Death Grips

Death Grips

Death Grips are an experimental hip hop group from Sacramento, United States, formed in 2010. The group includes Stefan Burnett, Zach Hill, Andy Morin, Mexican Girl and Christian Oldham. Burnett performs as MC Ride, while Hill is a producer and drummer, and Morin has worked as a co-producer and keyboardist. Hill is often described as the project’s main creative force, although he is not the frontman.

Style and sound

The group draws on hip hop, punk rock, UK bass styles such as dubstep and grime, noise rock and psychedelic rock. Their music is known for combining rap with electronic and rock elements in a way that is difficult to classify. Their live performances and public behaviour also attract attention and contribute to their cult following.

Releases and label history

Death Grips release their first mixtape, Exmilitary, in 2011, followed by the debut studio album The Money Store in 2012. Both receive critical praise. After signing to Epic Records in 2012, they leak No Love Deep Web and are dismissed from the label. They later found the label Third Worlds in association with Harvest Records and release Government Plates in 2013.

In 2014, after a run of cancelled shows, they announce that they are disbanding around the release of the double album The Powers That B. Its first part, Niggas on the Moon, is leaked in 2014, while the second part, Jenny Death, appears in 2015. Before Jenny Death, they release the instrumental album Fashion Week in early 2015.

Later work

Death Grips continue with Bottomless Pit in 2016 and Year of the Snitch in 2018. They also release the EP Gmail and the Restraining Orders in 2019, marking Warp Records’ 30th anniversary. In 2023, the band adds a collection of previously unreleased material to their website. The group remains active, with Morin later departing.