Clipse Reclaim the Throne: Lyricism Restored in Hip-Hop
The Clipse are back! And they didn’t just come to play; they came to reclaim the crown for lyricism in an era where substance too often takes a back seat to streams and trends. Let God Sort’ Em Out is the kind of album that makes you sit up, rewind, and remind yourself what it feels like to hear emcees operating at the highest level.
From the jump, both Pusha T and Malice deliver the kind of precision pen work that made them legends in the first place. Every verse is a masterclass in imagery, flow control, and word economy. Malice, even after his extended layoff from the game, sounds sharper than ever — his voice carrying a gravitas and clarity that cuts through the production like a sermon over church organs. Pusha T, on the other hand, continues his reign of calculated dominance, every bar dripping with confidence and intent.
The Clipse, Neptunes, and Killer Features Make Every Track Shine
And then there’s Pharrell. The Neptunes’ magic is still intact, but on this project, Pharrell’s production feels like a celebration and an evolution, cinematic, layered, and rich with textures that keep the Clipse in their classic pocket while pushing them into new territory. It’s the perfect canvas for two emcees who have never settled for anything less than elite.
The features come correct, too. Tyler, The Creator shows up on P.O.V. and delivers with a hunger that proves he knew exactly whose company he was keeping. Kendrick Lamar on Chains and Whips is surgical; the back-and-forth between him and Pusha feels like a duel between two swordsmen at the height of their craft.
Standouts? The single “So Be It” is pure Clipse energy, sharp, unapologetic, and unflinching. F.I.C.O. is a storytelling gem with clever, cutting wordplay. Chains and Whips is a heavyweight collision. And P.O.V. with Tyler is as atmospheric as it is lyrical.
The Clipse didn’t just return; they brought back a piece of hip-hop we’ve been missing. And if the Grammys are paying attention, they should start engraving a few trophies now.
Written by: Joe Ellick
