The question of whether Pusha T and Malice are actually brothers is one of the most common queries in hip-hop, especially with the monumental Clipse reunion making headlines in late 2024 and throughout 2025. The simple and definitive answer is yes: Terrence "Pusha T" Thornton and Gene "Malice," now known as No Malice, are biological brothers and the founding members of the legendary duo Clipse. Their relationship is the very foundation of one of rap’s most critically acclaimed acts, a bond that has weathered a long hiatus, a spiritual transformation, and a triumphant return to the music scene with their first album in over 15 years, *Let God Sort Em Out*.
As of December 2025, the focus has shifted from their separation to their powerful comeback. The brothers have not only confirmed their familial link but are actively celebrating it through new music, a new tour, and high-profile performances, including a standout appearance at the 2025 ESPY Awards. This article dives deep into their shared history, individual journeys, and the explosive details of their latest work, confirming their brotherhood and cementing their legacy.
The Thornton Brothers' Complete Biography and Profile
The story of Clipse is the story of the Thornton brothers, two artists from Virginia Beach, Virginia, who used their intricate, gritty lyricism to become hip-hop royalty. Their professional and personal lives are inextricably linked, forming a unique narrative in music history.
- Stage Name (Younger Brother): Pusha T
- Birth Name: Terrence LeVarr Thornton
- Date of Birth: May 13, 1977
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 48
- Hometown: The Bronx, New York (Raised in Virginia Beach, VA)
- Role in Clipse: One half of the duo, known for his relentless flow and sharp wordplay.
- Solo Career Highlights: President of Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music (2015-2022); acclaimed solo albums like *Daytona* and *It's Almost Dry*.
- Stage Name (Older Brother): Malice (Now No Malice)
- Birth Name: Gene Elliott Thornton Jr.
- Date of Birth: February 18, 1973
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 52
- Hometown: The Bronx, New York (Raised in Virginia Beach, VA)
- Role in Clipse: One half of the duo, known for his introspective, often darker, and more poetic style.
- Solo Career Highlights: Author of the book *Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind, and Naked* (2011); solo album *Hear Ye Him* (2013); changed his moniker to No Malice after a spiritual awakening.
Fact 1: Yes, Pusha T and Malice Are Biological Brothers
The most fundamental fact is the one that started it all: Terrence and Gene Thornton are brothers. Gene (Malice/No Malice) is the older brother, born four years before Terrence (Pusha T). They grew up together in Virginia Beach, a setting that heavily influenced the raw, street-focused narratives found in their classic albums like *Lord Willin'* and the masterpiece *Hell Hath No Fury*.
Their bond is a foundational entity of their work. The duo, formed in 1994, was originally called Clipse. Their shared history and similar experiences gave their lyrics an undeniable authenticity and chemistry that few other rap groups could ever match. This familial link is the reason a reunion was always a possibility, even after a prolonged 15-year hiatus where both pursued separate creative and spiritual paths.
Fact 2: The Clipse Reunion is Real and the New Album is Out in 2025
For years, the prospect of a Clipse reunion album was a hot topic, often fueled by Pusha T's public desire and No Malice's spiritual reservations. The wait is officially over. The brothers have reunited and released their fourth studio album, Let God Sort Em Out, which dropped on July 11, 2025.
This is arguably the biggest story in their collective career since the release of *Hell Hath No Fury*. The album features production from The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo), who have been instrumental in the Clipse sound since their early Re-Up Mixtapes. The new project has been met with critical acclaim, with the duo showcasing their matured perspectives while maintaining the gritty lyricism that made them famous.
The album features a star-studded lineup of collaborators, including hip-hop legends and contemporary stars like Nas, John Legend, and Stove God Cooks, further cementing the duo's relevance in the current musical landscape.
Fact 3: The Brother's Hiatus Was Driven by a Spiritual Awakening
The long gap between Clipse albums was not due to a typical sibling rivalry or a bitter breakup, but rather a profound spiritual and personal transformation for the older brother, Gene Thornton. Following the release of their 2009 album *Til the Casket Drops*, Malice stepped away from the music industry and embraced a strong Christian faith, leading him to change his name to No Malice.
His solo work, including the book *Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind, and Naked*, focused on redemption and his past life's regrets, which stood in stark contrast to the subject matter of Clipse’s earlier work. This divergence in life paths—Pusha T's continued success in the secular rap world and No Malice's spiritual journey—created the tension and curiosity surrounding a potential reunion. Pusha T himself often stated that a reunion was "really up to my brother" and his comfort level with the material.
Fact 4: Pusha T Called Out Travis Scott on the New Clipse Album
The new Clipse album, *Let God Sort Em Out*, proved that the brothers have not lost their edge. In a headline-grabbing moment, Pusha T used his platform on the new record to reignite a long-standing feud by calling out rapper Travis Scott.
The lyric, which references a past relationship, was a pointed jab that immediately went viral, demonstrating that the Clipse return is not just a nostalgia trip but a powerful statement in the current rap conversation. The brothers also had to address the timing of Scott's own release and industry competition, proving that their return is shaking up the hierarchy of hip-hop.
Fact 5: They Are Not Twins, But They Share a Birthday Month
While their undeniable chemistry and similar physical features sometimes lead fans to ask if they are twins, they are not. Gene (No Malice) was born in February 1973, and Terrence (Pusha T) was born in May 1977, making them four years apart. However, the intensity of their connection and the way their voices and flows complement each other on tracks like the classic "Grindin'" and their new single "Ace Trumpets" is what truly makes them feel like two halves of the same whole.
Their brotherhood is the core entity that defines the Clipse sound, a unique blend of street tales and introspection delivered with a precision that only siblings who have shared a lifetime of experiences can achieve. The 2025 reunion is a testament to the enduring power of their familial bond, proving that while their individual paths diverged, the magnetic pull of their shared legacy was too strong to ignore.
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