The Earvin Edit

After a hiatus spanning over a decade, Clipse is back and ready to show the rap game that they haven’t lost a step. Did this album prove Clipse’s light still shines as bright as it did in years prior?

Written by Earvin Adjei

Hip-Hop’s favorite brotherly duo is back with their first album since 2009’s ‘Til the Casket Drops. Let’s discuss all that came on their long-awaited return album. 

The Good:

Picking up right where they left off is Pharrell and Clipse. P’s instrumentals, paired with Clipse’s rapping ability, are a match made in heaven. The three have an amazing chemistry that’s just as strong as the last time we heard them together. Pharrell’s signature bass-heavy beats make every bar hit harder. This is evident throughout the tracklist, especially on songs such as Ace Trumpets and M.T.B.T.T.F. But even more intriguing is the variety the album offers. There are slow, methodical beats that evoke emotion, like the intro The Birds Don’t Sing. There are menacing tracks that put you on the drug-riddled streets of Virginia with Push and Malice. And there’s groovy production on M.T.B.T.T.F. that gives you that early-2000s Neptunes vibe. Pharrell can truly do it all, and the production here is a highlight.

Every feature on this album delivers. Tyler, The Creator on P.O.V., Kendrick Lamar on Chains & Whips, Stove God Cooks’ hook on F.I.C.O., all elevate their respective tracks. Tyler, The Creator admitted in an interview that he rewrote his verse multiple times to ensure it lived up to Clipse’s standard. It seems every other featured artist brought their A-game as well. Before the album’s release, Def Jam dropped Clipse and Pusha T over a dispute about Kendrick Lamar’s feature. The label wanted the verse removed due to the optics of two of Drake’s rivals collaborating. Pusha T refused, and the duo left the label and signed with Roc Nation. With all the anticipation behind Kendrick’s verse, it was satisfying to see it live up to the hype. Stove God Cooks might have had the hook of the year with F.I.C.O., extremely catchy and flowing perfectly over the production.

We all know Push is still capable of rapping at a high level, but his older brother, Malice, proves he is as well. After taking a couple of years away from rapping due to a spiritual awakening, Malice returned and showcased his elite pen throughout this album. After all these years, he keeps up with Push, and some fans even went as far as to say he washed Push a few times, something Push had no problem laughing at. Listening to Malice here proves he never lost it, and it reminds you why Clipse only works when both brothers are locked in.

The Not-So-Good (If We’re Being Picky):

While Let God Sort Em’ Out is strong from start to finish, the album slightly loses steam toward the end. The final four tracks are somewhat forgettable compared to the highs earlier in the tracklist. Additionally, Pharrell’s vocal contributions don’t always land; his high-pitched singing falls flat at points and occasionally distracts from otherwise solid moments.

Final Verdict:

Let God Sort Em’ Out is an amazing album and a definite Rap Album of the Year contender. With stellar production, sharp bars, and visuals that complement the music, Clipse proves their return was more than worth the wait. 4.5 out of 5 stars.