Artist: ClipseTitle: We Got It 4 Cheap Vol. 1 (Mixtape)Rating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Martin A. Berrios
Following the release of their highly acclaimed debut Lord Willin’, the Clipse seemed to fall back from the limelight, choosing to only be heard through a few select guest features. After the brief hiatus, the Virginia duo attempted to reclaim their glory through the release of a follow up album only to be benched by their unappreciative record label. Accompanied by Liva (formerly of Major Figgas) and newcomer Sandman, the Clipse reemerge as the Re-Up Gang on the We Got It 4 Cheap Vol. 1 mixtape. Hosted by Boston bomber Clinton Sparks, their distinct brand of cocaine rap is back in a major way.
We Got It 4 Cheap opens up strongly with “You’ll See.” The crew gets busy on the timeless EPMD “You’re A Customer” instrumental. It is Pharrel AKA Skateboard P who steals the show on the track with his subtle flossy flow. “Yeah you got a diamond necklace, but what’s the buying worth?/ look to me like someone’s been buying dirt/s### talking, with no gun, a wylding jerk/now ya’ll dying both, dying broke, and dying hurt” he boasts. The Clipse are not to be out done by their producer though, they are better than that. With big brother Malice only on a handful of tracks, Pusha holds down the Thornton family lovely. Pusha rips LL’s “I Shot Ya” beat to pieces with bars like “I’m feeling smothered by this music industry I need a breather/ so guess who’s back selling that shake like seizure/ album on hiatus I ain’t stop stuntin neither/ the Benz chariot, horses carry me like Ceaser.” Other freestyle joints to check are the self explanatory “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Queen B####.”
The group’s chemistry is brought back to fold on the “Studdyin’ Yall.” Clipse break it down on how they don’t bother with thinking about what other rappers are doing over Neptunes production. Driven by a thick bass line and playful chime sounds, the track will have heads wondering what’s the hold up on the new album.
As far as the rest of the crew, Liva and Sandman do hold it down along side of Pusha and Malice and on individual solo sessions. While both are definitely no slouches on the microphone, they are featured a bit too heavily on the project. After being missing in action for almost two years, most fans will be disappointed by how much the Clipse shared the stage with their team. Additionally the six interludes were unnecessary.
Minus the minor technicalities We Got It For Cheap is solid. The group is back and has not lost a step lyrically. It will definitely keep heads patiently waiting for the next official installment from the Clipse.