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...

Mikey Rocks - Foreign Features

The Cool Kids have been one of my favorite groups over the past few years simply because they reek of nonchalance and apathy for the direction of the game. Rather than tailor their quirky rap styles to what's going on, Mikey Rocks and Chuck Inglish swerved into their own lane. Now that the two have become successful as a group, it would only make sense that they branched out on their own. Mikey Rocks has taken that calling and ran with it. This video is the visual for the Tye Hill and The Produktionix-produced Foreign Features. The beat is a little much at first, but when you hear Mikey rhyme, you get where it's going. Mikey definitely has an ill flow and an abundance of charisma on the mic. Whether he can parlay that into a solo career or just be content to kick it with Chuck, we shall see. What I do know, though, is that talent has a way of finding its way out. Keep it locked for more releases from Sir Michael Rocks...