Why did Pusha T feature Kendrick Lamar on his new album ‘Clipse’? Reasons explored

Pusha T, part of the rap duo Clipse, has a new album called Let God Sort ‘Em Out, set to come out on July 11, 2025. On this album, he brought in Kendrick Lamar as a guest artist. The feature was not planned from the start. It happened by chance, and Kendrick even offered to appear on two songs. But the feature also sparked a dispute with their old label, Def Jam, and caused them to switch to Roc Nation.

How did Kendrick Lamar join Pusha T's album?

Pusha T said that people from Kendrick Lamar's team heard Clipse’s music in the studio. They liked what they heard and called Kendrick to tell him how he should be on this album. Even though Kendrick was busy, he listened, laughed, and said, “Okay, I gotta do it. I wanna do two.” He ended up on at least one song titled “Chains & Whips.”

Pusha T said the moment was about “right place, right time.” He called Kendrick’s involvement a no‑brainer for fans of deep lyrics. However, the song “Chains & Whips” created tension. Def Jam Music Group, their old label, asked Pusha to have Kendrick censor part of his verse. They also told them to remove the song, but Pusha didn't accept that. He stood firm and refused to change Kendrick’s verse or remove the song. After about a month, Def Jam said it would drop Clipse and Pusha as artists.

Pusha T paid a seven‑figure (over $1 million) fee to exit the Def Jam deal. Clipse then signed with Jay‑Z’s Roc Nation. This allowed them to keep the Kendrick track intact. The clash was partly due to Def Jam’s concern about Drake. Kendrick and Pusha had both feuded with Drake in the past. The label worried that having two of Drake’s rivals on a track could cause trouble.

More on the album

Featuring Kendrick Lamar makes the album more exciting, as per Pusha T. He said,

“Kendrick is a top level lyricist, we can only have top level lyricists on a Clipse album”

Pharrell Williams produced the entire album, which adds trust in its artistic vision. Clipse is known for strong lyrics and real stories. Adding Kendrick keeps that style alive with new power. The album drops July 11 on Roc Nation. It includes production by Pharrell and features from Kendrick, Nas, Stove God Cooks, and John Legend.

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Fans will hear “Chains & Whips” with Kendrick’s full verse. Another song might also include him, as Kendrick said he wanted to do two songs. It is not yet clear if the second verse made the album. Clipse’s move to Roc Nation shows they wanted more freedom. They kept their full music vision and the songs they wanted. Pharrell’s full involvement and Kendrick’s verse mark this as a big release in hip hop.

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