Clipse performs on NPR Tiny Desk after releasing “Let God Sort Em Out” album

Clipse performs on NPR Tiny Desk

The return of Clipse is no longer a rumor—it’s a reality. After over a decade apart, the Virginia rap duo made up of Pusha T and No Malice has released their first full-length album since 2009’s Til the Casket Drops. Their new project, Let God Sort Em Out, arrived today with a flurry of excitement, social buzz, and powerful storytelling.

But the surprises didn’t stop with the album. The pair also shared a moving NPR Tiny Desk Concert, filmed weeks before the album’s release. The intimate performance showcased both new material and classic hits, giving long-time fans the moment they’ve been waiting for.

Let’s explore why Let God Sort Em Out is such a monumental return, the cultural weight of Clipse’s NPR performance, and why this moment matters not just for rap fans—but for hip-hop history.

A Look at the Clipse Legacy

Before diving into the new album, it’s important to remember why Clipse holds such a legendary status. Emerging in the early 2000s, the duo carved their lane with gritty, unfiltered street tales wrapped in minimal, hard-hitting production by The Neptunes. Their breakout single “Grindin’” from 2002’s Lord Willin’ became a cultural staple. You couldn’t walk a high school hallway without hearing someone beatboxing the drums on a lunch table.

Their lyrical chemistry—Pusha T’s sharp intensity paired with No Malice’s calm wisdom—made them unique. They weren’t chasing radio; they were telling stories from the corners of Virginia Beach that felt honest and raw.

After Til the Casket Drops, the group went silent. No Malice stepped away from the spotlight, focusing on his faith and releasing solo material. Pusha T, meanwhile, went on to become the president of G.O.O.D. Music and one of the most respected solo MCs in the game.

But fans never stopped hoping for a reunion.

Let God Sort Em Out: A Spiritual and Lyrical Journey

Fifteen years later, Let God Sort Em Out is here—and it’s worth the wait. The album doesn’t chase trends or try to sound like what’s hot in 2025. Instead, it stays true to Clipse’s roots while adding new layers of maturity, faith, and introspection.

Featured Artists Add Depth

The album features some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B:

• Nas, a master of narrative rap, brings timeless wisdom
• Tyler, The Creator, known for his genre-bending approach
• John Legend, whose soulful voice adds emotional weight
• Kendrick Lamar, delivering one of the most anticipated verses of the year

Kendrick’s appearance especially stands out. His verse feels more like a torch-passing moment—two generations of lyricists bridging the gap. While the internet has already exploded over it, the rest of the album is just as worthy of attention.

Standout Track: “Birds Don’t Sing”

One of the most talked-about tracks from Let God Sort Em Out is “Birds Don’t Sing”—a chilling, poetic tribute to the duo’s late parents. It’s not your typical rap song. It’s stripped down, vulnerable, and deeply human.

During their NPR Tiny Desk performance, Clipse performed this track live for the first time. The performance visibly moved the crowd. No gimmicks. No posturing. Just raw emotion and lyrical purity.

NPR Tiny Desk: A Reminder of What Makes Clipse Great

The NPR Tiny Desk Concert series has long been a stage for authentic, stripped-back performances. For Clipse, it was the perfect place to reintroduce themselves—not with flashy lights or arena pyrotechnics, but with lyrical precision and soul.

Here’s what made the performance stand out:

• Live instrumentation brought their music to life in a new way
• The duo performed several tracks from Let God Sort Em Out, showcasing their evolution
• They closed the set with “Grindin’,” the song that started it all—prompting nostalgic cheers from the crowd

It was a reminder: Clipse never relied on spectacle. Their power has always come from the truth in their words and the chemistry between brothers.

Why This Comeback Matters in 2025

In an era where many albums come and go within a week, Let God Sort Em Out feels intentional. It doesn’t try to go viral. It’s not loaded with TikTok-ready hooks. Instead, it’s a grown-man rap album—a reflection on life, legacy, and redemption.

That alone makes it stand out in today’s musical landscape.

This comeback is also a win for storytelling in hip-hop. With so much of the genre shifting toward melody, party vibes, or social media aesthetics, Clipse’s return brings back the core elements that built the culture: bars, beats, and brotherhood.

What Fans Are Saying Online

The early reactions on social media speak volumes. From Twitter to Reddit to TikTok, fans are calling the album “a masterpiece,” “a return to form,” and “exactly what rap needed in 2025.”

The #Clipse hashtag trended throughout the day, with fans celebrating not just the music—but what it represents: a new chapter, not just for Pusha T and No Malice, but for thoughtful hip-hop in general.

The Role of Faith and Redemption

One of the most interesting aspects of the album is how it weaves in faith, redemption, and personal growth. No Malice has spoken openly over the years about his spiritual transformation. That shift shows up in his lyrics—not in a preachy way, but in a way that challenges listeners to think deeper.

Pusha T, too, sounds more reflective on this project. There’s still grit in his bars, but it’s delivered with more purpose and less ego. The result? A layered project that’s both streetwise and spiritually aware.

Why Let God Sort Em Out Is Worth Your Time

In a music industry obsessed with quantity over quality, Clipse chose patience. And that patience paid off. Let God Sort Em Out isn’t just an album—it’s a statement.

Whether you’ve followed them since the Lord Willin’ days or are just now discovering their catalog, this project is a masterclass in lyricism, cohesion, and maturity.

And if you haven’t yet, carve out 15 minutes to watch the NPR Tiny Desk performance. It’s more than a set—it’s a moment.