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Death Grips

Death Grips is an American experimental hip-hop group formed in 2010 in Sacramento, California.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Death Grips is an American experimental hip-hop group formed in 2010 in Sacramento, California. The group consists of Stefan Burnett (MC Ride), Zach Hill, and Andy Morin and is known for an aggressive sound blending hip-hop with punk, electronic, noise, and industrial influences, as well as a cryptic public image and intense cult following.

History

Death Grips was formed in Sacramento, California, in 2010 by Stefan Burnett, Zach Hill, and Andy Morin. The group gained wider attention after releasing early material such as the mixtape *Exmilitary* in 2011.

Musical style

The band’s music is usually classified as experimental hip hop, but it draws heavily from punk rock, electronic music, noise, and industrial music. Their work is often described as difficult to categorize because of its abrasive and genre-blending style.

Public image

Death Grips is known for aggressive performances and for maintaining a deliberately cryptic relationship with fans and the media. This has contributed to their reputation as one of the more enigmatic bands in contemporary music.

Reception

The group has received critical acclaim and has built a strong cult audience. Their influence is often discussed in relation to experimental and alternative music scenes.

Key facts

  • Death Grips formed in Sacramento in 2010.
  • The group is commonly described as an experimental hip-hop act.
  • Its core lineup is Stefan Burnett, Zach Hill, and Andy Morin.
  • The band is known for an abrasive sound and cryptic public image.
  • Death Grips has developed a large cult following and critical attention.
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Canadian context

Death Grips has a following in Canada through the wider international experimental hip-hop and alternative music scenes, and their releases and tours have been of interest to Canadian listeners and concert audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of music does Death Grips make?
Death Grips is usually described as an experimental hip-hop group that also incorporates punk rock, electronic, noise, and industrial elements.
Who are the members of Death Grips?
The core members are Stefan Burnett (MC Ride), Zach Hill, and Andy Morin.
Where is Death Grips from?
Death Grips formed in Sacramento, California, in the United States.
When was Death Grips formed?
The group was formed in 2010.
Why is Death Grips well known?
They are known for their abrasive sound, genre-blending style, and cryptic public persona, which helped them gain critical attention and a cult following.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Grips
    Supports: Origin, formation date, members, genre, and general description.
  2. Last.fm — https://www.last.fm/music/Death+Grips/+wiki
    Supports: Formation, lineup, and experimental hip-hop classification.
  3. Simple English Wikipedia — https://www.simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Grips
    Supports: Formation in Sacramento, lineup, and broad genre description.