One of the enduring mysteries of music is how commercial success has eluded Clipse, a group that appeals to every demographic from hipsters to gangsters to suburban teen girls. After two (now three) acclaimed albums, four anthem-filled mixtapes and one staggeringly successful clothing line, Clipse are no longer waiting to be legitimized by the RIAA and have unapologetically assumed their roles as the "best duo ever." Alongside this swagger, Til The Casket Drops showcases a new repertoire that goes beyond the crack rap that has pigeonholed Clipse for so long and instead offers a deeper appreciation for life.

The confidence exuded on this album is exemplified by Pusha's parting words on the album's opening cut (Freedom), "I own you all." The journey through the rest of the record includes the catchy conceit of "Kinda Like a Big Deal" ("Lights, camera, action/ The chain itself's a dang distraction/We claim the belt/ The glory I bask in,") and the simple satisfaction of "I'm Good" ("I'm lookin' good, and I'm feelin' good/ Try and stop my shine/ I wish a brotha would.") On "Doorman" Clipse rap "Big charms, hanging from my big chain/ Swinging side to side, feelin' like I'm T-Pain." While on "Champion" they offer, "Overcame the odds/ So we overdo them cars/ We done balled around the world/ Now we reaching for them stars." The lyrical skill that gave them the swagger in the first place is intact and in full effect.

Til the Casket Drops is also defined by a maturation in mindset that moves beyond the girls, cash, cars mantra of some of the singles. The deep-album cuts offer poignant, insightful rhymes that reveal a duo who've had their fill of materialism and are seeking something more meaningful. On "Champion" we hear "I thought life was a bad girl, bad car/ Life is with your kids, watchin' Madagascar." On "Life Change," Malice rhymes "Now I see clearly with a family of four/ Never did I deserve a two-seater Porchse," and later "Wasted so much time stuntin' for folks/ When really the whole time I was stuntin' my growth." On "Footsteps," Clipse give a warning against emulating their lives "These footsteps could lead you astray/ Lead you to the cell, or lead you to a grave...Don't let my wrongs give you the right of way." The sincerity on these tracks shows that the Clipse are cognizant of their new responsibilities as both hip-hop superstars and role models.

On Til the Casket Drops the Brothers Thorton confound critics that relegate them to being a one-trick pony and finally assert their dominance in rap. The album will eventually be seen as a watershed moment for their growth as artists, and hopefully as a turning point for record sales as well. Buy the best rap album of 2009.

The Clipse showed their undeniable talent on this album. I respect Malice for revealing what his real life is like and stating although he raps about certain things in his music his life is totally different from that. First artist I've heard admit that.

The Clipse have never failed when it comes to dropping classic cds and this is no exception. These guys rhyme just as good if not better than todays hip hop heavywieghts. The CD has it's ups and downs but the downs only come with some weak hooks that could have been better. As far as rhyming and beats this cd is yet another classic thats 3 in a row for the Clipse!

I preface this by saying that I love everything Clipse has done up until this point. Like others have noted, it is a sad thing that these dudes flew under the radar for so long and that they had early label issues. Lord Willin and Hell Hath No Fury are classics and their mixtapes are also strong.

But this album is only average, primarily because most of the beats are either mainstream pop-rap, unimaginative, or just plain weak. There are some good tracks on here (a couple of great ones) -- and the lyrical flow is generally on point -- but overall this is nowhere near the quality of previous releases. Maybe it's just because the standard was set so high by their previous work, but I expected better.

I feel this album is their best to date,and a classic.Now Note everyone that Pharrell did Solo Production on this album without Chad Hugo,even though it says Produced by The Neptunes.Pharrell really went in and gave them his best solo production to date,sorry chad maybe next time.Each song on here is vintage Clipse,but you can hear them changing,Malice is settling down while still being himself as an artist,and Pusha T is maturing as well lyrically as we all know as of lately with Fear Of God tracks.They are the best Southern Lyricists not including T.I.,and Scarface.

Top songs off the album

1)THE ENTIRE ALBUM

I say this because this entire album wasnt bought by many because many fans became unloyal,and many thought it was lame because no radio play and bad sales.WELL DONT GO OFF THAT,give this CD a listen on a great MP3 Player,or your stereo with great bass,and i promise you will be blown away by the production of Pharrell,DJ Khalil,Sean C & LV,and lyrics of Clipse

This is a great album from top to bottom,and you may find 1 or two songs that you may not like,bu this album is really food for thought and not your typical music talking about Sex with women,money,cars,and possessions,whereas The Clipse this go round give more deep and insightful lyrical content as well as keeping this album in balance with fun tracks like Popular Demand,Eyes on me,Conseling,and Champion all produced by Pharrell himself.