Music Monday: "Let God Sort Em Out," Shows Clipse is Still at the Top of Their Game All These Years Later

Clipse has not had an album come out with the brotherly duo of Pusha-T and No Malice since 2009. They've both done some solo projects (and No Malice outright quit rapping for a while) but outside of a featured track here and there, nothing. Hence, I was extremely excited when I heard that Clipse was reuniting for a new LP with production by Pharrell and some guest appearances. On Friday, July 11th, "Let God Sort Em Out," dropped, and I have listened to it now multiple times. It is great, to put it simply.

Outside of those who love the LP like myself and many others, I have seen a review here and there observing that Pharrell's production sounds almost a little too finished and glossy for the at-times grimy style of Clipse. I think enough tracks still hit just right and hard enough that I wasn't thinking Pharrell hindered the album at all. Oh, and this album starts hard. "The Birds Don't Sing," kicks things off forcefully but balances it all out with John Legend adding some vocals too. Then, "Chains & Whips," is straight fire with Kendrick Lamar's verse already a, "Lyrics of the Year," contender. It is funny to think Lamar having a guest spot was so controversial for the original record label Clipse was signed to (Def Jam) for Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. Jumping ship and keeping the song intact was a good choice, clearly. "P.O.V." with its beat-shifs and Tyler the Creator joining in on the fun is a hoot as well, and as the album continues with such bangers as, "Ace Trumpets," and, "M.T.B.T.T.F." it all flows so well from track to track. The final two tunes, "Let God Sort Em Out / Chandeliers," and "By the Grace of God," close everything out wonderfully as well, with Nas and Pharrell appearing on each track, respectively, and helping bring it all home.

"Let God Sort Em Out," shows that Clipse ages like fine wine, and despite it being over 15 years since their last LP they haven't lost a step. We're all a bit older and wiser, and that makes this album all the better. Everyone had to wait quite some time for Clipse to return, but if we get an album like this, that's perfectly okay with me!

5 out of 5 Stars.