Bavitz was born in Syosset, New York and grew up in Northport, New York. While attending college, Bavitz initially recorded and released two self-financed efforts, Music for Earthworms (1997), a full-length featuring underground artist Percee P on two tracks. Bavitz also released a music video to "Abandon All Hope", which was one of the tracks on the CD. The album sold over 300 copies, largely from a grassroots internet-based promotion at his website AesopRock.com and then-popular web portal, MP3.Com. It was a success. With the money he made from his previous release, he then released his Appleseed EP in 1999 which received critical acclaim in the underground hip hop circuit.[citation needed] Both of his early records were produced by long-time friend Blockhead, and underground producer Dub-L. He completed these albums while also working as a waiter.
After his breakthrough success in the underground hip hop and indie rap community, he was eventually noticed by the Mush label and obtained his first record deal in 1999, just a year after he graduated from college. Aesop released his first major album, Float (2000), with guest appearances from Vast Aire, Slug, and Dose One. Production was split between Blockhead and Aesop himself, with one track by Omega One. During this time, Aesop worked at a photography gallery. In August 2001 tragedy struck when Bavitz had a nervous breakdown. The song "One of Four" on his Daylight EP documents his struggles.
Shortly after releasing Float, Aesop Rock signed to Manhattan-based label Definitive Jux (commonly shortened to Def Jux), where he released Labor Days (2001), an album dedicated to the discussion of labor in American society and the concept of "wage slaves". This album was most well known for its single "Daylight". Because of its popularity, Daylight was re-released in 2002 as a seven-track EP, including an "alternative" new version of the song "Night Light", whose paraphrased lyrics simultaneously refer back to, and stand in stark opposition to, the original's. The song "Labor" (from Labor Days) was featured in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4; it also was the first album in his catalog to break through the Billboard charts, peaking at number 15 at the United States Independent Charts, giving Aesop Rock more recognition.
Labor Days was followed by Bazooka Tooth in 2003. For the first time, production was mostly handled by Rock himself, with three tracks from longtime collaborator Blockhead and one from close friend and Definitive Jux label CEO El-P. Guest appearances include Party Fun Action Committee, El-P, and Mr. Lif (all Definitive Jux labelmates) and Camp Lo. With this release Aesop hit a higher level of recognition, releasing "No Jumper Cables" as a single and music video, then another single, "Freeze", shortly after. A remix of "No Jumper Cables" was featured on Tony Hawk's Underground 2, furthering Aesop's recognition. In 2004, He released Build Your Own Bazooka Tooth and created a contest in which you had to create a remix of an Aesop Rock song using the a cappellas and instrumentals.
In February 2005, Aesop Rock released a new EP, Fast Cars, Danger, Fire and Knives. The first pressing of the EP included an 88-page booklet with lyrics from every release from Float until this EP (the lyric booklet is titled The Living Human Curiosity Sideshow); later pressings of the album come without the booklet, but with an additional bonus track, "Facemelter". In addition, a limited number of albums were available direct from Def Jux with Aesop Rock's graffiti tag on them. In response to demands from his fans, Rock did less production on the EP: three songs are produced by Blockhead, three produced by Aesop, and one by Rob Sonic. During this time he was asked to join The Weathermen to replace Vast Aire.
Aesop Rock was commissioned to create a 45-minute instrumental track for the Nike+iPod running system, entitled All Day. It was released in February 2007. Distributed via the iTunes Music Store and featuring his wife Allyson Baker on guitar and scratches from DJ Big Wiz, Aesop has described the release as "something that evolved enough that the sound was constantly fresh and attractive, as though the runner were moving through a set of differing cities or landscapes."
All Day was followed in August of the same year by Bavitz's fifth full-length album, None Shall Pass released in 2007. The album also contained original artwork by Jeremy Fish. About Jeremy Fish, Aesop Rock said: "Man that guy is my hero. We have a friend in common who hit me up a while back saying that this guy Jeremy Fish had an opportunity to pitch a cartoon to Disney and wanted me to be involved in the music side. I flipped out cuz I was also a fan of his, and owned some of his work." Aesop Rock also teamed up with Jeremy Fish again in a project called Ghosts of the Barbary Coast. Aesop Rock made a song called "Tomorrow Morning", to go along with a slideshow of drawings that Jeremy Fish drew. This was displayed in San Francisco, but was also made available for download online. None Shall Pass had positive reviews from critics and fans, applauding Aesop for his change in sound.
In 2011, Rhymesayers released "Are You Going to Eat That?", the debut album from Hail Mary Mallon, a collaboration between Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic, and DJ Big Wiz.
On July 10, 2012, Rhymesayers released Aesop Rock's sixth studio album, "Skelethon". Its first single, "Zero Dark Thirty", was released four months earlier on April 10. A second single, "ZZZ Top", was released on June 29.
In 2011, Aesop Rock and Kimya Dawson of The Moldy Peaches formed the duo The Uncluded. The duo's debut album, "Hokey Fright" was released on May 7, 2013.
In 2018, Aesop Rock teamed up with TOBACCO to form Malibu Ken
39 Thieves
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thousands of them line the pavement
Like patient pupae waiting to become worms
Another dark night, teething I'm marking a beast sheep
Like I walk in front of 39 thieves in a beat
Smores over warm helvetica brown proper
Wild blue yonder, blue in the face, angel
Blew into the bugles in lieu of the euthanasia
Usually the shooter community chew the corpse
But I see the wolves have already gotten to you and yours
Day of the dead, play the ledge closely
Train a barrel of monkeys to aim at the lowest bogey
Dope the gonzo of what we sold choked socially
Stole the golden fleece with the culture of total nobodies
Earth rised, the divide up of fighting tribes
All we do is watch 'em waddle back and forth lighting fires
Detonator, wire cutter, pliers
Two cities and the one is broken up in tiny towns
And I won't pose, I'm in the heart of the lion's throat
For a photographic token of my primordial growth
You parade around and kill, so damn proud
Like a flatline fetish, had it's feathers fanned out
War tore the symmetry, skipped into it gingerly
Silk worms ping-pong ministry to ministry
Hell's build every which way the the wind blows
So I bang my head against any wall you can build, go.
Another dark night
Another not-all-right
Another bad ritual
More botched surgery
Better follow the bread crumbs back in fact, urgently
Or waddle through this section where the natives feel murdery
Vicinity wander
Claim no soul
Never let an anchor drop
Never had a home
Never talk to strangers
Never trust a friend
This is the life and the life will not end.
Money Money Money Money
Money Money Money Money
Next time think
39 Thieves are quicker than 40 winks
Raise your drinks
39 thieves are quicker than 40 winks
We're not concerned with the community aloofness
Duke, we're animals, we just go where the most food is
Lower the toast, most formal etiquette is useless
Truth is you're equally expendable if spoon fed
(Money Money)
Money is cool and I'm only human
But they use it as a tool to make the WORKERS feel excluded
Like the shinier the jewel the more exclusive the troop is
Bullets don't take bribes stupid, they shoot shit
Another dark night...
Calicos tred around the rabbit hole
Weapons to the heavens and arsenic where the carrots grows
Piss warmed sugar water wore the summer canteen
Plus burned rubber like "green is the new green"
Rubber necks froze, slows by the multiplex
Rodeo commotion, I'm open to see what culminates
Boogie on the right, left rep rebel force
Both say the feudal group
The parking lot was never yours
Black top pebble wars
Soldiers mold it where the Jones is every grown up
Want the code again to get to grow in
No motive, it showed up in dose quotas
Hog barn burner come see if your homes hold us
Eighty-five rattle-trap parked through fancy
Which swayed with stepping out of Comanche, antsy
Let us in the jetty when they jet us in the medicine
And paranormal hatchet and cadets to break the levees in
Both know the totem comradery
Token of equality, they post it horizontally
Chronicle the loading dock, they crawl to lodge the colony
Half-massed flags, half caps stole the properly "stole the" I don't think is right but I dunno what it is.
And sleep the sleep of the just
Ready on the left
Where the witchcraft spun out of a neighboring sect
With the usual undesirables and the big brother cutters
On the day your name became "This Motherfucker?"
Another dark night
Another not-all-right
Another bad ritual
More botched surgery
Better follow the bread crumbs back in fact, urgently
Or waddle through this section where the natives feel "murdery"
Vicinity wander
Claim no soul
Never let an anchor drop
Never had a home
Never talk to strangers
Never trust a friend
This is the life and the life will not end.
The lyrics of Aesop Rock's "39 Thieves" are full of symbols and metaphors that convey a sense of darkness and unease. The first verses use the image of hunters with their dogs and rifles to depict a menacing crowd of people waiting to do harm. The next lines describe the rapper walking in front of them, acknowledging their threat but refusing to back down. The following verses drift into stream-of-consciousness reflections on power, violence, and greed, referencing historical and mythical figures such as God, wolves, and the golden fleece. The chorus repeats the phrase "money, money, money" sarcastically, implying that money and material possessions are not the key to happiness or security.
One interpretation of the song is that it paints a dystopian vision of a world overrun by chaos, injustice, and apathy. The "39 thieves" in the title could refer to the many obstacles that people face in their lives, such as poverty, discrimination, or addiction. The lyrics suggest that individuals must navigate these challenges on their own, without relying on community or social structures. The repeated refrain of "never talk to strangers" and "never trust a friend" reinforces a sense of isolation and paranoia. Overall, the song seems to be a critique of the way power operates in contemporary society, where wealth and force often win out over collaboration and compassion.
Line by Line Meaning
Hunters with their dogs and deer rifles
There are many people armed and ready for hunting, prepared like insects in cocoons waiting to transform.
Like patient pupae waiting to become worms
Similar to how pupae patiently wait to transform into worms, these hunters patiently wait for their prey.
Another dark night, teething I'm marking a beast sheep
In another ominous night, I am preparing for a challenging task by analyzing and identifying a hidden danger.
Like I walk in front of 39 thieves in a beat
I feel as if I am bravely facing a group of deceptive individuals, just like walking in front of a gang of thieves.
Smores over warm helvetica brown proper
Enjoying delicious melted marshmallow and chocolate treats over a warm, perfectly toasted surface.
For the odd God or monster, proper to teleprompter
Performing rituals or actions that are suitable for either divine beings or fearsome creatures, as instructed by a teleprompter.
Wild blue yonder, blue in the face, angel
Venturing into the unknown and experiencing exhaustion, like a heavenly being appearing before me repeatedly.
Blew into the bugles in lieu of the euthanasia
Rather than resorting to mercy killing, I chose to blow into bugles, possibly representing a musical instrument or battle call.
Usually the shooter community chew the corpse
Typically, those involved in shooting or violence would further harm the victim's body by tearing and chewing it.
But I see the wolves have already gotten to you and yours
However, I can see that predatory individuals have already attacked you and your loved ones.
Day of the dead, play the ledge closely
During the day of remembrance for the deceased, I am cautious and alert, feeling as if I am standing on a dangerous precipice.
Train a barrel of monkeys to aim at the lowest bogey
Teaching a group of mischievous individuals to target the least threatening entity.
Dope the gonzo of what we sold choked socially
Suppressing the exhilaration and spirit of what we have offered or created, causing social suffocation and restriction.
Stole the golden fleece with the culture of total nobodies
Acquiring something of great value using a society comprised of individuals who are considered insignificant.
Earth rised, the divide up of fighting tribes
As conflict escalates between various groups, discord and division emerge within society.
All we do is watch 'em waddle back and forth lighting fires
As the situation worsens, we can only observe these restless individuals moving aimlessly while igniting conflicts.
Detonator, wire cutter, pliers
Using explosive devices, tools to disarm, and gripping tools for various purposes.
Two cities and the one is broken up in tiny towns
Within two cities, one of them is fragmented into small communities or neighborhoods.
And I won't pose, I'm in the heart of the lion's throat
I refuse to pretend or deceive, as I find myself amidst a dangerous and powerful situation.
For a photographic token of my primordial growth
In exchange for a symbolic representation of my development from ancient times.
You parade around and kill, so damn proud
You boastfully display your actions of killing and feel an excessive sense of pride.
Like a flatline fetish, had its feathers fanned out
Similar to someone having a fascination with flatlines, their excessive pride causes their ego to inflate.
War tore the symmetry, skipped into it gingerly
War disrupted the balance and harmony, entering it cautiously and delicately.
Silk worms ping-pong ministry to ministry
The actions and effects of silk worms bounce back and forth between different factions or departments.
Hell's build every which way the wind blows
Chaos and destruction are constructed wherever fate or circumstances lead.
So I bang my head against any wall you can build, go
I persistently confront and challenge any obstacles you may create, showing resilience and determination.
Next time think
Consider your actions and decisions more thoroughly in the future.
39 Thieves are quicker than 40 winks
39 Thieves act faster than a moment of sleep, emphasizing their speed and swiftness.
Raise your drinks
Raise your glasses in celebration or acknowledgment of the previous statement.
Money Money Money Money
Repeatedly mentioning money, symbolizing its significance and influence.
We're not concerned with the community aloofness
We are not interested in or affected by the distant and detached behavior of the community.
Duke, we're animals, we just go where the most food is
Hey, we are driven by our animal instincts and simply follow our survival instincts to find sustenance.
Lower the toast, most formal etiquette is useless
Lowering the importance of formal manners and social rules, as they hold little value in certain situations.
Truth is you're equally expendable if spoon fed
The reality is that you are just as disposable if you rely too heavily on others for your needs.
Money is cool and I'm only human
Money may be appealing, and as a human, I am susceptible to its allure.
But they use it as a tool to make the WORKERS feel excluded
However, the powerful exploit money as a means to ostracize and alienate the working class.
Like the shinier the jewel the more exclusive the troop is
Similar to how a more dazzling jewel represents a more exclusive community or group.
Bullets don't take bribes stupid, they shoot shit
Bullets do not accept bribes, they simply discharge and cause destruction.
Calicos tread around the rabbit hole
Calicos, referring to various colored cats, carefully navigate around a situation filled with danger or mystery.
Weapons to the heavens and arsenic where the carrots grow
Arming oneself with powerful weapons while the source of sustenance is tainted or dangerous.
Piss warmed sugar water wore the summer canteen
Using inadequate or unsatisfactory means to quench thirst, such as urine warmed sugar water in a canteen.
Plus burned rubber like 'green is the new green'
Additionally, engaging in reckless driving that results in tire burnouts, as if emphasizing a trend of environmental consciousness.
Rubber necks froze, slows by the multiplex
Onlookers halted their movements and slowed down near the crowded movie theater.
Rodeo commotion, I'm open to see what culminates
A chaotic scene reminiscent of a rodeo, where I am curious and receptive to observing the outcome.
Boogie on the right, left rep rebel force
One side dances with excitement, while the other side represents a rebellious and opposing force.
Both say the feudal group
Both sides claim to represent a feudal group or system.
The parking lot was never yours
You never truly owned or possessed the parking lot.
Black top pebble wars
Engaging in conflicts or battles fought on a black asphalt surface covered in small stones.
Soldiers mold it where the Jones is every grown up
Soldiers shape and influence the landscape where conformity and societal expectations dominate.
Want the code again to get to grow in
Desiring to decipher the code or secret once more in order to experience personal growth.
No motive, it showed up in dose quotas
Without any clear motive, it unexpectedly appeared and influenced various aspects or criteria.
Hog barn burner come see if your homes hold us
Confronting the challenge head-on and questioning the resilience of your dwellings or establishments.
Eighty-five rattle-trap parked through fancy
Numerous dilapidated or unreliable vehicles parked in an extravagant or luxurious setting.
Which swayed with stepping out of Comanche, antsy
These vehicles, exhibiting signs of restlessness and impatience, moved hesitantly like someone stepping out of a horse-drawn carriage.
Let us in the jetty when they jet us in the medicine
Allow us access to the dock where we will receive our supplies or medication by boat transportation.
And paranormal hatchet and cadets to break the levees in
Utilizing supernatural forces, hatchets, and an army of new recruits to dismantle and breach the flood barriers.
Both know the totem comradery
Both sides understand and embrace the symbolic unity and companionship that the totem represents.
Token of equality, they post it horizontally
Signaling a symbol of equal status by displaying it in a horizontal orientation.
Chronicle the loading dock, they crawl to lodge the colony
Documenting the activities at the dock where individuals slowly move and settle to establish a community.
Half-massed flags, half caps stole the properly
Flags flying at half-mast and caps worn only halfway signify that the correct mourning protocols were not followed.
And sleep the sleep of the just
Finally, finding rest that corresponds to a righteous and worthy individual.
Ready on the left
Preparing for action and being vigilant on the left side.
Where the witchcraft spun out of a neighboring sect
In a place where witchcraft originates from a nearby group or community.
With the usual undesirables and the big brother cutters
Interacting with the expected undesirable individuals and those who engage in surveillance or control.
On the day your name became 'This Motherfucker?'
Referring to a specific day when your reputation or identity transformed into being derogatorily labeled as a motherfucker.
Never let an anchor drop
Always remain adrift and avoid committing to a stable or fixed position.
Never had a home
Never truly had a place to call home or a sense of belonging.
Never talk to strangers
Always avoid interacting with unfamiliar individuals.
Never trust a friend
Maintain skepticism and distrust even towards those considered friends.
This is the life and the life will not end
This existence is the reality, and it will continue indefinitely.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
warehamtown
one of the best tracks I've ever heard. Aesop is too good to be mainstream
Tee Kay
well, then it's good he's mostly not mainstream 😁
BroodLord
I god damn love this fucking song. This will play at my funeral procession.
Dan Fontaine
I'm grateful I encountered this music in my youth. And I'm sad how it's a low probability anyone on this level exists in the next generation of rap
Way2Dylagent
Majority speaking yes but there's gonna be something better one day because we have more words, more slang more double entendres and more fucked up policy . In fact check out John Wayne
This Is My Name
Funny an Aesop Rock fan would say this. Listen to "Save Yourself". He looks down on this elitist nonsense.
ValhallaBeckons
Old-head here (35) Aes' is a testameant to the fact that real hip hop will never die. See: emcees like MF DOOM.
DusTron Tron
Even the cover art is so sick on this album
pankace
Denzel Curry and Suicideboys are pretty great in terms of lyricism, JID is great and obviously Kendrick and J Cole are from the new school. Great rap is out there from this generation, you just have to look for it.
MeanMugger
Dude is Epic. If one word could describe this MAN.