Clipse Share New "Chains & Whips" Video: Watch
Let God Sort Em Out's collaboration with Kendrick Lamar gets a visual
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The Virginia rap duo Clipse has released the official music video for "Chains & Whips," their Kendrick Lamar collaboration from the comeback album Let God Sort Em Out. Directed by Gabriel Moses, the symbolic visual depicts striking images of the ongoing inequity and trauma in Black America.
The track has been one of the most anticipated songs from Clipse's first album in 15 years, generating significant buzz even before its release. "Chains & Whips" was debuted at the Louis Vuitton's Men's Spring–Summer Show 2024 on June 20, 2023, although Kendrick Lamar's guest verse was not yet included. The collaboration became controversial when Pusha T claimed in an interview with GQ that Lamar's feature on "Chains & Whips" led to his and Clipse's departure from Def Jam Recordings.
When asked exactly what about the verse Def Jam had a problem with, Pusha T revealed that it had nothing to do with Drake. Instead, it was a reference to President Donald Trump. "They wanted me to ask Kendrick to censor his verse, which of course I was never doing," Pusha T said.
The Gabriel Moses-directed video is a powerful visual meditation that complements the song's heavy themes. Set against Pharrell's haunting production and featuring a searing guest verse from Kendrick Lamar, the video weaves its way through striking imagery that captures the layered reality of Black life in America. The visual narrative follows the journey of a Black family, with scenes framed within the cold geometry of prison walls, courtrooms, and church pews.
Moses, known for his work on Travis Scott's "4X4" and "FE!N" videos as well as Little Simz's "NO THANK YOU," brings his signature cinematic style to the project. Lamar does not appear in director Gabriel Moses' visual but Pusha T and Malice are in each scene.
On "Chains & Whips," Clipse and Kendrick Lamar delve into themes of power, trauma, and cultural legacy. K. Dot's anticipated verse includes sharp commentary on generational trauma, systemic inequity, and the contradictions embedded in Black fame.
The release comes as part of the rollout for Let God Sort Em Out, which dropped on July 11th and features additional collaborations with Nas, Tyler The Creator, and John Legend. The song is the second Let God Sort Em Out track to get an official music video, following "So Be It".
