Clipse ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Chains & Whips” [VIDEO]

Clipse and Kendrick Lamar release “Chains & Whips” video

It’s been over 15 years since Clipse—the influential hip-hop duo of Pusha T and Malice—released a full-length studio album. Their last joint project, Til the Casket Drops, came out in 2009. Since then, fans have waited, speculated, and hoped.

Now, in 2025, they’re finally back. Their new album, Let God Sort Em Out, isn’t just a nostalgic revival. It’s a statement of growth, artistry, and resilience. Released independently via a Roc Nation distribution deal, it marks a shift not just in their careers, but in how veteran artists can reclaim control of their narratives.

And this time, they’re not holding back.

Beyond Coke Rap: Themes of Faith, Grief, and Identity

Clipse made their name in the early 2000s with street-heavy lyricism, vivid drug tales, and luxury aesthetics. Their 2002 debut Lord Willin’, produced entirely by The Neptunes, was gritty and clever. Follow-up Hell Hath No Fury in 2006 was darker, more introspective, and remains a cult classic.

But Let God Sort Em Out presents a new dimension.

This album wrestles with grief, legacy, faith, and aging in hip-hop. Both brothers are now in their late 40s. They’ve lost both parents. Malice spent years focused on his Christian faith, leaving secular rap entirely. Yet, instead of abandoning their past, they confront it directly—using it as a backdrop to deliver some of the most emotionally mature bars of their careers.

Songs like “The Birds Don’t Sing” explore loss and healing, while tracks like “So Be It” and “E.B.I.T.D.A.” reassert their dominance in the rap hierarchy.

Pharrell’s Cinematic Production Holds It All Together

The album is entirely produced by Pharrell Williams, long-time collaborator and fellow Virginia Beach native. Though Chad Hugo is notably absent from the project, Pharrell crafts a unique sonic palette—part gospel, part trap, part futuristic soul.

It’s a soundscape that honors their Neptunes-era legacy while pushing forward.

Highlights include:

• “Chains & Whips”: Brooding and slow-burning, led by ominous strings and minimalist drums.
• “Inglorious Bastards”: A murky, cinematic banger that feels like a spiritual sequel to Nightmares.
• “P.O.V.”: Bounces with distorted synths and a twitchy Tyler, The Creator feature.

Pharrell doesn’t chase trends here. Instead, he builds a world around the lyrics—an album that sounds timeless, rather than timely.

“Chains & Whips” with Kendrick Lamar Sets the Tone

The album’s standout moment—and perhaps its most controversial—is “Chains & Whips”, a collaboration with Kendrick Lamar.

Kendrick’s verse touches on generational trauma, masculinity, and the intersection of power and pain. Pusha and Malice match his intensity, trading verses that balance luxury with lament. The production is sparse and ominous, giving all three voices room to breathe.

The song almost didn’t make the album. Reports say Clipse walked away from Def Jam after the label allegedly tried to censor Kendrick’s verse. By leaving, they gained full creative freedom. It’s a move that underlines the importance of artist integrity—a central theme of this project.

On July 14, a music video for “Chains & Whips” dropped, directed by Gabriel Moses. The visual features surrealist symbolism: prison chains, church altars, dirt roads, and elegant rituals. Kendrick doesn’t appear, but Pusha and Malice dominate the screen, often in stark black-and-white shots that emphasize the song’s weight.

Malice Returns with Redemption and Fire

One of the most talked-about elements of Let God Sort Em Out is the return of Malice.

After years away from secular music, he’s back—not just as a guest, but as a full creative partner. His bars are precise and layered, often mixing biblical references with street reflections. He doesn’t moralize. He reflects.

His standout moments include:

• “The Birds Don’t Sing” – where he mourns the death of his parents with soul-stirring honesty.
• “Ace Trumpets” – where he flips spiritual metaphors into sharp, cutting verses.

Malice’s return doesn’t feel like a throwback—it feels like evolution. His voice is more commanding than ever.

Pusha T Sounds Sharper Than Ever

While Malice evolved through faith, Pusha T stayed active in the industry, releasing critically acclaimed solo albums like Daytona and It’s Almost Dry. But on this album, Pusha returns to a collaborative dynamic that seems to elevate him even more.

He’s as sharp as ever—whether he’s calling out rivals, flexing designer tastes, or reminding listeners of his longevity.

In “So Be It,” he’s rumored to take shots at Travis Scott. In “All Things Considered,” he coolly navigates family, industry betrayal, and legacy.

With Pusha, there’s always a double meaning. And with Malice beside him, he doesn’t need to carry the weight alone.

A Carefully Chosen Supporting Cast

Let God Sort Em Out features several major guest appearances, all of which add weight rather than distraction.

Notable features include:

• Kendrick Lamar – poetic firepower on “Chains & Whips.”
• Nas – sage wisdom on the title track.
• Tyler, The Creator – warped creativity on “P.O.V.”
• John Legend – soul on “The Birds Don’t Sing.”
• Stove God Cooks & Ab-Liva – hard-hitting verses on “E.B.I.T.D.A.”
• The-Dream – lush vocals on “All Things Considered.”

Each artist brings their A-game, complementing Clipse’s lyrical focus without overshadowing them.

Fan Reactions Speak Louder Than Charts

Since the album’s release, the fan response has been overwhelming. Twitter (now X), Reddit, and TikTok are filled with praise for Clipse’s return, Kendrick’s feature, and the album’s bold sound.

Top reactions:

• “Real rap is alive and well.”
• “Malice’s return gave me chills.”
• “This is how legends age—gracefully and fearlessly.”

Clips from “Chains & Whips” have gone viral. Fans are stitching videos dissecting Kendrick’s verse and Pusha’s coded lines. TikTok creators are using tracks like “Inglorious Bastards” to score personal stories of struggle, ambition, and faith.

Why This Album Will Last

Let God Sort Em Out isn’t just a good album—it’s a blueprint for how hip-hop artists can grow without losing their voice.

Key takeaways:

• Creative freedom matters: Leaving Def Jam gave Clipse full control—and it shows.
• Lyrics can evolve: The duo blends past sins with present wisdom, something many rappers struggle to balance.
• Spirituality belongs in rap: Malice proves you can rap about faith and still be ferocious.
• Legacy is built, not bought: After 20+ years, Clipse isn’t chasing relevance—they’re defining it.

This isn’t just an album for the moment. It’s an album with meaning.

Let God Sort Em Out is the return fans didn’t know they needed—and a powerful reminder that growth and grit can coexist. Clipse didn’t just reunite. They reinvented.

The production is cinematic. The lyrics are layered. The themes are rich with humanity. Whether you’re here for the bars, the beats, or the emotional honesty, this album delivers.

For anyone wondering if Clipse could recapture the magic—yes. And then some.