Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out Sparks Controversy as Drake-Kendrick Feud Derails 2024 Release
Clipse, the legendary hip-hop duo of Pusha T and Malice, made waves with their new single “Ace Trumpets” while unveiling the turbulent story behind their upcoming reunion album, Let God Sort Em Out. Originally slated for a 2024 release under Def Jam, the album was shelved due to concerns over Kendrick Lamar’s guest verse amid his feud with Drake. After refusing to censor the track, Clipse exited Def Jam and signed with Roc Nation, preserving Kendrick’s contribution. The album, now set to drop July 11, marks both a defiant stand for artistic freedom and a powerful return to form.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 01: Pusha T and No Malice of Clipse perform during Roots Picnic 2025 at The Mann at Fairmount Park on June 01, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Live Nation Urban)
Clipse’s Long-Awaited Reunion Album Let God Sort Em Out Caught in the Crossfire of Hip-Hop’s Most Heated Feud
Clipse is a hip-hop group composed of Pusha T and Malice. They released their triumphant new single, ‘Ace Trumpets,’ which sent fans into a frenzy. The track reminded the brothers of their lyrical mastery and revived the anticipation for their long-delayed reunion album, Let God Sort Em Out.
However, new revelations have confirmed that the album’s delay wasn’t due to creative setbacks but collateral damage from the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Def Jam Records is mentioned in a recent GQ profile featuring the Thornton brothers. Clipse’s former label put off the release of the album’s original 2024 version because of worries about Kendrick Lamar’s inclusion on one of the project’s crucial tracks, ‘Chains & Whips.’
Universal Music Group’s Intervention: Drake vs. Kendrick’s Shadow Over Clipse
According to reports, Universal Music Group (UMG), which is the parent company of both Drake’s label and Def Jam, expressed discomfort over the optics of releasing a track that featured both of Drake’s fiercest rivals, Pusha T.
Label Fallout and Exodus to Roc Nation
Pusha T and Malice decided to leave Def Jam entirely instead of compromising the album’s creative integrity. After protracted negotiations, the duo was released from their contract and quickly aligned with Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s entertainment powerhouse. Not only did this move secure a new home for Let God Sort Em Out, but it also preserved all of KendriLamar’sr’s features, including his appearance on Chains & WhipLamar’sr’s verse, ironically, does not mention his beef with Drake, which demonstrates how much industry panic can be driven by perception instead of content, as GQ notes.
“Chains & Whips” and Kendrick’s Strategic Silence
Despite the controversy, Chains & Whips has been touted as a masterclass in restraint and finesse. According to insiders, Kendrick’s verse is laced with signature wordplay and sharp cultural commentary, but avoids the temptation to reignite the flames with Drake. The criticism of Def Jam and UMG’s initial overreaction has intensified, with evidence suggesting that the album’s delay resulted from corporate overreach and fear-based optics management.’
Fan Reactions and Cultural Ramifications
Hip-hop fans bombarded social media with takes, theories, and frustration about the delayed release. With Ace Trumpets already gaining traction on streaming platforms and social media buzzing over Chains & Whips, Clipse’s fanbase is rallying behind the brothers, praising their refusal to compromise artistic integrity in the face of industry politics. Industry analysts are also giving their opinions. The situation demonstrates how authentic artistry can be hindered by executive interference, brand protectionism, and major-label politics, even among established artists like Clipse.
Roc Nation: A New Chapter for Clipse
Fans are celebrating the duo’s creative freedom as Let God Sort Em Out is set to be released under Roc Nation on July 11. Clipse’s move is widely seen as a strategic triumph that confirms their long-term dedication to lyrical excellence and authenticity. Jay-Z’s Roc Nation is known for giving artists creative control.
Timeline of Events: From Def Jam to Roc Nation
Timeline
Title: Clipse Reunion Album Timeline
2023-10: Album Completed with Kendrick Feature
2024-01: Def Jam Raises Concerns Over Kendrick Verse
2024-02: Pusha T Refuses to Remove Verse
2024-03: Negotiations Begin to Exit Def Jam
2024-05: Clipse Signs with Roc Nation
2024-06: Single “Ace Trumpets” Released
2024-07-11: Album *Let God Sort Em Out* Scheduled to Drop
The Stakes Behind Let God Sort ‘Em Out
The album isn’t just another reunion. Let God Sort Em Out is positioned as a career-defining statement from a duo that helped redefine hip-hop’s gritty realism in the early 2000s. Clipse’s place in the pantheon of elite rap groups may be secured with the return of Neptunes-style production and high-level features like Kendrick. Furthermore, this tale examines artists’ autonomy, labels’ accountability, and the long-term consequences of industrial disputes. In many ways, the Clipse album controversy serves as a microcosm of the hip-hop landscape in 2024, where battles are waged in verses and boardrooms.
Final Thoughts
Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out story profoundly impacts the intersection of art, business, and power in hip-hop. With their Roc Nation debut on the horizon, the Thornton brothers have reminded the world that real artists don’t bend to boardroom politics. They rise above them. Let God Sort It Out arrives on July 11. This time, the message is not being censored by anyone.
