Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrion “ChiClopz” Borders.
Darrion “ChiClopz”, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in East Austin off of Springdale Road born and raised from the Mason Manor project apartment complexes. I went to Johnston high school from ‘05 to ‘08 and then they close my high school and named it something else. I was transferred to North Austin to complete my senior year at Lanier high school in 2008 to 2009. I graduated high school in ‘09 to go on taking care of my family. I had some college experience, but never finished. in the beginning of high school. I joined a program, an after school youth group for Artists, not school related. It was called “the Austin hip-hop project-The Cipher”. We were a group of creative individuals brought together to express creative ideas. It really helped me to learn performance, creative writing, poetry, and all around the art of emceeing. That group wasn’t meant to turn out the way it did. We created three music albums and performed all over the city for several years, from that group, & growing up with those individuals we were able to formulate a hip-hop group from within, with a few peers involved called “Mindz of a Different Kind (MDK)” we started in 2007 in The Cipher together and actually I would say 2010 got going and moving forward. We saw and have been seeing so much success through performing, facilitating workshops, also organizing youth led events with schools and traveling overseas leading cultural exchange movements in places like France and Africa. Our recent trip was to France in summer 2025, to participate in music fest and represent Austin’s Sitter city Angers, France who have embraced us as a unit every since to the first time overseas back in 2016. We are all still creating and leading in our own pathways now but I don’t think any of us will forget where we all come from and where it all derived from down in our core.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been easy to operate as a group a unit I would say MDK could be doing better but have definitely had some rough time together and seen each other through some tougher time as individuals in our personal lives. It is tough being a group everyone has to stay on the same page and when we aren’t it’s about how we handle things going forward and type of timing we can all be on. But when there’s really love involved ,there is nothing that can come between us as a community. With everyone having their own personal lives and personal business like me having a family (Wife and kids) having a kid back to back I definitely missed so of those tour dates in the past. Having my own financial problems I definitely needed the group and depended on these to help out in the past times I needed to support and they always were there for me when I needed them.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
ChiClopz (Darrion Borders) is a dynamic hip-hop artist and filmmaker hailing from Austin, Texas. As the designated leader of Mindz of a Different Kind (MDK), ChiClopz has carved a unique niche in the music industry, blending insightful lyrics with innovative beats.
In 2023, ChiClopz released the album Trench Coat Flow (T.C.F), an 11-track project that showcases his versatility and depth as an artist. Following this, he continued to captivate audiences with the EP Despite Our Differences, produced by Woody Woods, which dropped on November 22, 2024. This project further solidified his reputation for delivering thought-provoking content and authentic storytelling.
ChiClopz’s discography also includes standout singles like “This What It Look Like” and “Royal,” a collaboration with Cooley Fly. His track “Astral World,” released in 2023, exemplifies his ability to push creative boundaries and connect with listeners on a profound level.
Beyond music, ChiClopz is a budding filmmaker, bringing a visual dimension to his storytelling and offering fans a comprehensive artistic experience.
Stay connected with ChiClopz’s latest releases and projects through his Linktree: https://linktr.ee/chiclopz
What does success mean to you?
I feel it all about what’s making you feel to most satisfied and what’s filling your cup the most. You can’t be a people pleaser out here so if “it’s wack it’s wack and if it’s nice it’s nice…” you can’t teach natural Appel and skill all the time. The success is when you find your lane and love it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiclopz_now?mdxt=MTNrOXA0aTQ0NHppNQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chiclopz_now?si=RchqBDbk5_nZ4FuC
