Urban Vault caught up with Los Angeles based, Jurassic 5’s Chali 2na to ask him some questions about his recent album with UK producer/turntable wizard, Krafty Kuts, titled ADVENTURES OF A RELUCTANT SUPERHERO, and more…

With his unmistakable baritone voice and 6-and-a-half foot charm, Chali 2na has established himself as one of Hip Hop’s preeminent and most charismatic personalities. He’s also garnered renowned praise as a visual artist across a wide spectrum of canvases. Most known for co-founding music groups, Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli, Chali released his debut solo album ‘Fish Outta Water’ in 2009. Since then, he has toured the world 10 times over with his 3-piece band known as the House Of Vibe. Between them, Chali 2na and Krafty Kuts have worked with the best of the best, from Jurassic 5 to The Prodigy and even performing alongside The Rolling Stones, so it’s no secret that their collaborations are recognized at the highest levels of the industry and this album is no exception.

What is your name?

Chali 2na.

Where are you from?

Chicago Illinois United States

How old are you?

40 something. Damn near 50.

How long have you been making music?

30+ years.

How many songs/albums have you released to date?

15 projects of my own over the span of 25 to 27 years of professionally doing music. Not to mention the countless collaborations on other people’s projects.

Can you tell us about your new album, and the background, and inspirations behind it?

The concept of the album came together by accident because of a misinterpretation of one of my lyrics by the illustrator whose name is Jake the detonator. I said the phrase “verbal assassin” and he thought I said “purple assassin” in the song called ‘Hands High.’ Upon seeing the illustration that Jake made we decided to run with the idea of being a Reluctant Superhero. One who has these powers that he does not want to use at all but has to when the situation forces him. And the choice is his whether to use them for good or for evil.

How have you ended up in the music industry?

I’m not sure I understand the question but I’m very grateful and happy about the things I’ve been able to accomplish in this music industry. Of course there is always room to elevate and achieve more but I am definitely content with what has transpired if nothing else does.

What do you think of the music industry in 2019?

It has changed tremendously! I never thought I would live to see the day that it would change the way that it has. Technology has increased the mass consumption of everything including entertainment. And I don’t think we who created this technology thought about the bad effects as deep as we were focused on the amazing things that technology could achieve. This is one major thing that has affected the music industry in a way that is not very pleasing and satisfying. It doesn’t resemble anything close to what I’m used to but I have to figure a way to manoeuvre through the jungle of it all without losing my own personal integrity.

What inspires you when you make your music?

Life. Any and everything around me can inspire – a thought that needs to be expressed through song. So I do it or at least try to.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

Kabaka Pyramid, Anderson .Paak, Stevie Wonder. The list goes on.

What’s your favourite track at the moment?

Wiley’s ‘Boastie’ remix with Sean Paul, Stefflon Don, and Idris Elba.

What do you do when you’re not making music?

Paint paint paint paint paint paint paint paint paint write a little music then paint paint paint paint paint paint and more paint😂 🖼 🎨

Which do you prefer, Facebook or Twitter or Instagram?

Instagram. I think it’s because I paint and because I like to take photographs.

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music…

Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts – Adventures Of A Reluctant Superhero via iTunes/Spotify

https://www.chali2na.com
www.facebook.com/chali2na
https://twitter.com/chali2na
https://soundcloud.com/chali2na
https://instagram.com/chali_2na