Clipse Drop Striking New Video for Kendrick Lamar Collab “Chains & Whips”

Clipse has officially released the gripping new music video for “Chains & Whips,” their powerful collaboration with Kendrick Lamar from their new album Let God Sort Em Out. Directed by acclaimed visual artist Gabriel Moses, the video is the first from the duo’s long-awaited return project and features both Pusha T and Malice in visually arresting scenes that match the raw energy of the track.

While Kendrick Lamar does not appear in the video, his verse remains one of the most talked-about moments of the album. Delivered with signature precision and intensity, his bars have sparked widespread praise from fans and critics alike. The moody black-and-white video enhances the song’s dramatic themes, with Moses opting for minimalistic but emotionally charged imagery that allows the lyrics to shine.

The path to this release wasn’t without friction. In a June interview with GQ, Pusha T revealed that their former label, Def Jam, took issue with Kendrick’s verse — not because of the ongoing Drake beef many assumed it was linked to, but due to a line referencing former president Donald Trump. The label reportedly asked Pusha to censor Kendrick’s lyrics, specifically objecting to the use of the phrase “trump card,” fearing potential backlash. When Clipse refused, Def Jam threatened to drop the group altogether.

“They wanted me to ask Kendrick to censor his verse, which of course I was never doing,” Pusha explained. “And then they wanted me to take the record off. And so, after a month of not doing it, Steve Gawley, the lawyer over there, was like, ‘We’ll just drop the Clipse.’” That standoff led Clipse to leave Def Jam and sign with Roc Nation, where they were given the freedom to release the project uncensored and unfiltered.

Pusha also shared on The Joe Budden Podcast that Kendrick had originally shown interest in appearing on a second track, “So Be It,” but his verse for “Chains & Whips” arrived first and secured his single feature spot on the album.

With the release of the “Chains & Whips” video, Clipse has solidified this track as a defining statement of their comeback. It not only highlights the duo’s unshaken lyrical prowess but also underscores their commitment to artistic integrity. The collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, paired with the cinematic visual, is already shaping up to be one of the most memorable rap moments of 2025.