Loyola Greyhound

Issue date: 12/8/09 Section: Arts & Society

Media Credit: Ben Sisto Though Clipse went on a three-year hiatus, the group picks up where it left off by teaming up with the Neptunes on the new album "Til the Casket Drops."

Nowadays, there aren't any good hip-hop groups anymore. When I think of great hip-hop groups, I think of names like Run DMC, Wu-Tang Clan, Bone Thugs, Naughty by Nature, and so forth. However, after a three-year hiatus, Clipse, formed of brothers Pusha T and Malice, are back with their new album Til the Casket Drops.

In 2002, the song "Grindin" hit the scene and was an instant classic single. This song was the precursor to all the hustle to get it songs such as "Hustlin" by Rick Ross in 2006. Following a great start, the group went through a marketing slump. They shopped for record labels without doing the necessary homework and ended up with an unsatisfactory grade because their albums hit the shelves too late.

Even after label problems, the critically acclaimed group dropped a classic- Hell Hath No Fury. Hell Hath No Fury was just the sixth album to receive a "XXL" rating (equivalent to 5 stars) from hip-hop magazine XXL. Even Reasonable Doubt, arguably the greatest rap album of all time, ended up with a rating of 4.

Clipse are back though, but somehow, someway it seems as if they never left. Teaming up with a group of musical/instrumental geniuses, the Neptunes, who are known primarily because of Pharrell, the Clipse have the making of a great album set in stone with beats, but it is solely upon Malice and Pusha T to solidify greatness with their witty wordplay and lively lyrics.

Once you crack open the CD, after unwrapping the paper of course, the opening track sounds like a lullaby. Just lay back, look up at the ceiling, close your eyes, and hit play. "Freedom" produced by Sean C and LV throws the Clipse and ally-oop. Let's see if they can catch and slam-dunk it on their verses.

"Never mind my car/ Careful what you wish for/ Behind every curtain/ The devil and his pitchfork/ Jealousy I ask thee/ What is this for?/ How was I to know/ I was happy being piss poor" Malice liberates his verbal ability over the intro track.

The next song is their first single featuring Pharell and Cam'ron. This song not only makes your head bob, but it also helps the shoulders get into it as well. With Pharrell on the hook and the hype man, this is a aural pleasuring track.

Continued...

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