Running a little late for the early start concert, we arrived in time to catch the last twenty minutes of DJ O-Zone’s set. Dropping classic Lil’ Wayne tracks & newer top 40 radio hits from Drake, Waka and company, the crowd was buzzing as we all awaited the arrival of the Cleveland native Chip Tha Ripper. After hearing “I’m On One” for what seemed like the third time, I was really hoping to hear YP & Big Homie Doe’s verses instead of Ross’ gravely voice. As the set ended there was a healthy wait for Chip, leaving the diverse group of fans quite a bit restless.
Then, as fast as Chip rolls a swisher, the lights dimmed, movie music cued, and donned in all black, emerged Chip Tha Ripper. Chip hit the stage sporting a golden microphone as “The Entrance”, the first song from Chip’s last mixtape, Gift Raps blasted from the quality Metro system. Showing nothing but love for Chicago, “Chi-town! We in this hoe!” Chip Ran through a slew of tracks off his most recent project with producer Chuck Inglish . “Light One Up”, “Everyday Chillin”, ensued as he bounced back and fourth from tracks off The Cleveland Show & Gift Raps. Exclaiming he recorded all of Gift Raps here in Chicago and always enjoys his time here, Chip debuted his first of many treats for his diehard fans here in the middle of the map. Premiering an unheard cut, “Out Here” a definite banger produced by Lex Luger, a man specializing in creating such tracks. Immediately following “Out Here,” Chip indulged a now ramped crowd with another new song titled “Seventeen.” Claiming, he’s been a superstar in his own right since he was seventeen.
When Chip decided to drop my favorite song of his, the Blended Babies co-produced “Plural,” I didn’t think the night could get better. Yet, just as he rounded out the first verse of the track, who else but Kid Cudi came flying on stage, sporting a fat smile and his rockstar swag that obviously erupted the already live room into a frenzy. Linking up in the same room where the two first met, Cudi & Chip performed together flawlessly, playing notables “Ask About Me”, “All Talk”, finishing a great night with “Hyyerr” a fitting end to a great set by Chip. While an overall short set lasting about 45 minutes, Chip showed nothing but love for fans in his “second home” and with a joyous Cudi accompanying him, this was a no show miss.
PS – extra big shoutout to the Bulls Taj Gibson who made it out as well. Calm and collected the humble NBA Star enjoyed the set and showed love to the fans on his way out the venue, in a less calm black on black Escalade.
Check The Video of Cudi & Chip On-Stage After The Jump. Props to FSD.