In case you couldn't tell from our current Clipse cover story (yeah, this one), we're pretty psyched for the return of Pusha T and Malice. Their long-awaited third album Till The Casket Drops is currently scheduled to drop on December 8, but Complex was lucky enough to hear a nearly-completed version of the album the other day. How do the Thornton brothers fare on their debut Columbia album, the first to feature producers outside of The Neptunes? Check out the complete track list and our initial thoughts on each song below...
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
thatdrop.com October 19th, 2009 at 03:27 PM
Def gonna be tight. Hopefully I can get the Clipse brand Play Cloths on my site! www.thatdrop.com
johngone October 19th, 2009 at 03:44 PM
EGHCKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ben October 19th, 2009 at 04:48 PM
LMAO @ "Do I entertain you, motherfucker?" lol, Yes Clipse, yes you do
Bk's Trill Dollaboy October 19th, 2009 at 06:29 PM
Yo Gotti?!??????!!!!!!!!!!!????????? WTF? whos idea was this? GET THIS WOODFACE MUNGKEY OFF THE ALBUM, ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!
DoubleClutch95 October 19th, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Sad to hear Drake didnt drop a verse on Showin Out but no surprise after he signed wit Young Money. No way Wayne would be willing to let Drake do a verse for the Clipse. No matter tho, it is still Til the CLASSIC drops baby from the Best Duo Ever!!!!
hugolin October 20th, 2009 at 05:27 AM
The Neptunes are the best producers out there !
Eastern_Digital October 20th, 2009 at 08:29 AM
So Life Change is like Nightmares Pt. II?
Sound Verite' October 24th, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Excited as fuck especially to hear "Champion" with Graph Nobel, Toronto flyest!
mike October 27th, 2009 at 12:05 PM
please can't wait great ishs coming hope a third classic can't fucking damn wait
c November 29th, 2009 at 02:48 PM
Ok, I just heard Speak of Freedom (track 1) on hiphopgame, googled the album and found this article, let's see... 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?” Seriously? Damn, you guys are paid to do this? How can you hear that song and only write a single run-on sentence about it? After what they wrote? My only complaint is that you don't deserve to be so high on google's results.