Clipse – “Till The Casket Drops” (Album Review)
It's not dirty money...well...it might be. I wouldn't ask them though. Word of caution.
King Eljay – I could give you some type of introduction, but I really don’t need to. If you know of the Clipse, then you know what they’re capable of and how nice they are lyrically, even If all they do is rap about drugs (on the surface). If you don’t, then now’s the time to get introduced to them.
(Click here for rating scale link)
Flow (Album Playability):
-> .8 <-
For the most part, this album can be played from the beginning to the end. However, one of the things that the Clipse didn’t use to have was that completely playable album, and although the album was great in its own right, there was always that ONE song (or two) that just kind of threw the album in a different direction. Unfortunately…the problem is still here. “Never Will It Stop” sounds like a track removed from one of the Re-Up Gang mixtapes. That isn’t a BAD thing, but in the vibe of the album, this can easily become a skippable track. “Door Man” might get tiring to you too after a couple of plays.
Lyrics: -> 1 <-
Clipse has ALWAYS been nice with the pen, from the first time I bought a bootleg copy of “Lord Willin’” in front of Ford’s Crossing in Tuskegee, AL. Long time ago. Nothing’s changed, and Pusha T has actually gotten NICER with it…
If you didn't know, Clipse are also Streetwear fashion designers. Regardless, in this picture, they just look bored...
Originality: -> 1 <-
It is HARD to rap about the same thing and make it sound refreshing. The only reason I feel they can do this is because it’s not forced. It sounds honest, and they are one of the FEW groups that tell both sides of the story. They relay the “good” times, and the bad times, as opposed to only giving you the highlights. I think this is one of the reasons they remain relevant and they command attention the way that they do.
Wildcard: -> 1 <-
He only produced three tracks, but with those three tracks, DJ Khalil has single-handedly elevated the production level on this album. I cannot say enough how much I’d LOVE to hear a DJ Khalil produced album. The dude is a beast on the beats, and the Clipse knew exactly what to do with it. Also, each hook for those three songs (“Kinda Like A Big Deal”, “Footsteps”, “There Was A Murder”) are overall SO MUCH STRONGER than the hooks from the other songs. One of these three songs will peak your interest, I can almost guarantee it.
Sound: -> .7 <-
Kind of hinted on above, some of the songs don’t sound well, production wise. Whether it’s because Pharrell doesn’t know when to shut up when talking over beats, or if the beat itself is lacking, it was a couple of things that held this album back by a smidget. I’m not sure if “smidget” is a word, but I just used it.
Bottom Line: —-> 4.5 <—-
Clipse is 3 for 3 when it comes to making must-hear albums. They seem to be getting better and better as well, and I hope it’s a trend that continues. This is a great album. You should definitely pick this up on its release date…which, ironically enough, is my 21st birthday…
Hooray for birthday presents.
Eljay’s Favorites:
- “Footsteps”
- “Kinda Like A Big Deal”
- “There Was A Murder”
- “Freedom”
