Pusha T: Kendrick Verse Dispute & Def Jam Exit
Pusha T dramatically exited Def Jam over creative differences, stemming from a Clipse track featuring the primary_keyword Kendrick Lamar. The label wanted to censor Lamar’s verse, leading to the rapper paying a significant sum to secure his freedom. Secondary_keyword,the new album,”Let God Sort Em Out,” is now slated for release with Roc Nation,amidst ongoing tensions involving Drake and UMG.News Directory 3 has the full story, including details on the controversial track and pusha T’s reasons for leaving. Will Lamar’s verse make the final cut? Discover what’s next.
Pusha T Leaves Def Jam Over Clipse Song Featuring Kendrick Lamar
Updated June 4, 2025
Pusha T has parted ways with Def Jam Recordings, citing the label’s reluctance to release a Clipse track featuring Kendrick Lamar. The dispute, detailed in a recent interview with GQ, centered on Def Jam’s request to censor Lamar’s verse and ultimately remove the song, Pusha T said.
The rapper’s manager, Steven victor, echoed this sentiment in a Billboard interview, stating Def Jam’s concerns over a controversial line in lamar’s verse. Victor emphasized their refusal to ask Lamar to alter his contribution.
According to Victor, Pusha T had several albums remaining on his Def Jam contract and reportedly paid a substantial seven-figure sum to exit the deal. Def Jam and Global Music Group (UMG) have not commented on the matter.
The new Clipse album, Let God Sort Em Out, will be released July 11 in partnership with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. The track in question, reportedly titled “chains & Whips,” was previewed at a Louis Vuitton runway show by Pharrell Williams. It remains unclear whether the song, with or without Lamar’s verse, will appear on the album.
The departure unfolds amid ongoing legal tensions between Drake and UMG. Drake has initiated litigation against Spotify and UMG, alleging a promotional campaign favoring Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.”
Notably, Pusha T previously bypassed Def Jam to release his Drake diss track, “The Story of Adidon,” independently on SoundCloud. Victor told Billboard this move was partly “to avoid” label objections.
What’s next
Fans await the release of Let God Sort Em Out to see if “Chains & Whips” makes the final cut and to hear the long-awaited Clipse comeback.