The Clipse ‘Til The Casket Drops’ – Our Album Review

Kyle Jarmon

After the edgy Hell Hath No Fury, the Thornton brothers, better known as Clipse, returned to the dungeon of Neptunes dominated production to record Til The Casket Drops. Here’s out Clipse Til The Casket Drops album review.

The album is full of cool beats, introspective and braggadocio-filled lyrics and stories from the Virginia-based Hip-Hop duo. Opening with “Freedom,” Malice and Pusha T reflect on what music has been to them over the years since they debuted in 1999. The cut is Casket Drops’ melancholic undertaking. “Popular Demand,” indeed is pleasing as a play on words for hubris. Relating themselves to Popeye’s, the duo breathes new life into the word metaphor.

On “Kinda Like a Big Deal,” one of five tracks not produced by the Neptunes, Clipse enjoys a collaboration with Kanye West as they glide on top of zany instrumentation. The noise is fitting for the duo as they take full advantage of speaking on their haters. “I’m Good,” the first casket to drop on radio from this collection, is so laid back it perhaps is Clipse’s best cut—ever.

“There Was a Murder,” is a tale that incorporates the harshness of the crime with a reggae-laden terrain provided by DJ Khalil & Chin. With a heavy hook “these n****s die out here for snitchin,” this is one of Casket Drops’ wildest cuts. Mariachi horns blare on “Door Man,” an experimental song. Speaking on the money they have compiled, Clipse, drive the notoriety of drug money to new heights, while remaining animated with their verses.

The Clipse really shine on “Counseling,” which features sonic bursts from Nicole Hurst. Deeply expressing what occurred during a visit to the psychologist, Malice and Pusha T, describe in detail their temptations and relationships with an industrious sincerity to change. “Footsteps,” is a poignant broadcast that is directed to those struggling to crawl out of the ghetto and give up on substances; whereas “Life Change,” closes out the mausoleum. Another directed story, this cut is a reflection of moving on from what one witnesses and experiences.

After receiving acclaim for both Lord Willin’ and Hell Hath No Fury, Clipse, signed with Columbia Records and began work on the Til The Casket Drops album. It’s also the duo’s first where all tracks are not produced by the Neptunes. While this does not take away from the brilliance exhibited, it does stray from the proven Clipse formula. On “I’m Good,” both Malice and Pusha T exclaim “what that tell ya/I’m good,” and this third release is just that.

Til The Casket Drops Album receives a PARL

Rating system

P… Horrible
PA… Tolerable
PAR… Good
PARL… Excellent
PARLÉ… Classic

Kyle’s pick from Til The Casket Drops
Clipse – Footsteps