The American rapper and hip-hop artist Chali 2na has just announced that he will be releasing a new 5 EP project over the year titled Against the Current.  In addition, he has released the concert line-up for his upcoming Spring tour.  The 5 EPs will each be individually released throughout the year, but a preview can be viewed after the jump.

Following his career with Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli, Chali 2na, born Charles Stewart, released his first solo album, Fish Market, in 2004.  His stagename, Chali 2na, refers to Charlie the Tuna, Starkist Tuna’s deep-voiced mascot.  This name aptly alludes to Stewart’s distinctive, talented baritone voice.

In Against the Current, Chali 2na fuses the various music styles of his past, calling on Jurassic 5’s hip-hop, Ozomatli’s urban-Latin, and the blues of his childhood.  These “5 genre bending EPs” (as the promo video calls them) are sure to continue the success of Chali 2na’s musical career.

Check out Chali 2na’s tour dates:

2/9 – Oakland, CA – The New Parish

2/10 – Santa Cruz, CA – Moe’s Alley

2/11 – Reno, NV – Cargo

2/12 – Boise, ID – The Reef

2/14 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom – Lola’s Room

2/15 – Victoria, BC – Club 9one9

2/16 – Tofino, BC – Tofino Legion

2/17 – Cumberland, BC – Waverly Hotel – The Bridge

2/18  – Vancouver, BC – The Rio Theatre

2/20 – Whistler, BC – Garibaldi Lift CO.

2/22 – Nelson, BC – Hume Hotel – Spirit Bar

2/23 – Fernie, BC – The Northern

2/24 – Golden, BC – Rockwater Bar & Grill

2/25 – Calgary, AB – Hifi Club

2/27 –  Ketchum, ID – Whiskey Jacques

2/28 – Victor, ID – Knotty Pine

3/1 – Bozeman, MT –  Zebra Cocktail Lounge

3/2 – Missoula, MT – Top Hat

3/4 – Vail, CO – The Snowball Festival

3/6 – Kansas City, MO – Riot Room

3/7 –  St. Louis, MO –  2720

3/8 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue

3/9 – Kallamazoo, MI – Bell’s Brewery

3/10 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge

3/12 – Asheville, NC – Asheville Music Hall

3/13 – Nashville, TN – Exit In

3/14 – Knoxville, TN – Cider House

3/16 & 3/17 – Austin, TX – SXSW *Shows to be announced soon!