Clipse Delivers Emotional Hip-Hop Set at Coachella With Travis Barker

The reunited duo showcased their evolution from 2000s hits to heartfelt new album

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:03am

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An abstract close-up photograph of shattered glass fragments in vibrant colors, reflecting stage lights and capturing the high-energy, glamorous atmosphere of Clipse's Coachella performance.Clipse's energetic Coachella set blended their signature gritty sound with the emotional resonance of their new album, creating a dynamic performance that captivated the crowd.Coachella Today

Clipse performed an hour-long set at Coachella 2026, featuring a mix of their signature hits like 'Grindin'' and emotional new tracks from their Grammy-nominated album 'Let God Sort Em Out.' The duo was joined by drummer Travis Barker for the first part of the set, adding energy and intensity to their minimalist beats. The performance highlighted Clipse's artistic growth, moving from their early cocaine-fueled anthems to more mature, heartfelt hip-hop that paid tribute to their personal lives and family.

Why it matters

Clipse's Coachella set marked a triumphant return for the duo, who had not released an album together in 15 years. Their performance showcased their ability to evolve their sound while maintaining their core identity, proving their longevity in the hip-hop genre. The appearance also generated excitement for their new album and potential future collaborations.

The details

Clipse opened their set with a shortened version of their Grammy-winning hit 'Chains & Whips,' with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker joining them onstage for the first four songs. Barker's energetic drumming provided a perfect complement to Clipse's sometimes-minimalist beats. The duo then transitioned into more introspective material from their new album 'Let God Sort Em Out,' including the standout track 'The Birds Don't Sing,' a heartfelt tribute to rapper Malice's late parents. Throughout the set, the duo displayed an easy confidence, despite some minor sound issues, and their charisma was infectious with the crowd.

  • Clipse performed on Sunday, April 13, 2026 at the Coachella music festival in Indio, California.
  • Their new album 'Let God Sort Em Out' was nominated for a Grammy earlier this year.

The players

Clipse

The hip-hop duo of brothers Malice and Pusha T, known for their signature sound and hits like 'Grindin'' in the 2000s. They recently reunited after a 15-year hiatus to release the acclaimed album 'Let God Sort Em Out.'

Travis Barker

The drummer for the punk rock band Blink-182, who joined Clipse onstage for the first part of their Coachella set, adding energy and intensity to their performance.

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What they’re saying

“You told me that you loved me/It was all in your tone/'I love my two sons' was the code to your phone/Now you're gone.”

— Malice, Rapper

What’s next

Clipse is expected to continue touring in support of their new album 'Let God Sort Em Out,' with additional festival appearances and a potential headlining tour later this year.

The takeaway

Clipse's Coachella performance demonstrated the duo's ability to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots. Their emotional new material, combined with their signature hits, showcased their artistic growth and highlighted the excitement around their long-awaited reunion.