After creating hit after hit for the likes of Nelly, ‘N Sync, and Jay-Z, producers extraordinaire The Neptunes have released an album complete with 18 new tracks, all produced by them.

To those who enjoy the familiar Neptunes-vibe with heavyweight rappers, “The Neptunes Present ? Clones” won’t disappoint. There’s a simple electronic-feel to Busta Rhyme’s “Light Your Ass on Fire.” Ludacris shines on “It Wasn’t On,” while Nelly’s “If” sounds like a recycled “Hot In Herre,” but if you liked the original, there’s no reason you’ll be upset with this track.

Uncharacteristically, the Neptunes produced two rock songs, “Half-Steering” by Spymob and “F*** N’ Spend” by The High Speed Scene. These are not rock-influenced songs like NERD’s “Loser.” They’re full out rock songs, which will puzzle hip-hop fans but will allow the Neptunes to add more to their portfolio. Although it’s not the first time they tackle rock music, it is one of the first times some fans will hear Neptunes-produced music of a different genre.

A new track by Super Cat is definitely a highlight on the album, where the reggae artist is backed by what sounds like a swing band. Also returning to the music scene is Dirt McGirt, formerly known as Ol’ Dirty Bastard, who performs “Pop S***.”

Track list:
1. Intro
2. Busta Rhymes – “Light Your Ass on Fire” (featuring Pharrell)
3. Clipse – “Blaze of Glory” (featuring Pharrell and Ab-Liva)
4. Ludacris – “It Wasn’t Us” (featuring I-20)
5. Pharrell – “Frontin’ ” (featuring Jay-Z)
6. Vanessa Marquez – “Good Girl”
7. Nelly – “If”
8. Rosco P. Coldchain – “Hot” (featuring Pusha T from Clipse and Boo-Bonic)
9. Snoop Dogg – “It Blows My Mind”
10. Spymob – “Half-Steering …”
11. The High Speed Scene – “F— N’ Spend”
12. N.E.R.D. – “Loser” (featuring Clipse)
13. FAM-LAY – “Rock N’ Roll”
14. Super Cat – “The Don of Dons (Put De Ting Pon Dem)” (featuring Jadakiss)
15. Clipse – “Hot Damn” (featuring Ab-Liva, Pharrell and Rosco P. Coldchain)
16. N.O.R.E. – “Put ‘Em Up” (featuring Pharrell)
17. Dirt McGirt – “Pop Sh–” (featuring Pharrell)
18. Kelis – “Popular Thug” (featuring Nas)

Arista/BMG
3*






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