Clipse’s long-anticipated return with Let God Sort Em Out came with a surprising behind-the-scenes story involving a sample clearance issue that nearly derailed one of the album’s biggest tracks. Thanks to the timely intervention of legendary producer Swizz Beatz, the Virginia rap duo was able to get the version of “So Be It” they intended into the hands of fans—though not without some eleventh-hour maneuvering.
According to Steven Victor, Clipse’s longtime manager, the version of “So Be It” that initially appeared on streaming services was missing a key sample from “Maza Akoulou” by late Saudi Arabian singer Talal Maddah. The sample couldn’t be cleared in time for the album’s official release on July 11, which led to a stripped-down version going live first. The track had already gained buzz after the release of a visually striking video, with fans honing in on Pusha T’s final verse for what many interpreted as a direct shot at Travis Scott. But the absence of the sample in the digital version left some listeners puzzled.
