Clipse's Hell Hath No Fury

With Jay-Z proclaiming “30’s the new 20” and The Game speaking unrelenting praises of his West Coast forefathers, Virgina’s Clipse (brothers Malice and Pusha-T) have smartened up their drug-peddling tales, sneaking back into the lineup after four years to drop one of the most chilled out and cleverest hip hop albums of the year. The group’s single, “Mr. Me Too,” sets the backdrop of the album, which can be summed up in one word: minimalist. Although hip hop whiz kid Pharrell handles the boards, by no means does he try and overproduce and steal the show. On “Trill,” the catchiest track on the album, morbid-sounding, funky space synths form the beat’s backbone; but what’s really impressive is the way that Pharrell’s production fluidly complements the witty, decadent dialogue between Malice, Pusha-T, and Pharrell. If you’re looking to groove to something intelligent, scoop up Hell Hath No Fury immediately.