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    Clipse's Comeback Story Closes Out With a Cathartic Grammy Week

    14 hours ago

    The Clipse comeback is one to be studied.To absolutely no surprise, Pusha T and Malice's return to the scene as a well-oiled, high-octane hip hop familial unit disrupted and dominated the entire music zeitgeist.Almost two decades after the release of Til the Casket Drops in 2009, the Virginia brothers lifted the veil on an imminent reunion plan, keeping it vague at first. Ever since the pair’s hiatus as a duo, Push and Malice dialed in their solo discographies, sporadically linking up for one-off features on Ye’s Jesus Is King (“Use This Gospel”) and NIGO’s I Know Nigo (“Punch Bowl"), as well as a surprise collaboration on Pusha’s It’s Almost Dry in 2022.The first semblance of the comeback came in June of 2024, during Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2025 show in Paris, when new Clipse track, “Birds Don’t Sing,” debuted on the immersive runway playlist. It was after the show that Clipse confirmed a new album was on the way; one that, like Hell Hath No Fury, was produced entirely by Pharrell and recorded in Paris at the Louis Vuitton headquarters. They also confirmed the title of the fourth studio album would be Let God Sort Em Out.The first single didn’t land until almost a year later, “Ace Trumpets” in May of 2025, albeit slated for a 2024 due date and facing delays under Def Jam, prompting Clipse to sign a distribution deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and release Let God Sort Em Out project independently.“So Be It” was unveiled solely on YouTube and Instagram (with “So Be It Pt. II” previewed on the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2026 runway but eventually never materializing), and “Birds Don’t Sing” and “So Far Ahead” landed on DSPs in the hours ahead of the self-released Let God Sort Em Out’s drop in July 11.Complemented by a lively press run, the LP instantly garnered an influx of positive feedback, finding a slot on many "Album of the Year" lists and whatnot. A textbook definition of a successful comeback, which only cemented itself further by the time Grammy nomination season rolled around.The last time Clipse was nominated for a Grammy award was back in 2003 for their appearance on Justin Timberlake’s “Like I Love You.” 23 years later, The Brothers Thornton took over the Grammy nomination slate, nabbing five placements for Album of the Year, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips,” Best Rap Song for“The Birds Don’t Sing, and Best Music Video for “So Be It.”Not to harp on numbers, but, in a year in which Clipse threw some impressive ones to say the least, the brothers brought home 20% of their awards of Grammys night, winning for Best Rap Performance. A stat many deemed a snub, Clipse’s presence at music’s biggest night was about far more than its Sunday night success rate. Prior to the awards ceremony, King Push and Malice asserted their presence at a lineup of tentpole Grammy week events.On Thursday night, the brothers took the stage at the Recording Academy Honors Presented By The Black Music Collective, delivering a timeless setlist spanning “So Be It” and “Grindin.” Friday marked the Let God Sort Em Out celebration at Soho House in Beverly Hills, hosted by Clipse and Pharrell. From there, they headlined the United Masters Celebration of Independence –– an event open to the public –– performing an expansive set of classic cuts and Let God Sort Em Out favorites. Pharrell even popped out on stage – for all of a minute– and watched the entire set from the VIP balcony. P observed his production from above, in just as much awe as the rest of the crowd.Grammy Sunday didn't shape up as all had hoped, numerically, that is, the duo delivered a striking performance of "So Be It" with Pharrell. Snow fell on the monochromatic-dressed trio, who provided a captivating performance with support from Virginia's very own Voices of Fire choir.This is a perfect scene to sum up the hip hop legends. It’s not about the stats and the streams for Clipse, it’s about the community. 20 plus years after their first album dropped, the now record-breaking rappers continue to put on for the people, prioritizing human connection and hometown pride over everything.Push and Malice share more about their storied comeback arc in the context of their coke-rap come-up.The last time you were nominated for a Grammy was in 2003 for “Like I Love You.” Take me back to 2003 Clipse – how would you describe them?Malice: I would describe us as very much the same. The same hunger, the same focus, the same competitiveness, and the same confidence in our own talent and creativity. Back then, of course, we didn't have the benefit of experience, and a lot of it felt new, but we knew we were exactly where we were supposed to be.What were you wearing to the 2003 Grammys? Pusha T: You know, we were dressed for the snow! Malice had on an oversized snorkel, and I had on a big puffer. Baggy jeans. Timbs. I had a bucket hat. The look was very on point for that time. Regardless of what the event was, when we stepped out, you knew we were going to be fresh.Fast forward to this year: five nominations. What was your first thought or initial reaction to that news?Pusha: Going into it, we felt super confident that we had made a body of work that deserved to be recognized. I’m not going to say that wasn’t a goal. We’re competitors, man. We want to compete – and win – at the highest level. But to receive the five nominations, including some we weren’t expecting, like Best Music Video and Album Of The Year, that was an amazing surprise, and a real honor. That Album Of The Year nom is crazy. Hennessy was kind enough to make us bespoke cocktails named after tracks from Let God Sort Em Out. We have an Espresso Martini with Hennessy called “So Far Ahead” created in collaboration with Grindin Coffee.What advice would you give 2003 Clipse?Malice: I don’t know if there’s a word of advice I would give that would affect or change the outcome, because I really love the outcome, and everything has really gone according to God’s plan. I would simply say, "Keep believing in yourselves and your talent, and everything will find its way."How have you seen the music industry change since then?Malice: We’ve seen it all, to be honest. And it’s the same as it ever was. The one major change is that we have the ability to be independent, creative, and work with partners who understand our vision. That's a blessing.Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
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