Clipse

{{short description|American hip hop duo}}

{{more citations needed|date=June 2020}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Clipse

| image = Clipse3.jpg

| image_size = 300px

| caption = Clipse at The Middle East in February 2007

| origin = Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.

| genre = {{hlist|East Coast hip-hop{{cite web |last1=Torreano |first1=Bradley |title=Clipse Biography, Songs, & Albums |url=https://allmusic.com/artist/clipse-mn0000149605/biography |website=AllMusic}}|gangsta rap|hardcore hip-hop}}

| years_active = {{hlist|1994–2010|2019 and 2022 {{small|(partial reunions)}}|2023–present}}

| label = {{hlist|Elektra|Star Trak|Arista|Jive|Re-up|Columbia|Def Jam}}

| spinoffs = {{hlist|Re-Up Gang}}

| current_members = * Pusha T

}}

Clipse, also known as the Clipse, is an American hip hop duo from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Formed in 1994, it consists of brothers Gene "Malice" and Terrence "Pusha T" Thornton. Pusha T was known as Terrar during the group's early years, while No Malice was originally known as Malicious, but changed his stage name to Malice soon after the group's formation, before changing it to No Malice in 2012 following his conversion to Christianity. As key figures in establishing Virginia as one of the East Coast's strongholds in hip hop, the duo's frequent subject matter is based around illegal drug trade.{{cite web | url=https://thesource.com/2021/08/20/today-in-hip-hop-history-the-clipse-release-their-debut-lp-lord-willin-19-years-ago/ | title=Today In Hip-Hop History: The Clipse Release Their Debut LP 'Lord Willin' 19 Years Ago|website=Thesource.com | date=Aug 20, 2021 }}

The two were discovered by producer and fellow Virginia Beach native, Pharrell Williams, who convinced the artists to work in tandem. Williams served as executive and lead producer for their first two albums, as part of the Neptunes and as a frequent guest performer.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/da/article/youneedtohearthis-the-evolution-of-clipse/|title = The Evolution of Clipse|website=Vice.com| date=9 October 2013 }} Williams led Clipse to sign with Elektra Records, for whom they recorded an album, Exclusive Audio Footage. The album was shelved, and the duo were dropped by the label after the lukewarm commercial response of its supposed lead single, "The Funeral".

In 2001, Williams signed the duo to Arista Records as the first act to sign with his newfound Star Trak Entertainment imprint. Their debut studio album, Lord Willin' (2002), peaked at number four on the Billboard 200, received gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and was met with critical praise.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Clipse&ti=Lord+Willin%27#search_section|title=Clipse|publisher=RIAA}} After a several-year delay due to record-label reshuffling, the duo's second album and third albums, Hell Hath No Fury (2006) and Til the Casket Drops (2009), were both met with critical acclaim despite commercial stagnation. In 2010, the duo went on hiatus and both members pursued solo careers.

Clipse officially reunited to guest appear alongside Kenny G on Kanye West's 2019 song "Use This Gospel", from the latter's album Jesus Is King.{{Cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/kanye-west-reunites-clipse-jesus-is-king/|title = Kanye West Reunites Clipse for New Song on Jesus is King Album|website=Xxlmag.com| date=28 September 2019 }} The duo's upcoming fourth studio album, Let God Sort Em Out, is scheduled for release by Jay-Z's Roc Nation on July 11, 2025. Produced entirely by Williams, it is being preceded by the single "Ace Trumpets".

History

=1993–2000: Formation and ''Exclusive Audio Footage''=

The Thornton brothers were born in The Bronx, and in 1979 their family moved to Virginia Beach. It was here that the brothers were exposed to the illegal cocaine trade, and this would become an essential part of their musical career. In junior high school, Malice began rapping in a group called Def Dual Productions, for whom the producer was classmate Timbaland, at the time going by DJ Timmy Tim.{{cite web |title=A Conversation With Pusha T in Berlin |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VLzMS9fA7M |website=YouTube | date=10 October 2018 |publisher=Redbull Music Academy |access-date=15 October 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Chris |title=Origin Stories: The Neptunes|website=Daily.redbullmusicacademy.com |url=https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2015/04/origin-stories-the-neptunes |access-date=15 October 2023}} During this time, Malice also began selling the drugs that would form the basis of much of the duo's lyrical subject matter.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2Eh-oUMkYM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/d2Eh-oUMkYM| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Clipse talk to CNN about their past lives|website=YouTube|date=15 May 2014 }}{{cbignore}} A mutual friend introduced him to Chad Hugo in 1988, with whom he started recording songs as a solo act. In 1990 he met Hugo's friends Magoo, Larry Live, and Pharrell Williams through other mutual friends. Williams and Hugo formed the production duo The Neptunes a few years later and continued recording with Malice. After graduating high school in 1991, Malice enlisted to serve in the Army to support his family, working as a generator mechanic.{{cite web |last1=Tardio |first1=Andres |title=Life Before Rap: No Malice Reflects On His Service In The U.S. Army |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/h6ehee/no-malice-veterans-day-army |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927102842/https://www.mtv.com/news/h6ehee/no-malice-veterans-day-army |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |publisher=MTV |access-date=15 October 2023}} It would not be until 1994 when Malice's enlistment ended that the brothers would start recording together. Pusha, five years Malice's junior, would accompany his brother to recording sessions at Hugo's house. Eventually he decided to rap as well, and they recorded their first song together "Thief in the Night", featuring vocals from Pharrell, who suggested they should become a duo, calling themselves Full Eclipse, later shortening their name to only Clipse.{{cite web |last1=Vozick-Levinson |first1=Simon |title=Pusha T: The Rise and Reign of a Self-Made King |date=11 October 2022 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/pusha-t-its-almost-dry-2023-grammys-1234602996/ |publisher=Rolling Stone}} The Neptunes helped them secure a recording contract with Elektra Records in 1996. Under Elektra, and with the Neptunes handling its production, the Clipse recorded its debut album, Exclusive Audio Footage. The group's first single, "The Funeral", helped to generate fan interest in the album, but failed to make a significant chart impact. With "The Funeral" deemed a failure, Exclusive Audio Footage itself was shelved. The Clipse was released from Elektra shortly thereafter but promotional CDs of the album still exist and would get an official release on May 2, 2022 via Spotify.{{cite magazine | last = Brackett| first = Nathan | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/clipse/articles/story/5938804/new_faces_the_clipse | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071114072658/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/clipse/articles/story/5938804/new_faces_the_clipse | url-status = dead | archive-date = November 14, 2007 | title = New Faces: The Clipse | magazine = Rolling Stone| access-date = July 31, 2008}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1454978/lord-willinthe-clipses-time-has-come/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216061912/http://www.mtv.com/news/1454978/lord-willinthe-clipses-time-has-come/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 16, 2015|title=LORD WILLIN',THE CLIPSE'S TIME HAS COME|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|website=MTV|date=June 3, 2002|access-date=July 31, 2008}}

=2001–2002: Breakthrough and ''Lord Willin'''=

In early 2001, Williams signed the duo to Arista Records through his recently established Star Trak Entertainment imprint. With the backing of the record label and the Neptunes, Clipse proceeded to record material for their debut album. The lead single "Grindin'" was released on May 14, 2002, and was an instant hit. It peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song would go on to become Clipse's most famous song, and many publications ranked the single highly on their year-end lists. The second single, "When the Last Time", was dropped on July 30. It would become the group's highest-charting song, peaking at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, and staying on the chart for 21 weeks.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/clipse/chart-history/hsi/|title=Clipse |magazine=Billboard}} Clipse then released its commercial debut Lord Willin' on August 20, 2002. The album opened at Number 1 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and Number 4 on the Billboard 200, selling 122,000 in its first week.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/74394/eminem-gets-on-with-the-show-at-no-1 |title=Eminem Gets On With The 'Show' At No. 1 |magazine=Billboard}} On October 1, 2002—a month after its release—Lord Willin' was certified Gold by the RIAA.{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=1239 |title=Clipse Strike Gold, Neptunes Want To Go Country |last=Kalev |first=Dorit |date=October 9, 2002 |format=Online news article |work=AllHipHop.com |access-date=June 11, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060506010520/http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=1239 |archive-date=May 6, 2006 |url-status=dead }} A third single, "Ma, I Don't Love Her" featuring Faith Evans was released on December 3, 2002. It was a modest hit, peaking at number 86 on the Billboard Hot 100, and staying on the chart for six weeks.

Also in 2002, Clipse were guest artists on Justin Timberlake's first solo single, "Like I Love You", another Neptunes-produced crossover radio hit. It peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Clipse also featured on the song "What Happened to That Boy" with Birdman. Pusha T featured in singer Nivea's second single "Run Away (I Wanna Be with U)", which peaked at number 47 in Australia. In 2003, Clipse went on tour with rapper 50 Cent.{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20030313005395/en/Clipse-WILLIN-Tour-50-Cent-%21%21|title=News | Business Wire|website=Businesswire.com|access-date=November 28, 2024}}

=2003–2006: Label dispute and ''Hell Hath No Fury''=

In late 2003, Clipse began recording material for their second album, Hell Hath No Fury. However, further work on the album ground to a halt in 2004, when Arista Records's urban artists were absorbed by its sister label Jive Records as part of a larger merger between Sony Music Entertainment and BMG. Due to contractual requirements, Clipse was forced to stay on Jive, while Star Trak and the rest of its roster moved to a new home at Interscope Records.

File:Re-Up Gang.jpg and No Malice of Clipse performing with Ab-Liva from the Re-Up Gang.]]

While Clipse resumed work on the album, and eventually finished its recording, the duo became increasingly frustrated with Jive, as the label overlooked it in favor of the more pop-oriented acts on its roster, which caused numerous delays in the release of Hell Hath No Fury. As delays continued, the group asked for a formal release from its contract. When Jive refused to grant this request, the duo sued the label. While the litigation took place, Clipse released new material through their legendary We Got It 4 Cheap mixtape series, which featured Clipse and Philadelphia rappers Ab-Liva and Sandman. The group was known collectively as the Re-Up Gang. We Got it 4 Cheap Vol. 1, which was the first official collection of new material from Clipse since the release of their debut album Lord Willin', was released in 2004 and received positive reviews from critics. Vol. 2 of the series was released in 2005 received widespread critical acclaim. It is considered to be one of the best mixtape of the 2000s. Online music magazine Pitchfork placed the tape at number 130 on their list of top 200 albums of the 2000s,{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7707-the-top-200-albums-of-the-2000s-150-101/3/|publisher=Pitchfork Media|first=Jayson|last=Greene|work=Staff Lists|page=3|title=The Top 200 Albums of the 2000s: 200-151|date=September 28, 2009|access-date=October 1, 2009}} and number 2 on their list of the top 50 rap mixtapes of the millennium.{{Cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/9908-the-50-best-rap-mixtapes-of-the-millennium/?page=5|title=The 50 Best Rap Mixtapes of the Millennium - Page 5|website=Pitchfork|date=29 June 2016 }}

On May 9, 2006, Clipse finally reached an agreement with Jive Records. They were to release the album through its own Re-Up Records label along with Jive. They then toured with Ice Cube throughout May, and set the release date as August 29.{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=5650 |title=Clipse Tour With Ice Cube; Album Release Date Set |last=Lopez |first=Rodrigo |date=May 9, 2006 |work=AllHipHop.com |access-date=April 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060521025035/http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=5650 |archive-date=May 21, 2006 |url-status=dead }} Clipse dropped the first single, "Mr. Me Too" with Pharrell Williams on May 23, 2006. It peaked at number 65 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. However, the release date of the album was pushed to October 31. On October 31, Clipse did not drop the album, instead dropped the single "Wamp Wamp (What It Do)" with Slim Thug. The song peaked at number 96 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Hell Hath No Fury was finally released on November 28, 2006. The album received universal acclaim with many publications citing it to be the duo's best. The hip hop magazine XXL gave the album a "XXL" rating, marking it as a five-star album. Only five albums had previously received that honor. The album currently holds an average score of 89 on Metacritic. It debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200, selling 80,000 copies in its first week. The album would go on to receive high positions on many publications year and decade end charts, and is considered to be one of the best albums of the 2000s.

=2007–2009: Columbia Records and ''Til the Casket Drops''=

In a May 19, 2007, interview with Eye Weekly, Clipse revealed that the group had been officially released from its recording contract with Jive.{{cite web|url=http://www.eyeweekly.com/eye/issue/issue_05.17.07/music/feature.php|title=Keys Open Doors|last=Morris|first=Dave|date=May 17, 2007|publisher=Toronto Star Newspapers|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927000821/http://www.eyeweekly.com/eye/issue/issue_05.17.07/music/feature.php|archive-date=September 27, 2007 |work=eyeweekly.com}} After this, the duo began discussions with several record labels, eventually signing with Columbia Records on October 26, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1047652/exclusive-the-clipse-signs-with-columbia|title=The Clipse Signs With Columbia|last=Crosley|first=Hillary|date=October 26, 2007|publisher=Nielsen Inc.|work=Billboard.com|access-date=October 26, 2007}} On February 5, 2008, the duo released the 3rd installment in the We Got it 4 Cheap mixtape series as a free download on their website. On August 8, 2008, the duo released the Re-Up Gang's debut studio album, Clipse Presents: The Re-Up Gang through Koch Records. The album's first single, "Fast Life", was produced by Scott Storch. The single was originally slated for the duo's third album, but they felt it would be better used for the Re-Up Gang album. Only Malice and Pusha T appear on the track. It is the only studio album from the group as after the release of the album, Sandman left the group.

In November 2008, Clipse announced the launch of their fashion line, Play Cloths.{{cite web|url=https://theboombox.com/the-clipse-launch-play-cloths-release-new-mixtape/|title=Clipse officially launches fashion line Play Cloths and releases new mixtape|date=November 20, 2008|work=theboombox.com}} A mixtape called Road to Till the Casket Drops was released on December 1, 2008, in promotion of the line and their upcoming album.

File:Big Sean & Clipse.jpg in 2009]]

Til the Casket Drops was released on December 8, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=52393|title=CLIPSE to drop casket in October|last=Kennedy|first=John|date=July 24, 2009|publisher=Harris Publications|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090723092557/http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=52393|archive-date=July 23, 2009 |work=xxlmag.com}} In a departure from the group's previous works, which only featured production from the Neptunes, the album was produced by Sean Combs' production team the Hitmen, and DJ Khalil.{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/til-the-casket-drops-mw0000828874|title='Til the Casket Drops - Clipse | Album |website=AllMusic|access-date=November 28, 2024}} The album did not fare as well commercially as the group's first two albums, peaking at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 200 albums chart, selling 31,000 copies in its first week.

=2010–17: Solo endeavors and hiatus=

At a concert on April 30, 2010, Malice announced that he and Pusha T would release solo albums later in the year.Alexis, Nadeska [http://www.theboombox.com/2010/05/05/the-clipse-planning-solo-albums-for-2010/ The Clipse Planning Solo Albums for 2010] at The Boombox May 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11195/title.pusha-t-and-malice-going-solo|title=Pusha T and Malice Going Solo?|website=Hiphopdx.com|access-date=2010-05-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927082057/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11195/title.pusha-t-and-malice-going-solo|archive-date=2013-09-27|url-status=dead}} On September 12, 2010, Pusha T confirmed to MTV that he had signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music label. He would go on to work with Kanye on his 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and be featured on the hit single "Runaway". He has gone on to embark a successful solo career and has released four studio albums. In 2015, he was named president of G.O.O.D. Music.{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/62017-pusha-t-named-president-of-kanyes-good-music/|title=Pusha T Named President of Kanye's G.O.O.D. Music|website=Pitchfork|date=9 November 2015}}

In 2011, Malice published his book Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind & Naked.{{cite web|url=https://rapzilla.com/2011-05-book-review-wretched-pitiful-poor-blind-and-naked/|title=Book Review: Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind, And Naked|website=Rapzilla.com|date=28 May 2011}}{{cite web|url=https://medium.com/@e_diep/no-malice-details-his-journey-of-finding-religion-new-album-leaving-his-past-behind-in-the-end-57abca12c7bf|title=No Malice Details His Journey of Finding Religion, New Album & Leaving His Past Behind in 'The End of Malice' Film|website=Medium.com|date=16 March 2016}} The book is a memoir about his life, including fearing contracting HIV, as well as his conversion to Christianity. In 2012, he changed his stage name to No Malice.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/502870/clipses-malice-changes-name-to-no-malice|title=Clipse's Malice Changes Name To 'No Malice'.|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|date=2012-03-06|magazine=Billboard |access-date=1 February 2014}} He felt his previous name had a negative meaning and now wanted to spread positive messages. He collaborated with Lecrae on his mixtape Church Clothes, in the song "Darkest Hour".{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2012/05/listen-lecrae-f-no-malice-darkest-hour|title=Lecrae f/ No Malice "Darkest Hour"|last=Diep|first=Eric|publisher=Complex Music|access-date=11 June 2012|quote=Lecrae, a rapper from Atlanta with Christian-rooted raps, dropped his first mixtape hosted by Don Cannon called Church Clothes yesterday. With production from Boi-1da and 9th Wonder, he is ready to open hip-hop heads with music that delivers a message. One of the major collaborations is with No Malice, who is known for his coke raps as half of the Clipse. He's been busy with his book, but on "Darkest Hour," he's offering his first verse under the moniker he came up with after his religious transformation.}} In 2013, he released his debut studio album Hear Ye Him via Reinvision. In 2016, he released the documentary The End Of Malice, which recalled the exact moment Clipse broke up and why. His second studio album, Let the Dead Bury the Dead was released in 2017 by Reinvision.

Despite various rumors of a Clipse reunion, No Malice said at SXSW in 214, that the duo was finished and there would not be another Clipse album.{{Cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/03/malice-emphatically-confirms-wrap-clipse/|title=No Malice Emphatically Confirms It's A Wrap For The Clipse - XXL|website=XXL Mag|date=30 March 2014 |access-date=2016-04-27}} By 2016, No Malice indicated he was open to a Clipse reunion, saying, "I'ma tell you that I learned to never say never, and I don't shut the door on anything. I really don't. In fact, I would like to see Clipse do it... I’ve said it before, my brother and I would definitely make clown soup out of all these MCs. Now that much I know."{{cite web|url=http://ambrosiaforheads.com/2016/02/no-malice-wont-count-out-a-clipse-reunion-announces-new-film-album-video/|title=No Malice Won't Count Out a Clipse Reunion, Announces New Film & Album|last1=Applebaum|date=February 26, 2016|website=Ambrosia for Heads|first1=Bonita}}

=2019–present: Return and ''Let God Sort Em Out''=

In 2019, Clipse reunited to feature on Kanye West's album Jesus Is King on the track "Use This Gospel".{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/09/kanye-west-debuts-jesus-is-king-in-detroit|title=Kanye West Previews Clipse Feature, 'Jesus Is King' at Detroit Event|last=Espinoza|date=September 28, 2019|website=Complex|first=Joshua}} Pusha T expressed his feelings towards the duo collaborating again in an interview with Vulture, stating "I'm the younger brother, man. I mean, I'm happier than — I can't even express it!" He claimed that "The whole theme of the Jesus Is King album totally speaks to where my brother is".{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/news/2020/1/2/21046124/pusha-t-clipse-album|title = Pusha T shuts down rumors of a 2020 Clipse album|website=Revolt.tv|date = 2 January 2020}} In 2022, Clipse reunited again to feature on Japanese fashion designer and DJ Nigo's album I Know Nigo!, on the track "Punch Bowl" produced by The Neptunes.{{Cite web|url=https://thesource.com/2022/03/23/nigo-drops-the-tracklist-for-i-know-nigo-album/|title = NIGO Drops the Tracklist for 'I Know NIGO!' Album|website=Thesource.com|date = 23 March 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.69050/title.clipse-pusha-t-no-malice-reunite-pharrell-nigo-punch-bowl|title = Clipse's Pusha T & No Malice Reunite with the Neptunes on Nigo's 'Punch Bowl'|website=Hiphopdx.com|date = 25 March 2022}} He also featured on the track "I Pray for You" on Pusha T's 2022 album, It's Almost Dry; credited once again as Malice.

The two debuted a new song in June 2024, titled "Birds Don't Sing", at a Louis Vuitton fashion show.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-18 |title=Preview A New Clipse Song With John Legend Debuted At Louis Vuitton's SS 2025 Fashion Show |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2268577/preview-a-new-clipse-song-with-john-legend-debuted-at-louis-vuittons-ss-2025-fashion-show/news/ |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=Stereogum |language=en}} Shortly afterwards they announced their work on new music and a new album, entirely produced by Pharrell Williams.{{cite web | url=https://hypebeast.com/2024/6/pusha-t-no-malice-clipse-announces-new-album-pharrell-producer | title=Pusha T and No Malice Are Officially Working on a New Clipse Album Produced by Pharrell | date=June 20, 2024 }} Clipse revealed the title of their upcoming fourth studio album, Let God Sort Em Out, their first album since 2009, featuring potential guest appearances by Kendrick Lamar, Nas, John Legend, and Stove God Cooks, among others.{{cite web | url=https://hypebeast.com/2024/9/clipse-pusha-t-no-malice-let-god-sort-em-out-new-reunion-album-announcement | title=Clipse Unveils Their First Album in 15 Years, 'Let God Sort Em Out' | date=September 6, 2024 }}{{Cite magazine |last=Gee |first=Andre |date=2024-09-04 |title=How Pusha T and Malice Resurrected the Clipse After 14 Years |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/clipse-pusha-t-malice-new-album-interview-1235076985/ |access-date=2025-03-21 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Tharpe |first=Frazier |date=2025-06-02 |title=Clipse Talk Love, Hate, and What Rap's Been Missing |url=https://www.gq.com/story/clipse-gq-hype |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=GQ |language=en-US}} By the end of 2024, No Malice announced the duo's signing with Def Jam Recordings, in anticipation for their upcoming album.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Sam |date=October 29, 2024 |title=Clipse Sign With Def Jam Ahead Of New Album 'Let God Sort Em Out' |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/clipse-def-jam-new-album-let-god-sort-em-out |access-date=December 30, 2024 |website=HipHopDX}}

On May 30, 2025, Clipse released "Ace Trumpets", as the lead single for their upcoming album,{{cite web | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-clipse-new-comeback-song-ace-trumpets/ | title=Listen to Clipse's New Comeback Song "Ace Trumpets" | website=Pitchfork }}{{Cite web |title=Ace Trumpets – Single by Clipse, Pusha T & No Malice |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/ace-trumpets-single/1816313079 |access-date=May 30, 2025 |website=Apple Music}} which was fully recorded at the Louis Vuitton headquarters in Paris, France, and is set to be released in collaboration with Roc Nation on July 11.{{cite web | url=https://hypebeast.com/2025/5/clipse-let-god-sort-em-out-album-announcement-pusha-t-no-malice-info | title=Clipse Officially Announces New Album }}{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/clipse-ace-trumpets-best-lines/ | title=The Clipse's 'Ace Trumpets': The 12 Best Lines | magazine=Billboard }}

On June 2025, during an interview with GQ, the duo revealed that they were dropped from the Def Jam label as well as Pusha T as a solo artist, and also confirmed Kendrick Lamar's appearance in Let God Sort Em Out. The next day, Pusha T's longtime manager Steven Victor revealed during an interview with Billboard that the rapper actually had to pay an undisclosed seven-figure, up to $1 million to their label Def Jam, in order to be released from both Clipse's and his own contractual obligations, elaborating further how the label has been suppressing Pusha T's collaborations with other artists and even his own music releases since his feud with Canadian rapper Drake in 2018.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/pusha-t-clipse-leave-def-jam-insane-amount-money/ | title=Steven Victor on the 'Insane Amount of Money' It Took for Pusha T, Clipse to Exit Def Jam | magazine=Billboard }}

Lyrical content

Clipse's songs frequently discuss drug dealing, specifically cocaine, often using metaphors to refer to this activity. This has led some critics to refer to their style as "coke rap,"{{cite news |last1=Elibert |first1=Mark |title=Pusha T Debates Clipse, Jeezy & Biggie While Crowning Best Coke Rap Song Of All Time |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.68305/title.pusha-t-grindin-best-coke-rap-song |website=Hiphopdx.com|access-date=2022-12-23 |date=2022-02-23}} along with other artists such as Raekwon and Young Jeezy.{{cite web |last1=Thorpe |first1=Isha |title=Ranking the 15 greatest coke-rap albums of all time |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2018-01-19/98913/ranking-the-15-greatest-coke-rap-albums-of-all-time/ |website=Revolt.tv|access-date=2022-12-23}} Other themes include clubbing, guns, sexual relationships and infidelity, and braggadocio.

Discography

{{Main|Clipse discography}}

;Studio albums

References

{{Reflist|30em}}