It took 16 years, but Pusha T and Malice—the Thornton brothers collectively known as Clipse—finally reunited for a new album. Released in July 2025, Let God Sort Em Out shattered expectations and reminded the hip-hop world why they are legends. The album debuted in the top five of the Billboard 200, equaling their highest chart performance from 2002. But this was more than a commercial success; it was a statement about longevity, artistry, and brotherhood.
The album is a meticulously crafted project that prioritizes lyricism over hooks. In an era dominated by catchy choruses and viral moments, Clipse doubled down on verbal dexterity. Malice, now 53, and Pusha T, 48, proved that age is no barrier to relevance. “I like to think that we slammed the door on ageism in hip-hop,” Malice said. “That’s a stigma that probably never should have existed, and hopefully that’s done away with.”
The Comeback
The road to Let God Sort Em Out was long and winding. After Clipse’s last album in 2009, Malice stepped away from rap in 2010 to embrace a life of faith. Pusha T continued as a solo artist, releasing acclaimed projects like My Name Is My Name and Daytona. Throughout that decade, Pusha kept his brother’s legacy alive, and when the time was right, they found their way back together.
“It’s great to be back with my brother,” Malice said. “The level that he has kept our legacy alive—the professionalism, the taste level, just being top-tier—it made it a real nice place for me to be able to land at. To have him save a seat for me all this time the way he did is an amazing thing.”
Pharrell Williams, their longtime collaborator and fellow Virginia Beach native, returned to produce the album. His chemistry with the brothers was evident. “What you’re hearing is years of friendship and comfort,” Malice added. “At home, from the same place—I think that makes for great music. Just being familiar, being comfortable, laughing, reminiscing, telling stories.”
Lyrical Depth and Vulnerability
Let God Sort Em Out is not just a showcase of wordplay; it’s a deeply personal record. Tracks like “The Birds Don’t Sing” pay tribute to their late parents, and fans responded emotionally during the tour. “The fans said they weren’t able to express that kind of grief,” Malice recalled. “We summed it up for them, giving language to that type of pain. We heard about it night after night on tour.”
Both brothers pushed each other to new heights. Malice singled out Pusha’s verse on “P.O.V.” as a standout: “The verse and the flow is just incredible. I love the nonchalant feel of it. It’s spectacular.” Pusha, in turn, praised Malice’s honesty on “So Far Ahead,” quoting the line “I done been both Mason Bethas.” He said, “I was like, ‘Man, damn, he got me.’ It was so many moments like that on the album. The intellect, the perspective, the one-liners. We could go back and forth all day.”
Tour and Fan Reactions
The Clipse embarked on a sold-out tour of theaters and large clubs, drawing diverse crowds. They marveled at a teenage fan who knew every word to “Momma I’m So Sorry” from their 2006 classic Hell Hath No Fury. “She was going crazy,” Pusha said. “I’m like, ‘You were not there!’” The tour was a victory lap, celebrating not just new material but a catalog spanning two decades.
Facing the Industry
Pusha T and Malice were unafraid to engage with the media, doing multiple interviews and performances. “It took me to a time when I was just a fan and I used to run to the mags and the publications to see what was going on,” Pusha said. “Just to watch that play out in today’s time with the new mediums… I think we did a damn good job in creating that conversation around a really good album.”
They also took subtle jabs at contemporaries who prioritize style over substance. “Not all the new energy is impressive,” Pusha noted. “Just because it’s different and it’s some extra spin you put on it don’t make it good.” The duo’s commitment to East Coast hip-hop fundamentals was unwavering.
What’s Next
When asked about the future, both brothers were emphatic that another 16-year gap is not happening. “No way,” Malice said. “Listen, we just got here, man. There’s plenty more.” With the buzz from Let God Sort Em Out still reverberating, Clipse appears poised to remain active. Their 2025 shows proved they can still captivate audiences old and new. The year belonged to Clipse—bar for bar, show for show.
Source: Rolling Stone News