Compared to delay-ridden past efforts, all activities surrounding the release of Til The Casket Drops seem to be rolling along smoothly. Last week, another song and artwork from the album was revealed. It’s just started, but this week is already looking like another good one for the Brothers Thornton with the brand new “Popular Demand (Popeyes)” video featuring Cam’ron here to kick things off. After what felt like a million behind-the-scenes features, it’s nice to have the final product. Watch it above.

Tune in to Complex.com every morning at 8 AM for your daily “Wake N’ Watch” video.

How do you think their new cover matches up against the illustration from their 2001 debut Lord Willin’ and the money-filled image from the 2006 follow-up Hell Hath No Fury? Learn more about each of Clipse’s covers and cast your vote for the best below…

ALBUM: LORD WILLIN’ (2001)
ILLUSTRATION BY: Vicki Berndt
DESIGN BY: Courtney Walter
For their official debut, the Thornton brothers went with an illustration that shows them riding through Virginia Beach with black Jesus in the back seat. Damn, he couldn’t get shotgun?

ALBUM: HELL HATH NO FURY (2006)
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Jonathan Mannion
DESIGN BY: Courtney Walter
What better way to convey the crack music inside than by photographing Pusha and Malice with a kitchen stove? The international currency on the wall was definitely all obtained through legal channels.

ALBUM: TILL THE CASKET DROPS (2009)
ILLUSTRATION BY: KAWS
He’s already done cover art for all of their 2009 singles—“Kinda Like A Big Deal”, “All Eyes On Me” and “I’m Good”—and KAWS continues the up-close graphic motif on the official album art, which shows a pink casket and the artist’s signature X’s.

RELATED: Album Preview: Clipse’s Till The Casket Drops
• Complex’s Clipse x KAWS Cover Story

Each day Complex scours the music blogs for 5 fresh songs that you should listen to in our 5 O’Clock Shuffle post. Instead of going crazy trying to keep up with your RSS feeds everyday, just head over to Complex.com to stay up-to-date on important leaks and releases.

It’s that time of the day again. Today was a good day on the blogs too. Clipse dropped another crazy record from the upcoming album; Bassment Jaxx is back in the game; Wayne added a verse to the Khaled single; Plies linked up with Jeezy; John Mayer linked with Taylor Swift. We know there’s something in there that you wanna check out. Hit the jump to get started…

SONG: “Doorman”
ARTIST: Clipse
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• Till The Casket Drops is less than a month away and heat from the album continues to hit the web. The Neptunes handled production on this one. The music video premieres on Monday.

SONG: “My Turn”
ARTIST: Bassment Jaxx f/ Lightspeed Champion
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• The DJ veterans are back on the scene and it doesn’t feel like they’ve missed a step, even after all of these years. The instrumental is on point and British singer Lightspeed Champion goes in on the vocals. Think about your old girlfriend when you listen to this record.

SONG: “Fed Up”
ARTIST: DJ Khaled f/ Lil’ Wayne, Usher, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross & Drake
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• Yeah, Khaled’s single is old news (two weeks in Internet time), but the Weezy verse is brand new. Swap this version in for the outdated one sitting on your hard drive.

SONG: “So Bad”
ARTIST: Plies f/ Young Jeezy
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• We’re not sure what project this collab is meant for, but at the rate that Plies releases albums, it’s a safe bet that this might wind up on whatever LP he’s cooking up next. Beware: the complete record hasn’t leaked yet.

SONG: “Half Of My Heart”
ARTIST: John Mayer f/ Taylor Swift
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• Why not? Mayer’s last single was dope and Swift is the second hottest chick in the (country music) game. You know this will have the elevators and coffee shops on lock.

Visit Complex.com every day at 5 PM for your daily “5 O’Clock Shuffle“ playlist.

Each day Complex scours the music blogs for 5 fresh songs that you should listen to in our 5 O’Clock Shuffle post. Instead of going crazy trying to keep up with your RSS feeds everyday, just head over to Complex.com to stay up-to-date on important leaks and releases.

Good news. The weekend is here. Come to think of it, that’s really the only news. We’re back at our usual time slot with five more songs to satisfy your new music needs. You should know how this goes by now. Start listening and downloading after the jump…

SONG: “Popular Demand (Popeyes)”
ARTIST: Clipse f/ Cam’ron
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• The cover boys and Killa’s highly anticipated collab has finally arrived. Pharrell handled the production. Even after all the hype, we’re not disappointed.

SONG: “Hit It On The Road (Remix)”
ARTIST: The-Dream f/ Juelz Santana
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• Juelz is all about rapping over the R&B records these days. This time it’s The-Dream’s groupie anthem. Look for this on the Reagan Era mixtape.

SONG: “Turn It Up”
ARTIST: Ciara
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• Here’s an alleged leftover from CiCi’s Fantasy Ride album. Understandable decision. It’s not a badddd song necessarily, but nothing about it stands out.

SONG: “Southside (Remix)”
ARTIST: Birdman f/ Rick Ross, Mack Maine, & Lil’ Wayne
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• Pretty much what you’d expect from a song with these four artists on it. That means different things to different people though. We might let this spin in the whip or something, but not too much more.

SONG: “Rik Smits”
ARTIST: Asher Roth
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• Asher rapping over a Saigon beat? Weird. He kinda does his thing though. This may or may not show up on The Greenhouse Effect 2.

Visit Complex.com every day at 5 PM for your daily “5 O’Clock Shuffle“ playlist.

1. “Speak of Freedom”
Produced By Sean C & LV
Complex Says: An intense start to the album, the erratic, rapid-fire drums and guitar stabs create the perfect atmosphere for the duo’s urgent verses, ending with a distorted, angry rant: “Do I entertain you, motherfucker?”

2. Popular Demand (Popeyes) f/ Cam’ron
Produced By The Neptunes
Complex Says: The collaboration everyone’s been waiting for definitely does not disappoint, with all three coke-friendly rappers in tight competition for the best verse. Production-wise, Pharrell and Chad drop a piano-heavy, mid-tempo neck-snapper that has a similar vibe to their recent Jay-Z cut “So Ambitious.”

3. “Kinda Like a Big Deal” f/ Kanye West
Produced By DJ Khalil
Complex Says: The so-called “street single” leaked from the album leaked back in April. Refresh your memory:

4. “Showin’ Out” f/ Yo Gotti
Produced By The Neptunes
Complex Says: A quick crunch of reversed snare drums (á la “Paul Revere”) and horn synths featuring an unexpected collabo with the slept-on Memphis MC that makes perfect sense. Show ’em out, Lil’ Daddy!

5. “I’m Good” f/ Pharrell
Produced By The Neptunes
Complex Says: This one’s the “official” single, complete with music video and requisite Rick Ross remix. Listen:

6. “There Was A Murder”
Produced By DJ Khalil
Complex Says: Clipse take it to the islands with this reggae-tinged track from Khalil about killing informants. Pusha even tries his hand at a little Patois flavor without completely embarrassing himself.

7. “Door Man”
Produced By The Neptunes
Complex Says: Possibly the closest thing to a Down South ballin’ record the duo has ever made—Pharrell comes through with an unexpectedly hard 808 thump, and the hook features a memorable boast: “Put my money on the roof and crush this bitch!”

8. “Never Will It Stop” f/ Ab-Liva
Produced By Sean C & LV
Complex Says: Sandman might have left, but the remaining Re-Up Gang member still holds it down on this tough-talkin’ organ and synth banger. Throughout the album, Sean C & LV’s signature live instrumentation meshes surprisingly well with the Neptunes’ current sound.

9. “Eyes On Me” f/ Keri Hilson
Produced By The Neptunes
Complex Says: Originally rumored to be the second “official” single, we’re not really sure now since it leaked back in June. Definitely one designed for the clubs, but it’s dope hearing P&M switch their flows up like this regardless. Listen:


10. “Counseling” f/ Nicole Hurst
Produced By The Neptunes
Complex Says: Like a lot of recent Neptunes stuff, this easy-going joint about relationships uses drums that hark back to the thump of classic ’90s East Coast hip-hop, mixing them with a more modern gradient synth sound.

11. “Champion”
Produced By The Neptunes
Complex Says: An 808-filled victory lap that features Pusha going back and forth with a female on the hook. The assault of snares on part of the beat definitely sounds similar to Lil Wayne’s “A Milli.” No shots!

12. “Footsteps”
Produced By DJ Khalil
Complex Says: Clipse go auto-tune? Don’t worry, Pusha and Malice don’t use the effect, but hookmaster Kobe (who’s also done tracks with Fabolous and Paul Wall) checks in on this joint about their trend-setting status.

13. “Life Change”
Produced By The Neptunes
Complex Says: The album’s most introspective track closes things out with a slower synth chord progression and some harrowing verses about getting out of the crime life. “Last night, what I seen made my life change.”

*BONUS* “I’m Good (Remix)” f/ Rick Ross
Produced By The Neptunes
Complex Says: The official remix, with all-new verses. This is now our favorite Clipse song ever, thanks to Pusha’s line “G.I. Joe wrap my body on that Complex cover.” We’re so vain! Listen below:

RELATED: Clipse x Complex: The Full Cover Story & Behind-The-Scenes Video

Each day Complex scours the music blogs for 5 fresh songs that you should listen to in our 5 O’Clock Shuffle post. Instead of going crazy trying to keep up with your RSS feeds everyday, just head over to Complex.com to stay up-to-date on important leaks and releases.

We’re halfway through the week and the leaks keep coming. What else did you expect? Whether it’s the latest Clipse remix or an album cut from Weezer, our Shuffle is still the place to download all that new new. Get started after the jump…

SONG: “I’m Good (Remix)”
ARTIST: Clipse f/ Pharrell & Rick Ross
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• The Complex cover boys recruited Rawse to remix their first single, but it seems like his verse is just tacked on because we’ve heard the official remix has new verses from Pusha and Malice too. The music video for this one should be out any day now as well.

SONG: “World Of A Gangsta”
ARTIST: Snoop Dogg
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• Here’s another one off Malice In Wonderland. Typical Snoop record. The album hits stores in early December.

SONG: “I’m Your Daddy”
ARTIST: Weezer
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• Yeah, these guys made their best music in the ’90s, but we’re not mad at ‘em for still wanting to rock out. The new stuff isn’t too bad either. We’re really waiting to hear the Lil’ Wayne collab though.

SONG: “My Hood”
ARTIST: B.G.
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• Who even knew B.G. had a solo album coming out? Not sure if this a single or album cut, but it’s from Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood for sure.

SONG: “Inhibitions (Let It Loose)”
ARTIST: Wale f/ Pharrell
DOWNLOAD: [LINK]
• Wale beat the bloggers to the punch and leaked this himself via Twitter. Supposedly it’s been given the nod over “Pretty Girls” as Attention Deficit’s second single.

Visit Complex.com every day at 5 PM for your daily “5 O’Clock Shuffle“ playlist.

When’s the last time a rapper started a clothing line that was dope? Damn sure wasn’t Nelly’s Vokal or Master P’s weak-ass P. Miller line. So what makes brothers Pusha T and Malice think their brand Play Cloths has what it takes to be any different? Well, for starters they both have a style that runs circles around most other rappers (sorry, Percy). And if their line is half as ill as their rhymes, Play Cloths will be nothing to play with.

At the Complex October/November cover shoot, the duo made it clear their style is to be taken seriously. A mix of dope-boy fresh and urban cool guy, the Clipse’s steez is one of a kind. (Clearly, all that time with Pharrell paid off.) Blessed with a flow just as raw as their style, this group is a force to be reckoned with on any front. Don’t worry bout being Mr. Me Too, this one’s on us. Read on to find out How To Dress Like Clipse in Complex’s Cover Story…

(On Pusha T) Hat and Sweater by Play Cloths, Denim by Artful Dodger, Sneakers by GF Gerre (On Malice) Vest by Play Cloths, Shirt by HUF, Denim by WeSC, Sneakers by Air Jordan

———————————————————————————————————————————————————-

(On Malice) Shirt by Artful Dodger $82, Sunglasses by Linda Farrow $443, Jeans by Play Cloths $120, Sneakers by Gourmet $239

———————————————————————————————————————————————————-

(On Pusha T) Shirt by PRPS, Jeans by G-Star, Sneakers by Gourmet, Watch by G-Shock

———————————————————————————————————————————————————-

(On Pusha T) Sweatshirt by HUF; Denim by G-Star; Sneakers by Nike; (On Malice) Sweatshirt by Play Cloths, Denim by PRPS, Sneakers by Nike

———————————————————————————————————————————————————-
RELATED: Complex’s Clipse x KAWS Cover Story + Video

• CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE COMPLEX STYLE POSTS!

The Aughts countdown continued with the 100 Best Movie Of The 2000s. [LINK]

Then we switched it up with the 10 Worst Movies Of The 2000s for good measure. [LINK]

Our style guide helped you dress like Drake, Kanye, Wayne, and Eminem in the “Forever” video. [LINK]

The 12 hottest international cougars got some shine in this week’s Worldwide Wednesday. [LINK]

Joss Whedon talked about his TV shows and our cover girl. [LINK]

And From The Complex Network:
Das Gamer: Modern Warfare 2 looks awesome. [LINK]

On Smash: Meth, Ghost, and Rae have a collab album on the way. Sickkkk. [LINK]

Moe Jackson: Rihanna looked like a completely different girl back in 2005. [LINK]

Nah Right: 88 Keys already co-signed Kanye’s next album. [LINK]

Sneaker News: Chicago gets its own Nike Blazer as part of the City Pack. [LINK]

SlamxHype: Levi’s adds more to their Fenom collection. [LINK]

Oh, and don’t forget, this is Complex cover week—tomorrow we’ve got a second cover collabo between a rapper and artist, and then on Wednesday we’ve got our third cover that shows off the sexy side of Complex. Stay tuned!

• CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL CLIPSE x KAWS COVER STORY!

WATCH THE BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO:

RELATED POSTS:
• Complex’s Uncut “Shotcaller” Interview: Brian “KAWS” Donnelly
• N.E.R.D. x KAWS Cover Story (August/September 2008)
• DOWNLOAD: New Clipse Single “I’m Good” Featuring Pharrell
• Download’s Clipse’s Road To Till the Casket Drops Mixtape (2008)

We just put the uncut interview with KAWS online, where he speaks on Sorayama, Clipse, working with Supreme and BAPE, and new projects on tap. We also put together an exclusive bonus video that features a smoking hot model making out with the KAWS x Hajime Sorayama x Medicom/Original Fake NO FUTURE COMPANION figure…

• CLICK HERE TO READ THE UNCUT KAWS “SHOTCALLER” INTERVIEW

BONUS VIDEO: KAWS x HAJIME SORAYAMA’S NO FUTURE COMPANION TOY:

RELATED: Exclusive Photo Preview: KAWS x Hajime Sorayama NO FUTURE COMPANION

We never thought coke rap and gospel would mix, but Malice of the Clipse disagrees. [Nah Right]

Want a good laugh? Check out ItsTheReal’s new animated video featuring Drake, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross and more. [ItsTheReal]

Finally, some BBC shirts you don’t have to feel hesitant about wearing. [Daily Drop]

Word on the street is that condoms make you go insane. Like, for real. [Flisted]

Flicks from the Lindsay Lohan photoshoot where jewels went missing. [PopCrunch]

Who said newspapers were boring? These are the five sexiest. [Coed Mag]

Here’s what that corny name tag at your part-time job says about you. [Holy Taco]

New week. New hotties in the wild. Check ‘em out. [Double Viking]

Oh, wow. Malice of the Clipse is actually keeping this vlogging thing going. [Nah Right]

Even those “baseball is boring” types will find these sexy MLB cheerleaders exciting. [Coed Mag]

Our girl Miss Info gets Maino to open up. [Miss Info]

We don’t really know who you are Keeley Hazell, but we definitely want to find out. [Flisted]

The new season of Entourage ends October 4. Lebron James and Matt Damon will be in the finale. [PopCrunch]

Nothing like a hot MILF to help the day go by faster. [Holy Taco]

So Nike is combining the Air Max 90 and Huarache models for a new hybrid. Awesome. [Daily Drop]

Surely, you have time to waste. Use your minutes (or hours) wisely by checking out these hotties. [Double Viking]

Here’s a behind the scenes look at Clipse’s “I’m Good” video that features Pharrell. [Nah Right]

The next time you get really shit-faced, expect to go through these 5 stages of drunkenness. [CoedMag]

Hotties, hotties and more hotties. [DoubleViking]

Here’s a 15 second preview of Shakira’s new song. [Lossip]

This want ad for a Lil Wayne impersonator is amazing. [Flisted]

Watch this breakdown of new collections from RVCA and Rebel 8. [KarmaloopTV]

If only internet commentors had a magazine. [Holy Taco]

Looking to get it for cheap? Check out these sneaker deals. [Nice Kicks]

Clipse and Kanye finally drop the video for “Kinda Like A Big Deal.” [Nah Right]

Wow. The new Spizike’s are going to be a problem. [Nice Kicks]

Your drunk texts are nothing compared to these. [Flisted]

Megan Fox apologizes for turning down some random fan. [PopCrunch]

What your douche-y facial hair really says about you. [Holy Taco]

The world’s best Guitar Hero player is only 14 years old. [Coed Mag]

Something that never gets old: girls posting their revealing pics online. [Double Viking]

Shout out to Steven Victor for sending over the joint—it’s the first of two official singles that Clipse will be dropping in the next few weeks. Listen or download it below!

Clipse f/ Pharrell “I’m Good” (Produced by The Neptunes)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “I’M GOOD” FROM SHAREBEE
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “I’M GOOD” FROM MEDIAFIRE

RELATED:
-Pharrell Talks BBC/Ice Cream Fall 2009 Preview
-Complex’s N.E.R.D. x KAWS Cover Story (2008)
-VIDEO: KAWS Talks N.E.R.D. x Complex Collaboration
-Download Clipse’s Play Cloths Mixtape

Check out behind the scenes footage from the Clipse show, with the homie Steve Victor talking about his 1 of 1 bookbag. [Nah Right]

These Hypermax Tennis Ball sneakers are crazy. [Nice Kicks]

Mike Tyson Punch Out Rap. Wow. [Holy Taco]

Summer’s almost here, check out this list that explains why the season is so great. [CoedMag]

Say it ain’t so, The Gotti guidos are getting another reality show. [PopCrunch]

These custom dunks are terrible. [Flisted]

Take today’s Buy It Now, for example: The Play Cloths You’re It Jacket is a classic baseball jacket silhouette in 100% polyester with subtle embroidering on the chest, sleeve and inner lining. Simple and fresh, it’s a no-risk investment this season. For detail pics, additional colorways and Buy It Now info, see below…

PLAY CLOTHS YOU’RE IT JACKET – BLACK
Click Here To Buy It Now At Play Cloths Online Store, $117

PLAY CLOTHS YOU’RE IT JACKET – KHAKI
Click Here To Buy It Now At Play Cloths Online Store, $117

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CLIPSE’S FREE PLAY CLOTHS MIXTAPE!

Last week, we brought you the first taste of the intro to Clipse’s new mixtape Road To Till The Casket Drops, which Complex.com will be exclusively releasing on December 1st.

Well now we’ve got another official track for you to check out: “Big Dreams,” which features Pusha and Malice going hard over The Game’s Cool & Dre-produced beat. And be sure to listen to the “Lauren London Interlude” at the end to hear the sexy actress talking about that crack music. Check out the full tracklist and download the MP3 below…

Clipse “Big Dreams/Lauren London Interlude” [CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD!]

from Road To Till The Casket Drops (Coming December 1 on Complex.com)

Full Tracklisting:
1. Intro
2. The Haters Wish
3. Big Dreams
4. Lauren London Interlude
5. So Fly (Now We’ve Had Her)
6. Addiction
7. Pop Champagne
8. Numb It Down
9. S.L.U.
10. Swing Ya Rag
11. Lil Willie Interlude
12. Fed Taking Pictures

-For more info on Play Cloths, check out playcloths.com/blog.
-For more info on Clipse, check out reupgangrecords.net.

Related: Complex Presents: The Leaders Of The New Cool Mixtape

After all the distractions, we’re happy to see Clipse getting focused again. Their new clothing line Play Cloths is about to drop on November 21, and they’re currently finishing up their first mixtape in a year. Complex will be exclusively debuting the new mixtape Road To ‘Til’ The Casket Drops’ on December 1st. With the Columbia album finally being projected for a March 2009 release, this tape will be the first taste of what Pusha and Malice have been working on all this time. But for now, listen to (and download) the mixtape’s intro below…

Clipse “Intro” [CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD IT]

from Road To Till The Casket Drops (Coming December 1st)

-For more info on Play Cloths, check out playcloths.com/blog.
-For more info on Clipse, check out reupgangrecords.net.

Which got us thinking: this isn’t the first time a rap act has carved out a dope sound with a certain producer and then parted ways to dismal effect. After the jump, check out our compilation of those rappers and their respective before/after track records.

RAPPER: JERU THE DAMAJA
O.G. PRODUCER: DJ PREMIER

BEFORE: “Come Clean”

AFTER: “99.9 Pa Cent” (Produced by Jeru)

Verdict: Pras said it best in his Damaja dis: “Without Premier, you couldn't sell it.” When Pras is dissing you, you know you got a problem.

RAPPER: COMMON
O.G. PRODUCER: NO I.D.

BEFORE: “Resurrection”

AFTER: “The Light” (prod. by Jay Dee)

Verdict: We have much love for Dilla (R.I.P.) and the track has its merits, but Com's post-No-I.D. sound is altogether soft like Twinkie filling. With a sleeveless turtleneck on top.

RAPPER: RAEKWON
O.G. PRODUCER: RZA

BEFORE: “Criminology” (feat. Ghostface Killah)

AFTER: “Live From New York” (prod. by Infinite Arkatechz)

Verdict: The sad thing is, “Live From New York” is leagues better than most rap out today. But it's severely lacking when compared with any track off Cuban Linx.

RAPPER: SNOOP DOGG
O.G. PRODUCER: DR. DRE

BEFORE: “Gin and Juice”

AFTER: “Snoop's Upside Ya Head” (prod. by DJ Pooh)

Verdict: His longevity has proven that Snoop can rhyme (or sing) well over virtually anything, but his entire Dre-free sophomore album was a major letdown. Probably his worst album to date.

RAPPER: T.I.
O.G. PRODUCER: DJ TOOMP

BEFORE: “U Don't Know Me”

AFTER: “You Know What It Is” (Produced by Wyclef & Jerry Wonder)

Verdict: T.I. vs. T.I.P. is the only T.I. album without a DJ Toomp joint. It's no coincidence that it's also the worst T.I. album. The lesson? As always, never fuck with Wyclef. Thankfully, Toomp has a joint on Paper Trail.

RAPPERS: CLIPSE
O.G. PRODUCER: THE NEPTUNES

BEFORE: “Grindin'”

AFTER: “My Life's the Shit” (Produced by Illfonics)

Verdict: We fucks with a couple tracks on the new LP, but overall we can't get past the ABC production. Yo P'your boys need help.