Charlie Stewart has arguably the most recognisable voice in hip-hop. Better known as Chali 2na from beloved L.A. hip-hop crew Jurassic 5, his rich, sonorous voice and emphatic, articulate flow have not only made him an enduring icon of hip-hop music – they’ve made him rapper of choice for countless fans. Working with a whole host of artists including Blackalicious and Quannum, the Black Eyed Peas (pre-Fergie), Damien Marley, Galactic, Roots Manuva, Talib Kweli, the Breakestra, Dilated Peoples, Rusko and more (the list is endless), the Chicago-born emcee possesses an open-mindedness and appreciation of diverse music that is both rare and admirable. And believe it or not, the man is first and foremost a painter. Fabrice Bourgelle met the gentle giant while he was in Brighton on tour with the Breakestra, courtesy of the good folk at Playgroup.
