Get Got is a greatly saturated, fast-paced, and compressed lyrical cut. It seemingly depicts the robbing of a bank in reverse, with the first verse seeing the speaker almost die in a drug-induced crash. Also, there are a lot of allusions to dissociation; establishing the deranged persona through which MC Ride delivers confrontational lines detailing his—and the group’s—imposing musical ability. All in all, of course, the lyrics are mostly (and impressively) open to interpretation, since the robbery and subsequent chase seem to be metaphoric. Musically, the main melody is a beautifully distorted and rapidly played sampling delight. This is paired with the eccentric and electrifying electronic drums and bass arrangements, which are another massively noteworthy part of the track. Finally, MC Ride’s tamer delivery is an amicable introduction to the more manic performances that follow.

Low 9.

The Fever is a bleak, rapid-fire depiction of insanity, drug use, as well as homicidal and suicidal tendencies. This identity that MC Ride impersonates comes across as completely unhinged and evocatively threatening through provocative and impactful lyricism. Audibly, the ability Zach Hill & MC Ride have to craft a chorus is unmatched; the lyrical energy is entirely done justice through vivid electronics, with special mention of the massive, blazing melodies. Moreover, the production is fittingly high-energy and gives endless enjoyability to the to-the-point song structure.

Low-Mid 9.

Lost Boys explores the experience of people abandoned within the current harsh, capitalistic world, from those struggling with drug addiction to those without housing. This powerfully redefines lines like “It’s such a long way down” as a hard-hitting testament to the overwhelming feeling of being ultimately *lost*. Instrumentally, the phaser-effect-riddled production, along with the programmed voices in the chorus, are as immersive as they are unique. What’s more, MC Ride’s delivery on the choruses from the second half onwards adds an ecstatic and abrasive beauty to the track.

Low-Mid 8.

Black Jack uses *blackjack* as an extended metaphor for selling drugs and living life as an accomplished dealer. This has the effect of giving MC Ride more creative settings within which to cryptically boast about ease in proficiency. The ingenuity doesn’t stop there, as the production on this track is mind-blowingly creative and effective in devising an otherworldly and menacing ambience. This perfectly curated atmosphere bleeds into (and pristinely complements) MC Ride’s already noteworthy performance by adding insanely imaginative doubling effects to his voice.

10.

Hustle Bones is another applaudable showcase of delivery. Here, MC Ride carries out a constant shower of new and creative lines describing how no one is safe, as he can kill any spectator with his rapping. The chorus refers more specifically to his ability to make money with this proficiency. Sonically, the vocal-like melody on said chorus is absolutely fantastic and idiosyncratic. The saturated production elsewhere is also a euphoric base on which to place MC Ride’s admirably frenzied delivery.

10.

I’ve Seen Footage is an excellent and gruesome lyrical feat that metaphorically equates the dissociation from everyday life with the desensitisation caused by hyper-violent footage at the fingertips of anyone with an internet connection, or with an equatable lived experience; all in all, making everything seem like a “Handheld dream shot in hell”. Despite this bleak lyrical approach, the music is as exhilarating as any previous moment in the record. For instance, the sheer catchiness of the hook is undeniable, and the energetic production continues to be a pristine accompaniment to the shouted vocal delivery — a combination that manages to stay consistently intoxicating.

Low 9.

Double Helix is a showcase of boastful lyrical ability explaining the basis of Death Grip’s music — their genetic makeup, thus the *double helix*. Namely, MC Ride raps about the passionate albeit beyond-us nature of his performances, as well as his magical, threatening, and unique ability on the mic. Instrumentally, the church-bell-like foundation is as unconventional as it is interesting and creative. Moreover, the quick delivery on the chorus is somewhat amusing and makes for a catchy and memorable hook.

Low-Mid 8.

System Blower: Here, MC Ride shows himself “at random murder killing season”, coming for everyone who dares listen to his lines. This *system* he’s destroying encompasses a couple of possible targets. He could be talking about the rap game, evocatively bragging about his rapping ability and the merit of Death Grips’ music; alternatively, he seems to reference politics, as is to be (possibly) inferred from the “leanin’ hard to the left” line. Once again, the musical side of things is absolutely exhilarating. The bombastic and explosive production continues to ooze a euphoria that’s hard to put into words. From the massively consistent vocal delivery present all across the record, to the addition of another earth-shaking hook to the tracklist, everything here is memorable and admirable.

Low-Mid 9.

The Cage feels like a lyrical continuation of the last cut, with threats and self-praise oriented around rapping ability. However, lines like the “‘How do I get out then?’ you don’t”, along with other allusions to the unfulfilling nature of money present in the second verse, serve to sell the dreary idea of music as the speaker’s only escapism. Sonically, the main melody on this cut is bizarre and somewhat ghastly, which combines amazingly with the bold, vicious, and distorted synth basses.

Low 9.

Punk Weight, as a title, seems to be a metaphor for false weight, like that caused by steroid use — as suggested by lines like “Discard directly after use” and “25-8” which could refer to a 25 gauge 5/8 inch needle. Whatever the case, the whole track seems to be a war against *punk weight*, while showcasing what true weight sounds like through an instrumental that is beautifully and harrowingly abrasive. Also, the Cheba Wassila sample used at the beginning of the cut is absolutely perfect, with the rest of the song maintaining the beauty with its pristine showcase of distortion.

High 9.

Fuck That sees MC Ride finding new, impactful, and comical ways to tell his rivals that they can “suck it ’til [he gets] disgusted”, as well as showing how his style is deadly. Namely, he describes this deadly threat as a toxic one, as shown in applaudable lines like “My Shure BETA 58a hazmatted”. Audibly, the production is somewhat weaker overall, as it feels lacking in direction, or rather, slightly missing the catchiness boasted by the rest of the album. However, the vocal performance, sound design, and in-your-face disposition continue to be intoxicating and undeniably present.

Mid-High 8.

Bitch Please describes copious amounts of violence and sexual imagery to portray a sadomasochist relationship between Death Grips and their listeners. Additionally, acting as a confident claiming of the shock value created by their daring lyricism, which talks about topics often avoided. The confrontational persona present elsewhere appears here as well. On the other hand, the production on this track is, again, consistently eclectic, enthusiastically insane, and simply… fun — headbangingly so. MC Ride’s delivery on the chorus is also comedically laid-back and, as such, worthy of note.

Low 9.

Hacker is a beautiful amalgamation of the personas MC Ride has taken, combined with the profession of a hacker. His taunts of superiority are now adorned with a myriad of creative hacker wordplays and modern, technological references. The lyrical hyper-violence now serves the double purpose of showcasing what aggression is allowed behind the veil of a hacker’s anonymity, as well as continuing to serve in digs to his opposition with metaphoric criticism to the internet age. Fittingly, the production is absolutely brimming with ear candy and unconventionally exalting elements. Additionally, it features more of MC Ride’s ability to energise through his unapologetically yelled execution.

Mid-High 9.