Pusha T Explains Why Only Top-Level Lyricists Feature on Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out Album

As Clipse prepares to drop their first full-length album in 15 years, Let God Sort Em Out, Pusha T is making it clear that this project is all about quality, skill, and lyrical mastery. Set for release on July 11, the album boasts an impressive lineup of featured artists, carefully selected by Pusha T himself to uphold the duo’s high standards.

On June 30, Clipse revealed the full tracklist, which includes appearances from hip-hop heavyweights Nas, Tyler, The Creator, Stove God Cooks, and Kendrick Lamar. In a recent interview with Elliott Wilson, Pusha T opened up about the criteria for choosing collaborators, emphasizing the importance of featuring only “top-level lyricists” on the album.

“Kendrick is a top-level lyricist! We can only have top-level lyricists on a Clipse album,” Pusha T said. “You gotta be a top-level lyricist, you have to be someone who has their own lane, you gotta be legend status, you gotta be up and coming but we can see what’s special.” This approach reflects the meticulous care Pusha has taken to ensure that every feature adds value and aligns with Clipse’s legacy of sharp lyricism and authenticity.

The choice of Kendrick Lamar, who appears on the track “Chains & Whips,” sparked rumors about potential diss verses aimed at Drake, given both artists’ history with the Canadian rapper. However, Pusha T clarified that Kendrick’s verse wasn’t directed at anyone specifically. Despite this, Def Jam—owned by Universal Music Group—tried to censor the verse because of a phrase containing “trump card.” Unwilling to compromise, Clipse paid a seven-figure sum to exit their Def Jam deal and signed a new distribution agreement with Roc Nation to maintain full creative freedom.

This commitment to artistic integrity is a cornerstone of Pusha T’s vision for Let God Sort Em Out. By featuring only those who meet his high lyrical standards—whether legendary veterans like Nas or rising stars like Stove God Cooks—Pusha is positioning the album as a showcase of some of the best talent in hip-hop today.

Though a handful of tracks leaked just days before the album’s official release, the full project remains highly anticipated. With Pusha T at the helm, Let God Sort Em Out promises to be one of the strongest hip-hop releases of 2025, honoring Clipse’s legacy while spotlighting a new generation of lyricists who share the same dedication to craft.

In Pusha T’s own words, to be featured on a Clipse album means more than just a name—it means being a top-level lyricist with a unique voice and undeniable talent.