Clipse Perform with John Legend at St. Peter’s Square as First Rappers Featured in Vatican’s Grace for the World Concert

Clipse, the rap duo of brothers Pusha T and No Malice, took the stage at St. Peter’s Square on September 13. Their set marked the first time rap artists have performed at the Vatican, drawing acrowd of more than 80,000 people.
The performance was part of theGrace for the World concert, an international event promoting unity and peace. The concert was co-directed by music icons Pharrell Williams and Andrea Bocelli. Pharrell, a longtime friend of Clipse, helped bring the event to life through his company,Something in the Water.
Collaboration with John Legend at Grace for the WorldDuring the event, Clipse teamed up with John Legend for a moving performance of“The Birds Don’t Sing.”The song is featured on their albumLet God Sort Em Out. Their collaboration combined hip-hop with soulful vocals, creating a moment that stood out at the historic venue.
The Grace for the World concert was not only about music. It was also a call for compassion, fraternity, and peace across borders and beliefs. Pharrell captured this in his remarks, saying:
“True compassion and grace begin with fraternity, seeing one another as brothers and sisters, and fellow human beings.”
Messages of Peace from Global ArtistsAndrea Bocelli, who co-directed the event, highlighted the power of music to reach across cultures.
“Let us shine a spotlight on humanity with music from the very heart of Christianity… reaching the entire world with a single message of brotherhood and peace,”Bocelli said.
The concert featured a diverse lineup of international stars. Performers included Jennifer Hudson, Karol G, Teddy Swims, BamBam, and Jelly Roll. The evening closed with a stunning drone and light show above Vatican City, inspired by the Sistine Chapel.
Clipse’s Legacy and Future InfluenceFor Clipse, this performance added a powerful chapter to their legacy. Pusha T continues to be recognized as one of hip-hop’s leading voices, while No Malice explores spiritual themes in his music. Their Vatican appearance blended both paths—music and faith—on a global stage.
Rolling Stone noted that their performance could inspire other hip-hop artists to explore spiritual messages more deeply. The Vatican stage, once unthinkable for rap, may now open doors for new cultural and musical conversations worldwide.
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