Via Seventeen Magazine I was in high school when I learned about Chip tha Ripper, Cleveland's very own rapper. It wasn't long before Chip shed the "underground rapper" label and started moving on up to being many hip-hop lovers' favorite new artist. I remember in high school Chip's tracks were always used house parties, school dances or car jam sessions. Little did I know that a couple years later I'd be chilling with the Prince of Cleveland before he performed with Kid Cudi and asking him how his quality beats, witty lyrics, soul and ambition gave him an all-access pass to easy street.

Hit the break for the interview.

17: How does it feel being this big? Chip: It never gets old, and I never get used to it. There is so much more I want to do. I have tunnel vision, going full speed ahead and taking it to the next level. 17: Since working with Kid Cudi on his Man on the Moon album, what are your favorite songs of his and yours? What can we expect? Chip: My favorite song has to be "Hyyerr" off Cudi's album and "Movie" off the Cleveland Show Mixtape. You can expect to see a lot more from me. Cudi and I have collaborated together and we call ourselves "The All Mighty Glorious," so you can definitely expect to see an album with both of us on it soon. 17: Since you love your hometown of Cleveland, how did you feel when Lebron James went to the Miami Heat? Chip: When I heard the decision I wasn't pissed, just confused. But LeBron brought Cleveland out of hell, so all I have to say is pass the baton. Sports had it for a while, but the music scene is ready to take over.