Malice Clipse: The Complete Biography of Gene Thornton Jr.
Malice, born Gene Elliott Thornton Jr., is one half of the legendary hip-hop duo Clipse alongside his younger brother Pusha T. Known for their intricate wordplay and unflinching tales of street life, Malice helped define the sound of early 2000s rap. After a dramatic spiritual transformation in 2012, he temporarily adopted the name “No Malice” before reuniting with his brother for their triumphant 2025 comeback album Let God Sort Em Out.
From Virginia Beach to the top of the Billboard charts, Malice’s journey represents one of hip-hop’s most compelling narratives—a story of success, crisis, redemption, and ultimately, reunion.
Who Is Malice from Clipse?
Malice (real name Gene Elliott Thornton Jr.) is a Virginia-based rapper who, alongside his brother Terrence “Pusha T” Thornton, formed the critically acclaimed duo Clipse in 1992. The group became synonymous with sophisticated drug-dealing narratives and pristine Neptunes production.
Quick Facts About Malice
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Gene Elliott Thornton Jr. |
| Born | August 18, 1972 |
| Birthplace | The Bronx, New York |
| Raised In | Virginia Beach, Virginia |
| Age | 53 years old |
| Brother | Pusha T (Terrence Thornton) |
| Group | Clipse (1992-present) |
| Stage Names | Malicious, Malice, No Malice |
As the elder Thornton brother, Malice brought a measured, calculating delivery that perfectly balanced Pusha T’s more aggressive style. Together, they created what many consider the blueprint for modern “coke rap.”
Early Life: From the Bronx to Virginia Beach
Gene Thornton Jr. was born in the Bronx, New York, on August 18, 1972. His family later relocated to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he and his younger brother Terrence would eventually form one of hip-hop’s most respected duos.
The Thornton brothers’ musical journey began in the early 1990s when they connected with local production duo The Neptunes—Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo. This partnership would prove transformative for all parties involved.
Virginia Beach in the 1990s was far from the hip-hop epicenter. Unlike New York or Los Angeles, the Hampton Roads area had no established rap scene. The Thornton brothers and The Neptunes were essentially building something from nothing—a fact that would inform the underdog mentality present in much of Clipse’s music.
The Rise of Clipse: Lord Willin’ and Hell Hath No Fury
Clipse’s debut album Lord Willin’ arrived in August 2002 via Star Trak Entertainment and Arista Records. The album peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and was eventually certified gold by the RIAA.
Singles like “Grindin'” and “When the Last Time” showcased the duo’s unique appeal: Malice and Pusha T’s vivid street narratives wrapped in The Neptunes’ unconventional, minimalist production. “Grindin'” in particular became a cultural phenomenon, its sparse, percussion-driven beat unlike anything else on radio at the time.
Hell Hath No Fury: The Crown Jewel
After years of label issues and delays, Clipse released Hell Hath No Fury in November 2006. The album received universal acclaim, with XXL Magazine awarding it their rare five-mic “XXL” rating.
Many critics consider Hell Hath No Fury to be Clipse’s masterpiece—a bleak, uncompromising statement forged in frustration. Tracks like “Mr. Me Too,” “Wamp Wamp (What It Do),” and “Momma I’m So Sorry” demonstrated the brothers’ lyrical prowess at its peak.
Clipse Discography
| Album | Year | Peak Billboard 200 | Critic Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lord Willin’ | 2002 | #4 | 69 |
| Hell Hath No Fury | 2006 | #14 | 85 |
| Til the Casket Drops | 2009 | #41 | 65 |
| Let God Sort Em Out | 2025 | #4 | 81 |
The Spiritual Transformation: From Malice to No Malice
After the release of Til the Casket Drops in 2009, something shifted in Malice. Years on the road, an HIV scare, and deep introspection led him to question everything he’d built his career upon.
In 2011, Malice publicly embraced Christianity. He released a memoir titled Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind and Naked—a first-person account of his spiritual journey and his struggle to reconcile his faith with his past.
The Name Change
On March 6, 2012, he made it official via Twitter. From that point forward, he would be known as No Malice—a new name symbolizing his transformed identity.
He told his brother he was leaving Clipse. The drug narratives, the street tales—he could not continue promoting messages that conflicted with his faith. It was a decision that would keep the brothers apart creatively for over a decade.
Solo Career: Hear Ye Him and Beyond
As No Malice, Gene Thornton charted a different path. His solo debut Hear Ye Him arrived in 2013, featuring production from The Neptunes but with content focused on faith, redemption, and personal growth.
A 2014 documentary, The End of Malice, chronicled his transformation and offered an intimate look at the man behind the persona. The film explored his relationship with Pusha T during their separation and his daily practice of faith.
His second solo album, Let the Dead Bury the Dead, followed in 2017, continuing his exploration of spirituality through hip-hop.
Rep the Virginia Legends
Celebrate the Clipse reunion with our exclusive fan art merch. The “Let God Sort Em Out” collection honors Pusha T and Malice’s triumphant return.
The Triumphant Reunion: Let God Sort Em Out (2025)
The first signs of a Clipse reunion came in 2019 when the brothers appeared together on Kanye West’s “Use This Gospel” from Jesus Is King. The track marked their first collaboration in a decade.
Then, in July 2025, the unthinkable happened: Clipse released their fourth studio album, Let God Sort Em Out. The project debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and received widespread critical acclaim.
Why Malice Dropped “No”
For the reunion, Gene Thornton reverted to his original stage name. He explained that while his convictions and heart had changed, he and his brother owed it to themselves and the fans to stick with the original branding when they came back together.
The album represented a middle ground—the brothers’ trademark lyrical dexterity intact, but with themes reflecting their maturity and Malice’s faith journey woven throughout.
Breaking Barriers
At 53 and 48 respectively, Malice and Pusha T proved that hip-hop has no age limit. Clipse was named to Rolling Stone’s inaugural “Voices of the Year” list for 2025, recognition of their cultural impact and successful comeback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Malice’s real name?
Malice’s real name is Gene Elliott Thornton Jr. He was born on August 18, 1972, in the Bronx, New York, and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Why did Malice change his name to No Malice?
In 2012, following his conversion to Christianity, Malice changed his name to No Malice to signify his spiritual transformation and rejection of the persona associated with his earlier content.
Are Pusha T and Malice brothers?
Yes, Pusha T (Terrence Thornton) and Malice (Gene Thornton Jr.) are biological brothers. Malice is the older brother, born in 1972, while Pusha T was born in 1977.
Why did Clipse break up?
Clipse effectively disbanded after 2009’s Til the Casket Drops due to Malice’s conversion to Christianity. He felt he could no longer promote certain themes in Clipse’s music.
When did Clipse reunite?
Clipse officially reunited in 2019 for Kanye West’s “Use This Gospel.” They released their comeback album Let God Sort Em Out on July 11, 2025.
How old is Malice from Clipse?
Malice is 53 years old, born on August 18, 1972.
What is Clipse’s best album?
Many critics and fans consider Hell Hath No Fury (2006) to be Clipse’s best album. It received universal acclaim and a rare five-mic rating from XXL Magazine.
Did Malice write a book?
Yes, Malice released a memoir titled Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind and Naked in 2011, detailing his spiritual journey and conversion to Christianity.
