Clipse Leak Kendrick Lamar Verse Amid Def Jam Dispute

Clipse, the hip-hop duo of Pusha T and Malice, have previewed Kendrick Lamar's highly anticipated verse on their upcoming reunion album Let God Sort Em Out, particularly on the track "Chains & Whips." Kendrick's verse, which addresses the state of Hip Hop, reportedly caused significant friction with Clipse's then-label Def Jam and Universal Music Group, leading to the duo paying a seven-figure sum to exit their contract and sign with Roc Nation. The controversy stems partly from the ongoing Drake-Kendrick Lamar beef and Drake's lawsuit against UMG, as Def Jam was concerned about the optics of Kendrick and Clipse collaborating, given their rivalry with Drake. Despite attempts to censor or remove the verse, Clipse and Pharrell leaked snippets of the track, which has sparked mixed reactions among fans but solidified excitement for the album's release on July 11, 2025. Industry insiders suggest that UMG sought to suppress the collaboration due to its potential impact amid legal battles, but the verse has now been widely circulated online, highlighting Clipse and Kendrick Lamar's sharp and uncompromising lyrical delivery. The album and the track are seen as a bold statement in the current hip-hop landscape, with Clipse continuing to take aim at rival artists as they make their comeback.