Earlier this month at Pepsi’s Philly Eats Fest, Clipse opened up exclusively to VIBE about the deeply personal video for “The Birds Don’t Sing” — the heartfelt tribute to their late parents.
The Brendan O’Connor-directed visual, from their critically acclaimed album Let God Sort Em Out, finds the brothers revisiting their childhood home in Virginia Beach, articulating their grief through song.
“When asked what it was like being back in the house where they grew up, surrounded by photos and memories of their parents, Pusha T and No Malice didn’t mince words. “I didn’t think I could do it,” Pusha admitted to VIBE. The brothers also confessed to mentally checking out at times while reflecting on the reality that their parents are no longer physically present.
“I think I check out every day. I have that revelation like, ‘Damn. My parents aren’t here. I think about it every day. It’s something that you got to deal with,” Pusha candidly revealed. “I don’t know if it gets easier. It’s just tough. [‘The Birds Don’t Sing’] is a very real song and a reality for a lot of people. It was great to be able to articulate it through video.”
Malice added a spiritual perspective. “That’s the message and the Gospel that Christ rose. So when we get ready to go to the grave you better take the grave robber with you. I have an eternal destiny. I know this is not the end,” he said.
Speaking to how they have been getting through the hard time for the last four years, he added, “We do mourn … but we don’t mourn as those who have no hope. I’m very thankful for my parents… the legacy that they left and the legacy that we get to pass down to our children. So we have to rejoice here right now in the living.”
No Malice and Pusha T of Clipse attend the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 18, 2024 in Paris, France.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Taking a lighthearted turn, the ‘Grindin” duo reflected on their bond outside the studio and stage, sharing some of the things they still do as brothers. “We talk about rapping and who’s not good and how terrible they are and how much better we are than them,” Malice quipped. “That’s something we do. My brother [Pusha] always talks to me about what’s new going on, and with his son Nigel… just brother talk.”
That everyday connection and shared grief translate into the raw vulnerability at the heart of “The Birds Don’t Sing” video. Fans are given an intimate glimpse into their past, from home movies to family photos, culminating with Pusha T’s son placing flowers at his grandparents’ gravesite. While John Legend and Voices of Fire contribute vocals to the track, the visual remains firmly centered on Clipse.
“Lost in emotion, mama’s youngest/ Tryna navigate life without my compass/ Some experience death and feel numbness/ But not me, I felt it all and couldn’t function,” raps Pusha T in the first verse dedicated to their mother. Malice follows with a tribute to their father: “I can hear your voice now, I can feel your presence/ Askin’ ‘Should I rap again?’, you gave me your blessing/ The way you spelled it out, there’s an L in every lesson/ ‘Boy, you owe it to the world, let your mess become your message.’”
See below.
Earlier this summer, the brothers reflected on the emotional toll of writing the song in a conversation with Interview Mag. Pusha T explained, “Man, ‘Birds Don’t Sing’ had to be the hardest verse I’ve ever written.” He also shared that the song took four days of “gut-wrenching reminiscing,” to come together and “putting it all on paper was such a heavy task.”
“It was definitely one of those verses that’s going to go down in history for me, just with really tapping into the emotion and being as honest and as vulnerable as I’ve ever been on a song” he declared.
Malice echoed his brother’s sentiments in the interview, adding, “Yeah, I agree. It was hard for me too, from an emotional standpoint, coming up with verses. It’s our parents, and you want to do them justice in sharing with the world exactly who they were as people and what they meant to us. At the same time, with every line, you’re reminded of your own personal grief while trying to express that to the listener.”
Pusha T and Malice of Clipse perform onstage during the 2025 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 16, 2025 in Hollywood, California.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
“The Birds Don’t Sing” is the third visual from Let God Sort Em Out, following “Chains & Whips,” which features Kendrick Lamar, and the declarative “So Be It.”
Watch the music video for “The Birds Don’t Sing” above.
clipse Discuss Articulating Thier Parents’ Passing In “The Birds Don’t Sing” Video
The Emotional Core of “The Birds Don’t Sing” Video
Virginia Beach hip-hop duo Clipse, comprised of brothers Pusha T and No Malice, have returned stronger and more introspective than ever. their latest video release for “the Birds Don’t Sing” is a poignant and emotional exploration of grief, legacy, and the difficult task of articulating the passing of their parents. This piece transcends typical music video storytelling, offering fans a raw and vulnerable glimpse into their personal lives and struggles with loss.
The song and its visual narrative address profound themes of mortality and remembrance, encouraging listeners too confront grief while honoring the memories of lost loved ones. In interviews, both Pusha T and No Malice reveal how this track became a form of catharsis, helping them navigate complex emotions surrounding their parents’ deaths.
how Clipse Articulates Grief Through “The Birds Don’t Sing”
Articulating grief in music is challenging, especially for artists known for gritty, sharp lyricism like Clipse. “The Birds Don’t Sing” confronts this challenge head-on by mixing vulnerability with the duo’s signature poetic storytelling. Here are key ways the video and song encapsulate their grief:
- Authentic Lyricism: The lyrics detail their personal memories and feelings, balancing respect and sorrow without resorting to clichés.
- Visual Storytelling: The video uses symbolic imagery such as empty spaces and fleeting bird motifs, accentuating the emptiness left by their parents’ absence.
- Brotherly Dynamic: The interplay between Pusha T and No Malice demonstrates shared pain but also mutual support in facing loss together.
Symbolism in the Video
The title “The Birds Don’t Sing” itself is a metaphor for silence after death – the absence of familiar, comforting sounds and presence. Scenes show stark contrasts between life and emptiness, highlighting the deep void left behind. This powerful use of metaphor engages viewers emotionally and intellectually, inviting reflection on their own experiences with loss.
Insights from Pusha T and No Malice: Articulating Loss in Hip Hop
In exclusive discussions about the making of “The Birds Don’t Sing,” the brothers opened up about their process of articulating grief in a public medium. They describe the balance between honoring their parents while maintaining their artistic integrity and the necessity of confronting emotions that many artists might shy away from.
- Vulnerability as strength: Emphasizing that showing weakness in their music is a form of bravery that deepens connection with fans.
- Healing Through Art: Using the song as a therapeutic outlet to process grief and keep their parents’ legacies alive.
- Community and Support: Acknowledging their fanbase’s empathy and shared experience, which gives them strength.
Firsthand experience: How listeners Connect With “The Birds Don’t Sing”
Fans and critics alike have praised the song and video for its emotional honesty and relatability. Many listeners share testimonials about how the track helped them face their own losses with newfound courage and understanding. Social media is filled with heartfelt stories about how clipse’s candid approach to grief has comforted people navigating similar journeys.
Table: Themes Explored in “The Birds Don’t Sing” and Their Impact
| Theme | Description | Emotional Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Loss & Absence | The void created by the passing of loved ones | Creates a poignant sense of emptiness and reflection |
| Legacy & Memory | Honoring parents through stories and remembrance | Offers comfort and reverence |
| Brotherhood & Support | Shared grief and mutual strength | Highlights the importance of connection |
| Silence & Sound | Metaphor of birds not singing symbolizing death | Evokes deep introspection and sorrow |
Benefits and Practical Tips for Artists Discussing Grief
For artists inspired by Clipse’s candid portrayal of grief,here are practical tips for channeling emotional pain into compelling creative work:
- Be Honest: Genuine emotion resonates more deeply than forced sentimentality.
- Use Metaphors: Symbolism can communicate complex feelings that straightforward language cannot.
- Collaborate: Sharing stories with trusted collaborators can provide new perspectives and healing.
- balance Vulnerability and Strength: Show openness without compromising your artistic voice.
- Connect With Your Audience: Acknowledge shared experiences to build empathy and community.
Clipse’s Return and Its Meaning to Hip Hop’s Narrative of Grief
Clipse’s recent work, including their comeback album Let God Sort Em Out, reaffirms them as trailblazers in the rap world, blending gritty street narratives with spiritual and emotional depth[[1]](https://clipsestour.com/). Incorporating Pharrell Williams’ production,their music continues to push boundaries,especially in subjects like grief that are frequently enough sidelined within hip hop[[2]](https://www.grammy.com/news/clipse-reunion-new-album-everything-we-know).
“The Birds Don’t Sing” stands out in this context as a vital contribution to the genre’s evolving discourse on loss, pain, and healing[[3]](https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/clipse-pharrell-let-god-sort-em-out-grammys-interview-1236080265/). Its heartfelt portrayal encourages both artists and fans to embrace vulnerability while finding strength through shared adversity.
