Justin Bieber and Clipse dropped albums on the same day, but only one walked away with a No. 1 spot—and it wasn’t Bieber.
The Canadian pop star surprised fans with SWAG, his first album in four years, while Virginia duo Clipse made a thunderous return with Let God Sort Em Out. Despite a divided fanbase and little direct competition, the matchup got testy after the numbers came in, and Clipse took the top position. Now, this may not be reflected in the charts of mainstream, but for us…Clipse are No. 1. and Bieber knows it.
Rather than offer congratulations or stay quiet, Bieber decided to post an Instagram Story that took direct aim at Pusha T and Malice. Some joker named Kerwin Frost mocked Clipse’s fanbase as “bitter grown men who collect Kaws dolls and shop at Kith and Union.” At first, I thought that was Beebz. But, Bieber opted to repost and add, “This is the only album that matters right now,” in all caps. OH.
The post didn’t last long. Bieber deleted it swiftly. But we are going to immortalize it. The move came off salty, in my opinion. SWAG marked his first release in years and was generally well received. He leaned on rap heavy to make that happen. But taking a jab at Clipse? Bad look.
Bieber is still signed to Def Jam, the same label Clipse left behind. Some folks have suggested the label pushed him to pull the diss, fearing a mess from the brothers. Considering Pusha T’s track record surgical takedowns, he doesn’t want to be the next Canadian on the menu. We remember the Drake situation. Rap has always shown this guy love (just ask Diddy).
Clipse, to their credit, didn’t even respond. They let the people and charts speak for them. Let God Sort Em Out is the No. 1 most talked about album right now. They have the critical acclaim and high-art features.
Bieber has to put his feelings in check. Some have accused him of using drugs. I hope not, but maybe that’s where he and Clipse can have common ground. A fiend and some coke rappers. That may be too far. Anyway, glad both albums are getting good reviews and praise. By the way, Bieber is 31.
Maybe he should call him “Justin Beefer.”