Music > Interviews

Chali 2na

05/11/14

Chali 2na is the verbal Herman Munster of hip hop. A huge guy with a huge voice, he's best know thus far for his rapping skills with Jurassic Five (who have just reformed!) and Ozomatli. He's headed out on tour on his own this time, and will be presenting tracks from his solo work recorded over the last few years. Playing at Epic on Sunday 9th November, Chali took some time out to have a chat with me about his music.

How did you start rapping and getting into making music?

I'm a graff writer first and foremost, since like ‘81. I started to get into from birth I'd say. Rapping came from me being dissed by some friends who could freestyle in front of a girl I liked a lot. Not being able to defend myself, I went home and wrote a diss rap, hoping to get a chance and redeem myself in front of Tasha. I got that chance several weeks later and the response I received was intoxicating. 

Was music a large part of your life as a child?

70-80's soul music, reggae music and Chicago house I’d say are the soundtrack to my childhood. 

How did you meet the other members of J5 and Ozomatli?

I've known WilDog from Ozomatli since 86. I met Marc7 and Cut Chemist soon after. Between these three people I've met and became friends/business partners with the members of both bands. 

Such great news that J5 have reformed and released such a good single! How has it been working together again?

Truthfully it's like riding a bicycle. Once you figure out your balance, the rest is easy! I love what we've created and I love what we've accomplished as a band. Plus the shows have been amazing. 

You’re in the process of releasing a series of 5 EP’s. How do you go about putting your tracks together and writing rhymes?

There's no real method to my madness. What ever happens first is what sets it off; the beat, the rhyme, and idea or topic, or all of the above at one time.

Speaking of rhymes, which of your lyrics are you most proud of?

That's a good question. I'm not sure to be honest. I guess it would be the ones people quote the most like “the verbal Herman Munster” and such. Ha ha!

How did you get together with the House of Vibe guys?

I’ve  known Brew (Anthony Brewster, the leader of HOV who plays keyboard and vocals) since before J5 even, so it was only right to connect with such a veteran when it was time to do solo work.  

What has influenced you most musically over the years?

The way people react to what they hear, whether melodies or the power of the word, and the way lyrics effect a persons behaviour. I'm inspired to make more and more because of this.  

Can you tell us a little about your art? It looks like you’ve had some great exhibitions. How do you choose your subjects?

I'm not exactly sure how I choose my subjects. It's something about the detail in what ever it is I'm looking at that makes me want to challenge myself and see if I can duplicate that detail. 

What do you consider to be the golden era of hip hop, and who’s your favourite rapper?

Golden era for me was late 80's ‘til the late 90's. My absolute favorite has got to be Rakim. Hands down.  

You’ve got the most amazing deep voice; a baritone I think? Have you ever considered singing in a more traditional sense? 

Me? I can't sing. It's like putting a loaded pistol in an infant’s hands!  Hold a note maybe but sing? Nah.  

You’ve worked with some big names – Mos Def, Roots Manuva etc – who else would you like to work with?

Stevie Wonder. He’s my all time favourite from since I was a child. I love his lyrics as well as his musicianship. 

What do you think is the future of hip hop?

What ever happens to mankind, you can rest assured, hip hop will be the mirror that reflects and reports its grimiest to its most luxurious parts. 

I saw Ozomatli play twice at Glastonbury and once at The Barbican in London; I just loved that party atmosphere and the fact that you guys (and also J5) seem to be having such a great time onstage. What was the last gig you went to as an audience member, and what makes a good gig for you?

I was just on Jamrock cruise 2014 as a civilian enjoying performances by people like Damian Marley and his brothers to Bounty Killer and Baby Cham! Showmanship makes the performance, and all those guys have it and then some!

What can we expect from your gig in Norwich?

God willing, a good time. I love to have fun. I'm coming a bit different this time, but the show should still be fun. 

Chali plays Epic Studios on Sunday 9th November. Tickets from www.epicstudios.co.uk