Pusha T believes his solo albums haven’t quite met fan expectations when it comes to recreating the magic of Clipse‘s acclaimed catalog.
Sitting down with GQ in a new interview, the Virginia rapper offered a candid assessment of his output as a solo artist following his musical separation from his brother No Malice.
Pusha admitted that he’s “taken an L” in trying to recreate the introspection that his former partner in rhyme brought to the table, claiming his efforts are “never enough” — particularly to fans and critics.
“Just to be all the way honest, ever since I went solo, I heard the cries from the fans of what they were missing from the Clipse in my solo albums,” he said. “And I’ve tried to mimic and infuse, and tried to cater at some points, but it’s never enough. And I had to come to terms with that.
“He actually brings a level of introspection that’s like, man, I can’t dial into it and do it the way the people and the fans want to hear it. And I’ve taken that L.”
He continued: “I’m just saying it’s an L because I’ve tried, because I know the issue and know that I couldn’t honestly check that box off. The people have already sipped the Kool-Aid, right? They already know how it’s made.
“They already understand the amount of sugar that’s in it. It doesn’t taste the same when I make it, and they know that. So I couldn’t necessarily always check that box off and I was trying to, no lie.”
Pusha T was also asked if he and No Malice have been back in the studio making music together, to which he replied: “I wouldn’t say consistently, but we definitely have been messing around with a few ideas.
“I’ve been working on a couple different projects at one time, in between touring, and he’s definitely been around and been there to be a part of it. So I think he has been finding the fun in it as well. I don’t be pressing it, but it is always fun to watch him have that fun again.”
He continued: “It has been a problem with me finishing my verse and then him finishing after me and me feeling like, ‘Hey man, this is not fair. Something has to give.’ I guess I haven’t heard that level of intellect and common sense in rap in a minute. So it’s a breath of fresh air.”
Pusha T’s comments have rekindled speculation that a new Clipse album is in the works, with FakeShoreDrive‘s Andrew Barber suggesting on Twitter that a project is “imminent” if one reads between the lines.
The duo’s last full-length release, Til the Casket Drops, arrived in 2009, after which No Malice became a newborn Christian and retired from the group.
Despite his harsh self-criticism, Pusha T’s solo career hasn’t been without merit. Since going it alone in 2010, the 46-year-old lyricist has dropped multiple critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, earning multiple Grammy nominations in the process.
He even scored his first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 last year with It’s Almost Dry, which boasted heavyweight collaborations with JAY-Z, Kanye West, Pharrell, Lil Uzi Vert and Kid Cudi.
King Push is currently working on his first-ever Gangsta Grillz mixtape with DJ Drama, which he’s hailed as “special.”
“What I’m trying to do is restore the feeling in every aspect of this subgenre of music. And just of this cloth, of this taste level,” he told XXL last year.
“I’m just trying to make people realize how viable this is. To show people that I can’t do what you do, but you definitely can’t do what I do. I have to show those differences. That’s the whole premise behind the mixtape.”
At least pusha t knows his albums are overrated as fuck. Drake about to take over the fall and run not just rap but music and push the racist artists you all like to listen to
This aged hilariously bad lol. OVHoe ass
I have no idea why Push would even try to recreate Clipse solo. Push is more than capable of delivering classics on his own. I dont even compare Clipse to Push or Malice solo stuff.
It’s good that he is taking accountability. Most don’t. Push albums have been ok, My name is my name was really good, but the rest were a let down to me. They have been let downs because of what we expect from him, we’ve had high expectations of him to deliver. Now I will say he delivers in terms of his rapping ability and lyrics, but the hooks and productions is always lacking. The producers he works with just don’t match his skill set, the beats are usually to dry and gritty. Production is huge key, Look at Nas his production now is extremely good and to me his last 3-4 albums have been more consistent and better than his first 4.
I have enjoyed hearing the progression of Pusha T. I remember when he started doin solo.work and he has come a long way and always has good records. He being to hard on himself. He is a solid and exceptional artist who has carved his own Lane.
his progression of talking about his brothers stories to talking about his brothers stories as if they were his own was truly amazing!
At least he’s admitting none of his shit has slapped since 2009….He fooled you guys with Story of Adidon by putting the cover of Drake in blackface, but that shit was trash. He had Neptunes and Kanye exclusively who else can say that?? If Clipse is as hard as he went, and lord willin is their best, how mid has his solo shit been??
Exactly
Story Adidon humble drake made him wave the white flag!!!
I’m sorry but there are many so called Hip Hop artists who wish they had the success and acclaim that you have achieved. I rather listen to your L’ s then 80% of what’s out there. Carry on!!!
Love the man, but how can under 30 minutes of music for an album take on Clipse classics?