Hip-hop duo Clipse, comprised of brothers Pusha T and Malice (now known as No Malice), have made a trending return to the music scene, shattering a 16-year hiatus with their highly anticipated fourth studio album, “Let God Sort Em Out.” Released on July 11, 2025, the project marks their first collaborative effort since 2009’s “Til the Casket Drops,” and they assert it’s a definitive statement aiming to “crack the ceiling to longevity” in the rap industry.
Their comeback isn’t merely a nostalgic nod; it’s a calculated re-entry designed to challenge the prevailing landscape of contemporary rap, which the duo has openly described as “flawed.”
The Unprecedented Comeback
The anticipation surrounding “Let God Sort Em Out” has been immense, culminating in a release that has garnered widespread critical acclaim. The album, entirely produced by longtime collaborator and mentor Pharrell Williams, showcases Clipse’s signature raw lyricism and stark beats, characteristic of their early 2000s classics like “Lord Willin’” and “Hell Hath No Fury.”
The 13-track offering features notable contributions from a star-studded cast including Kendrick Lamar, Nas, John Legend, Tyler, the Creator, and The-Dream, among others. Its production, often minimalistic yet hard-hitting, was primarily forged at the Louis Vuitton headquarters in Paris, France, alongside sessions in Virginia, adding a unique backdrop to its creation.
Upon its release, the album swiftly made an impact, debuting with 118,000 album-equivalent units and racking up 10.9 million streams on Spotify within its initial 24 hours, a clear indicator of the fervent demand for their return. This commercial success is mirrored by sold-out shows across the country as part of their “Let God Sort Em Out Tour,” marking their first joint tour in 15 years.
Challenging the Status Quo
Clipse’s decision to reunite and release new music stemmed from a deep-seated conviction that the rap game needed a recalibration. Pusha T articulated their mission, stating, “We’re here coming for the goal every time… A lot of people are in the game just existing.” Malice, supporting this sentiment, added, “Not only cracking the ceiling; I feel like we kicked down the entire door.” This bold stance positions them not just as returning legends, but as industry provocateurs aiming to elevate the artistic standard.
The brothers have emphasized that their integrity and loyalty to their art are paramount. This was evident in their decision to buy themselves out of their Def Jam Recordings deal—reportedly a seven-figure sum—due to the label’s insistence on censoring or removing Kendrick Lamar’s verse on the track “Chains & Whips.” The label’s concern was reportedly linked to Lamar’s public feud with Drake, fearing association despite no direct mention in the verse. Clipse instead self-released the album in partnership with Roc Nation, maintaining complete creative control.
Personal Evolution and Public Statements
The album also delves into deeply personal themes. The opening track, “The Birds Don’t Sing,” offers a poignant reflection on the passing of their parents, showcasing a newfound vulnerability from the duo. Malice’s spiritual transformation and his journey to becoming No Malice, which saw him step away from the spotlight and publish a memoir, undeniably influenced the album’s introspective layers.
Beyond personal narratives, Clipse doesn’t shy away from addressing contemporary issues within the rap sphere. The track “So Be It” notably features Pusha T taking direct aim at artist Travis Scott. Pusha T confirmed that the diss stems from Scott’s perceived disloyalty, particularly an incident where Scott allegedly withheld Drake’s diss verse from Pharrell and Clipse during a Utopia listening session in Paris. Pusha T labeled Scott a “whore” for this conduct, asserting his lyrical jabs against perceived industry hypocrisy.
A Blueprint for Longevity
Clipse’s comeback with “Let God Sort Em Out” is being hailed as a masterclass in how established artists can re-enter the music landscape not just relevantly, but with renewed purpose. They are demonstrating that artistic maturity, uncompromising quality, and a commitment to competitive lyricism can pave a new frontier for longevity in a genre often criticized for its fleeting trends. The news of their strong reception and the album’s critical success suggests that their mission to “crack the ceiling” is well underway, setting a robust standard for veteran acts and proving that authentic, well-crafted hip-hop continues to resonate deeply with audiences globally.
