Clipse Discuss Reunion, New Album and the Role of Hip-Hop Media

In a live interview at the Elliott Wilson Experience, legendary hip-hop duo Clipse spoke at length about their long-awaited reunion, creative evolution, and what it means to be purposeful artists in a constantly shifting music landscape. The conversation, held in Washington, D.C., marked the duo’s first full joint interview in more than a decade and offered insight into their dynamic as brothers and collaborators.

REUNITED AND FOCUSED

Pusha T and Malice, who together formed Clipse in the late 1990s, reflected on their return to recording as a duo after years apart. The two confirmed they are actively working on a new Clipse album, their first since 2009’s Til the Casket Drops. The decision to reunite wasn’t driven by nostalgia, but by a shared sense of purpose and alignment in values. "This is a spiritually aligned project," Malice said. "It’s the first time in a long time where we are on the same page, not just musically, but in life."

Pusha echoed that sentiment, describing the reunion as intentional. He said the music is being crafted to reflect where they are now—grown men with clarity, experience, and sharpened skills. For both artists, the decision to return as a group was less about recapturing the past and more about writing a new chapter rooted in who they are today. "Everything we do now has to have meaning," Pusha T said. "It’s not about trying to relive a moment. It’s about creating new ones that matter."

BROTHERS WITH DIFFERENT JOURNEYS

Though they’ve always shared blood and a microphone, Pusha T and Malice have taken distinctly different paths since stepping away from Clipse. Malice, who now often goes by his birth name Gene Thornton, stepped away from mainstream rap to focus on his faith and personal growth. He released a memoir and a solo album that leaned heavily on spiritual themes. "I had to go on a journey that was bigger than rap," Malice said. "There were things in my spirit I needed to correct, and I had to step back to do that."

Pusha, meanwhile, continued to release critically acclaimed solo work, including 2022’s It’s Almost Dry. His work, known for its lyrical precision and uncompromising tone, solidified his place among elite emcees. Still, he always left the door open for Clipse. "I always said I wouldn’t do another Clipse album unless it felt right," Pusha said. "It had to be on terms that made sense for both of us."

A NEW ERA FOR CLIPSE

The new album, still untitled, is being created with a focus on depth and relevance. The brothers indicated that they’re not concerned with chasing trends or fitting into streaming algorithms. Instead, they are focused on message-driven music that draws from their shared past and individual growth. "We are not the same people who made 'Grindin',' but that hunger is still there," Malice said. "Only now, we have something even more important to say."

Pusha explained that the project will reflect the full scope of their journey—from the harsh realities of their earlier lives to the perspectives they've developed as men with families, beliefs, and businesses. "It’s about giving you everything. Not just the good, not just the fly, but also the why behind it all," he said. Each song is designed to serve a purpose, and the entire project aims to strike a balance between past and present.

THE ROLE OF FAITH AND FAMILY

Faith played a major role in Malice’s return to the group. He emphasized that he could only rejoin Clipse if the content aligned with his beliefs. Rather than toning down the message, this perspective has helped reshape how they tell their story. "People think faith means avoiding the truth, but it’s the opposite. It means facing it," Malice said. "I’m not here to glorify the past, but I will speak on it truthfully so others can learn."

Pusha acknowledged that navigating those conversations takes trust. As brothers, they are used to challenging each other and finding middle ground. The process of making this album, he said, has required them to be even more transparent and accountable. "We hold each other to a high standard," Pusha said. "If something feels off, we talk about it. This ain’t just rap—it’s our legacy."

CREATING WITH INTENTION

Clipse are working closely with Pharrell Williams, who was instrumental in their early success. The creative sessions, according to both members, have been focused and intentional. Rather than record dozens of tracks, the team is crafting each song with a specific purpose. "This isn’t about quantity. It’s about quality," said Malice. "We might sit on one song for weeks until it feels perfect."

Pusha added that Pharrell’s involvement has been more than just production. He’s acting as a creative guide, helping them push boundaries while staying rooted in authenticity. "Pharrell doesn’t let us settle," Pusha said. "He wants this to be the best version of Clipse—not a copy of what we were, but a new statement." Their longtime collaborator continues to influence their sound with the same precision and vision that helped define their earlier work.

PERSPECTIVE ON HIP-HOP MEDIA

Both artists took a moment during the discussion to comment on the role of media in shaping narratives around hip-hop artists. They emphasized that the current media climate often rewards sensationalism over substance, a trend that they believe can distort public perception of the culture and its contributors. "It used to be about the music, about what you stood for," Pusha T said. "Now it’s like if you don’t go viral, you’re invisible."

Malice added that the prevalence of gossip-focused coverage detracts from the real stories artists are trying to tell. He expressed a desire to see more platforms amplify work rooted in purpose and artistic depth. "There’s room for entertainment, sure," Malice said. "But there also has to be space for truth, especially when the music is coming from a real place."

For Clipse, the way forward includes working with media outlets that value context and intention over clickbait. They called on journalists and platforms to elevate conversations that reflect the complexity and growth of artists in today’s hip-hop landscape. "We’re not chasing shock value," Pusha said. "We’re chasing something that will still matter five years from now."

LOOKING BEYOND THE ALBUM

The duo also hinted at other creative projects in development, including documentary content and brand partnerships. They emphasized that this chapter of Clipse is about building something sustainable and multidimensional. "We’ve always been more than music," said Malice. "Now we’re just putting that into motion in new ways."

They also addressed their legacy, noting that their early work is finally being appreciated by a younger generation. Rather than chase validation, they’re focusing on creating work that holds up over time. "If it’s real, it doesn’t have to be explained," Pusha said. "This is about making something that outlives the moment." The goal is not only longevity but relevance with purpose.

THE POWER OF PRESENCE

Throughout the interview, Clipse emphasized the value of being fully present—not just in music, but in life. They shared stories of family, accountability, and making decisions with long-term impact. "It’s easy to get caught up in what’s next," Malice said. "But when you’re grounded, you move differently."

Pusha added that part of being present means knowing when and how to speak. He explained that with experience comes restraint—a willingness to let the work speak. "You don’t have to be the loudest in the room to be heard," he said. "When you know who you are, that’s enough." Their comments spoke to a larger ethos of maturity and measured ambition.

STILL MOVING WITH PURPOSE

As Clipse prepare to reintroduce themselves to the world, their message is clear: they are here with intention. Not to chase relevance, but to offer something lasting. Their new music, informed by faith, discipline, and maturity, aims to strike a balance between truth and elevation. "We were always telling stories," Malice said. "Now we’re telling the full one."

"The work speaks," added Pusha. "And this time, it’s speaking louder than ever." Their reunion, grounded in shared values and sharpened vision, stands as a testament to what’s possible when purpose leads the way.