One of the sharpest Hip Hop duos is finally back together.
Before they were so culturally inappropriate, Clipse found themselves as inspirational segments in the world of fashion. Their style, along with their hard-hitting raps, have influenced generations.
This is true, too, in the world of sneakers. From their deep connection to streetwear, to walking a Louis Vuitton runway, the Clipse’s have long maintained their connection to sneakers and fashion.
Ahead of the release of Let God Sort Em Out, the duo’s first album in 15 years, we are taking a look back at some of the Clipse’s best moments in the world of footwear.
Clipse for BAPE’s Autumn & Winter 2005 Campaign
We have previously covered BAPE’s explosion in popularity in North America at the turn of the century. Nigo’s relationship with Pharrell Williams paved the way for the brand to gain a footing in the United States. Dressing Williams, along with both Malice and Pusha T, was among the coolest endorsements the brand could receive.
The brothers maintained a loyalty to NIGO, after all loyalty is something they seek out of any relationship. That loyalty led to one of Rap’s biggest cold wars; eventually becoming a point of contention in 2024 famous rap battle.
Clipse’s appearance in Bape’s 2005 Autumn & Winter Campaign collection perfectly encapsulated the relationship between streetwear and Hip Hop. The bold graphics, the oversized chains to match the oversized jeans, and of course; the patent leather bapestas were all signs of an ecosystem prime for a takeover of pop culture.
Clipse launch Play Cloths and Develop a Working Relationship with Saucony
Founded in 2008, Play Cloths allowed Clipse an even closer relationship with streetwear. Developing and launching their own brand turned them from fans to suppliers.
Inspired by BAPE and their Got it for Cheap mixtape series, Play Cloths became Pusha T’s creative outlet during a contentious part of the Clipse’s career. Amidst label issues delaying the duo’s releases, Pusha T laid the groundwork for the brand that would come to be Play Cloths.
Play Cloths eventually developed a great partnership with Saucony for footwear collaborations. This partnership birthed several collaborations including different iterations of the Shadow 500. In 2014, the partnership tackled the Grid 9000 for a pair dubbed “Motocross”.
In a color palette very familiar to Hip Hop and Streetwear, the Motocross Grid 9000 drew inspiration from the vibrant outfits worn by motocross riders. The sneaker was a hit among fans, and today is a grail among Saucony collectors.
Pusha T signs with adidas as he Embarks on a new Chapter
The 2010s were an interesting time for Pusha T.
Clipse went on hiatus at the turn of the decade- citing Malace’s desire to connect with his faith amidst a tiring career of label issues. With the duo on hold, Pusha T pursued a solo career, and he quickly established rapport with Kanye West. Eventually signing to Good Music, Push would be a constant among Kanye West and Good Music Projects in the 2010s.
At the same time, Pusha T was establishing a new relationship in the world of sneakers- a partnership with adidas. The brand would release a collaboration on the EQT 93.
The “King Push” EQT 93 featured premium cracked leather with stark fish-scale details throughout the upper. This very on the nose design felt authentic, and fostered a relationship that would go on to lead to multi-year, reportedly in the millions, partnership between Pusha T and adidas.
Pusha T puts his taste-making abilities on display with the “Thorn” Supernova 7
If the 2010s were about Pusha T discovering his path as a solo artist and entrepreneur, the 2020s have all been about him getting his roses- even if they had thorns in them.
Daytona arrived in 2018 but its themes and memorable bars have maintained it as one of the most beloved Rap albums in recent times. 2023’s It’s Almost Dry felt like a victory lap- with Pusha T rapping the calculated bars that have made his career over production by Pharrell and Kanye West.
This time period felt all about taking calculated risks, and that is what Pusha’s Supernova 7 felt like. Pusha T would lend his taste on the sneaker as the tech-runner trend began to bubble towards the surface in the world of sneakers.
The sneaker, unfortunately, never released but it is a reminder of the Coachella weekend where Pusha T would captivate a crowd of rap fans eager for their cut of Pusha T’s raps.
The “Thorn” Supernova 7 showed us just how connected the veteran MC was to the footwear trends- just as he has displayed the same connectivity throughout his career in music.
Clipse reunite and become the faces of adidas
“The Best is yet to come, I’m just glad that you waited,” exclaimed Pusha T on Kanye West’s Use This Gospel.
The song, released in 2019, would mark the first time the Clipse would release new music in a decade. Pusha’s verse was a sign of the impending reunion between the Thorton brothers.
Malice, now going by No Malice, would make more cameos on Nigo’s Punch Bowl in 2022 and on It’s Almost Dry’s closing track I Pray for You. In 2023, Clipse walked the runway of Pharrell’s debut show for Louis Vuitton as Men’s Creative Director- while a new song from the group played in the background.
Clipse would subsequently announce their reunion album, Let God Sort Em Out. All the while the brothers, with their connection to both Pharrell and Adidas, would become the faces of Pharrell’s upcoming Jellyfish collections with adidas.
The duo also dressed in a campaign for Pharrell’s Superstar 92, an exaggerated update to a sneaker who, too, is a part of Hip Hop Royalty. Now, the brothers have become the walking promotion for one of the most anticipated sneakers- Pharrell and adidas’ Jellyfish sneaker.
Revealed in January, the sneaker has been the talk of the sneaker space for months. For June’s Paris Fashion Week, Clipse sported the sneaker in a new colorway- further raising the anticipation for the sneaker.
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Clipse’s illustrious career has been met with plenty of roadblocks. They have turned said roadblocks into motivation towards creating some of the most critically acclaimed Hip Hop albums of the 2000s.
Their contribution to the world of sneakers feels parallel to that of their career in music. Not in that it was full of adversity, but in the tenacious nature of always finding a way. Whether it was establishing a new style, or having the foresight to see what was next, they have left their powdered fingerprints on music, streetwear, and the world of sneakers.
Let God Sort Em Out releases via Roc Nation on July 11th.
Stay up to date on the upcoming Jellyfish and more adidas sneakers via the SoleSavy DROPS app. There you can find the latest news details as well as release info and raffle management.
