Updated: March 23, 2026
Name: Clipse
Members: Gene Elliott Thornton Jr. (Malice) / Terrence LeVarr Thornton (Pusha T)
Date of Birth: August 18, 1972 (Malice) / May 13, 1977 (Pusha T)
Age: 53 (Malice) / 48 (Pusha T)
Origin: Bronx, New York / Virginia Beach, Virginia
Gender: Male
Nationality: American
Parents: Gene Thornton Sr. and Mildred Thornton
Occupation: Rapper, Songwriter, Record Executive
Genres: Hip hop, East Coast hip hop, Southern hip hop
Biography & Career:
Clipse is an iconic American hip hop duo from Virginia Beach, Virginia, consisting of brothers Terrence "Pusha T" Thornton and Gene "Malice" Thornton. The members were born in the Bronx, New York, before the family relocated to Virginia Beach in 1979 — a move that deeply influenced the duo's gritty, street-level storytelling. Parents Gene and Mildred Thornton raised the brothers in an environment where early exposure to street life became the defining subject matter of the music. Pusha T was born on May 13, 1977, while Malice was born on August 18, 1972, and the age of Clipse as a group now spans over three decades of history.
The discography is built on raw lyricism and forward-thinking production, crafted alongside Pharrell Williams and The Neptunes. The first album, the shelved Exclusive Audio Footage, was recorded for Elektra Records in the late 1990s. It wasn't until Pharrell signed Clipse to Star Trak Entertainment at Arista Records that the duo truly broke through. The commercial debut Lord Willin' (2002) hit number one on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and the songs Grindin' and When the Last Time became instant classics. Hell Hath No Fury (2006) followed to universal acclaim, earning a five-star rating from XXL. After Til the Casket Drops (2009), the duo went on hiatus, with Malice stepping away to pursue his faith and Pusha T building a successful solo career. The tour circuit remains as active as ever, with performances at some of the world's most celebrated venues and festivals.
The long-awaited comeback album, Let God Sort Em Out (2025), produced entirely by Pharrell Williams and featuring Kendrick Lamar, Nas, and John Legend, debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and was hailed as one of the best rap records of the year. The Grammy highlight came at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where Clipse won Best Rap Performance for "Chains & Whips" — a first win — after earning five nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Rap Album. It was a defining moment for two of hip-hop's most celebrated rapper voices, long overdue for such recognition.
Clipse Albums:
Lord Willin' (2002)
Hell Hath No Fury (2006)
Til the Casket Drops (2009)
Let God Sort Em Out (2025)
Clipse Best Songs:
Grindin'
When the Last Time
Mr. Me Too
Wamp Wamp (What It Do)
Ma, I Don't Love Her
Chains & Whips
Ace Trumpets
The Birds Don't Sing
So Be It
Trill
