Clipse - Rex Theater - Pittsburgh, PA - 3/1/2007

It was such a low key event; that I had no idea that the Clipse were about to perform, until the lights came on and Pusha T and Malice were standing onstage in all their Bathing Ape and Ice Cream glory diving directly into “Momma, I’m So Sorry.” The Clipse don’t fear Tubbs and Crockett and neither did the Pittsburgh crowd of about 300 on this evening, as they loudly finished the chorus for the group.

After only 1 song, I knew that the Clipse were about to deliver the best Hip-Hop show that I have ever witnessed. No flashy lights, no annoying hypeman, no drawn out introduction; just 2 dudes, with 2 mics, giving a 45 minute intricately spit ode to cocaine.

The group focused primarily on their new "XXL rated" album, "Hell Hath No Fury." They did delve into some older material off of the "We Got It For Cheap" mixtapes and a few tracks off of their previous LP, "Lord Willin." They brought out Re-Up Gang member, Ab-Liva, to perform his verses on "Cot Damn" and "Ride Around Shining," the former being one of the best received songs of the evening.

They didn't spend too much time talking, but they did thank the fans who have supported their "Eastcoast lyric driven cocaine rap" throughout the years. They said Lil Wayne "wasn't shit" and called him a "kissing cousin" (due to his affinity for kissing his "father", Baby.) They also released a brief statement to their current record label by saying, "Fuck Jive!"

The set went by all too fast, but I was able to truly grasp what I was witnessing: greatness. I will stress again the simplicity of the performance, but that is what made it special, because these are two rappers who are not only great on wax, these are two people who haven't forgotten the long lost art of the Hip-Hop live show.


Setlist:

Momma I'm So Sorry
We Got It For Cheap
What Happened To That Boy?
Keys Open Doors
Pussy
Ride Around Shining (Feat. Ab Liva)
Cot Damn (Feat. Ab Liva)
Chinese New Year
Virginia
Grindin'
Wamp Wamp (What It Do)
Mr. Me Too











P.S. They didn't have merch. I had heard great stories about how they used to sell CLIPSE aprons at their shows. Wait, why would you need a CLIPSE apron? Oh, I get it!