Some music videos are about style, some are about hype, and then there are the ones that hit you right in the heart. Clipse has just released “The Birds Don’t Sing,” their third video from ‘Let God Sort Em Out,’ and it’s the kind of raw, personal storytelling that reminds you why music matters—shot at the Thornton family home in Virginia Beach, filled with childhood memories, and rooted in love, loss, and legacy.
Directed by Brendan O’Connor, the deeply personal visual features scenes shot at the Thornton brothers’ family home in Virginia Beach, VA. A pastiche of imagery from their childhood, including home movies and family photos, interspersed with an emotional performance set in the family living room, the clip opens with Pusha’s son Nigel placing flowers at the grave of his grandparents. “The Birds Don’t Sing” was written as an homage to Pusha T and Malice’s parents, who passed away within a year of one another. Trading verses between a soaring chorus from John Legend and Voices Of Fire, Pusha T raps directly to their mother, Malice to their father, both sharing messages of love and grief they never got the chance to say.
Earlier this month, the rappers made history at Pharrell Williams’ Grace For The World concert in St. Peter’s Square, becoming the first rap artists to perform at The Vatican with their epic performance of “The Birds Don’t Sing” with John Legend. Clipse joined Legend again this week, with a surprise guest performance of the song at his sold-out show at The Hollywood Bowl.
Executive produced by Pharrell Williams, Let God Sort Em Out features guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator, Nas, John Legend, The-Dream, Ab-Liva, Stove God Cooks and more. The project debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart via Roc Nation Distribution, marking a significant milestone for Pusha T and Malice’s first fully independent album release and first full-length album in 16 years.