CHALI 2NA, CARGO LONDON, 2ND DECEMBER.
A straight, long queue stretches down to Curtain Road from the entrance of Cargo in Shoreditch. After finally getting out of the cold and into the cosy, intimately lit venue, it’s just as busy inside. To the left, a sizable queue for the cloakroom. To the right, a long wait at the bar. The main room that houses the stage is leaking people already. Cargo is the venue of choice for many, but it’s not often you see the place buzzing with so much excitement and so many people. And it’s all down to one man: Charlie Stewart.
Stewart is better known as Chali 2na from beloved L.A. rap crew Jurassic 5 – the emcee with the most distinctive voice in the group, if not hip-hop itself. The focal point of the crew for many, it’s not surprising these people braved the torrential rain to see what is, probably, one of their favourite rappers of all time.
The 2na fish didn’t disappoint his fans. All winks and smiles, the tall emcee oozed charm; amiably shooting the breeze with the crowd (which understandably hung on his every word). Backed by a four-man live band, the rapper relished performing his songs and being on stage. Brimming with energy and dancing at every available opportunity (the man is a mean popper), the effect he had on his audience was immediate. From the get go, Cargo was evidently having a whale of a time.
With an hour and a half set consisting of both Jurassic 5 classics (‘Quality Control, ‘Freedom’) and material from his new LP ‘Fish Outta Water’ (‘Righteous Man’, ‘Graff Time’), there was a perfect balance of old and new. Really though, it was the J5 songs that got the wildest reaction from the crowd. “If you recognise the song, feel free to go apeshit!” says 2na midway through the set. The band swiftly launches into a gritty rendition of ‘What’s Golden’, and whaddyaknow, everyone goes apeshit.
The Verbal Herman Munster was always going to put on a fantastic show; live, he has every bit as much charisma, lyrical dexterity and breath control as he does on record. It was the presence of his live band however, as well as the creativity to veer off into a cover of the Eurhythmic’s ‘Sweet Dreams’ and a ska version of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Living For The City’, that made it memorable. Wrapping things up by introducing his band (replete with incredible solos, especially from drummer Peter Hampton), he voiced his deep appreciation, to militant chants of “2NA, 2NA, 2NA”, and humbly exited the stage. I think it’s safe to say Cargo enjoyed the show.
Words: Ian Hsieh
Photography by Tim Ferguson.
