As most of you all know, I stubbornly like starting off the discographies at their debuts. Clipse's first album, Lord Wildin', received critical and commercial success and many consider it their best effort. Their traditional coke-rap appealed to all the hardcore hip hop fans like myself, while both singles got a decent amount of radio play. Eventually the record reached gold status and there was a huge demand for a follow up project. I enjoy it, but their sophomore album gets my vote for best album. It also really helps that it was sitting right next to me when I was contemplating what to review next.
Apparently Clipse actually wanted to make more good music, which is more than I can say about most artists. Instead of pumping out some bullshit to cash in on record sales, they took a really long ass time before dropping Hell Hath No Fury. I swear they had my personal best interest in mind because this album contains some of the darkest and most tortured songs I've ever heard from a group that's considered mainstream. Pusha T and Malice took their newly acquired fans down a road few of them were expecting, ranging from drug dealing to murdering people. This albums also started the popular trend of Pharrell Williams leaving behind his little Asian buddy Chad Hugo. I was more than pleased to hear he produced the album in its entirety, but the world really needs a Neptunes reunion. One of the biggest problems during the recording process was that there wasn't a single radio friendly song. Jive Records realized this as well and immediately halted the process.
Like most current day artists, Clipse weren't very happy with simply being told no by their employers. Instead of agreeing with Jive, our two host held out, believing they were truly doing the right thing for their careers. The album didn't drop any time soon, though, and the two were forced to start putting out their material via mixtapes. Both of their free projects were received with overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and fans. In one last chance to win the approval of Jive, Pharrell took things into his own hands. He simply took all his production from Justin Timberlake's album and refused to give his work back until Hell Hath No Fury was released they wanted. This didn't really affect Timberlake, as his album was then produced by Timbaland, spawning multiple singles and selling million of copies. Still, you have to admit how fucking awesome Pharell was back in the day.
After only a couple delays, Hell Hath No Fury was finally released to the public, receiving extraordinary critical reception, but selling twenty-five copies. I guess Jive was right, but Clipse certainly got their point across. Its actually a fairly sad story, as they ended up falling off the face of the earth. Of course that all changed when Pusha T was repackaged in Kanye West form. The group aligned themselves with Rick Rubin and never worked with The Neptunes.
Have I built this up enough yet?
1. We Got It For Cheap (Intro) (Feat. Spanish Lee)
After all the wait, this is what we're presented with? Just kidding, I've become immune to being disappointed by album intros at this point. Its very easy to act like these things don't even happen. However, after the pointless skit, the beat drops and Pusha and Malice take their respected turns ripping this shit into fucking shreds I was very pleased to see the Pulp Fiction sample used at the end as well. Good job guys.
2. Momma I'm Sorry
Oh man, this is a perfect example of how great an accordion can be used on a hip hop songs. It wasn't in love at first, but it has since grown to the level of Madvillain's "Accoridon". The lyrical content may tell you otherwise, but this is catchy as hell. C'mon radio, we all could have benefited if this songs got a few rotations. Its obvious that Pusha T could hold his own on the mic, but his brother is no slouch either. I've always felt really bad for Malice, though. I know he's a born again Christian and declined the invitation to G.O.O.D. music, but one would think that it kind of gets to him seeing his brother's fame. Oh well, such is life.
3. Mr. Me Too (Feat. Pharrell Williams)
For the fans that stuck with the group for the long run, this was the first single they were treated to. I'm happy to announce that this still sounds great. Neither rapper had lost their touch, but it was actually Pharrell who had the lead off verse. I mean, his vocals are cool and all, but we're all hear to listen to the Thornton brothers. Keep the singing up, though. I'm not ashamed to say I enjoyed everything he did with the new Daft Punk album. I'm rambling, this song is awesome.
4. Wamp Wamp (What It Do) (Feat. Slim Thug)
The Clipse are just a walking story that bloggers and journalist drool over. Here's another song that was surrounded by controversy. Throughout all the delays and issues during the recording, a couple early additions of the album were hear. This was one of the songs, but it became infamous after Pharell sold the beat to Foxy Brown. Before she ever had the chance to rhyme over it, P thought it would be acceptable to take it back and give it to his other boys. This led to even more label controversy, but it was The Clipse who ended up claiming the instrumental. Foxy Browns version of the song is supposed to be out there somewhere, but I advise to just stick with this. The situation ended in the betterment of all parties.
5. Ride Around Shining (Feat. Ab-Liva)
I'm a longtime fan of this album, but I'm still surprised at how good this has been. I was losing my mind listening to that last song, but this shits even better. Pusha T and Malice sound especially intimidating as they explore the negative space in the beat. That's fine and dandy, but nothing even compared to the masterpiece Pharell created on the boards. The surreal effect mixed with the contemporary feel make this one of the finest instrumentals P has ever created. I'm honestly shocked at how good this song still sounds. If anything, you'll have to listen to this at least four times.
6. Dirty Money (Feat. Pharrell Williams)
Here's the song where the inevitable drop off occurs. "Dirty Money" is a good enough song and I'm sure it would sound even better by itself, but it simply can't compare after hearing the last three songs. I'll again argue with the anti-radio feel that most fans think appears. Hell, these hooks have been entertaining as shit.
7. Hello New World (Feat. Pharrell Williams)
The albums seventh song doesn't sound as bad as I remember, but its still the worst song on the album. Pharell's singing is decent and will probably appeal to the softer of you all, but it wasn't doing anything for me. Also, I don't see why they couldn't have just inducted Skateboard P into the group. Its becoming beyond boring and redundant typing his name in after the song title. Either join the crew or stick to production. I'm sorry, that was mean of me. Your presence is greatly appreciated Mr. Williams.
8. Keys Open Doors
After two mediocre songs, Hell Hath No Fury returns to form with one of the best songs on the entire album. I don't have very many educated or creative critics for this song other than it fucking knocks. The instrumental is again awesome, that's a given, but the best part of the song is the lyrical abilities of out two host. I'd even make the argument that Malice out shined his brother on this song. I know I like to focus on the negatives of songs, but Clipse is really giving me nothing to complain about.
9. Ain't Cha (Feat. Re-Up Gang)
You can pretty much take my entire analysis from "Dirty Money" and paste on here. Another good song that only seems worse because it followed such greatness. The weed carriers didn't ruin anything either, so I'll chalk this up as another enjoyable song. This roll just keeps on going.
10. Trill (Feat. Pharrell Williams)
I'm not sure if this was ever confirmed, but sources have reported that this was one of the very first songs ever recorded by Clipse. That has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the song, but I thought you might enjoy that little piece of trivia. Pharell provides one of the albums most abstract sounds, something you would never imagine hearing over something qualified as coke-rap. It only works to a certain degree as this song is completely decent. I would like to take a few minutes for talk about how awesome the word "Trill" is. If I could, I would use it in every sentence, but I would end up appearing as a total douche bag. Just know how hard it is for me to hold it back.
11. Chinese New Year (Feat. Roscoe P, Coldchain, & Pharrell Williams)
I may not be all that familiar with the group assembled right above this sentence, but that didn't stop the media from making this one of the most high profile songs in the album. The posse cut is completely stolen by Pusha T and Malice. I don't even know why they try making these things anymore. The hosts almost always outshine the guests. I've never been the biggest fan of this song and I'm stilled faced with a feeling of disappointment. I did like the way they incorporated the song title into the hook, though.
12. Nightmares (Feat. Bilal & Pharrell Williams)
This would have been a fine way to end the album, but Bilal's singing on here pisses me off. He was fairly popular around the time of this release, but could they not have found a better singer out there. Sheesh, I will never understand what's going through the minds of the Thornton brothers. All that is mildly saved with the homage to The Geto Boys in last verse, which was fucking awesome. I don't know if we will ever get to "Mind Playin' Tricks On Me" but just know its one of the greatest songs ever recorded.
Rating: 4.5/5
It almost depresses me that no one bought Hell Hath No Fury. For a group with as much integrity as Clipse, they deserve to sell a million copies. It also helps that the album is fucking awesome. Throughout the years, the duos second album has reached legendary status among critics and bloggers, claiming it to be one of the last classic hip hop albums. I'll have to disagree there, as not every song is great, but this really is one of the best albums released during the back end of the 2000s. (That may be the worst period in raps history but I'm trying to give these guys credit) I don't really need to say it, but I highly recommend a purchase. I guarantee you'll enjoy three fourths of the album and you can brag to your friends that you knew who Pusha T was way before they did.