November 1, 2012 11:18

Death Grips vs Epic Records latest: band publish scolding Epic email following album leak

Group share message from Epic/ Columbia senior VP Heath Kudler

Photo: Press

Death Grips have deepened the rift with their label, Epic, by publishing a purportedly official email asking them to remove their self-leaked 'No Love, Deep Web' album from the internet.

The US hip-hop group made their second album available for free download after a disagreement with their label over release dates. The leak was presented along with a deliberately controversial album sleeve showing the album title scribbled on an erect penis.

Yesterday (October 31), the leaked email was published on Death Grips' Facebook and Twitter sites. The message, dated October 1 and apparently sent to Death Grips' manager Pete Katsis by Heath Kudler, Epic's Senior VP of Business and Legal, asks that the band both remove all links to the album from their website and that they return the master tapes to Epic. The label chief explains that he is "extremely upset and disappointed" with the band and their actions.

There has been speculation that the leaking of the album was an elaborate marketing stunt. Death Grips published the email with the caption, "Got sick of hearing about this marketing shit, annoying", and added, 'HAHAHA NOW FUCK OFF'.

A second email was also published, in which Death Grips' manager explains that he is happy to return the master tapes but that all future correspondence should be sent to the band's attorney.

Earlier this year, Death Grips pulled a string of UK live shows in order to focus their attention into writing and recording 'No Love, Deep Web'. The Sacramento-based industrial rap trio cancelled a number of festival appearances including London's I'll Be Your Mirror and Field Day.

The group will be in the UK for three shows next week, however, playing live dates in Bristol, Manchester and London. Dates can be found below:

Death Grips will play:

Bristol, The Fleece - November 5
Manchester, Sound Control - 6
London, Electric Ballroom – 7

To check the availability of Death Grips tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/TICKETS now, or call 0871 230 1094.

The world's greatest music magazine is now available as a digital edition! For exclusive content you won't find on NME.COM, download here on your iPad/iPhone and here on your Kindle Fire or Nook.

Share on Facebook