In the last week, a March video interview at South By Southwest found No Malice adamantly dismissing rumors of another Clipse album. While Heads across the universe may have sighed, eye-rolled, or just flat-out been upset, the artist formerly known as Malice has his reasons. The Virginia lyricist still takes his craft seriously, albeit with a newfound message, following his 2011 memoir. Appearing in BET’s 106 & Park Backroom, NoMal kicks some deeply personal bars. Skeptics ought to listen close, as it slickly explains the Re-Up Gang co-founder’s reasoning.

Related: No Malice Puts Clipse Fans’ Hopes To Bed. “Being Very Clear” (Video)