Clipse Album ‘Let God Sort ‘Em Out’ Wins Album of the Year
In an exciting recognition of musical talent, El-Balad announces that the Clipse album “Let God Sort ‘Em Out” has earned the title of Album of the Year in SHIFTER’s Best of 2025. This award highlights the album’s significant impact in a year when hip-hop faced various challenges.
Nomination and Voting Process
The selection of “Let God Sort ‘Em Out” involved a comprehensive process. Participating journalists were tasked with nominating potential candidates through an anonymous form. Based on the nominations, a final voting form was distributed, allowing journalists to choose the winners without being influenced by each other’s selections.
Finalists for Album of the Year
- Let God Sort ‘Em Out – Clipse
- DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS – Bad Bunny
- The Art of Loving – Olivia Dean
- Swag – Justin Bieber
- Some Sexy Songs 4 U – Drake and PartyNextDoor
The Year in Hip-Hop
In 2025, the hip-hop genre encountered a slowdown, as reflected in Billboard’s Top 40. For the first time in 35 years, there were no hip-hop tracks on the list. While this was partly attributed to changes in chart rules, the genre struggled to produce major hits.
Controversies, such as the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, absorbed much attention. Many artists struggled to gain traction in an environment that became increasingly challenging for new music to break through. This backdrop made the success of Clipse particularly noteworthy.
Back with a Bang: Clipse’s Reunion
The highly anticipated reunion of the Virginia Beach brothers brought new life to hip-hop with “Let God Sort ‘Em Out.” The collaboration with Pharrell, who acted as both producer and executive producer, added a contemporary edge to their storytelling. The album addresses themes of street life and personal loss, with poignant tracks like “The Birds Don’t Sing.”
Sales and Streaming Success
“Let God Sort ‘Em Out” achieved impressive commercial success upon its release, debuting at:
- #4 on the Billboard 200
- #1 on the Independent Albums chart
- #2 on the Top Rap Albums chart
In its first week, the album sold 58,000 copies and garnered 77.49 million streams, accumulating a total of 118,000 equivalent album units. Notably, this success was achieved independently, following their departure from Def Jam.
The Impact of Clipse’s Album
The arrival of this album came at a time when hip-hop needed revitalization. With other hip-hop segments, such as trap music facing legal issues, Clipse stepped in to fill the void. The album served as a reminder that hip-hop has a broader audience beyond just younger artists, paving the way for older, influential rappers to return to the forefront.
Innovative Sound and Influence
Clipse distinguished themselves from their contemporaries with a fresh sound. Pharrell’s innovative production and the duo’s sharp lyrical prowess kept them relevant. The album also showcased artistic visuals that appealed to both longtime fans and newer listeners.
Additionally, Clipse’s partnership with Pharrell allowed them to influence fashion culture, extending their reach beyond music. Their ability to resonate with a diverse audience establishes them as a lasting and significant force in the music industry.
