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Chip (rapper)
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Key Information
Jahmaal Noel Fyffe[2] (born 26 November 1990),[3] better known by his stage name Chip (formerly Chipmunk), is an English rapper and grime MC. In the past 14 years, he has collaborated with the likes of Skepta, T.I., Meek Mill, Young Adz and many others. In 2009, he released his debut album, I Am Chipmunk, featuring four songs which peaked in the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart, including the chart-topping "Oopsy Daisy". In 2011, Chipmunk released his follow-up album, the American hip-hop-influenced Transition. It included the single "Champion" featuring Chris Brown, which peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart.
Chip moved to Atlanta in 2012 and signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle label. On Christmas Day, Chip released "London Boy", featuring the likes of Meek Mill, Skepta, Movado, plus more.
Following his return to London, Chip embarked on a year-long rap beef which solidified his slogan "Chip Can't Run Out of Bars". Following this, he has since released six projects, with his most recent being Grime Scene Saviour featuring the likes of JME, Scorcher, Skepta, Frisco and D Double E among others.
Early life
[edit]Jahmaal Noel Fyffe was born on 26 November 1990 in Tottenham, and is the son of Jamaican immigrant parents.[4] Fyffe's parents later separated. Fyffe received the nickname "Chipmunk" from a friend (who was later stabbed to death) on account of him being "short and chubby with big teeth".[5] Fyffe began rapping after hearing Wiley and Dizzee Rascal on pirate radio when he was a child,[4] later inspiring him to rent studios out for £20 to record music with his friends when he was just thirteen years old.[5] Jahmaal attended Highgate Wood Secondary School in Crouch End, before transferring to Gladesmore Community School, citing that there were problems for him at Highgate Wood.[6] After completing secondary school education, he underwent his A-Levels at Haringey Sixth Form Centre, achieving a B in Drama, C in Sociology and D in Critical Thinking.[6]
Chip has been an Arsenal fan since childhood. Prior to a music career, Chip originally aspired to be a footballer.[7][8]
Career
[edit]Chipmunk first gained mainstream recognition[citation needed] when Wiley brought him to Tim Westwood's radio show in 2007 along with Ice Kid and they performed a freestyle.[9]
Chipmunk signed a record deal with Jive Records of Sony Music UK.[10] He has successfully released eleven top-ten hits on the UK Singles Chart, of which "Oopsy Daisy" debuted at #1. He released his debut album, I Am Chipmunk in 2009, which charted at #2 on the UK Albums Chart. His second album, Transition was released on 18 April 2011.
In 2008, Chipmunk was nominated for best newcomer at the MOBO Awards, winning two awards: Best UK Newcomer and Best Hip-Hop act.[11] He also won Best Hip-Hop Act at the MOBO Awards 2009.[12] He also won an award with Emeli Sandé for Best British Single for their song "Diamond Rings".[13] The same year Chipmunk won an Mp3 Award at Mp3 Music Awards 2009 for his single, "Diamond Rings",[14] which was published and promoted by MTV Network. On 13 January 2012, he announced via Twitter that he had permanently abbreviated his name from "Chipmunk" to "Chip". Chipmunk announced his signing to American rapper T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records in March 2012 after leaving Sony following the closing of Jive.[15]
At the start of 2015, Chipmunk announced his two-part Believe & Achieve EP project – with EPisode 1 to be released independently on Monday 4 May via his own label Cash Motto. The EP features productions from New Machine (Plan B) and Chris Loco (Labrinth) as well as collaborations with Irish troubadour Maverick Sabre and grime legends D Double E, Jammer, Stormzy, Kano, Wretch 32 and Shalo.[16]
Chipmunk runs a company called Cash Motto, formerly Cash Motivation, which he uses to release his music and clothing.[17][18] The company has also released numerous singles by Chipmunk's friend and frequent collaborator Shalo. In 2016, he won Best Grime Act at the MOBO Awards 2016.
2006–2010: I Am Chipmunk and UK breakthrough
[edit]In 2006, at the age of sixteen, he uploaded the song "Who Are You?" which received a lot of underground success[citation needed] and has reached over 3,000,000 views on YouTube. At the 2008 Mobo Awards, Chipmunk won the Best Newcomer Award while being signed to an independent label, Alwayz Recordings. Soon after, in late-2008, just before his eighteenth birthday, Chipmunk signed a high-figure record deal[citation needed] with Columbia Records, Sony Music and began recording his debut album. On 2 March 2009, he released his first single from the album, "Chip Diddy Chip". The single charted at #21 on the UK Singles Charts and was written by himself.[19] The music video for the track featured Tim Westwood and Dappy of N-Dubz, and was filmed at his old secondary school, Gladesmore Community School.[20] After the release of the single, he announced his album would be titled, I Am Chipmunk. Following the release of "Diamond Rings" which featured guest vocals from Emeli Sandé. The song became Sandé's and Chipmunk's first top 10 hit, after it charted at #6 on the UK Singles Charts. This made Chipmunk a pioneer in doing so, as he became the youngest UK rapper to ever score a top 10 charted song.[21]
In October 2009, Chipmunk released his biggest track to date "Oopsy Daisy" as the third official single. It featured guest vocals from singer Dayo Olatunji and was written by Talay Riley. "Oopsy Daisy" is Chipmunk's most successful single to date. The track debuted at #1 on the UK Singles Charts and later gained a certification of Gold, by the BPI. Chipmunk became the youngest rapper to have scored a UK #1 single.[22] The track was Chipmunk's first single released internationally. The song was accompanied by a music video, Chipmunk's love interest was played by Red Madrell, a British actress.[23] The song beat British girl-group, The Saturdays to number-one with their come-back single, "Forever Is Over", and spent over a month in the top 10.[24] After the release of I Am Chipmunk on 12 October 2009, it gained mainly positive reviews from critics. It debuted at #2 on the UK Albums Chart.[25] However, the album charted at #1 on the UK R&B Albums Chart.[26]
Chipmunk announced that he was going to release a platinum edition of the album with new tracks after I am Chipmunk sold over 300,000 copies. The first single released from I Am Chipmunk was "Until You Were Gone" which featured guest vocals from Esmée Denters. The single charted at #3 on the UK Singles Charts. I Am Chipmunk: The Platinum Edition was released on 3 May 2010. It contained four new songs.[27] The album then gained a Platinum Certification by the BPI. After making a gross income of £1,550,000 the previous year, making him the highest-paid UK rapper. Chipmunk also performed at the Mobo Awards in 2009, Capital Summertime Ball in 2010 at Wembley Stadium and at the Brit Awards.[28]
2010–11: Transition and "Champion" featuring Chris Brown
[edit]Chipmunk announced he was working on a new studio album in late-2010, and confirmed it would be titled, Transition which he stated it would be different from the first album, stating: "It kinda represents the growth in me as a person since my last album, so the sound has matured as well as I have and that’s the main thing for me with the record - I just wanted the sound, the sound and the feel of the album to feel… I feel like a granddad but you know, just more mature than my first album, you know life’s changed." The album features American artists Keri Hilson, Chris Brown, Trey Songz[29] and Kalenna Harper from Diddy-Dirty Money,[30] and British rapper Wretch 32.[31] He released a promotional single onto iTunes on 12 November 2010. The single charted at #72 on the UK Singles Charts,[32] with limited promotion.[33] In early-2011, he confirmed that "Champion" would be released as the first mainstream single from the album, and the single would feature American R&B singer, Chris Brown. The single was written by Harmony "H-Money" Samuels, Jahmaal Fyffe, Eric Bellinger, Erika Nuri.[34] The single charted at #2 on the UK Singles Charts, being held off the top spot by Jessie J and B.o.B with their entry with "Price Tag". However, both songs sold over 90,000 copies in their first week and Jessie J gained the top spot by 5%.[35] The song serves as the theme for the reality competition show WWE Tough Enough. It was announced that "In the Air" would be released as the second mainstream single released from Transition the single would feature guest vocals from American R&B singer, Keri Hilson. The single was released on 11 March 2011.[36] The album Transition itself attained its UK release through Sony Music's Jive label on 18 April 2011.[37] He makes a cameo appearance in Wretch 32 and Example's video for Unorthodox.
The third single to be released from the album is titled "Take Off" and features Trey Songz.[38] Chipmunk also released a net video for the song "Every Gyal" featuring Mavado.[39] In August 2011, Chipmunk performed a free concert in Dumfries, Scotland and in Wales.[40][41][42]
2012–14: Grand Hustle and London Boy Mixtape
[edit]On 7 October 2011, RCA Music Group announced it was disbanding Jive Records, along with Arista Records and J Records. With the shutdown, Chip, and all other artists previously signed to these three labels, had the option to release their future material on the RCA Records brand. Chip chose not to do so, and certain media outlets speculated that he may be dropped from the label.[43] However, Chip instead decided to sign with Grand Hustle, the label of fellow rapper and collaborator, T.I.[44] In December 2011, Chipmunk announced that he would be shortening his stage name to "Chip", under the advice and instruction of T.I., and that all of his future releases would appear under his new stage name.
In January 2012, Chip announced via his official Twitter account that he had been working with Sean Garrett and T.I. on his next project, but did not reveal the name of the project in question. He also posted a picture of himself recording in a studio in Atlanta with T.I. Shortly after the announcement, Chip revealed that throughout the year, he would be posting a series of online video blogs to keep his fans updated on what he was up to. On 10 February 2012, Chip uploaded his own freestyle version of fellow rapper Tyga's smash hit, "Rack City" to his official YouTube account. The video received over 70,000 views and 10,000 likes within the first 48 hours of release.[45]
Chip returned to the studio to complete recording on the project during August–September 2012, before unveiling his single "Londoner", a collaboration with Wretch 32, Professor Green and Loick Essien.[46] The track was released as the project's third underground single on 25 November 2012. On 9 October 2012, Chip was featured on the annual BET Hip Hop Awards cypher, alongside his Grand Hustle labelmates Iggy Azalea, B.o.B, T.I. and Trae tha Truth.[47] On 10 December, Chip revealed the track listing of the mixtape, including collaborations with labelmates Iggy Azalea, Trae Tha Truth, T.I, previous collaborators Skepta, Mavado, Wretch 32 and Professor Green as well as Meek Mill and Young Jeezy. He also re-confirmed the release date of 25 December 2012, and revealed the tape would be available to download free of charge.[48]
2014–present: Believe & Achieve, Grime Beef & League of My Own II
[edit]On 31 October 2014, Chip dropped his "Fright Night" freestyle on YouTube, and announced to fans that his new project Believe & Achieve would be coming in 2015.[49] In November 2014, Chip collaborated with hotly tipped Stormzy and Shalo on "I’m Fine" which he filmed on his twenty-fourth birthday and released shortly afterwards.[50] A remix of "I’m Fine" featuring Frisco, Krept and Konan appeared online on 16 January 2015 via i-D Magazine.[51] On 1 January 2015, Chip dropped the track ‘School of Grime’ via his SoundCloud page,[52] and followed by a music video a couple weeks later. The track featured grime legends D Double E and Jammer and instantly started blowing up at specialist radio, online and across the urban world for weeks.[53] After the success of the original song "School of Grime" featuring D Double E and Jammer, Chip released a remix blended with UK Garage classic,"The Streets - Has It Come to This" and it was accompanied by a new music video which contained footage of a live performance at student event, Rampage. [6][54]
On Saturday 24 January, Chip appeared for the second time on Charlie Sloth's trademark show Fire In The Booth on 1Xtra, which had a huge listenership and was trending on Twitter.[55] In Chip's freestyle, he opened up some questions about the UK rap scene and caused controversy by calling out Tinie Tempah for his current lack of commitment to music.[56] The YouTube video from Fire In The Booth instantly went viral with 100k views in just a few days, and was followed by a 1Xtra debate which also trended on Twitter.[57] Chip also took part in ITV's new entertainment show Get Your Act Together on 25 January, having been invited by the Shaolin Monks to learn Kung Fu martial arts.[58] The performance culminated in him balancing on two spear points to widespread audience acclaim.[59] He competed against three other celebrity teams and won the round. Chip performed with the Shaolin Monks in the final of the show on 22 February 2015[60]
A remix freestyle of ‘School of Grime’ was organically conceived by Chip, D Double E and Jammer in the back of a cab after the official video shoot. Using The Streets ‘Has It Come To This’ as the beat, a freestyle was filmed in one take by a camera phone was shot and then uploaded to YouTube. The track was then recorded properly in the studio and premiered via Pigeons and Planes on 21 February[61] A week later, a visual for the remix was made by legendary Risky Roadz and hosted on SBTV channel.[62]
On 20 March 2015, Chip released a freestyle ‘Pepper Riddim’ hitting back at 5 Rappers who had dissed him since his Fire In The Booth.[63] ‘The End’ was then filmed in one take and released to put an end to the negativity coming from fellow artists in the grime scene, and to look forward to the next chapter of Chip with a positive outlook.[64]
On Christmas Day 2015, Chip released his tenth mixtape, Rap vs. Grime, for free download. The project, which features a guest appearance from Stormzy, consists of remixes of hit songs from 2015 such as "My Way" and "Classic Man" (the "rap" songs) and diss tracks aimed at Tinie Tempah and Bugzy Malone (the "grime" songs). Also on Christmas Day 2015, Chip released "Hear Dis" featuring Stormzy.
Afters six years since the release of his last album, Chip released his third album; and his first independent album, League of My Own II. This album charted at #12 in the UK album charts which is his third Top 20 album.
Chip's fourth studio album Ten10 was released on 21 September 2018 through his independent record label Cash Motto. It featured singles CRB Check ft Not3s, Right Now ft JME & Frisco & the lead single My Girl ft Red Rat.
In March 2020 Chip announced a surprise album with fellow rappers Skepta and Young Adz. Insomnia debuted in at number 3 in the official UK charts with 2 top 40 singles.
In light of the cannabis culture, Chip released a tribute for longtime friend and collaborator Black the Ripper who died on 4 April 2020. The single titled "0420" was released on 20 April 2020 and sampled Black the Ripper's single "Missing You".[65]
Feuds
[edit]Tinie Tempah
[edit]In 2015, Chip appeared on Charlie Sloth's radio show where he called out fellow London based rapper Tinie Tempah over the latter's interests and perceived exploitation of their relationship for personal benefit.[66][67] On 9 October 2015 he released "96 Bars of Revenge" in which he dissed both Tempah and Bugzy Malone.[68] He then followed this up with "Coward", which was aimed directly at Tempah.[69]
Bugzy Malone
[edit]Bugzy Malone released his "Fire in the Booth", a freestyle session hosted by BBC 1Xtra presenter Charlie Sloth, on 14 March 2015, mentioning Chip.[70] Chip replied to Malone's critics including him on his war dub "Pepper Riddim". This started the feud and drew attention to the grime scene early on in 2015. Malone released a war dub for Chip entitled "Relegation Riddim", travelling to Chip's hometown of Tottenham to film the video for the song.
Five months later, Chip released a number of tracks in his defence starting with "Light Work" on 11 September 2015. He then went on to release "Run Out Riddim" and "Hat Trick" in the same week. These three riddems was all uploaded on three different prominent UK platforms one after the other. GRMdaily, Link Up tv and SBTV. Around a month later on 9 October 2015 he released "96 Bars of Revenge" in which he dissed both Malone and Tinie Tempah. The rivalry continued as Malone then replied back with "Wasteman", Chip replied within 7 hours with "Dickhead", Malone then released the pre-recorded track "Zombie Riddim" via his Twitter account straight after "Dickhead" was uploaded. Malone stated that he would clash with Chip on Lord of the Mics, a battle rap show hosted by Boy Better Know member Jammer, for the right amount of money, and Chip has also stated that he would be willing as long as he would be clashing against both Malone and Tempah.[71]
Yungen
[edit]This feud started when Chip mentioned Yungen in "96 Bars of Revenge". Yungen replied the following year on his track "Comfy", which sparked the feud further. On 19 February 2016, Chip released "One Take" (freestyle) on his YouTube channel, dissing Yungen.[72] Yungen released a pre-recorded track one hour later titled "Punk (Shitmunk Diss)" which was a warning to Chip to take his freestyle down.[73] Chip replied in 24 hours with "Michelle Riddim", a diss track towards Yungen and Tinie Tempah.[74] Yungen responded quickly with "Oopsy Daisy Riddim",[75] and Chip has since responded once again with "L (Lil' Clive Diss 2)".[76] Recently[when?] the 'Oopsy Daisy Riddim (Shitmunk Diss) was taken down from YouTube after it contained a sample of Chipmunk's single "Oopsy Daisy", it was then re-loaded, this time with the copyrighted audio removed. After Yungen was filmed running from a man who gripped the rapper's arms, dropping his Nando's meal in the process, he released the track "Away Games". In response to a couple of slights from the track, Chip released his track "Peri Peri Sauce", aimed at the South London rapper.[77]
Stormzy
[edit]Chip became embroiled in a feud with fellow musician Stormzy, releasing diss tracks 'Killer MC' and 'Flowers' in October 2020.[78] This was in response to an incident in June, where Stormzy had entered his apartment block, argued with his family and refused to leave.[79] In January 2021, artist Ghetts released a track called "Skengman" featuring Stormzy where Stormzy referenced Chip on a number of lines. Soon after, Chip released a track called "10 Commandments", addressing Stormzy. July 2021 fellow artist Dave released a track called "Clash" featuring Stormzy where Stormzy briefly addressed the previous incident. Hours later Chip released an audio track entitled "Clash?" where he responded mainly to Stormzy but also referenced Dave in the response.[80]
Filmography
[edit]- 2007: Steal This Film: Part II
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
- I Am Chipmunk (2009)
- Transition (2011)
- League of My Own II (2017)
- Ten10 (2018)
- Grime Scene Saviour (2025)
Collaborative albums
- Insomnia (with Skepta and Young Adz) (2020)
- Neighbourhood (with Nafe Smallz) (2024)
Awards
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | MOBO Awards | Best UK Newcomer[11] | Won | |
| 2009 | Best Hip-Hop Act[12] | Won | ||
| MP3 Music Awards | The UGG Award – Urban / Garage / Grime[81] | "Diamond Rings" | Won | |
| 2016 | MOBO Awards | Best Grime Act[82] | Won | |
| 2017 | MOBO Awards | Best Male Act[83] | Nominated | |
| Best Grime Act[83] | Nominated |
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Urban Music Awards | Best Newcomer | Won | |
| 2011 | Best Collaboration | Champion with Chris Brown | Won |
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- ^ "MP3 Music Awards 2009 Winners". MP3 Music Awards 2009. Archived from the original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved 13 November 2010.
- ^ "MOBO Awards 2016 | MOBO Organisation". beta.mobo.com. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
- ^ a b "2017 MOBO Awards Nominations: Get the Full List Now | MOBO Organisation". beta.mobo.com. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
External links
[edit]Chip (rapper)
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family background
Jahmaal Noel Fyffe, known professionally as Chip, was born on 26 November 1990 in Tottenham, North London, to Jamaican immigrant parents. His family later separated, leaving him to grow up primarily with his mother in a challenging working-class environment on a tough housing estate in the area. This upbringing in a deprived neighborhood shaped his early experiences amid economic hardships typical of many immigrant families in post-1980s London.[8][1] As one of three siblings, including a brother and a younger sister, Fyffe navigated a close-knit but strained household dynamic influenced by his parents' cultural roots and the realities of single-parent life. He has spoken about the protective role his family played in shielding him from street dangers, fostering resilience that would later inform his personal outlook. The immigrant background brought a blend of Jamaican traditions into the home, contributing to a sense of cultural identity amid the urban grit of Tottenham.[8][1][9] During his childhood, Fyffe earned the nickname "Chipmunk" from a school friend who remarked on his short stature, chubby build, and prominent teeth—features reminiscent of the cartoon character. Tragically, this friend was later killed in a stabbing incident, an event that underscored the violence prevalent in his community. The moniker stuck and eventually became his initial stage name.[8]Entry into music
Jahmaal Fyffe, known professionally as Chip (formerly Chipmunk), began rapping at the age of 13, inspired by the sounds of grime pioneers Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, and Kano, which he encountered through pirate radio broadcasts and early grime DVDs. Growing up in Tottenham, North London, he was drawn to the energetic style and lyrical prowess of these artists, prompting him to experiment with rhymes alongside school friends. This initial spark led him to seek out local opportunities to hone his craft, marking his transition from listener to active participant in the burgeoning grime scene.[2][8] Fyffe's first recordings took place in affordable studios in Finsbury Park, where he and a friend rented time for £20 per hour to produce basic tracks and CDs, which they burned in batches of 100 and sold at local record shops, complete with homemade covers printed on his mother's printer. By around 2004–2005, he adopted the stage name "Chipmunk," a nickname given by a childhood friend—later tragically killed in a stabbing—due to his short, chubby build and prominent teeth at the time. These early efforts extended to freestyling on pirate radio stations and participating in clash events at youth clubs in Tottenham, where he battled other aspiring MCs, building his confidence and reputation through competitive wordplay.[8][2] In the mid-2000s, Fyffe produced low-budget DVDs featuring his freestyles, which circulated within local circles and helped generate initial buzz in the East London grime scene. His clashes, including notable exchanges with members of the N.A.S.T.Y. Crew—a prominent East London collective—highlighted his sharp delivery and caught the attention of established figures like Wiley, fostering early affiliations and positioning him as a rising talent from North London. These formative experiences in pirate radio sessions and underground clashes solidified his place in the grime ecosystem, emphasizing raw skill over polished production.[2]Career
2006–2011: Debut album and UK breakthrough
In 2007, Chipmunk gained significant attention in the UK grime scene after performing a freestyle on BBC Radio 1 with Wiley and Ice Kid, hosted by Tim Westwood, which became one of the platform's early viral moments and showcased his rapid flow and lyrical skill. This exposure contributed to his rising profile, culminating in two wins at the 2008 MOBO Awards for Best UK Newcomer and Best Hip-Hop Act, marking him as a standout talent at age 17. Building on this momentum, he signed a record deal with Jive Records, a Sony Music UK imprint, later that year, enabling him to develop his debut project while balancing A-level studies. Chipmunk released his debut album, I Am Chipmunk, on 12 October 2009 through Jive/Columbia Records. The album debuted at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart, behind Susan Boyle's I Dreamed a Dream, and achieved commercial success with over 100,000 copies sold in its first year, reflecting his transition from underground grime to mainstream appeal. Produced primarily by Daig & Naughty Boy, it blended high-energy pop hooks with grime elements, earning praise for its polished production and Chipmunk's versatile delivery, though some critics noted it prioritized accessibility over raw grit. Key singles from the album drove its breakthrough. "Oopsy Daisy", featuring Dayo Olatunji and produced by Naughty Boy, topped the UK Singles Chart for one week in October 2009, becoming Chipmunk's first number-one hit and a staple of radio play with its upbeat, summery vibe. "Diamond Rings", with uncredited chorus vocals from Emeli Sandé, peaked at number 6, highlighting Sandé's soulful contribution before her own solo rise. "Look for Me", co-written and featuring Talay Riley, reached number 7, praised for its motivational lyrics and Riley's melodic hook that bridged rap and R&B. "Until You Were Gone", featuring Esmée Denters, charted at number 3 in April 2010, underscoring Chipmunk's knack for catchy, collaborative pop anthems. The album's critical reception positioned it as a successful grime-pop crossover, with The Guardian calling it a "confident opening shot" that targeted mainstream audiences through skittering pop tracks, while BBC Music lauded its alignment with the chart-friendly evolution of artists like Wiley and Tinchy Stryder.2012–2014: US move, name change, and mixtapes
In early 2012, following the closure of his previous label Jive Records under Sony Music, Chip relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to immerse himself in the American hip-hop industry and signed a deal with Grand Hustle Records, the imprint founded by rapper T.I..[10] The move and signing, announced in March 2012, aimed to provide broader exposure beyond the UK scene, allowing Chip to collaborate with established US artists and adapt his style to international hip-hop influences. This period marked a pivotal shift, as Chip sought to transition from his grime roots toward a more global sound while leveraging T.I.'s mentorship. Chip's second studio album, Transition, originally released in the UK in April 2011, received additional promotion in the US context following his Grand Hustle affiliation, with a planned stateside rollout via RCA Records in mid-2011 that extended into his new label era.[11] The project leaned heavily into American hip-hop production, featuring polished beats and R&B elements. Its lead single, "Champion" featuring Chris Brown, became a major UK success, peaking at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and underscoring Chip's crossover appeal ahead of his US relocation.[12] In January 2012, shortly after the signing, Chip abbreviated his stage name from Chipmunk to Chip, a change advised by T.I. to convey maturity and shed the youthful, cartoonish associations of "Chipmunk" that no longer aligned with his evolving persona.[2] Chip later reflected that the original moniker represented his teenage years, and the rebranding, implemented around age 21, helped establish a more serious image in the competitive US market.[13] Chip's inaugural release on Grand Hustle was the mixtape London Boy, dropped on December 25, 2012, and hosted by DJ Drama. The 19-track project blended UK grime energy with Southern hip-hop flair, including standout collaborations with T.I. on multiple songs, Iggy Azalea on "Hustle Gang," Meek Mill on "Mandatory Meltdown," and B.o.B., highlighting his integration into the Atlanta rap ecosystem. Despite the buzz, no full-length album followed immediately, leading to frustrations over creative control and delays. By late 2014, after over two years with limited output from Grand Hustle, Chip amicably parted ways with the label and returned to the UK to regain independence.[14] This split paved the way for self-released projects, including the Believe & Achieve EP series, which he announced toward the end of 2014 as his first independent endeavor under his own Cash Motto imprint, emphasizing personal growth and grime resurgence.[15]2015–2019: Independent releases and grime resurgence
Following his departure from major label affiliations after 2011's Transition, Chip established his independent imprint Cash Motto Limited and focused on reclaiming his roots in UK grime during the mid-2010s genre revival. In 2015, he released the mixtape Rap vs Grime on Christmas Day, blending hip-hop influences with grime energy through remixes of contemporary hits like "My Way" by Frank Ocean and "Classic Man" by Jidenna, featuring a guest spot from Stormzy; this project underscored his versatility amid the burgeoning grime resurgence led by artists like Skepta. The mixtape's release aligned with Chip's growing engagement in the scene, including high-profile clashes that reignited his reputation as a formidable lyricist.[16] In 2016, Chip solidified his independent trajectory with the album Power Up, released on August 26 via Cash Motto, marking a deliberate pivot back to grime after years of US-influenced rap. The eight-track project, produced by figures like Terror Danjah and Tre Mission, featured raw grime cuts such as "Fire in My Studio" and collaborations like "Where's Ice Kid At" with Ice Kid, emphasizing his return to Tottenham's street-level sound amid the genre's commercial upswing. That year also saw Chip deeply involved in the grime beef with Yungen, a multi-day exchange of diss tracks starting in February that dominated social media and YouTube; tracks like Chip's "One Take" and responses to Yungen's bars highlighted industry tensions and boosted Chip's visibility in the revived grime circuit, drawing comparisons to earlier rivalries like his 2015 clash with Bugzy Malone. These confrontations, while contentious, positioned Chip as a key antagonist in grime's competitive ethos, contributing to the scene's renewed energy.[17][18] Building momentum, Chip dropped his third studio album League of My Own II on August 11, 2017, independently through Cash Motto as a sequel to his influential 2007 mixtape; the 17-track effort debuted at number 12 on the UK Albums Chart, his highest placement since 2011. Featuring guests like Giggs and Kojo Funds, it blended grime with dancehall and rap elements on songs such as "League of My Own (The Intro)" and "Pepper Riddim," celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his breakthrough while affirming his role in the grime revival. The album's success reflected Chip's strategic independence, allowing creative control during a period when grime acts like J Hus and Stormzy were achieving mainstream breakthroughs.[19][20] By 2018, Chip expanded his output with Ten10, his fourth studio album released on September 21 through a partnership with Parlophone Records while retaining Cash Motto oversight; it peaked at number 17 on the UK Albums Chart. Produced by talents including Sampha and Ayo Beatz, the project included grime-heavy tracks like "Right Now" with JME and Frisco, and "CRB Check" featuring Not3s, continuing his engagement with the scene through features on revival-era releases and live clashes that showcased his enduring prowess. This period cemented Chip's resurgence as a grime staple, bridging his early career with the genre's 2010s renaissance.[21][22]2020–present: Collaborations and recent albums
In 2020, Chip collaborated with Skepta and Young Adz of D-Block Europe on the album Insomnia, released on March 27 through the independent label SKC M29. The project debuted at number three on the UK Albums Chart, marking a significant commercial success for the trio and highlighting Chip's continued relevance in the UK rap scene through its blend of grime and trap influences.[23] Standout tracks such as "Waze" and "Demons" (featuring Dirtbike LB) received playlist placements and radio airplay, contributing to multiple singles charting in the UK.[24] That same year, on April 20, Chip released the single "0420 (R.I.P Black The Ripper)" as a tribute to the late grime artist Black The Ripper, who had passed away in 2018. The track reflects on losses within the grime community, with Chip delivering introspective lyrics over a moody instrumental to honor his peer's contributions to the genre.[25] It served as an emotional pivot amid the early COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring themes of resilience and remembrance in UK rap. Following Insomnia, Chip maintained an independent trajectory with releases like the 2021 project Snakes & Ladders and the 2024 collaborative album Neighbourhood with Nafe Smallz, both distributed via platforms such as Ditto Music.[26] He also contributed features to tracks by fellow grime artists, including appearances on songs by Frisco and Flirta D, reinforcing his role in collaborative efforts that bridged veteran and emerging talents in the scene.[27] In April 2025, Chip released his album Grime Scene Saviour on April 18, a 12-track effort centered on preserving the grime genre's legacy through high-energy 140 BPM productions and guest verses from icons like Skepta, JME, D Double E, Frisco, and Flirta D. The album debuted within the top five of the UK Official Hip-Hop and R&B Albums Chart, earning praise for revitalizing grime's underground momentum and uniting past and present figures in the movement.[28] Critics noted its timely cultural impact, with tracks like "Grime Scene Saviours" and "Function Riddim" celebrated for capturing the genre's raw essence and calling for its continued evolution.[29][30] In September 2025, Chip released the single "Grime Scene Saviours (Reloaded)" featuring additional artists such as Wiley, Scorcher, and Jammer, along with a live event at Exhibition White City.[31][32]Feuds and rivalries
With Tinie Tempah
The feud between Chip and Tinie Tempah emerged in 2014 during a period of intense competition in the UK rap scene, when Tinie Tempah included thinly veiled disses aimed at Chip in his Fire in the Booth freestyle on BBC Radio 1Xtra, mocking rappers who had not achieved similar commercial success, such as references to "pizza boys" delivering pizzas instead of dominating charts. This sparked tensions rooted in perceived industry slights, as both artists vied for prominence in grime and rap amid shifting label dynamics and career trajectories. Chip, who had relocated to the US in 2012 to pursue opportunities there before returning in 2014, fired back in early 2015 during a BBC Radio 1Xtra interview, accusing Tinie of neglecting his MCing roots in favor of fashion ventures and being dismissive toward unsigned or struggling rappers. The rivalry escalated through a series of diss tracks and freestyles; Chip released "Pepper Riddim" in March 2015, targeting Tinie alongside other artists with lines questioning their authenticity and success, while Tinie responded with indirect shots in freestyles, including during his performance at 1Xtra Live in October 2015 where he referenced Chip's label drop. Chip followed up with "Coward" later that month, intensifying the personal barbs via social media exchanges that highlighted frustrations over career paths and grime's evolution. By 2016, the public exchanges had subsided, with no major confrontations reported thereafter and occasional nods to past rivalries in broader grime discussions underscoring a baseline of professional respect within the scene.With Bugzy Malone
The feud between Chip and Bugzy Malone, rooted in regional tensions between Manchester and London grime scenes, began in March 2015 when Bugzy dissed Chip and other London-based rappers during his BBC Radio 1Xtra Fire in the Booth freestyle, positioning Manchester's harder-edged style against London's established dominance. Bugzy's bars highlighted stylistic clashes, accusing London artists of softening grime with commercial influences while promoting his own raw, confrontational approach. Chip quickly retaliated on March 20, 2015, with "Pepper Riddim," a freestyle over a Di Genius production that targeted Bugzy for invading London territory without sufficient respect, escalating the back-and-forth into a series of diss tracks throughout the year. Bugzy responded on March 25 with "Relegation Riddim," mocking Chip's career trajectory and US aspirations as a demotion from grime's core, further amplifying the north-south divide. The exchange intensified with Chip's "Light Work" and "Hat Trick" in September, followed by Bugzy's "#Wasteman" in October, prompting Chip's rapid-fire "Dickhead" and "Duppy Riddim" replies, all underscoring debates over authentic grime flows and territorial authenticity. These releases peaked the beef's intensity, spilling into online forums and social media, with fans debating lyrical prowess and regional pride. Chip incorporated several response tracks into his December 2015 mixtape Rap vs. Grime, including "Duppy Riddim" and "#Alone," where he continued to challenge Bugzy's credibility and stylistic borrowings in the genre. These releases, hosted by Hot 97's Peter Rosenberg, blended hip-hop and grime elements to assert Chip's versatility amid the rivalry. Tensions eased by late 2017, when Bugzy shared an Instagram photo of himself and Chip together at rapper Giggs' Christmas Dinner, captioned "Cash Motto GAME CHANGED," signaling an informal truce. By 2018, both artists participated in broader grime events and festivals, contributing to a collective scene revival that indirectly fostered peace, as Bugzy later reflected in an interview that the feud had positively energized UK music. In 2021, they collaborated on the single "Notorious," further confirming the resolution of their rivalry.[33]With Yungen
The rivalry between Chip and Yungen, both prominent figures in London's grime scene, ignited in early 2016 as a track-for-track exchange rooted in personal grievances and perceived stylistic encroachments. The beef traced back to October 2015, when Chip referenced Yungen in his freestyle "96 Bars of Revenge," but it escalated the following year when Yungen released "Comfy" on February 19, 2016, directly targeting Chip with bars accusing him of fading relevance and industry opportunism. Chip swiftly retaliated the next day with his "One Take Freestyle" over the Rudeboy Riddim, dismissing Yungen's claims and boasting his veteran status in grime. Yungen countered on February 21 with "Punk," intensifying the disses by questioning Chip's authenticity and street credentials. The back-and-forth continued on February 22, as Chip dropped "Michelle" on the Michelle Riddim, mocking Yungen's responses, while Yungen fired back the same day with "Oopsy Daisy Riddim," which drew accusations from Chip of unauthorized use of a sample, highlighting perceived copying of production elements. Chip closed the exchange later that day with "L," labeling Yungen a loser and declaring victory. The feud spilled heavily onto social media platforms like Twitter, where both artists traded shots involving their respective crews—Yungen aligned with the Play Dirty collective and Chip leveraging his established network—amplifying the personal stakes with references to family, past collaborations, and regional London pride. This online escalation dominated UK rap discussions for days, turning the beef into one of grime's most viral clashes of the year. By late 2016, the public exchanges quieted, with no major diss tracks or statements from either side emerging in subsequent years.With Stormzy
The feud between Chip and Stormzy originated in 2015 amid a broader grime conflict involving Tinie Tempah and Bugzy Malone, where Stormzy's appearance on the track "It's Peak" included indirect disses toward Chip, leading to a public Twitter exchange that highlighted early tensions over credibility in the genre. These subtle shots laid the groundwork for ongoing rivalry, though they remained low-key until later escalations. The conflict intensified in 2020 around debates on grime authenticity, particularly during Stormzy's spat with Wiley, in which Stormzy's track "Disappointed"—and its follow-up "Still Disappointed"—asserted his dominance as the "king of grime," a claim Chip viewed as dismissive of his veteran status and contributions to the scene's evolution. This perceived slight prompted Chip to escalate with direct responses, including his verse on "Waze" from the Insomnia album, interpreted as a challenge to Stormzy's throne. In October 2020, Chip released the diss tracks "Flowers" and "Killer MC," accusing Stormzy of inauthenticity, commercial sellout tendencies, and evading a proper clash, while referencing personal anecdotes like Stormzy allegedly pulling up to his home uninvited. Stormzy did not issue a dedicated response track at the time but maintained indirect pressure through features and statements reinforcing his position in grime. Chip continued the barrage in 2021 with "10 Commandments," lambasting Stormzy's career choices, racial politics, and lyrical prowess, and "Clash?," a retort to Stormzy's subliminals on Dave's track "Clash," where Chip mocked Stormzy's avoidance of direct confrontation and broadened the critique to industry favoritism. The exchanges drew involvement from prominent grime artists, including Wiley, who publicly backed Chip and amplified the generational authenticity debate, and D Double E, who urged Stormzy to address the feud directly amid concerns over its impact on the genre's unity. Extensive media coverage from outlets like VICE and NME framed the beef as a pivotal clash exposing divides between grime's old guard and newer commercial stars, influencing discussions on the genre's cultural integrity. By 2025, the rivalry had simmered into occasional indirect lyrical references, maintaining an undercurrent of tension without full-scale revival until March, when Chip publicly denounced Stormzy's BRIT Award win for Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act as a "mockery" of UK rap and grime, reigniting accusations of undeserved acclaim and further underscoring their unresolved authenticity disputes.[34][35][36]Personal life
Name change and identity
In 2012, during his stint in the United States, Chip officially shortened his stage name from Chipmunk to Chip, signifying a deliberate evolution from his teenage pop image toward a more mature artistic identity in hip-hop and grime. This change occurred amid his relocation to Atlanta in 2012, where he signed with T.I.'s Grand Hustle label and collaborated with American artists, prompting a reevaluation of his branding to better suit international markets and his personal growth.[2] The motivations behind the rebranding centered on shedding the "cute" connotations of Chipmunk, which Chip felt no longer represented him as a 21-year-old artist transitioning from mainstream pop success to grittier roots. He explained that the name evoked his younger, more playful phase.[13] Public reception was mixed, with some fans expressing nostalgia for the accessible Chipmunk persona that had delivered chart-topping hits, while others commended the shift as an authentic return to grime authenticity after years of perceived commercial dilution. The name change bolstered his overall branding through his DIY approach via his independent Cash Motto label.[2]Philanthropy and activism
Chip has demonstrated his commitment to social causes through targeted philanthropic efforts, particularly within the grime music community. In 2015, he headlined the Grime Aid charity concert to raise funds for Syrian refugees.[37] In 2020, he released the track "0420" as a heartfelt tribute to fellow grime artist Black The Ripper (Dean West), who passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack earlier that year. All proceeds from the single were donated directly to Black The Ripper's family to provide financial support during their time of grief.[38] This release also served as a broader nod to community solidarity in grime, referencing Black The Ripper's advocacy for cannabis legalization—a cause tied to personal health and well-being discussions within the scene—while underscoring the vulnerabilities faced by artists in the genre.[39]Discography
Studio albums
Chip's debut studio album, I Am Chipmunk, was released on 12 October 2009 by Columbia Records and debuted at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart.[40] The project marked a fusion of grime and pop elements, featuring collaborations with artists such as Emeli Sandé and Kano, and spawned four Top 10 singles including "Oopsy Daisy" and "Diamond Rings," which helped propel its commercial success.[41] Critics praised its confident crossover appeal and energetic production, positioning Chip as a key figure in the UK's urban music scene.[42] His second studio album, Transition, arrived on 15 April 2011 via Jive Records and peaked at number 10 on the UK Albums Chart.[43] Shifting toward a more hip-hop and R&B-influenced sound, the album featured the lead single "Champion" with Chris Brown, which reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and earned a Brit Award nomination.[5] Reviews highlighted its polished urban beats and Chip's evolving lyricism, though some noted a departure from his grime roots in favor of mainstream accessibility.[44] Chip's third studio album, League of My Own II, was released on 10 August 2017 via Cash Motto and peaked at number 12 on the UK Albums Chart.[45] The grime-focused effort, a sequel to his 2007 mixtape, featured 17 tracks with guests like Ghetts and 67, showcasing raw lyricism and varied production from bashment to trap.[3] His fourth studio album, TEN10, arrived on 21 September 2018 via Cash Motto and peaked at number 17 on the UK Albums Chart.[21] The project blended grime and hip-hop with collaborations including Tiny Boost and 23 Uno, emphasizing personal reflection and industry resilience. In 2020, Chip collaborated with Skepta and Young Adz of D-Block Europe on the collaborative album Insomnia, released independently on 27 March via SKC M29 and debuting at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart.[46] Blending trap and grime aesthetics, the 12-track project delivered dark, humorous bars over melodic hooks, with standout tracks like "Waze" and "Mains" showcasing the trio's chemistry.[47] It received acclaim for its timely energy and seamless integration of veteran and contemporary UK rap styles.[48] Chip's fifth studio album, Snakes & Ladders, was self-released on 8 October 2021 via Cash Motto and peaked at number 46 on the UK Albums Chart.[49] Featuring guests like Kano and Raye, the album explored career highs and lows with grime and R&B influences. Chip's sixth studio album, Grime Scene Saviour, was self-released on 18 April 2025 and charted at number 23 on the UK Albums Chart.[28] As a solo effort reflecting on his career and the genre's evolution, it features 140 BPM grime instrumentals and guest appearances from D Double E, Frisco, and Skepta on the title track "Grime Scene Saviours."[29] Key tracks like "Function Riddim" and "DaVinChe Code" emphasize raw lyricism and underground revival, earning praise for revitalizing grime in 2025.[50]Mixtapes and EPs
Chip's mixtapes and EPs have played a pivotal role in his career, allowing him to experiment with sounds, reconnect with fans through free releases, and navigate transitions between major label deals and independent ventures. These projects often served as creative outlets during periods of uncertainty, blending grime roots with hip-hop influences to maintain relevance in the UK scene.[2] In 2012, during his time signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle label, Chip released the mixtape London Boy on December 25, hosted by DJ Drama. The project featured US-influenced tracks with collaborations from artists like Meek Mill, Skepta, and Movado, reflecting his immersion in American hip-hop while asserting his London identity. This free release helped bridge his pop-leaning major label era with grime origins, engaging fans across the Atlantic and building hype for future independent moves.[51] Following his split from major labels, Chip launched the Believe & Achieve EP series in 2015, starting with Episode 1 on May 4 via his own Cash Motto imprint. The motivational-themed project, produced by talents like New Machine and Chris Loco, included tracks such as "School of Grime" featuring D Double E and Jammer, emphasizing perseverance and self-belief after industry setbacks. Released independently, it fostered direct fan engagement through platforms like iTunes and Spotify, marking a shift toward artistic control and resonating with listeners navigating personal challenges.[52] The 2016 beefs with artists like Yungen and others inspired a wave of diss-heavy freestyles and tracks under the banner of "Grime Beef," solidifying Chip's reputation for lyrical endurance with the slogan "Chip Can't Run Out of Bars." These releases, often shared via YouTube and social media, addressed rivalries in the grime scene and reasserted his veteran status, drawing massive online engagement and revitalizing his presence amid competitive tensions.[18] In August 2016, Chip released the mixtape Power Up via Cash Motto, featuring tracks like "Poetry Slam" and collaborations with Jme and Dave, blending grime battles with motivational themes to capitalize on his resurgence.[2]Awards and nominations
Wins
Chip has won several accolades throughout his career, primarily from the MOBO Awards and Urban Music Awards, recognizing his contributions to UK hip-hop, grime, and urban music scenes. These victories, totaling five major awards, underscore his early breakthrough as a newcomer and sustained influence in the genre up to the mid-2010s.[53][54][55][56]- 2008 MOBO Awards – Best UK Newcomer: Chip (then performing as Chipmunk) received this award for his rising prominence through viral tracks and mixtapes, marking his entry into mainstream recognition at age 17.[53]
- 2008 Urban Music Awards – Best Newcomer: This win highlighted his potential in the UK urban landscape, following strong grassroots support and performances.[54]
- 2009 MOBO Awards – Best Hip Hop Act: Chip edged out international competitors like Eminem and Kanye West, celebrating his debut album I Am Chipmunk and hits like "Oopsy Daisy."[57]
- 2009 MP3 Music Awards – The UGG Award (Urban/Garage/Grime) for "Diamond Rings": Shared with Emeli Sandé, this recognized the single's impact as a crossover success blending grime with pop elements.[58]
- 2016 MOBO Awards – Best Grime Act: Awarded for his mixtape League of My Own II and renewed focus on grime roots, affirming his enduring relevance in the genre's evolution.[56]
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