Clipse: Breaking Barriers and Redefining Longevity in Rap – The Return of Pusha T and Malice

When the news broke that Clipse was reuniting, many in the hip-hop community were taken aback.

The duo, consisting of brothers Pusha T and Malice, had left an indelible mark on the rap scene in the early 2000s with their groundbreaking sound and lyrical prowess.

Hits like “Grindin’” and “When the Last Time,” produced by the legendary Neptunes duo Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, established them as pioneers in the genre.

Reflecting on their origins, Malice recalls their move from New York to Virginia Beach when he was just eight years old.

The cultural shift was significant, but it didn’t take long for the brothers to immerse themselves in the local music scene.

They would often gather at the oceanfront to freestyle, which eventually led to their fateful meeting with Pharrell.

“I had heard about Pharrell, and he had heard about me,” Malice explains.

“One day, Pusha decided he wanted to rap on a song… it was called ‘A Thief in the Night.’”

Pharrell recognized their potential and encouraged them to form a group, leading to a collaboration that would change their lives.

Before their mainstream breakthrough, Clipse experienced a setback when their debut album was shelved by Elektra Records.

However, their single “The Funeral” gained traction, and the brothers quickly ascended to stardom.

Pusha recalls the moment they shot the music video for “The Funeral” in 1999: “For me, we were superstars when we shot that video… that was the mountaintop.”

The duo became central figures in a burgeoning music scene in Virginia, influenced by the likes of Teddy Riley and Timbaland.

“It was a time of creativity,” Pusha reflects.

“The energy of Virginia was at an all-time high.

” They inspired a generation of artists, showing that success in the music industry was attainable.

However, in 2010, Clipse parted ways, with Malice undergoing a spiritual transformation that contrasted sharply with the themes of their earlier music.

Despite the abrupt split, the brothers remained close, grounded by the values instilled in them by their parents.

“Family is absolutely everything,” Malice emphasizes.

“There is no bickering, there is no animosity.”

Hints of a reunion began to surface in recent years, with appearances on projects by Kanye West and Pusha T’s solo album, signaling that the door was still open for Clipse.

After a profound conversation with his late father, Malice felt compelled to return to music.

“He thought that I had been too hard on myself,” he recalls.

“And he was like, ‘You know what to do now.’”

The culmination of their efforts is the new album, “Let God Sort Em Out,” produced entirely by Pharrell.

The project features tracks like “Ace Trumpets” and “So Be It,” the latter incorporating an intriguing sample from Saudi Arabian musician Talal Maddah.

The album not only showcases their lyrical dexterity but also addresses their dissatisfaction with the current state of rap.

“We were coming to set a standard and reset the table,” Pusha declares.

“We don’t ever compromise our art for anything.

” The album features collaborations with contemporary heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator, further solidifying Clipse’s relevance in today’s hip-hop landscape.

On the track “Chains and Whips,” Pusha and Malice deliver hard-hitting verses that critique the industry.

Pusha’s lines resonate with a sense of urgency: “The question marks block your blessings / There’s no tombstones in the desert.

” Malice follows suit, emphasizing the fleeting nature of success: “Your lucky streak is now losing you / Money’s dried up like a cuticle.”

The collaboration with Kendrick Lamar is particularly noteworthy, as both artists share a commitment to preserving the culture of hip-hop.

“When it comes to Kendrick, I think we are of the same mindset of how important the culture is,” Malice explains.

With their combined experience of over two decades in the industry, Pusha and Malice are breaking barriers and redefining what longevity means in rap.

“I don’t think people have been in the game this long and competed at this level,” Pusha states.

“We’re at a point of really cracking the ceiling to longevity in rap.”

As they embark on their first tour in 15 years, Clipse is not just reconnecting with fans; they’re revitalizing their legacy.

Malice expresses gratitude for their supporters, referring to them as “the family.

” “They see through a lot of the circus acts that’s going on in hip-hop,” he says.

“We don’t take none of that for granted.”

In a landscape where many artists come and go, Clipse stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, artistry, and brotherhood.

Their reunion is not just a nostalgic return; it’s a declaration that they are here to stay, ready to shape the future of rap while honoring their past.

With “Let God Sort Em Out,” Pusha T and Malice are paving a new frontier in hip-hop, one that prioritizes authenticity, creativity, and longevity.