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 in all
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All in all in all in all in all all in all
All star navigate blood bath circuitcircuit
All city wolf pack'll arm all servantsservice
All and all cut from
Similar scissors and surgeonscircus
All machines murder if the
In around em all in all out pedigree
Centipede maladjusted curb purge all binge
All out a machine with cog
Misalignment - shooting star
Eight ball all alien appendage
Out his cookie jar
These are not his office hours
What he coughs is mandatory
Three obnoxious hawks and howlers
Roughly buff the categories
Twenty broad shoulders, all sober
All circuit-prowler
And matador electric tongue stung
At sergeant markers sour
Who the fuck, needle Jux property
Chickens've all been
Soaked under the water works
All other birds evolve with me
Duck and a phoenix and rout
Behemoth architecture out the jungle
Where my condors can reorganize their numbers
All day pool party in journalism Zion
And bazooka flash the grin she
Decorate the closest Nikon
Bazooka flash the molars decorate
The close Minoltas
Canon Hasselblad quicker than
Polaroid exposures
If open voltage leads all funny play tip
The fuddy duddy fuck long come on
Get your stolen drums on
All of y'alls all dumb out pimping
Art like a whore's bach
And all of y'alls all couldn't rap your
Way out of a card-board box
Get high now, solidify your zone
And let the medallion of
Spiritual accomplishments keep growing
Oh snagglepussy getting pushy mushing dirt
Up in the gears like aesop Rock is all ears
All in together now dear lord holler at me
All i know is hell is down
And god don't cover doctoral fees
No phases all over civility
Like greased-up baby groins
But I will not stand for the
Flipping of a weighted coin
Suck we are the new now colony all mangy-like
Radar for the crazy oink
Keep winning for later joint
All for one and one for all and justice
For all and fiddlin' with dead mice
Only toughens the claws
My all systems go will be
Perceiving dystopian civil war
Steal a meal to the last tickle in your jaw
All clammy all-state labor day committee folk
Got busy worker ants intimidate
The sitting duck
And that my good people is my piece
All in one manual
There's only one in all the
Shaking hands you do
I'll trade the pound for pennies opus
I don't need it fuck now look y'all heed it
The lyrics to Aesop Rock's song "Abandon All Hope" are complex and filled with dense wordplay. At its core, the song is an exploration of the rapper's love for his practice and the ways in which it sets him apart from the average "globe" with its xenophobic tendencies. The track is characterized by a frenetic pace and intricate lyrics that touch on topics ranging from disillusionment with the music industry to the struggle to maintain artistic integrity in the face of societal pressures.
The song starts with a repetition of Aesop Rock's name ("Aesop Rock (Aesop Rock)"), which serves as a kind of intro to the track. He then launches into a set of highly abstract lyrics that touch on a variety of topics, including the perils of alcoholism, the dangers of groupthink, and the importance of originality in hip-hop. Overall, the song presents a bleak, dystopian view of the world, but also suggests that there is still hope for those who are willing to embrace their creative impulses and push back against the forces that seek to silence them.
One of the most interesting aspects of the song is the way in which it blends complex wordplay with vivid imagery. Aesop Rock's lyrics are often characterized by highly abstract turns of phrase and intricate metaphors that require careful parsing to unpack, but they are also shot through with moments of striking visual detail. For example, in the opening verse he describes carving notches in a wall to symbolize the downfall of others, while later on he conjures up images of "red skies" and "burning logics" to evoke a sense of apocalypse.
Another noteworthy aspect of "Abandon All Hope" is the song's dense, multi-layered production. The instrumental is built around a series of chaotic drum breaks, distorted guitar riffs, and eerie electronic sounds, all woven together into a dense, disorienting tapestry of sound. The track's structure is similarly complex, with Aesop Rock's dense rap verses interspersed with brief moments of breathless silence.
Line by Line Meaning
Is a love such as that which I exhibit for my practice
My dedication and passion for my craft is unparalleled
The factor which then amalgamates debates with straight-jackets and ROBES
My art combines deep discussions with the constraints and pressures of society
Huddled in brackets that blacken the average globe
I find solace in the underground community that challenges and defies societal norms
Xenophobe, loathe to modify the fly, feel this...
I am resistant to conforming to mainstream trends and embrace my unique style
I carve a notch in my wall for every stall
I mark my progress and achievements, overcoming obstacles along the way
Every fifth mark slants diagonal to symbolize your downfall
With every setback I face, it only fuels my determination to succeed even more
Drunky peasants, honor the shifty megatron presence
Those who underestimate me will soon be humbled by my undeniable talent and presence
Slug a bolt once ceremonies of merit turn blood sport (Uh)
I will not hesitate to unleash my skills and dominate the competitive nature of the music industry
Fought in hella high seas, I freeze your mega dumb company
I have faced numerous challenges and obstacles, leaving my adversaries shocked and frozen in their tracks
Pumpin' out wise beads like, fly sneak-attacks on dry leaves DUNCE
I consistently deliver lyrical wisdom that catches people off guard, leaving them in awe of my talent
Crooked rumors turn zoomers when rookies talkin'
False rumors and gossip lose their significance when compared to the authenticity and skill of emerging artists like me
Bad seeds blossom the wookie walk, hawkin'
Unchecked negativity and toxic behavior only hinder the growth and progress of aspiring artists
Let a sucker drift, I lift up every stone prone to find
I am thorough in my exploration of the music industry, leaving no opportunity or hidden talent unnoticed
The point at which repellent signals ultimately bind
I understand the power of unity and collaboration, despite the challenges of clashing personalities
When a pack of style mimics see my brans target the cluster
Other artists who copy my style and approach can only imitate from a distance, unable to match my true essence
I advance clutchin' the mic like bully to knuckle duster
I confidently and assertively grasp the microphone, establishing dominance and control over my craft
Innocent, your riddles yield a little plastic blend
Your attempts to deceive or challenge me are meaningless and transparent
Fuck a badge, light a bonfire, dance a jig around a pig
I reject authority and celebrate rebellion, finding joy in defying societal norms
Figurin' yeah, I'll land a plan on bleached fame trackers
I am confident that I will achieve success without compromising my integrity or selling out
Using only the finest I'm post-modern terrain mappers
I navigate the contemporary music scene with skill, using cutting-edge techniques and concepts
Once my brethren disperse ...
When my fellow artists and collaborators are no longer present...
My God, you think the heaven's touched the earth then
You will witness an extraordinary and transcendent moment of artistic brilliance
Thirstin' a perch on a bursted curse
I long for the moment when a longstanding curse is finally broken
But I don't confide wine and water chose me
I don't rely on ordinary or predictable sources of inspiration or guidance
Bored, lasso down Polaris, let the glow amuse me
To alleviate my boredom, I metaphorically capture a guiding star and amuse myself with its radiant beauty
OK I lay me down to sleep, creepin' a slumber under red skies
I metaphorically surrender myself to the world, embracing the haunting and unsettling elements present in life
Heads splittin', straight sippin' a drip of dead vibes
I internalize and immerse myself in the gloomy and somber emotions that surround me
It's red tides from here, stop and smell analog hell
I am fully aware that from this point onward, my journey will be filled with challenges and hardships
Clenchin' a stench of burnin' logics and a child with yearning
I hold onto the lingering scent of crumbling logic and an intense desire for something greater
Now someone's approached the ropes, shaking like snow-globes
An individual is timidly stepping into the spotlight, visibly overwhelmed and uncertain
Others sought safety in numbers, other's flows got towed under (yeah)
Some artists find comfort in conforming to popular trends, but their creativity and originality suffer as a result
Still another took a turn and crashed and burned while others flee
One artist took a risk and failed, while others chose to run away from the possibility of failure
But there will never be another starvin' marvel like me
I am a unique and exceptional talent, unmatched by any other struggling artist
See, there's a time when... rhymin'...
In the world of hip-hop, there comes a point when...
Pain combined can't even manage to tell what the swell is, like
The immense struggles and hardships I faced are indescribable, yet they contribute to my greatness
Picture your imagery embellished with the hellish aspects of the swans
Imagine your perceptions and images enhanced with dark, haunting elements
For lone facets
To emphasize the isolated and unique aspects of my artistic expression
Soul crafted fat cats, burrowin', left perrenial tenants discouraged in
I create profound and thought-provoking music that challenges and disheartens those who are complacent
Discussin' my foresees and flourishing, Uh!
I confidently express and explore my visions and aspirations, thriving in my artistic journey
Searching, perching, poetic lead poison
I am constantly seeking and observing, using the power and influence of my lyrical prowess
Poised, imploised to leak a little bit of boisture on your pride
I am ready and determined to expose the flaws and insecurities that lie beneath your prideful exterior
I'm a, animated style machine in
My unique and captivating style of rap is lively and constantly evolving
A veening faulty production fueled by nicotine suction
My flawed yet compelling music is driven by my addiction to the creative process and its stimulants
From tux in my carnivore to vipers in my garden
I have a wide range of influences and inspirations, ranging from the elegant to the dangerous
You flash identify by the genus, species and class
You can easily recognize and categorize me based on my unique characteristics and qualities
Start to chuckle
You begin to find amusement or enjoyment in my unconventional and unpredictable nature
Buckle the architecture until it fell through
I disrupt and challenge the traditional structures and expectations of the music industry until they collapse
Kill the survivors then raise the dead for shock value
I metaphorically eliminate those who survive my artistic revolution, only to bring even more shock and surprise
By the time the pending settlements fully negotiated (yeah I'll...)
Once all the compromises and agreements are made...
I'll have put a sonic youth to get myself situated
I will have established a new and revolutionary sound to solidify my position in the industry
It's like sadly, my style spooks juveniles like Boo Radley
My unique and eccentric style frightens and intimidates young and inexperienced artists
Radically weak assume the Colonel Kurt's in our platoon soon enough
Inexperienced and unseasoned artists falsely believe they possess the genius and originality of someone like Kurt Cobain
That's one bluff call, toughens the searcher
Their false claims and bravado only strengthen my resolve and determination to find true artistry
Stuttering, emerging, gutter urchin, bursting
I confidently and fearlessly emerge from the shadows, defying expectations and embodying the spirit of a rebellious outcast
I live for the moment of truth when Big Willy rapper
I eagerly anticipate the moment when a successful and mainstream rapper...
Acknowledges failure and states 'Goddamn my shit is trash'
Publicly admits their lack of talent or artistic merit
'It's time to let go', the tin man bangin' upon his chest to hear the echo
A metaphorical representation of someone realizing the emptiness and lack of substance in their own music
Heartless kid, hollow compartments
I am emotionally detached and empty, lacking genuine emotions and depth
See we the people of the united, starving artistic
We, the minority of struggling artists, united in our hunger and passion for our craft
Militia keep movin' in order to form a more perfect union
We continue to progress and push forward, seeking to create a stronger and more unified community of artists
I'm cluing into the poison panoramics brewed in panic situations
I am aware of the toxic and chaotic atmosphere that arises in moments of distress and uncertainty
It fucks a little with my brittle gift
This toxic environment challenges and tests my fragile artistic ability
I tell myself 'Stay' (Stay)... up high
I remind myself to remain focused and to maintain a higher level of artistic integrity and vision
Make a mockery of Sun and moon and star til they hand over the sky
I relentlessly challenge and mock societal norms and institutions, refusing to accept their authority
My de luxe is, fluxes, pivots to where the crux is
I continuously adapt and evolve my style, focusing on the essential and critical elements
Invade the town while village elders holler 'Who the fuck's this?'
I boldly make my mark and entrance into the music scene, leaving the established gatekeepers shocked and bewildered
See hipper cats, aggravated trudge through the muds
More knowledgeable and discerning individuals persist through the challenges and difficulties
Quickin' ones, plots thicken like, coagulated blood
Inexperienced and impatient artists struggle to develop their narratives, resulting in stagnant and messy creations
Rugged serpentines climb, pebble to rock
I navigate through rough and challenging terrain with determination and resilience
Let your pretty pink cloud nine expectations please you not
Do not let your unrealistic and superficial expectations bring you false happiness
I'm, Ae-fuckin'-sop Rock, mic bizarro
I am the unique and eccentric artist known as Aesop Rock, a true enigma in the world of rap
Proper application of the soul by my standard
I adhere to my own personal standards in expressing my soul through my music
Candid once position from which instigations spawn
I openly embrace my role as a catalyst for change and provoke thought and discussion
And man, I plan to die with a mic in my hand, it's like...
I envision my life ending with a legacy of music, as the microphone has become an extension of my existence
Abandon all hope yo, abandon all hope, it's like
These lyrics serve as a reminder to let go of all expectations and preconceived notions of music and embrace the unpredictable and unconventional
Abandon all hope yo, abandon all hope...
Reiterating the message to release all attachments to conventional ideals and dive into the uncharted territory of artistic exploration
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Just Barry
Thank you for posting this! It surprised me on the Emotional Support Animals mix and I am so glad you put it up. I can't believe it has so few views though. Aes is the pinnacle genius. The Van Gogh of our time and I wish more people "got" him.
ScienceofSpeed
Is this this the one i never heard before, i thought i heard all of Aes... WOW never has he dissapointed
girlintheback
💎💎💎 Thx for posting. I'll worship at your altar all day!
Ninja Nick
Preciate it bro, this was one of my high school favs.Don't remember how I got a hold of it,but it was apart of my Def Jux collection
Baron Mind
Fuck yes. Jesus christ dude its insane how the harder the song is to find by him the iller it is. Shit just gets better and better
Havocmonster
Thank you man one of my favorites and so hard to find. Kudos
Lee Thompson
What a tune! AES the god
Queleb
Thank you for this. <3
aculeus
wow, this ones fucking dope!
The Eerie Faerie Tales
Thank you!! 💜