Hip-hop duo Clipse, composed of brothers Pusha T and Malice, has reunited with producer Pharrell Williams for their new album, Let God Sort Em Out. The project has received critical acclaim and is generating album of the year discussions. Despite their long careers, Clipse has not won a Grammy Award. The trio now aims to secure this prestigious accolade, particularly for their parents.
Key Takeaways
- Clipse and Pharrell Williams reunited for the album Let God Sort Em Out.
- The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.
- The artists are actively pursuing a Grammy Award for the project.
- They performed at the Vatican and will debut at Coachella.
- The album challenges the idea that rap is only for young artists.
Clipse Returns After Sixteen Years with Acclaimed Album
Sixteen years have passed since Clipse released their last album, Til the Casket Drops, in 2009. During this time, Pusha T established a successful solo career and became a record label executive. Malice, his brother, took a break from rapping to focus on his faith. Their reunion in July marked a significant moment in hip-hop, culminating in the release of Let God Sort Em Out.
The album’s creation involved their long-time collaborator, Pharrell Williams. As one half of The Neptunes, Williams produced Clipse's earlier albums, known for their unique soundscapes. For this new project, Williams invited Clipse to Louis Vuitton headquarters in Paris, where he serves as men's creative director. The album was meticulously crafted over two years of sessions.
"You don’t stop being great. You might decide not to continue to share your gift with the world. But great is great," Pharrell Williams, 52, stated, emphasizing the enduring quality of their artistry.
Breaking the Age Barrier in Rap Music
Let God Sort Em Out debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. This marks Clipse’s highest chart position since their 2002 debut, Lord Willin’. The album has garnered widespread critical acclaim, leading to discussions about it being one of the year's best. The success of the project also challenges a common perception in the music industry.
The trio, all born in the 1970s, has effectively demonstrated that rap is not exclusively a young person’s genre. Pusha T, 48, expressed his long-held desire to change this narrative. "I’ve personally always wanted to make it my business to crack that ceiling, and I think the Clipse album 1,000% [did it]," he told Billboard.
Album Success
- Billboard 200 Peak: No. 4
- Years Since Last Album: 16
- Critical Reception: Widespread acclaim, album of the year discussions
Strategic Rollout and Global Performances
The album’s release followed a strategic and memorable rollout. Clipse paid a seven-figure sum in June to exit their contract with Def Jam. This move allowed them to avoid censoring a featured verse by Kendrick Lamar on the album. They then partnered with Roc Nation for distribution, ensuring greater artistic control.
The album's promotion included KAWS-designed cover art and a merchandise collaboration with Carhartt. Clipse also made a runway appearance at a Louis Vuitton fashion show in Paris, with notable figures like Jay-Z and Beyoncé in attendance. These efforts created significant buzz leading up to the release.
Performing at the Vatican and Coachella Debut
This summer, Clipse embarked on their first tour in over 15 years. Following the tour, they traveled to Rome for a historic performance. They became the first hip-hop artists to perform at the Vatican, playing to a crowd of a quarter-million people as part of the Grace for the World concert. Pharrell Williams co-directed this event, highlighting its significance.
Next April, Clipse is scheduled to make their debut at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Malice, 53, reflected on these unexpected achievements, stating, "This is something that you couldn’t plan for by no stretch of the imagination." These events underscore the group's renewed prominence and global reach.
Background on Clipse
Clipse is an American hip-hop duo from Virginia, consisting of brothers Pusha T (Terrence LeVarr Thornton) and Malice (Gene Elliott Thornton Jr.). They gained prominence in the early 2000s, known for their lyrical storytelling and collaborations with The Neptunes. Their music often features vivid narratives over distinctive beats.
The Pursuit of a Grammy Award
Despite their recent successes, Clipse, Pusha T, and Malice, along with Pharrell Williams, have set their sights on a Grammy Award in 2026. While Pharrell has earned 13 Grammys throughout his career, Clipse has not won any. Their only previous nomination was in 2003 for their feature on Justin Timberlake’s "Like I Love You." Pusha T has received five solo nominations but no wins.
Pharrell hopes Clipse will perform "The Birds Don’t Sing," the emotional opening track from Let God Sort Em Out, at the awards ceremony. He emphasized that a Grammy win would be a tribute to their parents. "We want them for our parents," Pharrell joked, noting that they would not treat the award disrespectfully.
"The Grammys is definitely the high-water mark for musical achievement. And this is what you do it for. You don’t play the game just to get a participation trophy," Malice stated, highlighting the importance of the award.
Album of the Year Discussions and Artistic Intent
The album has generated significant buzz, with many listeners calling it an "album of the year" contender. Malice appreciates this recognition. "I like it because it’s unanimous; it’s the consensus. Everywhere we go, people keep saying it," he explained. Pusha T attributes this widespread acclaim to the precision and expertise they invested in the music. "This is still art class for us, man," he said.
Pharrell believes the album resonates deeply because they painted with feelings, not just sounds and lyrics. He noted that people are responding to the emotional depth of the project. "The intersection of what I think this music is is feelings. I was playing with feelings. They were writing with feelings," he elaborated. This approach differs from their earlier work, which was driven more by youthful fun and taste.
Evolving Rap and Music Industry
The artists discussed the evolution of rap music and the industry. Pusha T believes rap is a competitor's sport, not limited by age. "As long as you’re competing and you’re living through the times, you should be in it," he asserted. Malice acknowledged that rap has traditionally been a young man's sport but feels they have proven otherwise with this album's success.
Pharrell also commented on the current state of music. He observed a shift where the "coolest guy" is now the "patient," seeking emotions from music. He contrasted this with their approach of making music that inherently evokes feelings. "The music is the drug," he said. The trio also discussed the nostalgia of album rollouts, emphasizing their desire to engage with passionate music purists.
The Grammys' Evolving Relationship with Hip-Hop
The artists acknowledged the significant evolution of the Grammy Awards' relationship with hip-hop. Pusha T recalled a time when hip-hop categories were not even televised. He believes the Grammys have made efforts to improve their recognition of the genre. "I think the Grammys been getting it right," he said.
For Clipse, a Grammy win would represent a meaningful full-circle moment and a testament to their brotherhood. Pharrell views it as an opportunity to honor their parents, who initially found their pursuit of music confusing. He feels that now is their time to receive this recognition. "This is for them," he concluded.
Key Collaborators
- Pharrell Williams: Producer, Louis Vuitton Men's Creative Director
- KAWS: Album cover artist
- Carhartt: Merchandise collaboration
Future of Clipse's Music
Regarding future musical projects, Pusha T confirmed that there is "plenty to come." This suggests that Let God Sort Em Out is not merely a one-off reunion but a renewed chapter for the acclaimed hip-hop duo. Fans can anticipate more music from Clipse in the coming years.