Clipse: Lord Willin' (2002). "You Know What I Keep In The Lining..."

<p>B. Cox looks back at Virginia rap duo <strong>Clipse</strong>&#39;s major label debut album <em>Lord Willin&#39;</em> as it turns 20. The group, made up of brothers <strong>Gene</strong> &#34;<strong>Malice</strong>&#34; and <strong>Terrence</strong> &#34;<strong>Pusha</strong> <strong>T</strong>&#34; <strong>Thornton</strong> grew up in Virginia Beach and were close associates of producer <strong>Pharrell Williams</strong> growing up. After securing their first record deal with Elektra Records in 1996, their first album <em>Exclusive Audio Footage</em> which was scheduled to come out in 1999, was shelved when their first single failed to catch onto the charts.</p><p>In 2001, Pharrell, then a successful producer as one-half of <strong>The Neptunes</strong> (with <strong>Chad Hugo</strong>), signed Clipse to his Star Trak Imprint. With an album completely produced by the Neptunes, Malice and Pusha T spit hard life tales of hustling and drug dealing over the innovative production. The first single &#34;Grindin&#34; became their most recognizable hit and became a classic known for its infectious drums and the duo&#39;s street wise hustle lyrics.</p><p>The album was certified gold and established Clipse as an up and coming group to watch out for. It also helped to establish a new brand of &#34;coke rap&#34; in the 2000s that would become popularized and continued by some of their contemporaries later in the decade.</p><p><strong><u>Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Online</u></strong></p><p><a href="http://www.vaultclassicpod.com/" rel="nofollow">www.vaultclassicpod.com</a></p><p><strong><u>Support The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffee</u></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpod" rel="nofollow">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpod</a></p><p><strong><u>Show Notes</u></strong></p><p><strong>Sterogum-Lord Willin&#39; Turns 20</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.stereogum.com/2196772/clipse-lord-willin-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/" rel="nofollow">https://www.st