Historically, Cleveland rap has generally meant Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. In recent years, however, a new brand of music has risen from the city and one of its rising stars is rapper Charles Worth, known more commonly by his stage name Chip Tha Ripper.
While Chip has yet to put out a full solo album, he put out his first mixtape, “Money,” back in 2007@@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chip_tha_Ripper@@ and since then he’s been working nonstop with artists and producers such as Kid Cudi (on “A Kid Named Cudi,” released in 2008),@@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kid_cudi@@ Hi-Tek (“Hi-Teknology 3,” released in 2007)@@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hi-Teknology_3@@ and Kidz in the Hall, in both the studio as well as on the stage.
Following “Money,” he’s released five more mixtapes starting with “Can’t Stop Me” (2008), “The Cleveland Show” (2009), “From Me, To You” (2010), “Independence Day” (2010) and “Gift Raps” (Mar., 2011).
Some critics have responded favorably to Chip’s releases, with a reviewer from stereokiller.com calling his 2009 effort, “The Cleveland Show,” “… the epitome of Midwest hip-hop.”@@http://www.stereokiller.com/newsreviews/article.cfm?intarticleid=8676@@
“Chip Tha Ripper is about to blow up,” Steve Stacks, the reviewer, said.  “Those who are unfamiliar with the different regions and sounds, Chip’s style of delivery is more of the Southern style, unique voice with somewhat of a drawl/accent.”
Among his best work while featured with other groups is Kid Cudi’s “Hyyerr,” off his 2007 “Man on the Moon” release which showcases smooth, rhythmic rap by Chip in the first half of the song.  The album debuted at number three on October 3, 2009 on Billboard’s 200@@http://www.billboard.com/album/kid-cudi/man-on-the-moon-the-end-of-day/1274990#/album/kid-cudi/man-on-the-moon-the-end-of-day/1274990@@.
The success of the album with the song “Hyyerr” isn’t surprising – the way that both Chip and Cudi stretch their rhymes on top of the silky production of strings and beats is impressive.  The rhythms of their lyrics conjure an image of an ice skater or ballet dancer pirouetting from cloud to cloud, glazed with a veneer of red sunset, almost elastically, beautifully.
However not all of his efforts reach the clouds.  Tracks such as “100 Dolla,” “Money Money,” “Bitch I’m Paid,” “U Owe Me Cheddar” and “I Get Money,” illustrate that despite a few gems, his lyrics show that Chip is still a young rapper and sometimes lacks subject variety.
Undoubtedly Chip has some moments of genius between a number of tracks which sound like a produced, recorded version of a rap battle.  Look for this Cleveland rapper to continue making waves and evolving as an artist, especially considering that he has a record of working with great producers such as Chuck Inglish of The Cool Kids.
Decide for yourself and see this up and coming performer at the WOW Hall tonight.
WOW Hall presents: Chip Tha Ripper
Tonight, Thursday Sept. 29, 2011
Doors at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m.
$16 at the door