Chip (formerly “Chipmunk”): From Tottenham Teen to Grime Mainstay

Born Jahmaal Noel Fyffe on November 26, 1990, in Tottenham, London — better known by his stage name Chip (formerly Chipmunk) — his journey from a young Londoner with big dreams to a grime-hip hop stalwart is defined by ambition, reinvention, and lyrical grit.

Seeds of a Rap Career: Tottenham Roots and Early Hustle

Growing up in Tottenham to Jamaican immigrant parents, Chip experienced a modest upbringing. His parents separated during his youth. 

He first adopted the nickname “Chipmunk” thanks to a friend who joked he was “short and chubby with big teeth.” Ironically, that name would come to mark the launch of his identity as a musician.

As a teenager, he found inspiration in the grime sounds of artists like Wiley and Dizzee Rascal — voices he heard on pirate radio. By age 13, he was already renting studio space with friends for £20 a week, laying the foundation for a music career. 

He attended Highgate Wood Secondary School before transferring to Gladesmore Community School. Later, he completed A-Levels at Haringey Sixth Form Centre, earning a B in Drama, a C in Sociology, and a D in Critical Thinking. 

Initially, he aspired to be a footballer and has long been a fan of Arsenal — but the lure of music soon proved stronger.

Grime Underground to Mainstream Breakthrough

Chip’s early work began drawing attention when, in 2007, Ice Kid and veteran grime artist Wiley introduced him on a radio show hosted by Tim Westwood — that freestyle became a now-legendary moment.

After building underground buzz, Chip signed with Jive Records (under Sony Music UK) in late 2008 just before his eighteenth birthday. 

His debut album, I Am Chipmunk (2009), landed at No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart — and featured four Top 10 singles, including his breakout smash Oopsy Daisy, which debuted at No. 1.

That single made history: it turned Chip into the youngest UK rapper to score a No. 1 single.

Reinvention and Expansion: Name Change, New Label, Evolving Sound

As his career progressed, Chip rebranded — shortening “Chipmunk” to simply Chip. He announced the change publicly in January 2012.

With Jive Records shuttered in 2011, he signed with the American label Grand Hustle Records (owned by T.I.), relocating temporarily to Atlanta.

Under his own imprint Cash Motto, Chip continued releasing music, mixtapes, and collaborations, embracing the flexibility and creative freedom of independence.

Over the years, he has collaborated with a wide range of artists — from grime icons to international hip-hop acts — including Skepta, Meek Mill, Young Adz, and more. 

Financial Worth & Artistic Capital

Recent publicly available estimates place Chip’s net worth around US$5 million — accrued through album and single sales, live performances, collaborations, and business ventures under Cash Motto. 

While exact details regarding real estate, investments, or endorsements remain private, that figure points to a sustained and diversified income stream — impressive for an artist who began renting studio time at 13.

Personal Life & Privacy: What Is Known — and What Remains Unsaid

Despite his high profile in music, Chip has maintained a relatively private personal life. Publicly available records do not confirm a spouse or children, or any long-term partner.He rarely speaks about relationships, preferring to keep his focus on creativity. That discretion has allowed him to avoid tabloid scrutiny, a rarity for artists of his caliber.

Legacy and Cultural Impact: More Than Just Hits

Chip’s trajectory — from a Tottenham estate to topping charts and surviving label shakeups — exemplifies both hustle and resilience. He helped bring grime and UK-hip hop from underground roots to mainstream visibility.

His early success with “Oopsy Daisy,” a chart-topping single as a teenager, proved that UK rappers could compete commercially without compromising street credibility.

By founding his own label and producing work independently, he also set an example for creative control and entrepreneurship within the grime scene.

Chip’s Birthday & Birthdate — For Fans and Search Engines

Chip’s birthday is November 26 every year. His full birthdate is November 26, 1990.

Why Chip’s Story Matters

From young studio sessions in north London to headlining stages and founding his own label — Chip’s narrative is one of ambition, reinvention, and stamina. He remains relevant not just because of past hits, but because of his ability to adapt: to shift between mainstream and underground, to evolve with the times, and to build an enduring space for himself in British rap.