004
Stewart in 2004
Background information
Birth nameCharles Stewart
Born (1971-06-26) June 26, 1971 (age 53)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
Labels

Charles Stewart (born June 26, 1971), better known as Chali 2na (/tʃɑːli ˈtuːnə/), is an American painter and rapper, associated with the groups Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli. He is known for his bass-baritone voice and quick delivery rapping style.

Personal life

[edit]

Early life

[edit]

As a young boy, Stewart moved to South Central Los Angeles, where the group Jurassic 5 was formed in 1993. He was raised by his grandmother, a practising Christian, he later converted to Islam. His stage name is a reference to Charlie the Tuna, the deep-voiced animated mascot of StarKist Tuna. He and Cut Chemist became friends in high school. Together with Marc 7, they were part of a three-man group called Unity Committee. The Unity Committee crew would often spend Thursday nights performing at the Good Life Café, where rappers and spoken word poets showed off their skills in an open mic format. They were, along with another three-person troupe called the Rebels of Rhythm, routinely chosen as the crowd's favorite performers. The two crews also appreciated one another's styles, and they teamed to record a 12" single, "Unified Rebelution", in 1995. The Rebels of Rhythm were MCs Akil and Zaakir (also known as Soup); the men banded together to form Jurassic 5. In 2006, Cut Chemist elected to split from the group to pursue a solo career, and the Jurassic 5 group split up altogether in 2007.[1]

He is a founding member of the activist salsa funk band Ozomatli; although no longer an official member (having been replaced as resident MC by Jabu of 4th Avenue Jones), he continues to collaborate with them on occasion and maintains his friendships with them. Along with salsa, his music and theirs have been influenced by reggae and soul music; he is also a fan of house music.[2]

Chali 2na is a teetotaler.[3]

Music career

[edit]

Jurassic 5

[edit]

He is a founding member of Jurassic 5, which boasted in the song "Improvise" that the four MCs sounded like one.

Solo album

[edit]

Fish Market, an official mix tape, was compiled and released October 25, 2004.[4]

The mixtape is called the Fish Market, and basically, it's just an accumulation of a bunch of songs that I did with other people man, that a lot of people might not have heard or might have, but might not have wanted to buy that album just to hear that song or whatever. So people could just pick it up, and it can kind of be like a little handbook on Chali 2na, before he actually comes out with an actual solo album. It's a series as well, because there is gonna be a Fish Market, Part 2 with a bunch of other stuff that didn't make it.[5]

2002

"Don't Stop", the would-be first single from Fish Outta Water, appeared in January 2006. It showcased 2na's familiar rapid-fire flow; in its lyrics, 2na professed his dedication to hip hop culture, insulting rappers who neglect to pay proper respect to pioneers like Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa. He also spoke deferentially of Tupac Shakur.

"Don't Stop"'s chorus was sung by neo-soul artist Anthony Hamilton. It was featured in the soundtrack of the video game NBA Live 06. A second Chali 2na solo song, "The Anchor Man", was featured on the Dan The Automator-curated soundtrack to the latest installment in the game series, NBA 2K7. Another song, "Something Different", was also featured on the All-Pro Football 2K8 soundtrack.

Five years after Fish Market, a solo album, titled Fish Outta Water, was released. The album received generally positive reviews, holding a score of 70 on Metacritic.[6] 2na delves into some of the formative experiences in his life, including a tragic incident in which his cousin, Be-Be, was killed in the 2003 E2 nightclub stampede. Collaborators on the album include Beenie Man (with whom he recorded "International"), Raphael Saadiq, his longtime friend Rakaa Iriscience, Talib Kweli, Anthony Hamilton, Damian Marley and Ming Xia (on the final track 4 Be Be).

Another mixtape was released in 2010, Fish Market Part 2. Much like the first Fish Market album, this is mainly filled with collaborations 2na has completed throughout his career with famous artists such as Linkin Park.

In an interview with Mr. Wavvy, 2na revealed that he has a series of 5 EPs prepped for the near future.[7]

Chali 2na's song "Step Yo Game Up" was featured in a popular video game in 2012 called Sleeping Dogs.

Collaborations

[edit]

Chali 2na collaborated several times with fellow MCs. Many, but not all of his featured guest appearances are cataloged on the Fish Market albums, mixtapes he released to give his collaborations to "people [who] might not have wanted to buy that album just to hear that song or whatever."

He is a good friend of and frequent collaborator with British hip hop star Roots Manuva, having worked with him on a number of songs (including "Revolution 5", which appears on Fish Market and Dub Come Save Me, and "Join The Dots", which appears on Roots Manuva's second proper album, Run Come Save Me). He has also referenced his friend in the lyrics.

He has worked with Linkin Park on the song "Frgt/10" and the skit "Chali" from the 2002 album Reanimation. The song was also featured on Fish Market. He worked with Ozomatli on their first album and toured with New Orleans funk band Galactic. He is also featured on Galactic's 2007 release From the Corner to the Block on the cut "Think Back".

He collaborated with Blackalicious on their 2002 album Blazing Arrow on the track "4000 Miles," alongside Lateef the Truthspeaker.

2na appears alongside fellow Jurassic 5 MC, Akil, on the track "We know something you don't know" on the 2003 album Music for the Mature B-Boy by UK artist DJ Format.

2na's work in Jurassic 5's "Red Hot" features alongside "International," in the 2005 video game SSX on Tour.

Fatlip's 2005 "Today's Your Day (Whachagonedu)" from the acclaimed album The Loneliest Punk includes a verse from 2na.

Chali 2na was also featured on Lyrics Born's Everywhere at Once album, performing on "Hott 2 Deff". Lyrics Born was also the MC for The Deadliest Catch Tour 2009. This hip-hop tour featured Chali 2na, Gift of Gab and Mr. Lif.

On K'naan's 2009 album, Troubadour, Chali was featured on "America" together with Mos Def.

Chali 2na appears on the song The People Tree, which is track 2 on N.A.S.A. (musical group)'s 2009 album The Spirit of Apollo.

On Long Beach Dub Allstars 2001 album Wonders of the World Chali was featured on "Life Goes On" also featuring Half-Pint, Ives (of Delinquent Habits), and Tippa Irie. In 2008 Chali 2Na recorded with Ditch for Ditch's CD Public Intoxication on the song "All Comes Down To Money" which he co-wrote with Ditch.

Furthermore, Chali 2Na recorded a track together with Dutch rap artist Jerome XL in 2008. The track "King Sh#t" was released on JXL's solo debut album The Last Day in the first quarter of 2010.

In June 2010, British dubstep star Rusko released a collaboration with Chali 2na entitled "Gadget GoGo". The track was released as a bonus track to accompany the release of Rusko's debut solo record OMG. The track was also featured on Fish Market, Part 2.

Most recently, Chali 2na appeared on the track "Break in the Glass" from the album Ways of the World, the 2019 release from the alternative-reggae band, The Movement.

Chali 2na appeared on the track "Speaking in Tongues" from the album Drinking From the Sun, the 2012 release from Australian hip-hop artists Hilltop Hoods.

Chali 2na featured on the song "Get Original" on the Black Eyed Peas album Bridging the Gap released in 2000.

In 2012, he featured on the remix of "Dreamers" by British hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks.

In 2012, he featured in Slightly Stoopid's track "Just Thinking" on their album, Top of the World.

In 2014, he guest starred in Epic Rap Battles of History, portraying famous scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson.[8]

In 2015, he was featured on the song "Love Is Killing Me" by Savoy, which was released on Monstercat.

In 2016, he collaborated with Canadian electro-funk band The Funk Hunters for a 5-song EP titled ILLectric, released through Westwood and also with Australian beatbox/ loop station specialist dub FX on two tracks: "in another life" - which is a reworking of his track love's gonna getcha, and "the sky" which is with dub princess as well as dub FX.

2017 saw a partnership with Krafty Kuts, the English DJ and this has seen the release of two tracks "It Ain't My Fault" ft Dynamite MC and "Hands High". An album is due for released March 2018 according to Chali himself on Lauren Laverne's BBC 6 Music show

Film

[edit]

Chali 2na is featured prominently in the award-winning documentary This Is the Life, chronicling the music movement that was birthed at The Good Life Cafe in South Central Los Angeles. The Good Life is the open-mic workshop where he first performed with Unity Committee in the early 1990s and founded Jurassic 5.

Chali 2na is also featured in the documentary Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme, and in the movie Never Been Kissed as part of Ozomatli, performing in a club.

Chali 2na is interviewed in RASH – a 2005 documentary film about Melbourne street art and graffiti – on his passion for graffiti as he paints his signature Tuna fish in murals with Australian artists including Phibs. The session involved painting murals on Smith St and Brunswick St in Melbourne. Chali was taking a short breather while on the band's 2005 Australian tour.

Chali 2na has also starred in the Epic Rap Battles of History video, Sir Isaac Newton versus Bill Nye as astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Street art

[edit]

Chali2na is an accomplished graffiti artist - and has painted extensively across Australia - including Perth[9] and has been a regular painter at the Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall.[10]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]

Chali 2na

Jurassic 5

Other collaborations

Mixtapes and EPs

[edit]

Mixtapes

  • Fish Market (2004)
  • Fish Market Part 2 (2010)

EPs

  • Jurassic 5 (1997) (Jurassic 5)
  • Against the Current EP 1 (2012)
  • Against the Current EP 2 : Manphibian Music (2014)
  • Against the Current EP 3 : Bloodshot Fisheye (2015)
  • ILLectric EP (2016) (with The Funk Hunters)

Guest appearances

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Jurassic 5 Break Up, "People See Us As A Loving Group, But That's Far From The Truth"". 4CONTROL MEDIA, Inc. 2007-03-19. Archived from the original on 2007-07-17. Retrieved 2007-11-03.
  2. ^ "Chali 2NA Discography at Discogs". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2012-05-23.
  3. ^ "Chali 2NA". Vice.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  4. ^ "Fish Market - the Official Mixtape: Selected By Chali 2na: Various Artists: Amazon.co.uk: Music". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-05-23.
  5. ^ [1] Archived November 19, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ "Fish Outta Water Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More". Metacritic. 2009-07-07. Retrieved 2012-05-23.
  7. ^ "Chali 2na (of Jurassic 5) | Mr. Wavvy Ep. 1". YouTube. 2013-10-09. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2014-08-19.
  8. ^ Gutelle, Sam (June 16, 2014). "Weird Al Is Isaac Newton In New 'Epic Rap Battles Of History' Episode". Tubefilter. Retrieved June 18, 2014.
  9. ^ "Perth Street Art". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 2022-02-26. Retrieved 2017-12-13.
  10. ^ "Chali 2na". Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall. 2017-12-13. Retrieved 2017-12-13.
  11. ^ "Adventures of a Reluctant Superhero by Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts". Apple Music. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
[edit]
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