Upon its release, Death Grips' debut studio album became their magnum opus. The Money Store instantly marked an evolutionary step forward in experimental, industrial, and underground hip-hop.
Death Grips created one of the most innovative musical releases of the decade through utilization of the trio’s individual and collective strengths: MC Ride’s raw, visceral, and abrasive vocals; Andy “Flatlander” Morin’s distorted, mechanical sonics; and Zach Hill’s explosive drumming style, coupled with his adept creative direction.
The lyrics create a bleak, dystopian atmosphere, with Ride’s cryptic wordplay and intense delivery setting the scene for a dark future. Despite these factors, the album manages to be supremely catchy with its combination of infectious earworm hooks and upbeat, experimental production.
Despite a rocky release—10 days prior, several songs from the album were leaked over YouTube and Soundcloud—The Money Store achieved critical acclaim, boasting a decisive 81/100 on Metacritic, and notably receiving internet music critic Anthony Fantano’s first ever 10/10 score.