Clipse Shatters Boundaries, Becomes First Rap Act to Perform at the Vatican
VATICAN CITY - In a history-making event, hip-hop duo clipse performed at the Vatican on Saturday, marking the first time rap artists have taken the stage within the sacred walls of the Catholic church. The performance, a surprise addition to a youth-focused event, saw Pusha T and No Malice deliver a selection of their acclaimed catalog to an audience of thousands.
The invitation to perform represents a meaningful cultural moment, signaling a broadening outreach from the Vatican to engage with contemporary music forms and younger generations. While details surrounding the performance remain limited,the event underscores a shift in perception towards hip-hop,a genre frequently enough excluded from traditional religious spaces. Clipse, who reunited in 2023 after a decade-long hiatus, have consistently pushed creative boundaries throughout their career, and this performance solidifies their place as cultural trailblazers.
Clipse initially rose to prominence in 1994, achieving critical acclaim for their innovative production and lyrical prowess before entering a hiatus in 2010 to pursue solo endeavors. The duo briefly reunited on stage in 2019 and 2022,culminating in their official return with the 2023 album,Let god Sort Em Out.
“‘Let God Sort Em Out’ isn’t a total misfire: it’s composed, thoughtful and often impressively lyrically detailed,” noted a recent NME review. “But after 16 years, Clipse didn’t come back knocking down doors and shocking the world. They came back to remind you they’re still here, still alive, still ruminating.”
following their Vatican performance, Clipse will continue their 2025 tour with upcoming dates including October 26 at One Musicfest in atlanta, and November 5 at 013 Poppodium in Tilburg, Netherlands. UK dates include November 9 and 10 at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London, and November 12 and 20 at the O2 Academy Brixton. They are also scheduled to appear at Camp Flog Gnaw in 2025.
