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Clipse is one of the most influential rap duos of the 2000s. Pusha T and Malice built a sound that reshaped how morality, the street economy, and survival were written in hip-hop. The duo emerged from Virginia, where they worked closely with Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, better known as The Neptunes. That collaboration became a turning point: The Neptunes’ skeletal, razor-sharp production and Clipse’s precise, cold-burn storytelling created a style that defined an era and influenced an entire generation of artists.
Their debut album, Lord Willin’ (2002), delivered some of The Neptunes’ most iconic work and brought Clipse to worldwide attention, with tracks like Grindin’ still regarded as one of the defining rap songs of its decade. The follow-up Hell Hath No Fury (2006) was hailed as a masterpiece — praised by outlets such as Pitchfork and Rolling Stone and frequently listed among the best rap albums of the 2000s. Its tense, stripped-down atmosphere continues to echo through modern hip-hop, from Kendrick Lamar to Griselda and the UK scene.
After the duo stepped back from releasing music together, Malice shifted toward a more introspective and spiritual artistic path under the name No Malice. Pusha T, meanwhile, ascended to the highest tier of contemporary hip-hop. His solo albums brought Grammy nominations, widespread critical acclaim and cemented his position as one of the most respected lyricists of his generation. His leadership roles within GOOD Music further reinforced his status as a central figure in modern rap.
Clipse’s return to the stage in the early 2020s sparked immediate excitement: a rare case of a group whose legacy remained intact, yet whose relevance felt completely current. Their reunion shows demonstrated why the duo holds such a singular position in hip-hop — not just as pioneers, but as artists whose influence continues to shape the sound and sensibility of rap today.