What makes The Powers That B by Death Grips notable?

The Powers That B received widespread critical acclaim, being highlighted by publications like Pitchfork, which praised its innovative production and lyrical depth. The album's unconventional promotion strategies and chaotic energy solidified Death Grips' influence within the experimental hip-hop scene, inspiring numerous artists across genres with its fearless artistic expression. Released on March 31, 2015, The Powers That B is Death Grips' fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Jenny Death. At this point in their career, the band was known for their boundary-pushing approach to music, having already developed a reputation for their intense live performances and experimental sound. This album came after a brief hiatus and marked a return to their frenetic style after the polarizing reception of previous projects.

Who is The Powers That B for?

The Powers That B works well if you're into dynamic exploration with peaks, wave-like pacing for attention and chaotic energy for late nights.

How many songs are on The Powers That B?

The Powers That B has 18 tracks, running approximately 80 minutes.

The Powers That B

Death Grips · 2015

80 min · 18 tracks · hardcore hip-hop

Aggressive beats and chaotic soundscapes collide with raw, confrontational lyrics in this unrelenting exploration of modern disillusionment.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Black Quarterback — This track showcases the band's signature blend of aggressive delivery and complex rhythms while tackling themes of identity and societal pressure. Its relentless energy makes it a standout representation of the album's overall tone.
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Inanimate Sensation — The song features an eerie juxtaposition of haunting vocals and industrial beats that encapsulates the existential dread permeating the album. It serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative arc of The Powers That B.
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Centuries of Damn — With its introspective lyrics and layered production, this track delves into themes of mortality and human struggle, making it one of the most profound moments on the album. Its dynamic contrasts highlight Death Grips' ability to merge chaos with vulnerability.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's chaotic energy and unique structure make it stand out in the hardcore hip-hop genre.

What we noticed

The album features abrupt transitions between tracks, often shifting from aggressive beats to quieter, more introspective moments.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as extended instrumental sections and sudden tempo changes.
Lyrically, the album employs a stream-of-consciousness style that reflects themes of disillusionment and chaos, with dense wordplay throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

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

dynamic exploration with peaks
wave-like pacing for attention
chaotic energy for late nights
intense sonic contrast throughout
immersive headphone detail hunting

Maybe skip if you

seeking straightforward, catchy tunes
prefer calm, consistent listening

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on March 31, 2015, The Powers That B is Death Grips' fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Jenny Death. At this point in their career, the band was known for their boundary-pushing approach to music, having already developed a reputation for their intense live performances and experimental sound. This album came after a brief hiatus and marked a return to their frenetic style after the polarizing reception of previous projects.
Stylistic neighbors: Black Midi· Shabazz Palaces· Ho99o9

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

I Break Mirrors With My Face in the United States

A shift in perspective occurs midway through when the narrator addresses personal failings directly, breaking from abstract observations to intimate self-criti…

This direct engagement with personal flaws sharpens the emotional impact of the song, contrasting with earlier lines that maintained a more detached tone.