Clipse
Clipse is an American hip hop duo formed by brothers Gene Thornton and Terrence Thornton, known by their stage names No Malice and Pusha T, respectively. Hailing from Virginia Beach, Virginia, Clipse emerged in the late 1990s under the mentorship and production of The Neptunes, a production team consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, who were childhood friends of the Thornton brothers. The duo gained mainstream attention with their debut album, "Lord Willin'," released in 2002. The album, propelled by the hit singles "Grindin'" and "When the Last Time," was both a critical and commercial success and showcased Clipse's distinctive style of gritty street narratives over cutting-edge production. "Grindin'" in particular became an iconic track, known for its minimalistic beat and raw lyrical delivery. After label delays and industry setbacks, Clipse returned in 2006 with their sophomore album, "Hell Hath No Fury," which was widely acclaimed by critics and is often regarded as one of the best hip hop albums of the decade. The album's dark themes and uncompromising lyricism solidified Clipse's reputation for authenticity and artistry in hip hop. In 2009, they released their third and final album, "Til the Casket Drops." Although the album received a more mixed critical reception, it marked the end of the group's official releases as both brothers began to pursue individual projects. No Malice experienced a religious awakening and shifted his music toward more spiritually focused themes, while Pusha T continued a successful solo career and became president of Kanye West's label, G.O.O.D. Music. Though Clipse has not released a full album since disbanding, their influence remains significant in hip hop culture. Sporadic appearances and collaborations have kept interest alive in the possibility of a future reunion.
