and Pusha T's cocky gangsterisms to radio-hit heights. The record's lead single, "Grindin'," lands a bare-knuckled knockout blow, its spare drum track cracking with impromptu immediacy while Pusha T boasts, "I move 'caine like a cripple." Elsewhere, the 'Tunes demonstrate their versatility -- "Young Boy" bounces on high-pitched squawks and funky horns, "Virginia" packs molasses-paced menace in low, breathy whispers, and breezy melodies whisk through "Ma, I Don't Love Her." The Clipse called this album
Lord Willin', but it's clear they've already been blessed.
KATHRYN MCGUIRE
(RS 904 - September 5, 2002)
Old-school friends of super-producers the Neptunes, (who supply all the beats), Clipse's debut album was practically guaranteed to be a hit. Lyrically, the Virginia duo is somewhat one-dimensional, reveling in coke dealer rhymes on just about every track, but they posess enough charisma to pull it off nicely. Features their smash single "Grindin'.