Clipse ‘Let God Sort Em Out’ Review: A Long-Awaited Return That Lacks Bite

After 16 years, Clipse returns with 'Let God Sort Em Out'—a carefully crafted album rich in detail but missing the sharp impact fans hoped for.

The Reunion After 16 Years

For over a decade and a half, Clipse has been silent, retreating from the spotlight following their 2009 album ‘Til The Casket Drops’. The group quietly disbanded as No Malice stepped away amidst the fallout from a federal investigation into their former manager. That manager would later receive a 32-year sentence for drug trafficking.

Despite whispers of a comeback over the years, it wasn’t until 2019 that Malice and his brother, Pusha T, united again. Their reunion began with collaborations on Kanye West’s ‘Jesus Is King’ and trickled into a few isolated tracks. Now, Clipse delivers a full album: ‘Let God Sort Em Out’.

An Album Dripping With Grief and Spirituality

‘Let God Sort Em Out’ was expected to be a triumphant celebration—a reminder of Clipse’s uncanny skill in turning gritty street tales into cultural landmarks. But instead, the record feels like a well-tailored shrug: polished, intricate, yet lacking the punch it aspires to deliver.

This album isn’t just about reuniting the brothers. Pharrell Williams, a longtime collaborator, is heavily involved, lending a haunting, almost church-like atmosphere from the very first track. His layered choral arrangements and celestial organs build a solemn foundation, but the hip-hop beats lack the raw edge that energized their 2002 classic ‘Grindin’.

Take the former single ‘A.C.E. Trumpets’ for example—brass melodies swirl gracefully around subdued percussion, hinting at grandeur yet never bursting into pure triumph. Pusha T returns with his classic dope-boy bravado (“You rappers all beneath me”), while No Malice coolly fires back, “All of you imposters, simply just Ferrari window-shoppers.” These sharp moments, however, tend to drift by without making a deep emotional impact.

Malice’s Complex Role: Preacher or Street Prophet?

Malice plays the role of the reflective anchor here, offering sermons more than street narratives. On ‘All Things Considered’, he casually spits:

“I’m too refined to address these swines, that’s below me / You still got white on your nose, that’s why you owe me.”

Here, he blends spiritual wisdom with street authority, sophisticated yet dismissive. While his growth is admirable, it sometimes dilutes the album’s tension, more preacher than gritty prophet.

Watch: Clipse – So Be It (Official Music Video)

High-Profile Features Steal the Spotlight

The guest appearances on the album occasionally overshadow Clipse themselves. Tyler, the Creator injects his eccentric energy on ‘P.O.V.’, Nas commands respect on the title track, and Kendrick Lamar delivers his trademark intensity on ‘Chains & Whips’.

Lamar, in particular, steals the emotional center of the album. Reflecting on hip-hop’s struggles, he raps:

“Let’s be clear, hip-hop died again / Half of my profits may go to Rakim / How many Judases done let me down?”

This is the one moment the album feels truly alive and dangerous, reminding listeners that the genre still carries fire.

Flickers of Clipse’s Old Magic

There are glimmers of the duo’s classic charm throughout the album:

• The catchy, staccato hook on ‘P.O.V.’
• The sweeping pop-rap feel of “M.T.B.T.T.F.”
• Pharrell’s playful rap on ‘E.B.I.T.D.A.’, evoking memories of Clipse’s golden era

The album also dives into deep introspection—reflecting on their past drug-dealing lives and their parents’ deaths, especially on ‘Grace Of God’. In theory, it could have been a gospel-rap masterpiece or a manual for surviving life’s vices with your soul intact. Yet, the final product feels clinical rather than heartfelt.

A Safe, Mature Approach in a Controversy-Hungry Era

Throughout the album, the refrain “This is culturally inappropriate” repeats. Initially, it feels out of place, as the duo avoids controversial antics or cartoonish threats.

Pusha T’s lines about fentanyl and plastic surgery on the title track may raise an eyebrow, but overall, the record plays it safe. In today’s climate where many chase shock and outrage, Clipse opts for raw, grown-man rap—honest, grounded, and deeply personal.

Final Thoughts: A Return That Reminds, Not Shocks

‘Let God Sort Em Out’ isn’t a total miss. It’s thoughtful, precise, and lyrically rich. But after 16 years, Clipse didn’t come back swinging through the door to shake the world. They came back to remind fans they’re still here—still alive, still reflective, still pondering life’s complexities.

Album Details

• Record label: Roc Nation
• Release date: July 11, 2025

Wrapping It Up

So, does ‘Let God Sort Em Out’ live up to the hype of Clipse’s long-awaited return? Not quite—it’s a mature, polished effort that offers more reflection than rebellion. But hey, sometimes just showing up and speaking your truth is enough to make a statement, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long has Clipse been on hiatus before this album?
  Clipse was on a self-imposed exile for 16 years before releasing ‘Let God Sort Em Out’.
• Who produced much of the album?
  Pharrell Williams, a longtime collaborator, handled most of the production, bringing a church-like, layered sound.
• Which guest artists appear on the album?
  Tyler, the Creator, Nas, and Kendrick Lamar feature prominently, each bringing their unique style.
• What themes does the album explore?
  The album grapples with grief, spirituality, self-mythology, and reflections on street life and personal losses.
• Is ‘Let God Sort Em Out’ similar to Clipse’s earlier work?
  While it contains flashes of their classic style, the album leans more into mature, introspective territory with less raw grit.

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