Clipse Reflects on Past Beef with Kanye, Bono and Mr. Bean as They Move Forward

Clipse Hint at New Music, Reflect on Benny Hill & Writing Process in Rare Q&A

London, UK – Hip-hop duo clipse, comprised of Pusha T and Malice, have ignited excitement amongst fans by hinting at forthcoming music, during a recent Q&A session. The pair, currently on a US tour with dates extending into November in the UK, offered a glimpse into their creative processes and cultural influences.

Responding to a fan question about future projects, Pusha T confidently stated, “We’ve definitely got more music in store, baby.” Malice echoed the sentiment with a knowing laugh,adding,”Nah,we got it.We’ve definitely got it!”

The Q&A, conducted as part of a promotional push for their latest release, Let Got Sort Em Out, also revealed surprising cultural touchstones for the Virginia-born rappers. Pusha T fondly recalled childhood memories of watching British comedy icon Benny Hill, admitting his older brother’s fondness for the show led to him sneaking peeks. he also referenced Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean, describing the character as “ill.”

Delving into their songwriting methods, the duo highlighted contrasting yet complementary approaches. Malice described a meticulous, day-long process of building verses “line-by-line,” always starting with “pen and paper with a pristine notebook.” He emphasized a commitment to perfection, stating he’d “rip out the page and start over” if unsatisfied.

pusha T revealed his own reliance on visual cues, explaining he needs to write things down. “I don’t know how to do the whole spontaneous freestyle thing,because I am always second guessing myself,” he confessed. “I am a perfectionist and so that involves editing a lot.” He detailed a relentless pursuit of freshness, constantly revisiting and refining even strong lyrical ideas.

The conversation offered a rare insight into the dynamic between the two artists,known for their intricate rhyme schemes and often minimalist production. Clipse rose to prominence in the early 2000s with a distinctive sound heavily influenced by the production of The Neptunes, and have maintained a dedicated following despite periods of inactivity.

Evergreen Insights: The Enduring Legacy of Clipse

Clipse’s impact on hip-hop extends beyond their commercially successful albums. They are widely credited with pioneering a uniquely stark and sophisticated lyrical style, prioritizing wordplay and narrative complexity over conventional tropes. Their influence can be heard in the work of contemporary artists who favor intricate rhyme structures and a focus on detailed storytelling.The duo’s commitment to artistic integrity, even during periods of commercial pressure, has solidified their status as cult figures within the hip-hop community. Their meticulous approach to songwriting, as revealed in this Q&A, underscores the dedication to craft that defines their enduring appeal.

Tour Dates:

Clipse’s US tour continues until September 10th. UK dates include:

O2 Kentish Town Forum, london – November 9, 12 & 13
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester – November 10

Let got Sort Em Out is out now on Roc Nation.

How did the disagreement with Kanye west impact Clipse’s established sound adn Pharrell‘s production style?

The Kanye West Disagreement: A production Battle

The early 2000s saw Clipse, comprised of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, at the forefront of innovative hip-hop production. Their relationship with kanye West, then a rising star, initially flourished. however,tensions arose surrounding production credit and creative control on Clipse’s second album,Still C.R.E.A.M. West contributed substantially to the album, but disagreements over ownership and recognition led to a public falling out.

The Core Issue: Clipse felt West’s contributions overshadowed their established sound and pharrell’s signature production style.

Public Statements: Both sides exchanged pointed remarks in interviews, detailing frustrations with the collaborative process.Pharrell specifically expressed concerns about West altering the core identity of Clipse’s music.

Resolution (of sorts): While a full reconciliation wasn’t immediate, both artists have as publicly acknowledged a mutual respect and understanding, recognizing the creative friction as a product of ambition and differing artistic visions. Recent collaborations, though infrequent, suggest a thawing of the previous animosity. This highlights the complexities of hip-hop feuds and the eventual possibility of professional respect.

Bono and the U2 Collaboration: A Clash of Worlds

The proposed collaboration between Clipse and U2’s Bono proved to be one of the more unusual and ultimately unrealized projects in hip-hop history. Pharrell discussed the idea in several interviews, outlining a vision for a track blending Clipse’s gritty street aesthetic with Bono’s anthemic rock sensibilities.

Creative Differences: The primary obstacle wasn’t a personal dispute, but a fundamental disagreement on the direction of the song. Bono reportedly wanted a more overtly political message, while Clipse aimed to maintain their focus on street narratives and lyrical dexterity.

Pharrell’s Account: Pharrell has described the experiance as a valuable learning prospect, demonstrating the challenges of bridging vastly different musical worlds. He emphasized the importance of artistic integrity and staying true to one’s core sound.

Unreleased Material: Despite extensive discussions, no official recording of the collaboration ever surfaced, becoming a legendary “what if” in music circles. this exemplifies the challenges of artist collaborations and the need for aligned creative visions.

The Mr. Bean Incident: A Misunderstanding & Viral Moment

Perhaps the most bizarre chapter in Clipse’s history of public disagreements involves a perceived slight from Rowan Atkinson, the actor best known for portraying Mr. Bean. During a 2007 interview, pharrell recounted an encounter with Atkinson at a London event.

The Story: Pharrell claimed Atkinson dismissed his musical contributions, stating he didn’t recognize the Neptunes’ work. This sparked a viral backlash, with fans questioning Atkinson’s musical knowlege and defending Clipse’s influence.

Atkinson’s Response: Atkinson vehemently denied the accusation, stating he simply hadn’t heard of the Neptunes at the time and that his comment was misinterpreted. He expressed regret if his words caused offense.

Media Frenzy: The incident became a major talking point in music blogs and mainstream media, fueled by the absurdity of the situation.It highlighted the power of celebrity encounters and the potential for miscommunication in the public eye.

Pharrell’s Later Comments: Pharrell has as downplayed the incident, suggesting it was a harmless misunderstanding blown out of proportion. He acknowledged Atkinson’s comedic genius and expressed no lasting animosity.

Moving Forward: A Focus on Legacy and new Music

today, Clipse, and especially Pharrell Williams, are focused on solidifying their legacy and exploring new creative avenues.Pharrell’s continued success as a solo artist and producer demonstrates his enduring influence on contemporary music.

Recent Projects: pharrell’s work with artists like Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake showcases his versatility and continued relevance.

Clipse Reunion Rumors: Persistent rumors of a clipse reunion continue to circulate, fueled by occasional social media interactions between Pharrell and Chad Hugo.

The importance of Forgiveness: The willingness to publicly address and move past past conflicts demonstrates a maturity and understanding that resonates with fans. This approach to resolving artist disputes sets a positive example within the music industry.

Maintaining Artistic Integrity: Throughout their career, Clipse has consistently prioritized artistic integrity, refusing to compromise their sound for commercial gain. This commitment to authenticity remains a defining characteristic of their work.