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Clipse, also known as the Clipse, is an American hip-hop duo from Virginia Beach, Virginia. The group was formed in 1994 and consists of brothers Gene "Malice" Thornton and Terrence "Pusha T" Thornton. Pusha T was known as Terrar during the group's early years, while Malice was originally known as Malicious. The duo played a role in establishing Virginia as a significant location in Southern hip-hop. Their lyrics often focus on themes related to the illegal drug trade. They were discovered by producer Pharrell Williams, a Virginia Beach native, who encouraged them to collaborate. Williams served as the executive and lead producer for their first two albums, working as part of The Neptunes and appearing as a guest performer. Clipse signed with Elektra Records, releasing the album 'Exclusive Audio Footage,' which was shelved after its lead single, "The Funeral," received a lukewarm commercial response. Subsequently, the duo was dropped by Elektra. In 2001, Pharrell Williams signed Clipse to Arista Records as the first act on his Star Trak Entertainment imprint.