Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
Hip-hop fans, brace yourselves. The legendary Virginia duo Clipse—comprised of brothers Pusha T and Malice—have officially announced their long-awaited comeback with a brand-new album titled Let God Sort ‘Em Out. After more than 15 years since their last full-length release as a unit, this new project marks a defining moment in modern rap history.
The announcement came on Thursday, May 29, and sent shockwaves through both social media and the hip-hop world at large. Fans who’ve long speculated about a possible Clipse reunion can finally exhale. Not only is the reunion real—it’s coming fast.
The album is scheduled to drop on July 11, ushering in what many expect to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year. In tandem with the announcement, the duo unveiled their lead single, “Ace Trumpets,” produced by none other than Pharrell Williams. The track, which hit streaming platforms at midnight, is a high-energy reintroduction of the pair’s unmistakable lyrical prowess and hard-edged style.
Pharrell’s involvement is far from incidental—it’s poetic. A longtime collaborator and part of the famed production team The Neptunes, Pharrell was instrumental in shaping Clipse’s early sound. Albums like Lord Willin’ (2002) and Hell Hath No Fury (2006) bore his fingerprints and became instant classics. Pharrell’s production, characterized by sparse beats and inventive rhythms, perfectly complemented Clipse’s sharp, street-centric lyricism. His return on Let God Sort ‘Em Out is both nostalgic and visionary, blending old-school grit with future-forward innovation.
With pre-orders now available on LetGodSortEmOut.com and the Complex Shop, Clipse has gone beyond just the music. The album will be available in LP, CD, and digital formats, catering to collectors and digital-era listeners alike. And for fans hungry for more than just the audio experience, there’s a limited-edition merchandise collection.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this drop is the visual design collaboration with artist KAWS, known globally for his contemporary street-art-meets-pop-culture aesthetic. KAWS’s involvement adds an artistic dimension to the album’s rollout, suggesting that Let God Sort ‘Em Out is not just a project—it’s a cultural event. Expect visuals that are bold, provocative, and meticulously crafted.
More exclusive merchandise is expected to be released over the coming weeks, with additional collaborations involving major names in the streetwear fashion scene. This indicates a strategy that fuses music, fashion, and fine art into a holistic cultural moment—a model pioneered by artists like Kanye West and Travis Scott.
For the uninitiated, Clipse has always been more than just a rap group. They are revered as architects of a cold, unfiltered style of coke rap that defined an entire subgenre. Their storytelling—rooted in real-life experiences of street hustle and existential grit—always stood apart for its vivid detail, unflinching honesty, and lyrical sophistication.
Their 2006 album Hell Hath No Fury is considered by critics and fans alike as one of the most important hip-hop records of the 2000s, offering tracks that balanced darkness and discipline with surgical lyrical delivery. But after the release of Til the Casket Drops in 2009, the duo went their separate ways—each for very different reasons.
Pusha T pursued a solo career that flourished under Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label. Over the next decade, he carved out a respected space in the upper echelon of lyrical rap, releasing critically acclaimed albums such as Daytona and It’s Almost Dry. His solo style became synonymous with icy production, coke-laced bars, and uncompromising artistic integrity.
Malice, on the other hand, experienced a spiritual transformation. He changed his name to No Malice and pivoted toward Christian rap, releasing more introspective and faith-based content. Many believed this shift signaled the permanent end of Clipse as a duo. That makes Let God Sort ‘Em Out not just a reunion—but a philosophical convergence between two brothers who took radically different paths and are now returning to the same artistic stage.
The buzz around a potential Clipse comeback began building in recent years. First, there was Malice’s surprise performance at the 2022 BET Hip-Hop Awards, joining Pusha T onstage to a stunned crowd. That moment was more than nostalgic—it was symbolic. It hinted that their artistic chemistry still burned bright.
Then came their joint performance at Pharrell’s Something in the Water Festival in 2023, which confirmed the two had reestablished both their creative bond and their appetite for performance.
In the fashion world, their appearance at the Louis Vuitton SS25 show (which Pharrell directed as the brand’s men’s creative director) and rumors of a collaboration with John Legend only added fuel to the fire. It was becoming clear: Clipse wasn’t just dabbling in nostalgia—they were gearing up for something bigger.
With the announcement of Let God Sort ‘Em Out, it’s now official: Clipse is aligned with Roc Nation for marketing and distribution, signaling a significant strategic push. Roc Nation, founded by Jay-Z, has a proven track record of managing legacy acts while propelling them into modern relevance. Their involvement means this release is not just about music—it’s about narrative, branding, and impact.
From a creative direction standpoint, the project is backed by heavyweights: Pharrell, once again stepping up as producer and visual architect, and KAWS lending his distinct visual language to the branding and merchandise. This kind of high-level team curation signals an elevated artistic vision, blurring the lines between music, fashion, and fine art.
In an era where streaming playlists are cluttered and attention spans are short, Clipse’s return brings with it a deep sense of gravitas. They’re not chasing trends—they’re bringing back depth, storytelling, and lyrical craftsmanship to a genre increasingly dominated by vibe-driven, ephemeral hits.
The hip-hop landscape has changed dramatically in the 15+ years since their last joint effort. New waves of artists have come and gone. But Clipse’s legacy has only grown stronger, amplified by retrospectives, samples, and the undeniable influence they’ve had on artists across generations—from Kendrick Lamar to Griselda’s Benny the Butcher.
Let God Sort ‘Em Out doesn’t just promise to be a new album—it promises to be a cultural marker, a re-centering of rap around what many consider its core values: real-life experience, poetic detail, and stylistic precision.
In a time when much of mainstream rap has veered into catchy hooks and algorithm-friendly repetition, Clipse is returning with the intent to restore weight. This isn’t music to scroll past. It’s music that demands attention, provokes thought, and echoes long after the beat ends.
July 11 is shaping up to be more than just another release day—it’s a homecoming, a reawakening, and a statement of intent. Clipse isn’t just back. They’re bringing back substance.
