Pusha T facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pusha T
Pusha T performing in 2015
Born	Terrence LeVarr Thornton (1977-05-13) May 13, 1977 (age 48) New York City, U.S.
Other names	Terrar King Push
Occupation	Rapper songwriter
Years active	1993–present
Agent	Steven Victor
Works	Discography
Spouse(s)	Virginia Williams ​ (m. 2018)​
Children	1
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Origin	Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.
Genres	East Coast hip hop
Labels	Heir Wave Victor Victor Def Jam GOOD Decon Re-Up
Signature

Terrence LeVarr Thornton (born May 13, 1977), known by his stage name Pusha T, is an American rapper. He first became famous as part of the hip hop group Clipse, which he started with his older brother, Malice.

The duo formed in 1994 and was discovered by music producer Pharrell Williams. They signed with his record label, Star Trak Entertainment, in 2001. Clipse released three albums, including Lord Willin' (2002), which had the hit songs "Grindin'" and "When the Last Time". These songs made them well-known in the music world.

After Clipse took a break in 2010, Pusha T started his solo career. He signed with Kanye West's label, GOOD Music. He was a guest artist on West's popular song "Runaway". Pusha T's first solo album, My Name Is My Name (2013), was a big success. It reached number four on the Billboard 200 music chart.

His later albums, King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude (2015) and Daytona (2018), were also very popular. His fourth album, It's Almost Dry (2022), became his first to reach number one on the Billboard 200.

In 2015, West made Pusha T the president of GOOD Music. He left the label in 2022. In 2020, he started his own record label, Heir Wave Music Group, to help artists from his home state of Virginia. Pusha T has been nominated for five Grammy Awards.

Early Life

Pusha T was born Terrence LeVarr Thornton on May 13, 1977, in the Bronx, a part of New York City. Soon after he was born, his family moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia. He and his brother, Gene Thornton Jr., grew up there.

Career

1993–2010: The Clipse Era

Pusha T performing at The Middle East nightclub in 2007 as part of Clipse.

In 1992, Pusha T and his brother started the hip hop group Clipse. At first, Pusha T's stage name was Terrar, and his brother was known as Malice.

The brothers met producer Pharrell Williams, who helped them get a record deal with Elektra Records in 1997. They recorded their first album, Exclusive Audio Footage, but it was never released. The group was dropped from the label. Even without a major label, Pusha T appeared on songs by other artists like Kelis and Nivea.

In 2001, Pharrell signed Clipse to his new label, Star Trak Entertainment. Their first single, "Grindin'", was a big hit in the summer of 2002. It reached number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their next single, "When the Last Time", was also successful, reaching number 19.

Their first official album, Lord Willin', came out on August 20, 2002. It debuted at number one on the R&B/Hip-Hop album chart. The album was certified gold, meaning it sold over 500,000 copies.

The group had problems with their next record label, Jive Records, which caused long delays for their second album, Hell Hath No Fury. It was finally released on November 28, 2006. The album was loved by critics and is considered a classic by many. XXL magazine gave it a perfect five-star rating.

After leaving Jive, Clipse signed with Columbia Records. They released their third album, Til the Casket Drops, on December 8, 2009.

2010–2014: Going Solo

Pusha T (left) performing "Runaway" with Kanye West at Lollapalooza Chile in 2011.

After their third album, Clipse went on a break so the brothers could work on their own projects. In 2010, Pusha T signed with Kanye West's GOOD Music label. He appeared on West's hit song "Runaway" and performed it at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.

On March 21, 2011, Pusha T released his first solo project, a mixtape called Fear of God. He followed it up with an extended play (EP) called Fear of God II: Let Us Pray. The EP debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Pusha T then began working on his first solo studio album. In 2012, he was featured on the GOOD Music group album Cruel Summer. He appeared on the hit single "Mercy" with Kanye West, Big Sean, and 2 Chainz.

On October 8, 2013, Pusha T released his debut album, My Name Is My Name. It featured many famous artists like Rick Ross, Chris Brown, and Kendrick Lamar. The album was a success, debuting at number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. It was praised by critics and appeared on many "Best Albums of 2013" lists.

2015–2022: Major Album Releases

Pusha T performing at the 2015 Hopscotch Music Festival.

In November 2015, Pusha T was named the new president of GOOD Music. He released his second album, King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude, on December 18, 2015. It reached number 20 on the Billboard 200 and was praised by critics.

In 2017, he worked with the rock band Linkin Park on their song "Good Goodbye" and with the virtual band Gorillaz on their song "Let Me Out".

On May 25, 2018, Pusha T released his third album, Daytona. The album was produced by Kanye West and received universal acclaim from critics. It was involved in a famous rap rivalry and was praised by hip-hop legends like Nas and P. Diddy. Complex magazine named him the "Best Rapper Alive" for 2018.

His fourth album, It's Almost Dry, was released on April 22, 2022. It was also produced by Kanye West and Pharrell Williams. The album was a huge success, becoming Pusha T's first album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

2022–Present: A New Chapter

Pusha T in 2022

In December 2022, Pusha T announced he was leaving GOOD Music. He decided to leave after the label's founder, Kanye West, made several controversial public statements. Pusha T said it was not something he could support.

He then focused on his own record label, Heir Wave Music Group, which he started in 2020. The label's goal is to find and support new artists from his home state of Virginia.

In 2023, he performed at the famous Coachella festival. In late 2024, it was announced that Clipse had reunited and would release a new album, Let God Sort Em Out. Pusha T and his brother also revealed they had left their label, Def Jam, to have more creative freedom.

Personal Life

On July 21, 2018, Pusha T married his longtime girlfriend, Virginia Williams. The wedding took place in their hometown of Virginia Beach. His brother, No Malice, officiated the ceremony. Many celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams, attended.

On June 11, 2020, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Nigel Brixx Thornton.

Pusha T's mother passed away in November 2021, and his father passed away four months later.

Discography

Studio albums

• My Name Is My Name (2013)
• King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude (2015)
• Daytona (2018)
• It's Almost Dry (2022)

Awards and nominations

See also

In Spanish: Pusha T para niños