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 as Pusha T, is an American rapper. He became famous as half of the hip hop duo Clipse. He formed this group with his older brother No Malice.

Clipse was active from 1994 to 2010. They were discovered by Pharrell Williams and signed with his record label, Star Trak Entertainment, in 2001. The duo released three studio albums: Lord Willin' (2002), Hell Hath No Fury (2006), and Til the Casket Drops (2009). Their songs "Grindin'" and "When the Last Time" were popular hits.

After Clipse took a break in 2010, Pusha T started his solo career. He signed with Kanye West's record label GOOD Music. He worked on Kanye West's album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). He was featured on West's hit song "Runaway".

Pusha T released his first solo projects, Fear of God and Fear of God II: Let Us Pray, in 2011. His first studio album, My Name Is My Name (2013), was very successful. It reached number four on the Billboard 200 chart. His later albums, King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude (2015) and Daytona (2018), also did well. His fourth album, It's Almost Dry (2022), became his first to reach number one on the Billboard 200.

Kanye West made Pusha T the president of GOOD Music in 2015. He stayed with the label until 2022. In 2020, he started his own record label, Heir Wave Music Group. This label helps artists from Virginia. Pusha T has been nominated for five Grammy Awards.

Early Life and Music Start

Pusha T was born Terrence LeVarr Thornton on May 13, 1977. He was born in the Bronx, New York City. His family soon moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he grew up with his brother, Gene Thornton.

In 1992, Terrence and Gene started making hip hop music. They formed a group called Clipse. Gene was known as Malice, and Terrence was first known as Terrar. Later, Gene changed his name to No Malice.

Music Career Highlights

1993–2010: Clipse Group Success

Pusha T performing with Clipse in 2007.

Soon after forming Clipse, the brothers met record producer Pharrell Williams. He helped them get a record deal with Elektra Records in 1997. They worked on their first album, Exclusive Audio Footage. However, their first single, "The Funeral", was not successful. The album was canceled, and Clipse left the label.

After leaving Elektra, Terrar changed his name to Pusha T. Even without a major label deal, he appeared on songs by other artists. He worked with Kelis on "Good Stuff" in 1999 and Nivea on "Run Away (I Wanna Be with U)" in 2001. This was thanks to his connection with The Neptunes, who produced those songs.

In 2001, Pharrell Williams signed Clipse to Arista Records. Clipse started working on their major album, produced by The Neptunes. Their first single, Grindin', came out on May 14, 2002. It became a Top 40 hit, reaching number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their second single, When the Last Time, also did well, peaking at number 19.

With two successful songs, Clipse released their album Lord Willin' on August 20, 2002. It reached number 1 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-hop Album chart. It also reached number 4 on the Billboard 200. The album was later certified gold, meaning it sold over 500,000 copies.

In 2003, Clipse began recording their second album, Hell Hath No Fury. But there were many delays because of changes at their record label. Clipse became unhappy with the delays. They even sued the label to be released from their contract. In 2004, the brothers started their own record label, Re-Up Records. They also formed a new hip hop group called Re-Up Gang.

Pusha T performing at a music festival in 2007.

Finally, on May 9, 2006, Clipse reached an agreement. Hell Hath No Fury was released on November 28, 2006. It was produced by The Neptunes. The album debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200. It received great reviews from music critics. The magazine XXL gave it a perfect "XXL" rating, a rare honor.

In 2007, Clipse signed with Columbia Records. Their next album, Til the Casket Drops, was released on December 8, 2009. This album featured different producers, not just The Neptunes. It reached number 41 on the Billboard 200.

2010–2011: Starting a Solo Journey

After their third album, Pusha T and Malice decided to take a break from Clipse. They wanted to focus on their own music. In September 2010, Pusha T signed with Kanye West's GOOD Music label. He appeared on Kanye West's album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. He was featured on the hit song "Runaway".

On February 11, 2011, Pusha T released his first solo song, "My God". It was produced by Hit-Boy and was well-liked. In August 2011, it was announced that Pusha T had signed a solo record deal with Def Jam.

On March 21, 2011, Pusha T released his first solo mixtape, Fear of God. It included "My God" and featured other artists like Kanye West and Pharrell Williams. The mixtape was popular. He then worked on his first extended play (EP), Fear of God II: Let Us Pray. This EP was released on November 8, 2011, and was praised by critics.

Pusha T (left) performing with Kanye West in 2011.

The first song from Fear of God II: Let Us Pray was "Trouble on My Mind", featuring Tyler, The Creator. The EP's second song, "Amen", featured Kanye West. After its release, the EP debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200.

In 2011, Pusha T also appeared on the TV show How to Make It in America. He also made a guest appearance on English pop singer Pixie Lott's song "What Do You Take Me For?". This song was a hit in the UK.

2012–2014: My Name Is My Name Album

In 2012, Kanye West announced a GOOD Music album featuring all artists from the label. On April 6, 2012, "Mercy" was released as the first song from this album, Cruel Summer. Pusha T was featured on this song along with Kanye West, Big Sean, and 2 Chainz.

In October 2012, Pusha T released "Pain" featuring Future. This was the first song from his debut album. He later announced the title of his album would be My Name Is My Name. He also released a mixtape called Wrath of Caine before the album.

Pusha T performing in 2013.

My Name Is My Name was released on October 8, 2013. It featured many guest artists like Rick Ross, Future, Pharrell Williams, and Kendrick Lamar. The album received excellent reviews from music critics. It debuted at number 4 on the US Billboard 200, selling 74,000 copies in its first week. The album included production from Kanye West, The Neptunes, and others.

In 2013, Pusha T also added vocals to a remix of "I'll Be Gone" by the rock band Linkin Park.

2014–2017: King Push – Darkest Before Dawn

On November 19, 2014, Pusha T released a song called "Lunch Money", produced by Kanye West.

In November 2015, Pusha T announced that he was appointed the new president of GOOD Music.

Pusha T performing at a music festival in 2015.

On November 12, 2015, Pusha T released "Untouchable", produced by Timbaland. On November 23, 2015, he announced a new album, King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude. This album was released on December 18, 2015. It was a "prelude" to his main album, King Push. It was well-received by critics and reached number 20 on the Billboard 200.

In 2017, he worked with Linkin Park again on the song "Good Goodbye". He also collaborated with the virtual band Gorillaz on the song "Let Me Out".

2018–2022: Daytona and It's Almost Dry

On April 19, 2018, Kanye West announced that Pusha T's King Push album would be released on May 25, 2018. The album was renamed Daytona. It received very high praise from critics. Many called it a "classic album" and a "modern day masterpiece."

In February 2020, Pusha T started his new record label, Heir Wave Media Group. He wanted to find and help artists from the Virginia area. He remained president of G.O.O.D. Music while building his own label. He aimed to sign "album artists" who tell stories through their music.

On February 7, 2022, Pusha T released "Diet Coke". This was the first song from his fourth studio album, It's Almost Dry. The song was produced by Kanye West and 88-Keys. The music video for "Diet Coke" paid tribute to an older music video.

On March 4, Pusha T and Nigo released "Hear Me Clearly". This song also appeared on It's Almost Dry. He also appeared with his brother No Malice as Clipse on the song "Punch Bowl". In March, Pusha T appeared in a commercial for Arby's.

On April 6, Pusha T released "Neck & Wrist" featuring Jay-Z and Pharrell. On April 18, Pusha T announced that It's Almost Dry would be released on April 22.

The album, produced by Pharrell Williams and Kanye West, was released on April 22. It received widespread praise. On May 7, 2022, it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. This was Pusha T's first album to reach the top spot.

2022–Present: New Focus

In December 2022, Pusha T announced he was leaving GOOD Music. He decided to focus on his own label, Heir Wave Music Group. He explained that he wanted to build a platform for artists in his region. He looks for artists who have a story to tell and make "pure music."

In April 2023, Pusha T performed at the 22nd Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Personal Life

On June 11, 2020, Pusha T and his wife Virginia Williams welcomed their first child, Nigel Brixx Thornton.

In November 2021, Pusha T's mother passed away. 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