Chali 2na, known for his deep baritone voice, rose to prominence as a key figure in West Coast underground group Jurassic 5. Originally from Chicago, he turned to graffiti and music as an escape from drugs and gangs, eventually relocating to Los Angeles where he joined the rap collective the Unity Committee. In 1993, Chali 2na, along with other members, formed Jurassic 5, while also co-founding the band Ozomatli. His solo career began in 2004 with the Fish Market mixtapes, leading to the release of his official solo album, "Fish Outta Water," in 2009.

Chali 2na's impact on the music scene extended beyond his work with Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli, as he collaborated with various artists such as Swollen Members, Linkin Park, and Blackalicious. Despite setbacks and delays, he continued to make guest appearances and release solo projects, solidifying his reputation as a respected artist in the hip-hop community. His distinctive voice and contributions to alternative West Coast hip-hop have left a lasting mark on the industry.