Released 13 years ago this November
Government Plates
Death Grips · 2013
35 min · 11 tracks · hardcore hip-hop
Chaotic beats clash with abrasive vocals, creating an unsettling yet captivating soundscape that defies genre boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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You Might Think He Loves You for Your Money but I Know What He Really Loves You for It’s Your Brand New Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat — This track captures the chaotic essence of the album with its frenetic pacing and biting lyrics, laying bare themes of exploitation and materialism.
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This Is Violence Now (Don’t Get Me Wrong) — The song blends aggressive beats with confrontational lyrics, embodying the band's critique of societal violence while pushing sonic boundaries.
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Whatever I Want (Fuck Who’s Watching) — With its relentless energy and defiant message, this track epitomizes the ethos of personal freedom and rebellion prevalent throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's chaotic structure and abrasive sound create a unique listening experience that challenges norms.
What we noticed
- Vocals are often layered with distortion and effects, making them blend into the chaotic instrumental backdrop rather than standing out.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verses and choruses for more fragmented arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with chaotic energy
- cryptic themes for deep thinkers
- short bursts of intense expression
- immersive experience for focused listeners
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of polished production
- prefer straightforward lyrical content
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on November 13, 2013, Government Plates is Death Grips' third studio album, following the critically acclaimed No Love Deep Web. At this point in their career, the band had established themselves as pioneers of experimental hip-hop and digital hardcore, known for their unorthodox style and provocative approach. The album was released independently, showcasing their commitment to artistic freedom amid a tumultuous relationship with their former label.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Black Midi· Shabazz Palaces· Ho99o9
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 You Might Think He Loves You for Your Money but I Know What He Really Loves You for It’s Your Brand New Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat 2:41
- 2 Anne Bonny 3:27
- 3 Two Heavens 3:02
- 4 This Is Violence Now (Don’t Get Me Wrong) 2:38
- 5 Birds 4:38
- 6 Feels Like a Wheel 2:22
- 7 I’m Overflow 3:09
- 8 Big House 2:19
- 9 Government Plates 2:42
- 10 Bootleg (Don’t Need Your Help) 2:06
- 11 Whatever I Want (Fuck Who’s Watching) 6:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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