Clipse are paving a ‘new frontier’ in rap. How? They’re ‘cracking the ceiling to longevity’

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No one really thought Clipse would get back together.

The musical pairing of brothers Pusha T and Malice, often recognized as, are famously credited for revolutionizing rap music during the 2000s. A slight reminisce might bring to mind some of their popular tracks such as “Grindin'” or “When the Last Time”, which were both created by the duo Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo – collectively known as The Neptunes. These songs were included on their debut album, titled “Lord Willin’.

Initially, Clipse was a remarkably skilled rap duo hailing from Virginia Beach, Virginia, with strong ties to Pharrell. Over time, Pharrell became one of the most sought-after producers in hip-hop music.

In my memory, I was eight years old when our family relocated from New York to Virginia. It felt quite unexpected and different for me… I distinctly recall being struck by the way people in Virginia spoke differently.

However, Gene and Terrence Thornton, often referred to as the brothers, soon realized there was much activity surrounding them. Malice recalls that they frequently gathered at the beachfront where they’d improvise rap verses, drawing in crowds with the words, “everyone would join us.

It wasn’t long before they “bumped heads” with Pharrell, who was a friend of a friend.

Previously, Malice mentioned that he and Pharrell had become aware of each other. One time, Pusha T felt inclined to feature on a track, specifically ‘A Thief in the Night,'” says Malice.

Pharrell suggested that we form a group, which we readily accepted. It turned out to be quite effortless, and everything fell into place in Chad’s room, situated in the attic.

However, the brothers experienced their initial taste of fame before their official debut, as their song “The Funeral” was released. They had signed a deal with Elektra Records, assisted by Pharrell, but unfortunately, the label decided not to release their anticipated first album, “Exclusive Audio Footage,” which included “The Funeral.

The Clipse were freed from their agreement not long afterward, yet the endeavor continued to thrive due to the devotion of its admirers – often referred to as “family.

In my opinion, when we filmed ‘The Funeral’ video back in 1999 in Virginia, we were like stars of the show. Essentially, there wasn’t much else to do after that. Pusha further added that the video premiered on HBO, and it was shot right at home. For him, that felt as prestigious as winning a Grammy.

“That was the mountaintop,” Malice chimed in.

“That was the mountaintop!” Pusha echoed.

Back in those initial Clipse days held a unique charm, as they felt they were right at the heart of a significant cultural transformation within hip-hop. Interestingly, Virginia became the epicenter of this movement.

In the ’90s, Virginia Beach served as a creative hotspot, largely due to the presence of Teddy Riley, often referred to as the pioneer of New Jack Swing. Alongside his Future Recording Studios, he established a base there. This studio attracted not only renowned artists like Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston but also emerging talents such as Timbaland and the Neptunes.

At that period, there was a surge of creativity,” Pusha noted. “Right down the street, you had Pharrell and Chad brewing ideas, while my brother collaborated with Timbaland during our middle school years. The creative spirit in Virginia reached its zenith then.

Many individuals in Virginia have a knack for creativity, especially with music,” Malice remarked. “I believe our work demonstrates that making a career out of this passion isn’t just a dream but something achievable and within their grasp.

However, in 2010, Pusha T and Malice parted ways, marking an end to their collaboration. Although this separation was friendly, it happened suddenly, with Malice undergoing a spiritual transformation that significantly differed from the drug-related themes that were common in their songs.

It came as quite a surprise to fans, but they remained very close. Malice suggests that this was greatly influenced by the valuable teachings they received from their parents.

He expressed that the upbringing we received from our parents emphasized the significance of family above all else. There’s no quarrels, no hostility in our family, he stated. His father valued family immensely, but not just blood relations. He referred to brotherhood as a concept that transcends biological ties and encompasses all aspects of camaraderie.

In simpler terms, during the early days of Clipse, we often emphasized, “treat your brother as you would treat yourself.” This is a principle we hold dear and continue to uphold firmly.

So, the door always remained open for a Clipse reunion. And there were hints.

In 2019, they made an appearance on Kanye West’s album “Jesus Is King,” a longtime collaborative project. More recently, in 2022, Pusha T’s solo album “It’s Almost Dry” showcased Malice’s return, as if he had never left the music scene. On this album, specifically on the track “I Pray for You,” Malice is back in action.

At one point, I was deeply involved / Unblocking your nasal passages as if I were using Vicks to clear them / Working tirelessly over stoves like two pieces of wood being rubbed together / Creating a new path for my spirit to coexist / However, even Heaven itself may not require me to dig another trench again.

He mentioned that several initial stages were necessary before the complete Clipse project could be initiated, but a profound discussion with his late father, who passed away in 2022, helped him comprehend and find meaning for himself.

In one of our recent talks, I asked my father if he’d be supportive if I started rapping again, considering his strong religious background as a deacon in a church. To me, his opinion mattered greatly. What surprised me was when he admitted that he felt I had been overly critical of myself. I never expected him to comment on something like that.

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

Clipse finished their album “Let God Sort Em Out” approximately two years later, and interestingly, Pharrell produced the entire project. The release of the album kicked off with “Ace Trumpets” and the captivating “So Be It.” The latter song skillfully reworks a little-known sample from Talal Maddah’s “Maza Akoulo,” a track by a Saudi Arabian musician. Notably, it also criticizes artist Travis Scott over allegations of disloyalty.

They regularly express their discontentment with today’s rap scene, which they characterize as being “broken” or “faulty.

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

We’ve had numerous chances to return and act, but the moment never seemed fitting,” Malice explains. “Money won’t control our decisions. We never sacrifice the quality of our art for anything. Whatever we create will be top-notch and will resonate with us.

As a devoted music enthusiast, I wasn’t taken aback to find that the album showcased the lyrical prowess of two West Coast giants – Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator. These two are undeniably among the most skilled poets in the current music scene today.

In the song “Chains and Whips,” Pusha T starts off with a warning that’s as deadly as a question mark hindering your blessings. There are no gravemarkers in the desert, he suggests, meaning there’s no escaping the message he’s conveying.

Fate seems to have turned against you. Your winning streak has ended, your funds are dwindling just like a drying nail cuticle, and now you find yourself struggling, which is quite captivating.

[Warning: Video contains profanity.]

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Lamar truly shines on this album, a fact that’s hardly unexpected given his impressive diss tracks against Drake last year. His most notable work was “Not Like Us,” which amassed an astounding 1 billion streams by January 2025 and went on to win five Grammys. This track caused quite the stir, particularly during its electrifying performance at the Super Bowl, creating a significant internet sensation.

Needless to say, the Compton-born rapper and longtime friend of Pusha T has been on a roll.

Let’s make this plain: “To set the record straight, hip-hop has once more expired / Approximately half of my earnings could find their way to Rakim / How many betrayers have disappointed me? / But never mind, the West is rich, we are here and now / Therapy taught me how to express myself openly / It also showed me that I don’t care a whit.

In Malice’s words, when referring to the collaboration, he expresses that he and Kendrick share a similar perspective on the significance of the culture and their collective efforts to preserve it.

Indisputably, this is a point that Clipse has consistently emphasized and found disagreement with in modern rap music. Notably, their persistence in the industry-Malice and Pusha T have been active since the early ’90s and are now 53 and 48 years old respectively-is something that sets them apart.

Pusha expresses his belief that nobody has been involved in rap for such an extended period and achieved this level of success as he is now. He considers this era as breaking new ground, pushing the boundaries towards unprecedented longevity in hip-hop music.

Malice chimes in, saying it’s not just breaking through the ceiling, but more like we’ve torn down the whole door. Reflecting on the past, it seems like rappers have been able to get away with a lot!

Each time, we’re striving to achieve our goal. However, I believe that’s part of the issue – many participants are merely present, rather than actively competing. They’re just participating in a minor, passive artistic manner.

After their previous success didn’t disappoint, the band Clipse is once again hitting the road for a nationwide tour. This weekend, they’re due to arrive in Los Angeles at The Novo, which marks their first tour as a duo in 15 years.

Gratitude fills Malice (a term often used for him), as he affectionately calls his followers “family.” He’s thrilled to resume his favorite activities, all for the sake of those he holds dear.

He explains that his family understands many of the illusions in hip-hop and advocates for him during concerts, especially when they’re sold out. When it comes to record sales, they are significant and vital to our survival, he emphasizes. We never overlook these accomplishments; they hold genuine weight.

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2025-08-20 13:36