Clipse bring out Kendrick Lamar at Los Angeles show
The return of Clipse isn’t just a reunion—it’s a revival. On Saturday, August 23, hip-hop fans packed into The Novo in downtown Los Angeles, not fully aware of the historic moment that was about to unfold.
After a fiery string of tour stops on their Let God Sort Em Out Tour, Pusha T and Malice hit the LA stage with raw intensity. But the real explosion came when Kendrick Lamar emerged from backstage to join them for their first-ever live performance of “Chains & Whips.”
The crowd? Absolutely electric.
This wasn’t just a live cameo. It was a major moment in modern hip-hop—a blend of legacy, artistry, and cultural weight. But to fully understand the impact of that night, let’s rewind a bit and take a closer look at what brought Clipse back to this point, why “Chains & Whips” matters, and how this tour is shaping up to be more than just a comeback.
A Tour Years in the Making
Clipse officially reunited earlier this year with the announcement of their Let God Sort Em Out Tour, which kicked off on August 3. This marks their first full-scale tour in over 15 years. From the moment it was announced, anticipation was sky-high.
Stops so far have included Boston, Manhattan, Philadelphia, Detroit, and their hometown of Virginia Beach, where the emotional response from the crowd proved that this duo still holds an unshakable place in hip-hop’s DNA.
Each performance on the tour has featured a carefully curated setlist—combining legacy hits like “Grindin’” and “Mr. Me Too” with brand-new material from their latest album Let God Sort Em Out.
But Los Angeles? That was the show fans will be talking about for years.
The Kendrick Lamar Surprise
Fans in LA got a once-in-a-lifetime moment when Kendrick Lamar—Compton native and modern-day rap icon—stepped on stage during Clipse’s set. The trio launched into “Chains & Whips,” the new track that has already been hailed by critics as one of the most powerful collaborations of the year.
This performance marked the first time all three artists had performed the song together live. Kendrick didn’t stay for a solo spotlight. He delivered his verse, acknowledged the legends in front of him, and stepped back—choosing to watch the rest of the show from the crowd, as a fan.
That humility only deepened the moment’s significance. For many in the room, it symbolized a passing of the torch—but also a reunion of creative forces committed to pushing the genre forward.
The Power of “Chains & Whips”
“Chains & Whips” is more than just a song. It’s a layered, introspective look at the costs of fame, systemic injustice, and personal sacrifice.
The title alone is a double entendre. On one level, it references jewelry and material success. But on another, it confronts themes of oppression, slavery, and imprisonment—both literal and figurative.
Pusha T’s verse on the track takes sharp aim at industry peers chasing fleeting trends. His lyrics are assertive and unapologetic. Meanwhile, Malice (who had previously stepped away from music to focus on spiritual work) returns with a tone that is introspective, mature, and grounded in hard-earned wisdom.
Then there’s Kendrick Lamar’s verse—dense, philosophical, and poetically charged. His contribution doesn’t just add fire to the track—it elevates it into something bigger than music.
Together, the trio crafts a track that stands as a cultural artifact as much as a hip-hop anthem.
Creative Integrity Over Corporate Control
The road to releasing “Chains & Whips” wasn’t smooth.
Initially, the track was held up over industry politics. Def Jam, Clipse’s former label, reportedly wanted Kendrick’s verse removed. The reasoning? Legal complications surrounding Kendrick’s ongoing public issues with fellow rapper Drake—who shares ties with Def Jam’s parent company.
Rather than compromise the song’s message, Clipse made a bold choice. They walked away from the label, bought out their contract, and signed a new distribution deal. That decision came with a price—reports suggest it cost them millions.
But for Clipse, the message was clear: art comes before approval. And in an era where many artists choose comfort over conflict, their decision resonated deeply with fans and fellow creatives alike.
A Stage Built on Legacy
Clipse isn’t just another act making a comeback. Their early 2000s catalog still echoes through today’s sound. Tracks like “Grindin’” and “Cot Damn” helped define the Neptunes-era production style and set a lyrical bar that few acts could reach.
Their new material, however, proves they’re not relying on nostalgia. With Let God Sort Em Out, Clipse has crafted an album steeped in reflection, faith, and fury. It’s a mature, confident body of work that speaks to both their past and their future.
This tour showcases both their evolution and their consistency. The performances are precise. The energy is raw. The crowd engagement? Off the charts.
And now—with Kendrick Lamar blessing the stage—they’ve added another layer to their unfolding story.
What’s Next on the Let God Sort Em Out Tour?
The North American leg of the tour continues through September, with upcoming stops in Chicago, Minneapolis, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Atlanta.
From there, the duo will shift gears for two major festival appearances:
- Dia De Los Deftones in San Diego
- Camp Flog Gnaw in Los Angeles on November 15—their final U.S. performance before heading to Europe
In November, the European leg of the tour kicks off, with dates planned in London, Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam. For international fans, it’s a long-awaited chance to see Clipse live in an era that feels both urgent and timeless.
Why This Matters for Hip-Hop
Moments like these don’t happen often. They’re not pre-planned marketing stunts or superficial collabs. They’re real, they’re raw, and they reflect everything that makes hip-hop a storytelling engine for truth, struggle, and self-expression.
Kendrick’s appearance wasn’t just about adding star power. It was about honoring lineage—about one of today’s greats recognizing those who helped pave the way.
Clipse’s refusal to compromise their message—and their decision to take the financial hit to keep “Chains & Whips” intact—underscores their lasting influence and integrity.
And for fans? It’s a chance to witness a chapter in hip-hop history as it’s being written, not recounted years later.
Whether you’re a long-time fan who bumped Clipse in the early 2000s or someone discovering them for the first time through this tour, one thing is clear: Clipse is back—and they’ve got something to say.
Their message is hard-earned, complex, and deeply rooted in personal and cultural truth. From the pounding bass of “Chains & Whips” to the spiritual introspection that runs through their latest album, Clipse has returned not just to perform, but to provoke thought.
And with artists like Kendrick Lamar standing beside them, this isn’t just a reunion—it’s a revolution.
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