I kinda wanted to rap my whole life. Ever since I saw "The Fresh Prince" I knew I had to.Cleveland could very well be the most overlooked city in hip-hop, and I recently sat down with one of their most talented hot spitters, Chip Tha Ripper. Having worked with KiD CuDi and grabbing a slot on Hi-Teknology 3, Chip definitly has a unique sound and a bright future ahead of him. Open your ears and eyes to Tha Ripper.illRoots: What's the word Chip? How are you tonight?
Chip Tha Ripper: I'm all good mane. How you?
iR: I'm cooling. In one word, how would you describe Chip Tha Ripper?
CTR: Unpredictable. I believe that being unpredictable plays a big part in the longevity of an artist.
iR: How do you keep that "unpredictableness" present in an industry that often lacks originality?
CTR: I trick 'em into thinking its the same ol' typa music. I jus talk to the hood in all my songs. I mean, think about it. Those who aint from the hood get to there through my music and at the same time I break down different topics that the hood wouldn't understand from anyone else. I represent the hood but I aim for the masses.
iR: That is definitely a unique approach. How has being from Cleveland effected you and your music?
CTR: Being from Cleveland is a lil' different. People arent as friendly here and that plays a big part in the hip hop scene. In Cleveland, they won't cut you no slack! If your music is ok, then its wack in Cleveland. There's no grey area so I took it as a bootcamp. If you can get Cleveland behind you then your ready for the world! In my generation, we have a strong hip-hop scene. There are guys here who I know could leave a mark in hip-hop.
iR: How did you get the name Chip Tha Ripper?
CTR: I got it from battle rappin' back in da day. I was just Chip, then came "Tha Ripper". I hated it at first but it grew on me.
iR: Ah, I think it's dope, one of my favorite rap names. Who were your inspirations growing up?
CTR: I've always looked up to: Redman, 2pac, Biggie, Nas, Jay-Z, Canibus, Master P, Eminem, Devin The Dude, UGK, Snoop, Dr. Dre.
iR: Was there a moment in your life when you were like "I want to become a rapper"?CTR: I kinda wanted to rap my whole life. Ever since I saw "The Fresh Prince" I knew I had to. I started taking it serious in Junior High School.
iR: Who was your favorite Fresh Prince character?
CTR: Will, hands down! Cold swag.
iR: [Laughs] For sure. How did you link up with Kid Cudi?
CTR: My homeboy Kev reached out to him and he was already hip to me. It was all love. We knew we had to make a new name for our city.
iR: Ah that's dope man. What has been the best advice you've received?
CTR: K.I.S.S.: Keep It Simple Stupid! Never forgot dat one.
iR: [Laughs] That's great. What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
CTR: I had a chance to be on Hi-Tek's latest album called Hi-Teknolagy 3 along with Estelle, Talib Kweli, Tha Outlawz, Young Buck and Little Brother.
Chip Tha Rapper - OHIO
iR: That's awesome. What do you have in the works now?
CTR: Well, I just got sponsored by DC Shoes as well as a clothing line called "Gold Coin". Hi-Tek & I are working on an EP thats gonna be unreal. Besides that, just going state to state out on this grind. It's all about that footwork. Mixtapes, features, shows, ya know. Major Labels reach out now, so who knows what tomorrow has for me. It's all a blessing.
iR: That sounds fantastic Chip. Congratulations. Last question, if you could work on one song with one other rapper, who would it be and why?
CTR: It would have to be Nas becase of our ability to paint a picture of what we say. It would be nice to have a solid Nas track.
iR: Great. Do you have any shoutouts or final words for the illRoots readers?
CTR: Shout out to Cleveland. Shout out to every hood across america. Shout out to all those who have been following the music. I love all my fans and my haters. Keep hip-hop alive! Keep god first in your life and get paid! ILLROOOOOTS bayyybeeeeeeeeee!
