Clipse is a critically acclaimed Virginia Beach, Virginia-based hip hop duo. Formed in 1992 by brothers Malice (born Gene Thornton, 1973) and Pusha T (born Terrence Thornton, May 13th, 1977), the group is affiliated with multi-platinum production team The Neptunes.

Clipse began its career in music in 1993 when the Thornton brothers met Pharrell Williams, one half of the production team The Neptunes. Impressed with their lyrical talents, Williams formed a working relationship with the duo. He eventually helped them secure a recording contract with Elektra Records in 1997. Under Elektra, and with The Neptunes handling its production, Clipse recorded its debut album, Exclusive Audio Footage. Its first single, "The Funeral", helped to generate fan interest in the album, but failed to make a significant commercial impact. With "The Funeral" deemed a failure, Exclusive Audio Footage itself was shelved indefinitely. Clipse was released from its record contract shortly thereafter.