Formed in Virginia Beach in the early 1990s, Clipse consists of brothers Gene “Malice” Thornton (later known as No Malice) and Terrence “Pusha T” Thornton.
The duo caught their first big break when they connected with hometown producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, better known as the Neptunes, who helped shape their signature sound. With Pharrell’s futuristic beats and their sharp, street-centered lyricism, Clipse quickly carved out a unique lane in hip-hop.
Their official debut album, Lord Willin’ (2002), was both a commercial and critical success, fueled by hits like “Grindin’,” which became an anthem of early-2000s rap. Known for their clever wordplay and vivid storytelling about street life, the Thornton brothers stood out as lyricists in an era often dominated by production.
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Their follow-up, released in 2006, Hell Hath No Fury, has since been hailed as a hip-hop classic, praised for its uncompromising darkness and lyrical precision.
Despite critical acclaim, Clipse faced industry struggles and eventually released Til the Casket Drops in 2009 before parting ways. Malice stepped away from the rap lifestyle, shifting his focus toward faith and personal growth, while Pusha T pursued a highly successful solo career under Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label.
Their reunion for Let God Sort ’Em Out not only marks a return to their roots but also a celebration of their evolution, offering longtime fans both nostalgia and growth in equal measure.
Sixteen years after their last full-length release, Clipse return with Let God Sort ’Em Out, their long-awaited comeback. Entirely produced by Pharrell Williams and recorded at Louis Vuitton’s Paris headquarters, the 13-track album dropped on July 11, 2025, via Roc Nation.
The title reflects more than a nostalgic reunion; it’s a thoughtful, mature continuation of their legacy, blending street narratives with personal growth.
Several tracks anchor the album’s emotional depth and lyrical brilliance. Opening with John Legend and Stevie Wonder–enhanced vulnerability, “The Birds Don’t Sing” digs into grief and familial loss with unusual intimacy. “Ace Trumpets”, the high-octane lead single, revives classic Neptunes flair with icy drums and vivid wordplay, reaffirming Clipse’s razor-sharp lyrical edge.
On “P.O.V.”, featuring Tyler, the Creator, their biting commentary on rap culture simmers beneath sinister synths, showing they can still clash with precision and style. And “Chains & Whips”, with Kendrick Lamar, adds political and emotional weight through a sleek, yet intense, visual narrative.
Let God Sort ’Em Out firmly re-establishes Clipse’s relevance, though it pulls between gritty realism and polished refinement. Their lyrical chemistry remains intact; Pusha T still dissects culture with villainous cool, while Malice’s raspy clarity brings depth and wisdom.
Pharrell’s production, though slick and lavish, occasionally feels reserved compared to the wild experimentation of the Neptunes' heyday, but it still elevates the duo’s intensity. With strong guest appearances that add context without overwhelming them, this album feels like a respectful evolution rather than a nostalgia trip, leveraging their past chemistry while staking out a fresh chapter.
Since the release of the album, Let God Sort ’Em Out made a potent splash upon release, debuting at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard 200 with 118,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, marking Clipse’s second-ever top-10 entry on the chart. Of that total, 58,000 were pure album sales, and 59,000 came from streaming, with the album’s tracks racking up a career-high 77.49 million on-demand streams.
It also claimed the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart, and charted in the top-10 in Canada and Switzerland. Additionally, Let God Sort ’Em Out climbed to No. 1 on Apple Music’s U.S. Rap chart, signaling strong support within the core hip-hop audience.