Chipmunk

By the ripe age of 16, North London MC Chipmunk had already been championed as one of the most promising grime rappers on the scene.

Starting out freestyling in youth clubs and on the playground, he wrote his first song, "My Life," in 11th grade, and quickly recorded two mixtapes to showcase his unique rhyming style.

Grime pioneer Wiley was particularly impressed by the young rapper's rate of output, and he took Chipmunk under his wing as his protégé: just as he previously had with Tinchy Stryder and Dizzee Rascal.

In 2007, Chipmunk released his third mixtape League of My Own on Alwayz Recordings, which utilized Wiley's little black book of producers, including Bless Beats, Maniac, Balistiyx, Danny Weed, D'Va, Swindle, and Skeams.

In 2008 he reaped the rewards of constant touring and promotion, as he won the Best Newcomer Award at the Urban Music and MOBO award ceremonies.

People stateside started taking notice as well, when he was nominated for best new rapper at the BET Awards.

Just after Chipmunk's 18th birthday, he signed to Sony Columbia, and started moving away from grime into mainstream hip-hop.

While striving for the ultimate "banging hook," he teamed up with Ironik for a big-beated remake of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer," complete with backing vocals by Sir Elton himself.

In May of 2009, as he put the finishing touches on his debut full-length, Chipmunk released the promo single Chip Diddy Chip and the song reached 21 on the U.K.

charts.

Adding to the hype, in June, he made his fourth mixtape, Guess Who, available for free by download just a few weeks before his first official album, Diamond Rings, hit the shelves, in early July.

~ Jason Lymangrover, All Music Guide

Chipmunk has insisted ''progression is the key'' to keeping his career on track in 2010, but has vowed to take more time off, after the pressures of work got on top of him in 2009.

(BANG) -

Chipmunk says "progression is the key" to keeping his career on track in 2010.

The 19-year-old rapper - who scored a UK number one single with 'Oopsy Daisy' earlier this year - is hoping to build on the success he has achieved over the last two years.

He said: "Definitely the biggest highlight of the last year was releasing my album and my fans getting to hear all my music.

"I would say if I can do what I've done in the last two years in 2010 then I will be happy - progression is the key."

Despite his ambitions, Chipmunk - who raised fears for his wellbeing after he posted messages on his twitter blog suggesting he was contemplating suicide - learnt the value of taking time off and slowing down in 2009.

He added: "It's been crazy, like, insane this year. I say I don't think anyone understands, but there are a hundred other artists that are also trying to make it.

Maybe it's because I've just come out of college, it's a bit different but I'm getting to grips with it. Rest, rest. You've got to take rest, definitely."

Chipmunk says he threatened to commit suicide because his life is so hectic and is now taking time to rest and come to terms with his success.

(BANG) -

Chipmunk threatened to kill himself because he can't cope with his hectic life.

The 'Oopsy Daisy' hitmaker - who caused concern earlier this month when he posted a series of disturbing messages on his Twitter page, including "I wanna die" - is trying to scale back his commitments after a whirlwind year of success took its toll. He doesn't even plan to celebrate his 19th birthday today (26.11.09).

He told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "I just needed to take some time out to rest and get my head together. I try and take everything in my stride. It's been a successful year for me.

"But I still haven't had the chance to let anything sink in yet, I haven't had a chance to think about it all. I'm just too busy. And I get followed everywhere too, it's crazy.

"It's a bit boring right now, it's my birthday and I'm not even going to do anything."

The British rapper also thanked his fans for helping him stay sane.

He said: "They put me where I am, so no matter what crazy s**t happens, I'm with them."

Chipmunk - who according to his record label is said to be suffering from ''exhaustion'' - has cancelled all forthcoming performances after posting messages hinting he wanted to commit suicide on his Twitter page.

(BANG) -

Chipmunk is suffering from "exhaustion".

The 18-year-old rapper - real name Jahmaal Fyffe - has cancelled all forthcoming appearances after posting a series of disturbing messages on his Twitter page, hinting he wanted to commit suicide.

A statement from his record company read: "Since finishing his A-levels and completing work on his album, Chipmunk has been working incredibly hard on generating a successful music career which has taken its toll on such a young artist.

"Label and management have agreed to cancel all upcoming promotion and personal appearances to give him some much needed time off."

The 'Chip Diddy Chip' rapper had sparked huge concern for his welfare after posting on his page on the social networking site.

The messages which have since been removed from the site, said: "I Want to Die" and later he asked: "Is suicide easy?"

The rising star - who beat Kanye West and Eminem to be named Best Hip-Hop act at the Music Of Black Origin Awards (MOBO) in September - has since reassured fans he was overcoming his problems.

In an update on his Twitter page, he wrote: "This has been the most difficult time for me... But I will get through it!"

It is now thought that the rapper is resting with his family at home in north London.