Hip‑hop veterans Pusha T and Malice, better known as Clipse, have reunited to deliver their highly anticipated album Let God Sort Em Out, released July 11 via Roc Nation. The project marks their first full-length effort since 2009’s Til the Casket Drops, ending a hiatus filled with solo highs, spiritual detours, and industry clashes.
In a move that’s captured both fan enthusiasm and critical attention, the album is fully produced by longtime collaborator Pharrell Williams, breathing fresh Neptunes-inspired energy into their signature style. The album also features heavyweight guests like Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Tyler, the Creator, John Legend, The‑Dream, Stove God Cooks, Ab‑Liva, and Pharrell himself.
“Ace Trumpets,” the lead single, dropped on May 30, blending boom‑bap drums, synth, and Spanish guitar. It earned a COLORSxSTUDIOS performance in June and has been praised for its opulence and razor‑sharp lyricism. “So Be It,” released as a visual promo on June 17, delivers haunting samples, elegant production, and subtle lyrical jabs that many interpret as a diss toward Travis Scott. “Chains & Whips,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, premiered on July 14. Directed by Gabriel Moses, its accompanying visual offers stark social commentary. The track’s release was delayed due to a dispute with Def Jam over the explicit nature of Lamar’s verse, prompting Clipse to exit the label entirely.
Reviewers have highlighted the album’s blend of raw street narratives and introspective themes, addressing aging, grief, and legacy. It opens with “The Birds Don’t Sing,” a piano-driven track that reflects on parental loss, featuring spoken-word contributions from Stevie Wonder and a gospel ensemble. Despite Pharrell being the sole producer from The Neptunes on this album, critics acknowledge his inspired and sinister beats, although some suggest it doesn’t fully recapture the duo’s groundbreaking early sound.
Lyrically, the project is intense and deeply personal. Malice, who now reclaims his former moniker after years of going by No Malice, grapples with the dichotomy of faith and fame, confessing, “Came back for the money, that’s the devil in me.” Pusha T delivers verses steeped in emotional weight, touching on personal loss, including a miscarriage, while maintaining his sharp, competitive stance within the rap hierarchy.
The critical reception has been largely positive. The Guardian praised the album as “one of the best of 2025,” commending Clipse’s chemistry and Pharrell’s elevated production. Nas and Tyler, the Creator, were noted for their standout contributions. Pitchfork observed that while the production occasionally feels overly polished, the duo’s lyricism and emotional depth remain intact. RollingOut applauded the album for “delivering real rap and culture,” highlighting its authenticity in an era of commercialized hip-hop.
Pusha T revealed that leaving Def Jam cost him a seven-figure buyout, but the decision ultimately granted Clipse creative freedom to release the album unfiltered through Roc Nation. A 25-city U.S. tour is set to begin August 3 in Boston, with EarthGang as the supporting act. Due to overwhelming demand, four European dates were added to extend the tour through November.
After 16 years, Clipse have returned not with nostalgia, but with lyrical depth and a renewed sense of purpose. Their partnership with Pharrell captures both swagger and spirituality, grounded in hard-earned wisdom. While some critics question the album’s sonic polish, most agree it stands as a powerful re-entry into the modern hip-hop conversation. Clipse have reaffirmed their legacy, reminding listeners why they have long been revered in the genre.