Chip Tha Ripper – From Me To You: The Prelude To Gift Raps

Chip Tha Ripper – From Me To You: The Prelude To Gift Raps

Sometimes you have to ease into liking a rapper. It's not everyday that you hear an artist's work and are immediately drawn to their flow, lyrics or attitude on the mic. At the same time, one can recognize when an artist does have talent as a rapper. That's been my opinion on Chip Tha Ripper for the past year. I've always thought him to be a decent lyricist as well as having a good presence on the mic, but had qualms about his ability to make an actual 'song'. Also, I debate his content. I guess it's only right that my frustration with him come to an end in time for his newest release 'From Me To You: The Prelude To Gift Raps'. Chip, on this 6-track EP shows the listener why he's worth a listen: pure zoning, relaxation and easy-going rhymes. Chip is so Cleveland that it's a problem. Whereas most MC's would have trouble with slowed down beats, Chip has a penchant for adjusting his rhymes to match the track, without losing words or becoming short-winded. What surprised me was how comfortable he seemed talking much grimier on wax. Usually blog-age rappers tend to shy away from those themes (word to Gangsta Gibbs) in lieu of the partying lifestyle and swag raps. Chip, however was able to paint a picture of both with hazed-out bars and syrupy-smooth delivery over even smoother beats. He didn't try to hide his new-ageism, but still kept it funky about the state of his city. Overall, Chip may not have made a fan of me, but certainly kept my attention for all six tracks. I'm definitely hoping some Chuck Inglish production will be able to bring out more of the same. Until then, I'm just gonna vibe out to 'From Me to You'. Check out the d/l link...

The Choice is Yours (Hosted by Don Cannon)

The Choice is Yours (Hosted by Don Cannon)

Don Cannon is a freaking genius for this one. Just like every other sports-interested person on the planet, he and the rest of the rap world are all harping on where LeBron James will end up in the summer of 2010. The season isn't even over yet and already other players are making plans based on LeBron's nonexistent plans. It's as if he has everybody on a string. Regardless, the choice is ultimately up to one person, and that's #23 #6. That's the theme of this three-track mixtape hosted by Don Cannon, where he gets all of the free agents in rap to spit about why LeBron should come to their city. You've got Uncle Murda and Jadakiss (NYC), Mikey Rocks (CHI), Nipsey Hussle (LA), Chip Tha Ripper (CLE), Briscoe (NO) and UM (not sure?) all spitting basketball-related rhymes. Of all of them, Chip, Mikey and Jada did their thing over some dope Don Cannon instrumentals. Ironic that those are the three best cities for LeBron to land at. Guess we won't know until we know. Bump this until July 1st, when the madness will ensue. No #dopetracks or loosies, since it's a three-song tape. Just enjoy...

KiD CuDi - All Talk (ft. Chip Tha Ripper & Christian Bale)

KiD CuDi - All Talk (ft. Chip Tha Ripper & Christian Bale)

It's really hard to take blog-era rappers seriously when they make hard statements, yet we listen anyway. KiD CuDi and Chip Tha Ripper are about as intimidating as an afternoon at Chuckee Cheese, yet somehow I think when they talk about 'half-stepping' and n*ggas that are all talk, they're more referring to their raps than anything. Even so, they rock out over a minimal beat interspersed with a nice little techno breakdown. I'd guess that CuDi produced it himself, but I suppose we'll get a line when he's closer to dropping an album. Whatever the case, the track rocks. Check it out and make sure you look out for work from Chip and CuDi...

Kidz in the Hall - Fresh Academy (ft. Chip tha Ripper & DONNIS)

I'm just gonna come out right and say it: I have the biggest love-hate relationship with Kidz in the Hall. Sometimes their songs are catchy, sound good, have good verses and features that make sense. Other times, they get too experimental and have weak-ass bars. In this case, I see the former. The Kidz teamed up with DONNIS and Chip Tha Ripper for the track 'Fresh Academy' off their new album 'Land of Make Believe', and decided to keep it in the telly for the video. I can't say that the concept is anything remotely original or innovative, but it worked out pretty well. One thing I have to contest is Double-O's hair in the video. Nothing says hip-hop like a Farrah Fawcett do in a rap video. Follicular foibles aside, the video does the song justice...

Freestyle Friday (10/23)

What's up people! It's Friday, which could only mean one thing: FREESTYLES. Don't take the first one seriously. It is only up there for comedic purposes. Nicki Minaj spits a written, OJ da Juiceman is indecipherable, and Wacka Flocka just spits wack shit. Not to say that all of them suck (watch OJ's performance at Better Recognize), but these three could have come harder. The second cipher is at Crack Distributors Radio with Chip tha Ripper (your guess is as good as mine) and Naledge from Kidz in the Hall. Chip is average at best, but Naledge, much to my surprise put together a pretty good verse. Check both of these ciphers out and keep it locked to Dear Whoever...