Neptunes' clones diverse and dominent

If you haven't already realized the Neptunes exist at the pinnacle of popular music's development so far, that they are both indicative and emblematic of now, then you probably never will. What happens in The Neptunes Present…Clones is Pharrell, Chad and company saying "look what we can do" and then proceed to show us that they can do nearly everything.\nReleasing a showcase of tunes from hip hop's hot list of all-stars makes for one killer album. The whole lineup's here, folks: Snoop Dogg, Clipse, Ludacris, Nelly, and yes, even a new track from N.E.R.D. And not only is Clones a solid rap album, but it pushes the boundaries of what a rap album can be. The first real track on the album (also the 3rd single), Busta Rhymes' "Light Your Ass on Fire" has the type of minimalist beat reminiscent of past Neptunes tracks. Ludacris and Nelly fail to disappoint, both bringing their trademark styles to the table. But one of the true highlights of the disc is Pharrell's own song, "Frontin' " featuring Jay-Z. It's as close as we get to the classic, laid-back vibe of N.E.R.D.'s In Search Of… on this album. \nClones also allows some newcomers signed to the Star Trak label to showcase their talents, such as Roscoe P. and Fam-Lay. Incredibly, ODB, fresh out of jail and known this week as Dirt McGirt, actually delivers a focused performance on "Pop Shit." Another highlight lies in the vocal chords of the terribly underrated Kelis, who never really made it in the U.S. It includes one of her older tracks, "Popular Thug," on a remix with fiancée Nas. \nBest of all, there's one of the finest three-song runs slapped in the middle and, quite frankly, you won't believe it's a Neptunes record. Spymob and the High Speed Scene deliver two fantastic rock tracks, with N.E.R.D.'s own Clipse enhanced "Loser" wrapping up. Yeah, you read correctly, rock. Right after Snoop Dogg's joint, comes two songs that could have easily fit onto any Weezer or Third Eye Blind album. \nWhat Clones proves, beyond its certain hits, is that the Neptunes have to be considered among the handful of great artists who keep pushing boundaries as they climb up the charts. Considering the perpetually narrow-minded outlook of urban music, it's possible no one has ever done it better.