Clipse and Pharrell Williams: 'Let God Sort Em Out' Marks the Renaissance of Conscious Rap

The iconic hip-hop duo Clipse, comprising brothers Pusha T and Malice, has officially confirmed that new music is forthcoming, building upon the monumental success of their latest album, Let God Sort Em Out.

Released in 2025 and executive produced by the legendary Pharrell Williams, the album made a significant impact upon its debut. It secured the fourth position on the Billboard 200 chart, accumulating an impressive 118,000 album-equivalent units during its initial week. This performance represented their strongest commercial showing since the release of their seminal debut record, Lord Willin’, back in 2002.

The creative synergy between Clipse and Williams, a partnership that originally defined the soundscape of the early 2000s East Coast hip-hop scene, has clearly regained its potency. The critical acclaim for Let God Sort Em Out was undeniable, leading to five nominations at the 2026 Grammy Awards, including nods for both “Album of the Year” and “Best Rap Album.”

The project featured high-profile collaborations with artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, The Creator. Critics universally hailed the return of Clipse as a pivotal moment for intellectual hip-hop, successfully merging street philosophy with the profound consciousness of maturity.

“This isn't merely a comeback,” stated Pusha T. “It is faith articulated through the language of rhyme.”

Beyond commercial and critical triumphs, the duo’s cultural influence expanded into unprecedented territory. On September 13, 2025, Clipse achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first rap collective ever to perform within the Vatican City. The performance took place during the event Grace for the World, which focused on themes of global brotherhood and peace.

Their appearance on St. Peter's Square signaled a new era of dialogue between diverse genres and cultures. Dressed in formal attire, the Thornton brothers performed the track The Birds Don’t Sing from their new album, accompanied by John Legend and the Voices of Fire orchestra. The song served as a poignant dedication to the memory of their parents, creating a deeply confessional, piercing, and luminous moment.

The event was co-directed by Pharrell Williams and the renowned opera singer Andrea Bocelli, transforming the performance into a universal symbol demonstrating music's power to connect souls, religions, and eras. The Vatican's decision to host Clipse was widely viewed as a historical gesture of openness, allowing the voice of rap to resonate under the dome of a place where silence and sound meet in a single breath.