History of Clipse in Timeline

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Clipse

Clipse was an American hip hop duo from Virginia Beach, Virginia, active from 1994 to 2010. The group consisted of brothers Gene "Malice" (later No Malice) and Terrence "Pusha T" Thornton. Discovered by Pharrell Williams, who produced their albums, Clipse gained recognition for their lyrical focus on the illegal drug trade. Their work helped establish Virginia as a notable hip hop hub on the East Coast. Pusha T has continued a solo rap career since the group ended.

1979: Move to Virginia Beach

In 1979, The Thornton family moved from The Bronx to Virginia Beach, where the brothers were exposed to the cocaine trade.

1988: Malice Starts Recording Solo

In 1988, Malice began recording songs as a solo act after being introduced to Chad Hugo.

1990: Meets The Neptunes

In 1990, Malice met Magoo, Larry Live, & Pharrell Williams, who with Chad Hugo formed the production duo The Neptunes, and they continued recording with Malice.

1991: Malice Enlists in the Army

In 1991, after graduating high school, Malice enlisted in the Army to support his family.

1994: Clipse Formation

In 1994, Malice's enlistment in the Army ended, leading to the brothers recording together as Clipse.

1994: Brothers Start Recording Together

In 1994, after Malice's enlistment ended, the brothers began recording together, leading to the formation of Clipse.

1996: Recording contract with Elektra Records

In 1996, The Neptunes helped Clipse secure a recording contract with Elektra Records, where they recorded their debut album, Exclusive Audio Footage.

2001: Signing to Arista Records

In 2001, Clipse signed with Arista Records as the first act on Pharrell Williams' Star Trak Entertainment imprint.

May 14, 2002: Release of "Grindin'"

On May 14, 2002, Clipse released "Grindin'" as the lead single from their debut album, and it became an instant hit.

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August 20, 2002: Release of Lord Willin'

On August 20, 2002, Clipse released their commercial debut album, Lord Willin', which opened at Number 1 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and Number 4 on the Billboard 200.

October 1, 2002: Lord Willin' Certified Gold

On October 1, 2002, Lord Willin' was certified Gold by the RIAA.

December 3, 2002: Release of "Ma, I Don't Love Her"

On December 3, 2002, Clipse released the single "Ma, I Don't Love Her" featuring Faith Evans.

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2002: Features and collaborations in 2002

In 2002, Clipse featured on Justin Timberlake's first solo single, "Like I Love You", and on the song "What Happened to That Boy" with Birdman. Pusha T also featured in Nivea's second single "Run Away (I Wanna Be with U)".

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2002: Release of Lord Willin'

In 2002, Clipse's debut studio album, Lord Willin', peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and received gold certification.

2003: Tour with 50 Cent

In 2003, Clipse went on tour with rapper 50 Cent.

2003: Begin Recording for Hell Hath No Fury

In late 2003, Clipse began recording material for their second album, Hell Hath No Fury.

2004: Release of We Got It 4 Cheap Vol. 1

In 2004, While in litigation with Jive Records, Clipse released We Got It 4 Cheap Vol. 1, their first collection of new material since their debut album.

2004: Label Merger Halts Album Production

In 2004, further work on Hell Hath No Fury halted when Arista Records' urban artists were absorbed by Jive Records due to a merger. Clipse was forced to stay on Jive, while Star Trak moved to Interscope.

2005: Release of We Got It 4 Cheap Vol. 2

In 2005, Clipse released We Got It 4 Cheap Vol. 2, which received widespread critical acclaim.

May 9, 2006: Agreement with Jive Records

On May 9, 2006, Clipse reached an agreement with Jive Records to release their album through their Re-Up Records label along with Jive.

May 23, 2006: Release of "Mr. Me Too"

On May 23, 2006, Clipse released the first single "Mr. Me Too" with Pharrell Williams, from the upcoming album Hell Hath No Fury.

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November 28, 2006: Release of Hell Hath No Fury

On November 28, 2006, Clipse's album Hell Hath No Fury was finally released, receiving universal acclaim.

2006: Release of Hell Hath No Fury

In 2006, Clipse released their second album, Hell Hath No Fury, which received widespread critical acclaim despite modest sales.

May 19, 2007: Released From Jive Contract

On May 19, 2007, Clipse revealed in an interview that they had been officially released from their recording contract with Jive Records.

October 26, 2007: Signing with Columbia Records

On October 26, 2007, Clipse signed with Columbia Records after discussions with several record labels.

February 5, 2008: Release of We Got it 4 Cheap Vol. 3

On February 5, 2008, Clipse released the 3rd installment in the We Got it 4 Cheap mixtape series as a free download on their website.

August 8, 2008: Release of Clipse Presents: The Re-Up Gang

On August 8, 2008, Clipse released The Re-Up Gang's debut studio album, Clipse Presents: The Re-Up Gang through Koch Records.

November 2008: Launch of Play Cloths Fashion Line

In November 2008, Clipse announced the launch of their fashion line, Play Cloths.

December 1, 2008: Release of Road to Till the Casket Drops

On December 1, 2008, Clipse released a mixtape called Road to Till the Casket Drops to promote their fashion line and upcoming album.

December 8, 2009: Release of Til the Casket Drops

On December 8, 2009, Clipse released their final studio album, Til the Casket Drops.

2009: Release of Til the Casket Drops

In 2009, Clipse released their third album, Til the Casket Drops.

April 30, 2010: Solo Albums Announcement

At a concert on April 30, 2010, Malice announced that he and Pusha T would release solo albums later in the year.

September 12, 2010: Pusha T Signs with G.O.O.D. Music

On September 12, 2010, Pusha T confirmed to MTV that he had signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music label.

2010: Clipse Hiatus

In 2010, Clipse went on hiatus, with both members pursuing solo careers.

2011: Malice Publishes Book

In 2011, Malice published his book "Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind & Naked", a memoir about his life.

Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind and Naked
Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind and Naked

2012: Malice Changes Name to No Malice

In 2012, Malice changed his stage name to No Malice and collaborated with Lecrae on his mixtape Church Clothes, in the song "Darkest Hour".

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2013: No Malice Releases Debut Album

In 2013, No Malice released his debut studio album Hear Ye Him via Reinvision.

2014: No Malice Declares Clipse Finished

In 2014, No Malice stated at SXSW that Clipse was finished and there would not be another Clipse album.

2015: Pusha T Named President of G.O.O.D. Music

In 2015, Pusha T was named president of G.O.O.D. Music.

2016: Release of The End Of Malice Documentary

In 2016, No Malice released the documentary The End Of Malice, which recalled the moment Clipse broke up and why.

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2016: No Malice Open to Reunion

In a 2016 interview, No Malice expressed openness to a Clipse reunion, stating he would "never say never".

2017: No Malice Releases Let the Dead Bury the Dead

In 2017, No Malice released his second studio album, Let the Dead Bury the Dead.

2019: Clipse Reunites on "Use This Gospel"

In 2019, Clipse officially reunited to guest appear alongside Kenny G on Kanye West's song "Use This Gospel".

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2019: Clipse Reunites on Kanye West's Album

In 2019, Clipse reunited to feature on Kanye West's album Jesus Is King on the track "Use This Gospel". Pusha T expressed excitement about the collaboration.

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May 2, 2022: Official Release of Exclusive Audio Footage

On May 2, 2022, Clipse's previously shelved album "Exclusive Audio Footage" received an official release via Spotify.

2022: Clipse Features on Nigo's Album and Pusha T's Album

In 2022, Clipse reunited to feature on Japanese fashion designer and DJ Nigo's album I Know Nigo, on the track "Punch Bowl" produced by The Neptunes. Malice also featured on the track "I Pray for You" on Pusha T's 2022 album, It's Almost Dry.

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2022: No Malice on Pusha T's "I Pray For You"

In 2022, No Malice appeared on Pusha T's song "I Pray For You" from his album It's Almost Dry.

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2024: Clipse Debuts New Song at Louis Vuitton Fashion Show

In 2024, Clipse debuted a new song called "Birds Don't Sing" at a Louis Vuitton fashion show.

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May 2025: Clipse announces lead single 'Ace Trumpets'

On May 28, 2025, Clipse announced the presumed lead single 'Ace Trumpets' for their upcoming album, 'Let God Sort 'Em Out', which marks their first album since 2009. The single is scheduled to be released on May 30, 2025.

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