All it took was a Neptunes beat and Pharell in the video to blow the Clipse up. Sure, the Neptunes define the Clipse sound, but conversely the Clipse define the Neptunes sound. The youthful, nondescript delivery was born for the punchy Neptunes production. Exhibit A: the first 2 singles off the album "Grindin(1)" and "When the Last Time(2)" are just about the freshest thing to happen to hip-hop this year. By no means am I saying this is the best hip-hop album of the year, not by a mile; but it when it clicks it's pretty hard to deny a listen. The collaborations of "I'm Not You(3)" featuring the Lox and Roscoe P. Coldchain, and "Comedy Central(4)" featuring Fabolous are 2 of the stronger tracks presenting multiple angles over the moody Neptunes production. The multiple angles set the tone here, cause it seems the Clipse don't quite have the vocal charisma to sustain interest. But when they are paired with Pharell, Faith (Ma, I Don't Love Her(5)), or any of the other collaborators, the formula completes itself. Also includes the bonus tracks: "Grindin Remix(6)" featuring Nore and Cash Money, and "Grindin Selector Remix(7)" featuring Sean Paul, Bless, and Kardinal Offishall. Double Vinyl.

reviewed by the mgmnt