Fine wine only gets better with time and I can say the same about Kipp Stone.
His discography is like a performance art piece that continues to put out amazing acts. Kipp has been making waves in music since 2015. It's 2021 and he hasn't taken his foot off the gas. A known commodity in Cleveland, his name is never far from any conversation regarding the best in the city. Thing is, he is only getting better with time. His latest album Faygo Baby is out now and the next project is already underway.
Being from Cleveland myself, I got to see and hear a lot of Kipp Stone while coming up in the city's music scene. I would either see him featured in a song of someone I knew or see him perform at the legendary Grog Shop at times. Truth of the matter is, there is this wicked Cleveland cycle an artist can get trapped in. You put a song or project out and get on the local media outlets, then you do a show or two at the Grog Shop and then it starts all over again. Kipp is one of the few who made it out of the cycle and is reaching new heights in his career every year.
What's the meaning behind Faygo Baby?
I’m a heavy pop drinker. When I was a kid, there was a corner store down the street from me and back then you could get a lot of things for $1. I loved Faygos and they were one of the things I always got. Nowadays an Arizona is a dollar alone but you can still grab a Faygo for 50 cents. I love Faygo.
What does it mean to be from Cleveland?
There has always been such a negative stigma being from Cleveland. We are the underdogs, It feels like you gotta go extra hard, you gotta do a little bit more. negative stigma.
What keeps you motivated to keep pushing out quality music?
I just want to get better each time. I want to get to a point where I can’t believe that I just made a record like that. I want to see how good I get.
How was it working with Mick Jenkins on Sprague Street?
I didn't get a chance to work with him in the studio because of the pandemic, so I missed an important aspect of it. When we were thinking of who to put on the song, I was adamant about getting him on it. My team hooked it up and he sent it back pretty quick. I appreciate him a lot because I know he didn't have to do that regardless and whenever I work with someone further down the line than me, I am always appreciative of the time they put in for it.
What's next for Kipp?
I'm currently working on a new project already. I have just keep going, I don't want to stop. If I stop, it'll take me months to get back on it, so I'm not going to stop. Also looking into getting onto some shows soon as well this summer.
What has been your most popular song out to date?
“Sprague Street Ft. Mick Jenkins, Faygo Baby, and Get Myself Together” He said without thought.
What type of things or people do you grab inspiration from?
It fluctuates all the time. It could be rock one day and Hip Hop the other. It really depends on where I am mentally when recording. My dad was a musician as well and I pulled a lot of inspiration from him.
