The Clipse’s performance of “Grindin’” at 2025 ESYPS underwhelms fans with quiet crowd response
Clipse’s “Grindin’” at ESYPS 2025: Why the Performance Fell Flat with Fans
Legendary hip-hop duo Clipse — comprised of brothers Pusha T and No Malice — hit the stage at the ESPY Awards (referred to here as ESYPS, per user branding) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Their performance of the 2002 anthem “Grindin’” alongside their new single “Ace Trumpets” was billed as a high-profile moment, part of their official return to the spotlight with their new album Let God Sort Em Out. Sharing the night with other music acts like Busta Rhymes, Tobe Nwigwe, and GELO (LiAngelo Ball), Clipse’s set was expected to be a highlight — marking their first televised performance together in over 16 years.
But despite the nostalgic excitement leading up to it, the fan reactions that flooded social media — especially X (formerly Twitter) — told a different story. For users searching “Clipse Grindin ESYPS 2025 fan reactions,” the overall sentiment was mixed, with many criticizing the crowd’s low energy and questioning whether the performance was misplaced in a sports award setting. This article dives deep into the performance details, the viral responses, and the context surrounding Clipse’s legacy and hip-hop’s complicated place at award shows.
Why “Grindin’” Still Matters: Clipse’s Cultural Legacy
Clipse came up in the late ’90s under the guidance of The Neptunes. Hailing from Virginia Beach and eventually breaking through with their 2002 album Lord Willin’. “Grindin’,” the lead single, became a defining record of its era. Lauded for its gritty storytelling and distinctive beat made entirely with percussion and bass. The track became an anthem in high school cafeterias and has been referenced in countless hip-hop circles since.
After two more albums (Hell Hath No Fury in 2006 and Til the Casket Drops in 2009), the group went on hiatus. No Malice turned to faith-based work while Pusha T launched a successful solo career, becoming President of G.O.O.D. Music and continuing to drop critically acclaimed albums. Their reunion album Let God Sort Em Out has been welcomed by longtime fans. With Billboard recently praised the project for its “lyrical complexity and grown-man perspective.”
So when Clipse returned to perform “Grindin’” — a track many consider one of the greatest hip-hop singles of all time — expectations were high. But the ESYPS 2025 crowd’s response raised a larger question. Is there still room for hip-hop nostalgia in mainstream award shows?
The Performance: A Comeback 16 Years in the Making
Clipse performed “Grindin’” and “Ace Trumpets” during the 2025 ESYPS, hosted by comedian Shane Gillis and broadcast live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET. The event brought together the biggest names in sports, with stars like Simone Biles, Shohei Ohtani, Russell Wilson, and Megan Thee Stallion — who walked the red carpet with NBA star Klay Thompson — all in attendance.
The duo’s return coincided with the release of their reunion album Let God Sort Em Out (released July 11, 2025), a project that features high-profile collaborations with Pharrell Williams and Kendrick Lamar. The performance marked their first major televised moment together since their 2009 hiatus, with “Grindin’” serving as a reminder of their early 2000s dominance. Originally released in 2002 from their debut album Lord Willin’, “Grindin’” became a hip-hop classic due to its raw lyrics, unorthodox Neptunes production, and cultural impact.
Despite Clipse’s sharp lyrical delivery and the unmistakable beat, the ESYPS crowd appeared uninterested. Many viewers noticed the awkward vibe — a stark contrast to the duo’s 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards performance, which was met with critical praise and crowd enthusiasm. Even ESPN’s official X account attempted to hype the performance with a now-viral post:
“CLIPSE AT THE @ESPYS 🔥 Pusha and Malice performed ‘Grindin’ and ‘Ace Trumpets’ 🫡”
Still, the live audience didn’t seem to match the energy on stage — and fans online were quick to notice.
Fan Reactions on X: A Disconnect Between Stage and Crowd
Immediately following the broadcast, social media lit up with mixed opinions. Many fans praised Clipse’s bars and stage presence. However, almost all agreed the ESYPS crowd was a poor match for the performance.
User @OhSo__ tweeted:
“Did the ESPYS always have musical performances? Crowd was dry as shit for the Clipse lol.”
Another user, @JeremyBoogz, echoed the sentiment:
“The Clipse performed at the ESPYS… Incredible performance but not the crowd for it. Who is to blame?”
Meanwhile, @big_business_ praised the performance in real-time:
“The Clipse perform Grindin and Ace Trumpets at the #ESPYS 🔥”
—but even their enthusiasm couldn’t ignore the audience’s lackluster response.
Some took a comedic angle. @Beezo_ wrote:
“Clipse performing Grindin at the ESPYS is dope and hilarious at the same time,”
highlighting the oddity of performing a street anthem in a buttoned-up, sports-oriented setting.
Others questioned the staging itself. @JEANIUS remarked:
“ESPYs had Clipse performing during the commercial break like the Rising Stars on the BET Awards…. Lol.”
On the other hand, fans like @JustJenn_5 were quick to defend the duo:
“What did the Clipse do to y’all? Y’all couldn’t do the ‘Grindin’ beat on a table? Y’all some haters 😂😂😂😂”
These reactions offer key insight into what music fans are sharing. Further illustrating how social media often reveals what televised broadcasts don’t: the energy mismatch between performers and live audiences.
Hip-Hop at Award Shows: A Hit-or-Miss Tradition
Clipse’s performance wasn’t the first time a hip-hop act faced an indifferent awards crowd. While the ESYPS have made a habit of booking artists from the rap world — including Ciara’s high-energy 2024 set — the reception has often been mixed.
@HotNewHipHop highlighted the challenge in blending sports with music, writing:
“The ESPY Awards’ hip-hop crossovers have always been a notable part of the ceremony, but not every audience gets it.”
Even some of the most iconic rap performances have stumbled when placed in front of a mismatched crowd. Kanye West’s 2010 “Runaway” set at the VMAs is still celebrated. However, Lil Wayne’s 2018 People’s Choice Awards appearance fell flat. Similarly, the 2023 Oscars’ hip-hop tribute was met with polite applause but little passion. In short: not all stages are built for rap.
An Important Hip-Hop Moment At The 2025 ESYPS
For many fans, Clipse’s performance was about more than just music. It was a long-awaited return for one of hip-hop’s most respected duos. The disappointment wasn’t rooted in their talent, but in the context. A primetime sports awards show, filled with NBA players and Olympic athletes, wasn’t the most fitting venue for their hard-hitting delivery.
Still, fans like @JustJenn_5 reminded the internet that “Grindin’” was once the soundtrack of a generation. Their loyalty underscores why this moment mattered. Despite the lukewarm reception, Clipse delivered with confidence and charisma, reinforcing their cultural relevance.
As @Vinyl Me, Please put it in a recap: “Clipse brought edge, history, and realness to an otherwise polished night. Even if the crowd didn’t show it, the culture noticed.”
What’s Next for Clipse?
Despite the hiccup at ESYPS 2025, Clipse’s momentum is far from stalled. Their reunion album is gaining traction on streaming platforms. With the duo slated to perform at major festivals like Rolling Loud and Made in America later this summer.
Despite an awkward crowd reaction, performance was a powerful reminder that the streets still remember. As they continue to tour and promote Let God Sort Em Out, Clipse is poised to reintroduce their legacy to a new generation. Whether the crowd is ready or not.