Clipse Unveils Emotional Depths on New Album, Reflects on Legacy
The influential hip-hop duo Clipse, brothers Malice and Pusha T, discuss the profound grief and healing embedded in their latest album, “Let God Sort ‘Em Out,” sharing intimate reflections on family, faith, and their enduring artistic journey.
A Father’s Wisdom, A Mother’s Love
Opening their new album with the deeply moving track “The Birds Don’t Sing,” Malice revealed the song was born from a period of intense personal emotion. He shared how transforming the pain of losing both parents into art provided a cathartic experience, anticipating its resonance with listeners navigating similar losses. “It’s a song that is going to resonate with a lot of people, because whether we like it or not, most of us are going to end up outliving our parents,” Malice stated.
Pusha T added that he believes his mother intentionally left clues and made specific gestures before her passing, a way of preparing them for her departure. “She was mapping, planning and vocalising specific things before she passed away. It was her way of saying goodbye,” he explained, noting this detail brought him and his brother a sense of peace.
Navigating Faith and Artistry
When asked about parental advice that has shaped them, Malice highlighted his father’s emphasis on honesty and integrity. His mother consistently stressed the importance of brotherhood and mutual support, principles that continue to guide them. This familial foundation appears to fuel the new album’s narrative.
The brothers also touched upon their distinctive lyrical style, with Malice recalling a childhood filled with music, inspired by scenes like the one in Spike Lee’s “Crooklyn.” He recounted how his mother supported his early passion for music production, even when their father was initially skeptical about rap’s longevity.
Pusha T elaborated on their musical upbringing, describing a home filled with vinyl across all genres. He views music as the constant backdrop to their lives, even used to drown out arguments. For his unique rap delivery, he draws inspiration from the chilling atmosphere of classic horror films like “The Omen,” aiming for a subtle, impactful intensity. “My rapping style is a lot like that, too,” he explained.
Addressing the spiritual tension some hip-hop lyrics create for Christian listeners, Malice offered a theological perspective. He spoke of the inherent human struggle between spirit and flesh, quoting the Apostle Paul on the internal conflict of doing good versus succumbing to unwanted actions. “That’s what being human is all about,” Malice asserted.
Career Milestones and Future Endeavors
Reflecting on his time with Kanye West’s GOOD Music label, Pusha T fondly recalled collaborative moments such as creating “So Appalled” and “New God Flow,” and the “Good Friday” series. He acknowledged the strong artistic output during that period, including the albums “Daytona” and “It’s Almost Dry,” stating, “Me and Ye made great things together.” However, he dismissed the possibility of future collaborations, emphasizing that past criticisms are deeply personal.
The duo expressed interest in creating a Clipse biopic, seeing their career as a source of valuable lessons for aspiring artists navigating the music industry’s challenges. “There’s a lot to learn from our lives, especially the way me and my brother have navigated the pitfalls of the business and always tried to make the best possible decisions,” Malice said.
Looking ahead, Pusha T confirmed new music is on the horizon. “We’ve definitely got more music in store, baby,” he announced, with Malice adding a knowing affirmation, “Nah, we got it. We’ve definitely got it!”
The brothers also shared personal insights into their creative processes. Malice prefers a methodical approach, building verses line by line throughout the day, always with pen and paper, discarding imperfect pages. In contrast, Pusha T, a visual learner, relies on writing everything down, constantly refining his work as a self-proclaimed perfectionist.
Pusha T reminisced about touring with U2 in 2001, highlighting the luxurious tour rider and amenities as a stark contrast to the often gruelling reality of touring as a rapper, stating, “Touring with U2 seriously fucked up my expectations, bro.” He also recalled fond memories of watching British television, particularly the comedic antics of Benny Hill and Rowan Atkinson’s Mr Bean.
Malice shared a memorable backstage encounter with U2’s Bono, who encouraged him during his spiritual transition, saying, “You have this righteous anger now and you have to go do something with it!” This advice continues to resonate with him, affirming his commitment to his convictions.
When asked about their all-time favorite albums, Malice cited diverse influences including The Killers, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billy Joel, Coldplay, U2’s “The Joshua Tree,” and the enduring impact of David Bowie. Pusha T‘s top picks were Mobb Deep’s “The Infamous,” Raekwon’s “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx,” Jay-Z’s “Reasonable Doubt,” and Biggie’s “Life After Death.”
Clipse's album is called #LetGodSortEmOut. The Birds Don’t Sing is the first track on it. Have you heard it yet? #clipse #PushaT #malice @clipse_official pic.twitter.com/Q3d9e2k4y8
— World-Today-News.com (@WorldTodayNews) May 13, 2024
The album “Let God Sort ‘Em Out” is available now via Roc Nation. Clipse’s US tour continues through September 10, with UK dates scheduled for November.
