Question. Is Ohio the next state to blow up in Hip Hop? I'm sure most would say "get the fuck outta here Chew". Don't think it can't happen because when you actually dig deep in this hip hop world instead of being "force fed" by the labels, radio and mass media...you find that the talent pool is deep in that area. It's not only MCs, its DJs, producers and entrepreneurs as well.
“Catch The Beat” is on of my favorite tracks so far this year just for the simple fact it sounds like nothing else out right now. The flow is basic, bars are witty and compliments that beat like a fat chic in a lil as hooptie. Don’t let this hook get stuck in your head either case you will be doing that shit all day. “What the fuck is that smell? / Oh yea I pooted / my stomach is bubblin’ / I have to take a shit ummm / where is the nearest toilet or corny rapper to shit on.” I’m telling you this track is just some fun shit to listen too while you nod your head. “I’m Fitted” is a flat out hit. That classic Cleveland sound right there too. I mean content wise Chip is dropping brand names ect but the song is all about being fly so fuck it…enjoy that shit cause the picture painted is ill. “Cigarillo” and “I Got 5 On I” are classic mixtape flips. Chip owned that “Umbrella” beat for “Cigarillo”, he def made that shit his own. The freestyle for “I Got 5 On It” got some jewels in it too. “Old Face, New Bitch” is another mixtape flip but Chip got his story telling off on this one. Honestly this is becoming a well rounded artist mixtape. I hate the song “Ay Bay Bay” but Chip turned that shit out like a stupid white girl with no money and a fat ass. “Ain’t No Way” is the flip so rewind that shit man. The Kickdrums slide thru to lace “Keep On Pushin’”. Straight soul music people and perfect for Chip’s laid back style. DJ E-V got his blend on with “Money Money”…perfect joint to fit the theme of the mixtape.
I don’t think Chip The Ripper is the most lyrical cat out of Cleveland but what he brings to the table is a confident, laid back flow with a MIC veterans delivery. He has fun on the MIC, his concepts are cool as a fan and he posses that “star” appeal. Couple things stand out to me on here and help Chip do what he do. The first is the beats, the production is virgin tight and Chip def knows what works for his “sound”. The second thing that stands out on this project and made it what it is…is the mixtape flips. Beat wise Chip kept it current with “now” R&B joints and he made them his own…adding his own hook and style to the shit. Cat’s think they need to spit on those hard ass beats but it’s the R&B joints that get you shinning. Kind of like how 50 came up in the game…hmmm maybe a lil foreshadowing right there. You never know man. (10/3/07)
