Chris Istel

After roughly four years of constant label disputes (and amazing mix tapes), sibling rap-duo Clipse and the Neptunes are finally back to reclaim hip-hop with the return of rhyme-based rap (stupid chants and uninspired, derivative rap FTL) with unbelievable production to match. Malice, Pusha T, and the ‘Tunes are back in true form. Perhaps the best hip-hop album in many years, every single track is excellent. Once again, the Neptunes are sort of experimenting with their beats with the Clipse as their platform, although I have to wonder: what happened to Chad Hugo? Sure, the Neptunes are listed for the production of every song, but Hugo’s name is nowhere in the liner credits.

Anyone that’s ever been turned away from rap for its recent lack of creativity and talent needs to listen to this.

My picks: Ride Around Shining- Typical subject matter with super-atypical rhymes, in true Clipse fashion. Never have the ill-gotten gains of coke money been rapped about more effectively. The ringing beat is sparse and ominous, certainly a bizarre step away from the Neptunes’ norm.

Keys Open Doors- Clever pun, eh? The strange, melodic beat makes this easily the best song on the CD, with Pusha T and Malice dropping metaphors and looping in and out of the melody effortlessly.

Mr. Me Too- Everyone should know this song by now, as it was the lead single. If not, it still isn’t old for me. The Neptunes drop what is easily one of their greatest beats ever, and Pharrell and the Clipse cleverly rap about their riches in an almost lethargic manner. Probably the most refreshing money-oriented rap single of the year.

Wamp Wamp (What It Do)- The second single. Again, everyone’s probably heard this already, but the flawless rhymes over the syncopated drums cannot be stopped. Slim Thug’s hook is kind of weak, but the brothers more than make up for it.

Buy this CD. Support good rap.