Clipse is an American hip-hop duo known for their significant contributions to the genre and their influential sound. Comprising brothers Gene "Malice" and Terrence "Pusha T" Thornton, Clipse emerged from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and gained widespread recognition with their 2002 single "Grindin'." Their lyrical themes often revolve around the complexities of the illegal drug trade, establishing them as key figures in the Southern hip-hop scene.

The duo's journey began in 1994 when they were first discovered by producer Pharrell Williams, another Virginia Beach native. Initially, Pusha T was known as Terrar, while Malice was called Malicious. Williams encouraged the brothers to collaborate more closely, leading to their signing with Elektra Records. Their early work included recording an album titled "Exclusive Audio Footage," which was ultimately shelved, resulting in Clipse being dropped from the label after the lackluster response to its lead single, "The Funeral."

In 2001, Clipse found new opportunities under Williams' Star Trak Entertainment imprint at Arista Records. Their debut studio album, "Lord Willin'," released in 2002, peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and received a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album was met with critical acclaim, with tracks like "Grindin'" cementing their place in hip-hop history. Following the success of their debut, the duo faced several delays in releasing subsequent projects due to record label restructuring.

Their second album, "Hell Hath No Fury," released in 2006, showcased their lyrical depth and production prowess, receiving widespread critical acclaim despite modest commercial success. The duo continued their upward trajectory with their third album, "Til the Casket Drops," which came out in 2009 and further solidified their reputation as innovative artists within the genre.

In 2010, Clipse went on hiatus as both members pursued solo careers, with Pusha T achieving notable success with his solo projects and collaborations. However, the duo reunited in 2019 for a guest appearance on Kanye West's song "Use This Gospel," from the album "Jesus Is King." This marked their first collaboration in nearly a decade, reigniting interest in their work.

Clipse made a triumphant return with their fourth studio album, "Let God Sort Em Out," released on July 11, 2025. The album, produced entirely by Williams, was met with critical acclaim and featured the singles "Ace Trumpets," "So Be It," and "Chains & Whips." The duo's ability to evolve while remaining true to their roots has allowed them to maintain a significant presence in the hip-hop landscape, continuing to influence new generations of artists.