Pusha T shared a deeply personal moment this week, reflecting on a cherished memory with his grandmother following a recent appearance of Clipse on the popular game show Jeopardy! The Virginia rapper took to Instagram to express his gratitude and nostalgia after the group was featured as a clue during the Tournament of Champions episode on Tuesday, January 27th.
The clue, presented in the “It Happened in 2025” category, read: “In 2025, Clipse gave the first-ever rap performance in this city-state during the ‘Grace for the World’ concert.” While two contestants initially guessed incorrectly – offering “Monaco” and “San Marino” – a third contestant correctly identified the location as the Vatican, prompting host Ken Jennings to quip, “Even less rapping the Vatican.” This performance marked a historic milestone, as Clipse became the first rap act to perform at the Vatican, according to BuzzFeed.
For Pusha T, the moment resonated far beyond the recognition of his group’s accomplishments. He shared a clip of the Jeopardy! segment on Instagram, accompanied by a heartfelt caption detailing a long-standing tradition with his grandmother, affectionately known as “Shank.” He wrote, “Hey Shank (my grandmother in heaven) we made it!!! Watching [‘Jeopardy!’] was what we would do every night… I was too young to know the answers but turning the TV wasn’t an option. I caught on quick and it became ‘our’ thing… seem at your grandsons.” He concluded with a hopeful message, “Hope you were watching and playing along tonight.”
The Jeopardy! appearance comes on the heels of a remarkably successful year for Clipse, comprised of Pusha T and Malice. Their reunion album, Let God Sort Em Out, has garnered critical acclaim and is nominated for five Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album and Album of the Year. The duo is scheduled to perform alongside Pharrell Williams at the Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 1st, at the Crypto.com Arena.
A Stellar 2025 for Clipse
The recognition extends beyond the awards season. Pusha T has been spotted internationally, attending Louis Vuitton’s Paris Fashion Week presentation, where he reportedly previewed unreleased music. He also attended a private ceremony in France where Pharrell Williams was knighted by President Emmanuel Macron, further solidifying the collaborative relationship between the two artists. The “Grace for the World” concert, co-directed by Pharrell Williams and Maestro Andrea Bocelli, drew an audience of over 253,000 people, according to reports.
The Vatican concert, a first of its kind, featured a stunning aerial drone and light show by Nova Sky Stories, with imagery inspired by the Sistine Chapel. The event was streamed live on ABC News Live, Hulu, and Disney+, reaching a global audience. The concert was part of the third “World Meeting on Human Fraternity,” launched following the 2020 publication of the “All Brothers” encyclical by the late Pope Francis.
Looking Ahead
As Clipse continues to ride the momentum of their successful reunion and Grammy nominations, the group’s story is a testament to the power of music and the enduring bonds of family. The Jeopardy! moment serves as a poignant reminder of the personal connections that underpin even the most public achievements. The upcoming Grammy performance with Pharrell Williams promises to be another significant milestone in their already remarkable career.
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