Notorious for pushing experimental hip hop to new heights, “Clipping” blur the boundaries of the genre incorporating elements of noise, industrial, and electronic music into their sound. Formed in 2009, the band consists of rapper Daveed Diggs and producers William Hutson and Jonathan Snipes. Their music often challenges listeners with its abrasive and unconventional sound, making them a distinctive and influential force in the experimental hip-hop scene.
Gaining widespread recognition from his role in the broadway musical “Hamilton”, David Diggs won a Tony award for his portrayal of both Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. In “clipping.” The production style of Hutson and Snipes is characterised by its avant-garde and experimental nature, incorporating unconventional sounds, glitches, and industrial noise. This unique approach to production sets “Clipping.” apart from traditional hip-hop acts and their track “Nothing is Safe” off of their 2019 album is a testament to said creativity.
“Nothing is Safe” features industrial and electronic elements, with glitchy beats, distorted sounds, and unconventional samples. The production creates a tense and atmospheric backdrop, enhancing the narrative’s dark and futuristic themes. The dissonant and abrasive soundscape reflects the harsh reality of the protagonist’s journey. Delivered with a rapid-fire and complex delivery the track describes the exploration of the protagonist’s emotional and psychological struggles as they navigate a desolate and unforgiving environment. The title itself suggests a lack of security or refuge, reinforcing the idea that the character is constantly in peril.