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
All Day: Nike Original Run
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
When I'm in effect, the days are all strange
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
When I'm in effect, the days are all large
Fire for the people the summer is all ours
When I'm in effect, the days are all grim
Too alive once the chips are all in
When I'm in effect, the days are all close
Woke up new, the city was all ghost
When I'm in effect, the days are all new
Five in the sky, the muddy is all you
When I'm in effect, the days are all wild
Food in the streets and
Clean-up in all aisles
When I'm in effect, the days are all peep
Grown by his own, provoked the wrong sheep
When I'm in effect, the day is all raw
Ten little workers, nine were all talk
Talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk
Talk
Talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
Cut two holes in a big brown bag
(C-cut two holes in a big brown bag)
Home for the dome is a homemade mask
(H-home for the dome is a homemade mask)
Once in a, once in a while he spoke
(O-once in a, once in a while he spoke)
But he could never catwalk with the shiny fun
(B-but he could never catwalk
With the shiny fun)
A-are you alive? I am, I am
(A-a-are you alive? I am, I am)
Two eyes on the prize, ten toes in the sand
(Two eyes on the prize, ten toes in the sand)
A-are you alert? I am indeed
(A-a-are you alert? I am indeed)
From the bass in your face to
The ace in your sleeve
(from the bass in your face to
The ace in your sleeve)
From the bass in your face
To the ace in your sleeve
From the bass in your face
To the ace in your sleeve
From the bass in your face
To the ace in your sleeve
From the bass in your face
To the ace in your sleeve
From the bass in your face
To the ace in your sleeve
From the bass in your face
To the ace in your sleeve
From the bass in your face
To the ace in your sleeve
From the bass in your face
To the ace in your sleeve
Two, four, six, eight, never too late
Never too late
Two, four, six, eight, never too late
Never too late
Two, four, six, eight, never too late
Never too late
Two, four, six, eight, never too late
Never too late
You can put your radios a little bit louder
If the radios are louder then
The people will play (Okay)
You can shine your videos
A little bit brighter
If the videos are brighter then
The people will play (Okay)
You can put your radios a little bit louder
If the radios are louder then
The people will play (Okay)
You can shine your videos
A little bit brighter
If the videos are brighter then
The people will play (Okay)
Two, four, six, eight, never too late
Never too late
Two, four, six, eight, never too late
Never too late
Two, four, six, eight, never too late
Never too late
Two, four, six, eight, never too late
Never too late
Never too late, never too
Late, never too late, never too late
Never too late, never too
Late, never too late, never too late
Never too late, never too
Late, never too late, never too late
Never too late, never too
Late, never too late, never too late
Okay, okay, okay, okay
Okay, okay, okay, okay
Okay, okay, okay, okay
Okay, okay, okay, okay
Okay, okay, okay, okay
(Two, four, six, eight)
(Two, four, six, eight)
(Two, four, six, eight)
Ease on down to the marketplace
Scope out anything with markerstains
The bus-stop glass like a targetface
Cap the delay where the archers aim
Ease on down to the catacomb
Crash into another man's babylon
No matter which path y'all travel on
We spin this city in a gravitron
Ease on down to the marketplace
Scope out anything with markerstains
The bus-stop glass like a targetface
Cap the delay where the archers aim
Ease on down to the catacomb
Crash into another man's babylon
No matter which path y'all travel on
We spin this city in a gravitron
Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay
Broke noose with a movie feud
In the same old feed no news is new
Most soup on the food he grew
Put a mouth full of crumbs no news is new
Old troop with a loopy crew
But the skies ain't blue no news is new
No flu had a loopty-loop
Might slip into the stew
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
No news is new, no news is new
Fire in the sky with a focused temper
Two sides know it as a noble gesture
All the kings men let the poison fester
When the knucklehead choir
Sang "No surrender, "
What a pretty light show
You both have rendered
Put a strain on the number of folk attending
Aim for the gallery of open hecklers when
The knucklehead choir sang "No surrender, "
Fire in the sky with a focused temper
Two sides know it as a noble gesture
All the kings men let the poison fester
When the knucklehead choir
Sang "No surrender, "
What a pretty light show
You both have rendered
Put a strain on the number of folk attending
Aim for the gallery of open hecklers when
The knucklehead choir sang "No surrender, "
Then the knucklehead choir
Sang "No surrender"
Then the knucklehead choir
Sang "No surrender"
Then the knucklehead choir
Sang "No surrender"
Then the knucklehead choir
Sang "No surrender"
No surrender, no surrender, no
Surrender, no surrender
No surrender, no surrender, no surrender
No surrender
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go
All day we was all 'ay'
Hopefully everybody lands okay all night
We was all nice
Hats in the air, no more thin ice all day
We was all 'ay'
When will the knots in the stomach go away?
All night we was all nice
Victory swole at a roll of the dice
All day we was all 'ay'
Hopefully everybody lands okay all night
We was all nice
Hats in the air, no more thin ice all day
We was all 'ay'
When will the knots in the stomach go away?
All night we was all nice
Victory swole at a roll of the dice
The lyrics to Aesop Rock's song "All Day: Nike Original Run" repeat the phrase "Boy in the box, the fever is all day" throughout the song. The repetition creates a sense of urgency and restlessness, representing the feeling of being trapped or confined. The "fever" mentioned in the lyrics could symbolize a passionate desire or a sense of unease that pervades the singer's life.
The lyrics also touch on themes of isolation and detachment. The mention of a homemade mask and the boy in the box suggest a sense of disconnect from the outside world. The singer feels like an outsider, unable to fully participate in the world around them. The lyrics further explore this theme with lines like "Woke up new, the city was all ghost" and "Grown by his own, provoked the wrong sheep," emphasizing a sense of alienation and miscommunication.
Line by Line Meaning
Boy in the box, the fever is all day
The person in a confined situation is constantly filled with an intense desire or passion throughout the day.
When I'm in effect, the days are all strange
When I'm fully active and influential, each day becomes unpredictable and unusual.
When I'm in effect, the days are all large
When I'm fully active and influential, each day becomes significant and grand.
When I'm in effect, the days are all grim
When I'm fully active and influential, each day becomes gloomy and dreadful.
When I'm in effect, the days are all close
When I'm fully active and influential, each day feels intimate or personal.
Woke up new, the city was all ghost
After a sudden change or realization, the city appeared deserted or empty.
When I'm in effect, the days are all new
When I'm fully active and influential, each day becomes fresh and unfamiliar.
Five in the sky, the muddy is all you
With only limited options or resources available, all you have is a challenging or difficult situation.
Food in the streets and Clean-up in all aisles
There is an abundance of opportunities or resources available, and everyone is actively working to improve their circumstances.
Grown by his own, provoked the wrong sheep
By relying on his own abilities and instincts, he unintentionally instigated or offended the wrong person or group.
Ten little workers, nine were all talk
Out of ten individuals responsible for a task, only nine were good at talking or making promises, but lacked action.
Talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk
Continuous talk or conversation without much substance or progress.
Cut two holes in a big brown bag
Make a simple modification to a large container or obstacle.
Home for the dome is a homemade mask
The protection or disguise for the head is a mask that is created by oneself.
Two eyes on the prize, ten toes in the sand
Focusing on the goal or reward, completely committed and grounded.
Ease on down to the marketplace
Relax and casually walk towards the busy public space filled with various activities.
Scope out anything with markerstains
Carefully observe and examine anything that shows signs or evidence of previous interactions or involvement.
The bus-stop glass like a targetface
The glass at the bus stop resembles a face marked with a target, vulnerable or subjected to scrutiny.
Cap the delay where the archers aim
Put an end to the delay or hesitation where those ready to take action are aiming their shots.
Crash into another man's babylon
Collide or intrude into someone else's self-created world or chaos.
We spin this city in a gravitron
We continuously cause the city to rotate or whirl around, affecting its balance or stability.
Never too late, never too late
There is always an opportunity or chance available, no matter how delayed it may seem.
You can put your radios a little bit louder
Increase the volume of your radios slightly to get people more engaged or excited.
You can shine your videos A little bit brighter
Enhance the quality or impact of your videos by making them visually more appealing or captivating.
Broke noose with a movie feud
Escaped or freed from a loop of harmful or contentious interactions, similar to a rivalry depicted in a movie.
No flu had a loopty-loop
No illness experienced a repeated or spiraling pattern.
Most soup on the food he grew
The majority of the substance or content of a dish is derived from the ingredients that he cultivated.
No news is new, no news is new
The absence of updates or information is not surprising or unusual.
Fire in the sky with a focused temper
A passionate or intense display of emotions or actions, symbolized by fire in the sky.
Two sides know it as a noble gesture
Both opposing parties recognize and acknowledge this action as a courageous or honorable act.
All the kings men let the poison fester
All the influential or powerful individuals allowed the toxic situation to worsen or become more harmful.
When the knucklehead choir Sang 'No surrender'
When the ignorant or foolish group chanted 'No surrender', refusing to give up or back down.
What a pretty light show You both have rendered
The spectacle or display of lights created by both parties involved is visually impressive or captivating.
Put a strain on the number of folk attending
Significantly reduced the number of people present or participating in an event or gathering.
Aim for the gallery of open hecklers when The knucklehead choir sang 'No surrender'
Direct criticism or negative attention towards the group of individuals who openly expressed their support for 'No surrender'.
Then the knucklehead choir Sang 'No surrender'
Subsequently, the foolish or ignorant group chanted 'No surrender', refusing to give up or back down.
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go
Encouragement to move forward or take action rapidly and continuously.
All day we was all 'ay' Hopefully everybody lands okay all night
Throughout the day, we were all present or engaged, hoping that everyone finds a safe and secure place to stay during the night.
When will the knots in the stomach go away?
When will the feelings of anxiety or tension dissipate and bring relief?
All night we was all nice Victory swole at a roll of the dice
Throughout the night, we were all kind and friendly, experiencing a sense of triumph or success due to a fortunate gamble or risk.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Deo Geo
Make sure you check out de la soul's all day by nike too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ7nZ-9UV8Y
Eric Cormier
Love both this and De La's both... still playing em on the regular well into 2022💪🏼💯☮🎯
Deo Geo
@Eric Cormier me too! 👊🏼
Valnak
I remember getting this on iTunes years ago. So happy I found this. Made me run the longest I ever had at the time.
Sergei Devotion
I havent heard this in years! So damn good!
E
Old but gold! Running to this still (right now actually) 💪🏽❗️ let’s get it
Ryan Cross
I might attribute my running career to this song. I bought an ipod shuffle just to listen to this and give running a try. The rest is history.
Tyler Durden
big aesop fan here, but i havent ever seen or heard of this. this is nuts... its just a straight up 45min mix he made? like this isnt some youtuber mashing works together right ? ive always wanted a longer piece of music from him, i constantly have his full albums playing as i work, play and such
Deo Geo
No this is definitely one of his solo projects
Jay Carr
I'm also curious. Was Nike just doing this with different artists to promote something? I find it really cool 😎