Over the past decade, the Clipse have established themselves as one of hip hop’s most respected and recognizable duos. And while Malice and Pusha T’s unbreakable bond as real-life brothers drives their success, they are empowered by the undying support of their international fan base.
The Clipse’s first two releases — Lord Willin’ (2002) and Hell Hath No Fury (2006) — have garnered massive critical acclaim, with the latter earning Top 10 rankings in year-end lists compiled by Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and SPIN Magazine. On November 10, 2009, the Clipse will release their third studio effort, Till the Casket Drops, from their new home: Columbia Records.
During a promotional radio tour for Till the Casket Drops, Gene “Malice” Thornton managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on “Kinda Like a Big Deal,” his chemistry with Pusha T, and the need for “articulate hip hop.”
In the early stages of your career, you and your brother, Pusha T, would drive to New York and shop your demos to all the labels. As unknown, unsigned talents at the time, what obstacles did you encounter on the path to success?
Trying to shop our music for Clipse, it was very, very easy. I wish I could give you the hard luck story, but we shopped it at a few places and before we knew it, we had a deal. It happened kind of fast, which, I guess, we paid for later with all the hiatuses we had to take. That experience was good for Clipse. It was quick.
The biggest obstacle would be once you get in the door is to find the exact suits that are as passionate about your music as you are. We know we got the product. “Here it is; it’s hot. We did what we’re supposed to do. We’re giving it to you.” Then you need that rollout to be successful. You can’t afford to have people dragging their feet or say they would get to it when they get to it. You know what I’m saying? Everything works on a timeline, especially when you get that momentum going. You want everything to roll out properly but some things are out of your hands as the artist. Especially in this game – you got to know how to be flexible and roll with it.
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