The power of art in healing: Clipse's journey through grief and triumph
The Unfathomable Loss: A Brotherly Bond Through Grief
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Pusha T and Malice, the talented duo behind Clipse, experienced the unimaginable loss of both their parents within a mere four months. Their mother, Mildred Thornton, passed away in November 2021, followed by their father, Gene Thornton, in March 2022. This devastating double blow left them reeling, with little time to process their grief.
But amidst the pain, the Thornton brothers found solace and a creative outlet in their music. Their grief became a catalyst for artistic expression, resulting in their highly acclaimed album, "Let God Sort Em Out."
A Musical Tribute: "Let God Sort Em Out"
Released in July 2025, "Let God Sort Em Out" marked Clipse's long-awaited reunion and their first album since 2009's "Til the Casket Drops." This 13-track masterpiece, one of the year's best, has earned them a well-deserved Grammy nomination.
The album's lead track, "The Birds Don't Sing," is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that captures the raw emotion of their grief. Pusha T and Malice's vulnerable lyrics paint a vivid picture of their journey, leaving listeners in awe of their brutal honesty.
But "Let God Sort Em Out" is more than just a mournful album; it's a testament to Clipse's resilience and artistic prowess. Initially planned for release in 2024, the album faced delays due to a controversial verse by Kendrick Lamar on the track "Chains & Whips." Def Jam Recordings' concerns about the optics of this verse, amidst Lamar's public feud with Drake, led Clipse to sever ties and embark on a new path with Roc Nation.
This bold move proved to be a turning point. Despite the financial cost of leaving Def Jam, Clipse's independence paid off. The album debuted at an impressive No. 4 on the Billboard 200, receiving universal acclaim for its compelling artistry.
In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Pusha T and Malice opened up about their grief, the vindication they felt with the album's success, and the importance of their sibling bond.
The Evolution of Grief and the Power of Sibling Support
When asked about the evolution of their grief, Pusha T shared, "It just doesn't go away. Some days are better, but others are a struggle. It's a constant reminder of the reality we're facing."
Malice added, "I agree. It's those moments of disbelief, where you realize your parents are no longer here. For me, faith has been my anchor, providing strength and comfort during this journey."
The importance of their sibling relationship cannot be overstated. Malice expressed, "Having my brother by my side made all the difference. Knowing he understands my pain without words being spoken has been invaluable."
Pusha T echoed these sentiments, "Malice has been my rock. Having an older brother to lean on, especially during this difficult time, has been a blessing."
A New Perspective on Life and Music
The loss of their parents has prompted Clipse to reevaluate their lives and careers. Pusha T, now a father himself, has made physical health a priority, aiming to be on the cover of Men's Health. He credits his five-year-old son as his motivation to stay active and in top shape.
The split from Def Jam and the subsequent success with Roc Nation has been a validating experience. Pusha T shared, "It was vindicating to prove to ourselves and the world that we could thrive independently. We knew our music was exceptional, and it was satisfying to see others recognize that."
Malice added, "We had faith in our music and our process. We knew the politics and dramas would pass, and when the dust settled, our music would speak for itself."
A Brotherly Bond Strengthened by Shared Experiences
Pusha T expressed the joy of sharing historic moments with his brother, stating, "There's no better feeling than experiencing these milestones together."
Malice, on the other hand, praised his brother's leadership and trust, "Pusha has created a space for me to return to, and I trust his vision implicitly. It's a blessing to share these experiences with my little brother."
A Controversial Name Change: Malice vs. No Malice
When asked about the name Malice, the rapper shared the story behind the moniker. "It was always Malice, a reflection of my aggressive approach to verses. But as my convictions evolved, I wanted to clarify that there was no malice in my heart. When we reunited as Clipse, we felt it was important to honor our original branding."
The Impact of "The Birds Don't Sing"
"The Birds Don't Sing" has resonated deeply with fans, especially those who have experienced similar losses. Pusha T and Malice's raw and honest portrayal of grief has touched many lives.
A Call to Action: Share Your Thoughts
And here's where it gets interesting... What do you think about Clipse's journey? How has their music impacted you? Don't be shy! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. We'd love to hear your stories and continue this conversation.
