Picture this: a rapper who shed his fierce stage name for a profound spiritual awakening, only to dust it off and embrace it anew for a triumphant reunion with his brother. It's a tale of identity, legacy, and raw authenticity that's got fans buzzing—and it's exactly what happened with Malice and the Clipse comeback. But here's where it gets controversial: is reverting to an old persona a nod to tradition or a betrayal of personal growth?
Recently, the duo Clipse—brothers Pusha T and Malice—sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to chat about their blockbuster year with their album Let God Sort Em Out. For newcomers to hip-hop, Clipse is a legendary rap group known for their gritty lyrics, street-smart storytelling, and hits like "Grindin'" back in the early 2000s. Their reunion after years apart has been nothing short of electrifying, and in the interview, they delved into one of the most intriguing puzzles surrounding their return: why Malice, formerly No Malice, flipped back to his original moniker.
To give some context, Malice—whose real name is Gene Thornton—switched to No Malice in 2012, right after their album Til the Casket Drops. This change stemmed from a deep spiritual journey where he sought to reflect a more peaceful, non-malicious side of himself. It was like shedding a skin that symbolized aggression in his verses, much like how some artists evolve their styles to mirror life's changes. For example, think of how Jay-Z transitioned from early bravado to the reflective wisdom in his later albums. Malice even released two solo projects under this new name, solidifying it as part of his personal brand.
Yet, when the brothers decided to reunite as Clipse for Let God Sort Em Out, Malice felt compelled to revert to "Malice." And this is the part most people miss: it wasn't just about nostalgia—it was about honoring the group's core essence. 'Since the very beginning, my stage name was Malice, tied to the idea of delivering verses with vicious intent,' he shared, drawing from his work with collaborators like Infinite. 'That's the heart of what the name represented.' He went on to explain how his spiritual evolution led him to drop the 'Malice' to signal he was no longer bringing harm or negativity into his art. But reuniting with Pusha T changed everything. 'When we chose to reform the group, I believed we owed it to ourselves and our loyal fans to keep the original branding intact. I didn't want to tweak Clipse in any small way. Clipse is Clipse—pure and simple. It's our identity together, and that's what the fans recognize. I wouldn't have it differently.'
The reunion wasn't just about music; it was a powerful statement on staying true to roots. In fact, during that THR chat with Kyle Eustice, Malice noted how refreshing it was to address this directly: 'You're actually the first person to nail this down so clearly,' he said. 'I've touched on it before, but thanks for making it a key point.'
Shifting gears, Pusha T chimed in during a separate Billboard interview about the album's deeper implications for hip-hop. He challenged the notion of an 'age ceiling' in rap, arguing that experience and competition matter more than youth. 'Music isn't just for the young,' he reflected. 'It's for anyone stepping up to compete and stay relevant. You can't just coast—you've got to dive in fully.' This echoes debates in the industry, where veterans like Pusha T prove that maturity brings depth, much like how Nas or Eminem continue to innovate decades in.
To visualize this comeback, imagine Grammy winner Pharrell Williams joining Clipse and Justin Timberlake on stage at the Something in the Water festival in Washington, D.C., back in June 2022—a moment captured perfectly by photographer Jarrad Henderson for USA TODAY NETWORK. It's a snapshot of legacy in motion.
But let's stir the pot a bit: some might argue that clinging to an 'attacking' name like Malice undermines the spiritual progress he worked so hard to achieve. Is this reversion a step backward for personal growth, or a brilliant marketing move to reignite the fire? Others could see it as hypocritical—why change for solo work but not for the group? What do you think: should artists adapt their identities for collaborations, or stick rigidly to evolution? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Malice's choice, or would you have pushed for a new hybrid name? Let's discuss!
About the Author
Gabriel Bras Nevares serves as a dedicated staff writer at HotNewHipHop, bringing his passion for journalism to the forefront since joining in the summer of 2022 while wrapping up his B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication at The George Washington University. Hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Gabriel loves exploring the vibrant fusion of his roots in reggaetón with the pulse of hip-hop news, as seen in his glowing review of Bad Bunny's 2024 hometown show. He dives deep into the genre's soul, tackling big topics like the rumored 'death' of hip-hop in 2023, the layered drama of the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud, or the intricate legal saga involving Young Thug and YSL. Beyond breaking stories, Gabriel channels his concert fanaticism into vivid recaps of festivals such as Rolling Loud Miami and Camp Flog Gnaw. His editorial flair shines through album critiques, insightful essays, and chats with rising stars and hidden gems alike, including talents like Homeboy Sandman, Bktherula, Bas, and Devin Malik.
