Add one more thing Clipse won’t have to worry about sorting out this week; album sales.
Let God Sort ‘Em Out, the first full-length project from Virginia Beach brothers Gene “Malice” Thornton and Terrance “Pusha T” Thornton since 2009’s ‘Til The Casket Drops, is projected to sell 90,000 units in its first week, an unheard-of number in today’s musical climate.
The success of Let God is cause for respect and admiration for more than a few reasons.
For starters, rollouts still matter. In a world where consumers of most things are cursed by a need for instant gratification and disposability, Clipse and Roc Nation’s rollout of this album has been incredibly pointed and smart.
Pusha T and Malice made the radio and podcast rounds, as well as having an entire week on Genius explaining some of their best and most intricate bars.
They also performed an NPR Tiny Desk concert the day of Let God’s release, including songs from the album (“Chains and Whips” and “Birds Don’t Sing”) as well as the classics (“Virginia,” “Keys Open Doors,” “Momma I’m So Sorry” and “Grindin’”).
The Tiny Desk highlight was Pusha T genuinely being excited to be back by his older brother’s side, while Malice has gotten more menacing with his performances, even as a man of faith.
Another reason is the fact that an independently produced and distributed rap album can sell that many records in today’s world is proof that if a product is good, people will find a way to buy, and support said product.
Giving them a reason to do so is the key, which is why Let God’s rollout is important and masterful.
16 YEARS LATER… pic.twitter.com/Qz28ImFMmF
— Pusha & Malice (@clipse) July 21, 2025
Last, but certainly not least, Clipse are the latest in a line of veteran rappers who have taken the adage coined by the late boxing champion George Foreman (“The age 40 is not a death sentence”) and run with it.
Solid releases from GOAT-level rappers such as LL Cool J, Slick Rick and Nas in recent years are beginning to change the conversation surrounding an MC’s shelf life.
Artists and acts from different genres record, tour and perform well into middle age and beyond. Rappers should be allowed the same luxury if their skills allow for it.
And make no mistake about it, Clipse still have the skills. Let God Sort ‘Em Out, from the hard-hitting and poetic lyricism to Pharrell’s for-hustlers-only production, is an album worthy of the praise and the sales that have come so far.
Listen to our instant reaction review of Let God Sort ‘Em Out:
