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
Antisocial
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's like antisocial
hazardous portion organically nourished couraged to flourish and muses often
Lunged nicotine dream missing languorous
Caution we proclaim until brain's off like Sagittarius
Shield. Yield to the eye mescaline killer veals
Stonegates marching moodily until plural styles immaculated beautifully.
Sing rumble blue conglomerates sucking up lung while brushing parasitic critics to my left side.
I test glide kamikaze crashed to thoughtless on my preface.
The therapeutic unit recommended.
Now slow-mo Quasimotos teeter on ringleader status while I spit satellite photos while teetering on the stratus.
Sleepwalking the atlas after none. Trudge and nudge my ninety-nine octane brain to one-oh-one.
Run to organize my mood like quarterize my wound and climb up.
Lovely samaritans line up like bar codes for a fraction of my factions.
The hollow of his hand beholds contraptions via
Amplified files collapsed in cacophonic conquest. My specs up.
More postille and docile insubordinance your phylum.
For a dotta asylum swarmed your coordinates. Rush.
Must not sleep, must warn others.
I'll tourniquet your turbulence then trample on your stutters.
If I could displace every vagrant in America with traces of my character the Earth would be a more pitiful habitat.
With infinite acres of auto-cry eight can aid ya. Swung open the nomenclature to obscure wool-lock trickery. Pure
Has not got tossed back by liquors supporting patience, working knuckles for audio duplication.
That's like fiending for a purpose.
[looped sample]
Aesop Rock, prototype Robocop
Jabberwocky rocking on the highest hilltop.
I possess two siamese styles that's like connected at the mic hollering monstrous.
Poly-tech impeded indidgy progress, deaf,
Swept off your meridian. It's operation Start With a Slummy Raped Your Milk and Honey.
Can I like, conjure up like all potent components of like,
Middle siblings scribbling on his lonesome like,
Hit him with my ninety-nine metal plated mics upon the wall, take them down, pass them round, rock them all. Bust it.
I'm forever building my City of Lost Children ripping rungs off your ladder at a
Sardonic smirk. Ebonics lurking where the crop circles got stamped out from the rain dance.
Tsunami rain blast tipped off like origami frames and sloppy braincasted class-a-piece mastered to capture your flag then flutter.
While slaves defy water, start roofing paper bags.
The magic-maker dragging devils to add triple sixes melted triple glitches on your console.
I calibrate my mics prior to claim and shit is rockable.
Unlock and pull a backdoor for the bounce.
While cannily panicking was the average. I broadcast modern boredom mesozoic poetry pupils.
Caught up in scruples from the inimical nature of my program.
Elegant, the overcast password cursed on a tactless bastard, catatonic until personal practice mastered.
[looped sample]
The song Antisocial by Aesop Rock is a lyrical masterpiece that delves into the complex themes of isolation and self-doubt. The opening lines of the song set the tone by using the metaphor of a hazardous portion to describe the singer's antisocial behavior. The phrase "organically nourished" suggests that the character's isolation is born out of a need for self-preservation rather than a lack of social skills, and the line "courage to flourish" hints at the idea that the character's isolation is a source of strength rather than weakness. The use of Sagittarius as a simile for a brain turned off suggests a sense of detachment and disconnection, as Sagittarius is associated with freedom and adventure.
The song continues with a number of internal rhymes and wordplay that showcase Aesop Rock's impressive penmanship. The line "sing rumble blue conglomerates" is particularly striking, as it paints a vivid picture of a chaotic, noisy world. The use of the phrase "kamikaze crashed" to describe the singer's thoughtlessness is an interesting choice, as it suggests a sense of recklessness and self-destructiveness. The line "trudge and nudge my ninety-nine octane brain to one-oh-one" speaks to the idea of pushing oneself to the brink of exhaustion in order to achieve a goal.
Line by Line Meaning
It's like antisocial
I feel disconnected from society and prefer to keep to myself
hazardous portion organically nourished couraged to flourish and muses often
I am fueled by dangerous experiences that give me a natural high and inspire me to create art
Lunged nicotine dream missing languorous
I am addicted to smoking and often daydream about it, feeling lazy and sluggish without it
Caution we proclaim until brain's off like Sagittarius
We preach caution but often ignore our own advice, behaving recklessly like astrological Sagittarius
Shield. Yield to the eye mescaline killer veals
We protect ourselves but give in to the temptation of mind-altering drugs like mescaline, a killer of perception
Stonegates marching moodily until plural styles immaculated beautifully.
We move through life with a somber attitude until we find our artistic voice, expressing ourselves beautifully
Rudely awoke.
We were abruptly awoken from our slumber, likely from a disturbing dream or overwhelming thought
Sing rumble blue conglomerates sucking up lung while brushing parasitic critics to my left side.
We sing about the struggles of living in a city, where pollution and negative criticism surround us
I test glide kamikaze crashed to thoughtless on my preface.
I took a risk and failed miserably, feeling thoughtless and foolish
The therapeutic unit recommended.
I need mental or emotional healing, suggested by a professional therapist
Now slow-mo Quasimotos teeter on ringleader status while I spit satellite photos while teetering on the stratus.
I move slowly and clumsily but have become a leader, using my creative talents to paint vivid pictures in people's minds
Sleepwalking the atlas after none. Trudge and nudge my ninety-nine octane brain to one-oh-one.
I am aimlessly wandering the world, feeling lost and confused. I try to motivate myself to action, pushing my brain to its limit
Run to organize my mood like quarterize my wound and climb up.
I am trying to control my emotions like I would stop bleeding from a wound and move forward with determination
Lovely samaritans line up like bar codes for a fraction of my factions.
People offer to help me at a discount, hoping to join my group or benefit from my success
The hollow of his hand beholds contraptions via
He holds secret devices in the palm of his hand
Amplified files collapsed in cacophonic conquest. My specs up.
Chaos ensues as I increase the volume of my music, hyping up the energy in the room
More postille and docile insubordinance your phylum.
I am not easily influenced by authority, preferring to be my own person regardless of my environment
For a dotta asylum swarmed your coordinates. Rush.
People are coming to me for safety, rushing to my location for protection
Must not sleep, must warn others.
I must stay awake and alert to share an important message
I'll tourniquet your turbulence then trample on your stutters.
I will help you overcome your struggles before confidently crushing any self-doubt or hesitation
If I could displace every vagrant in America with traces of my character the Earth would be a more pitiful habitat.
I believe I am not the norm, and that if everyone were like me, the world would not be a better place
With infinite acres of auto-cry eight can aid ya. Swung open the nomenclature to obscure wool-lock trickery. Pure
There is endless potential with technology, enough to help you in any situation. I reveal secrets to expose deceit and falsehoods
Has not got tossed back by liquors supporting patience, working knuckles for audio duplication.
I have not succumbed to the influence of alcohol and remain focused on working hard for my music career
That's like fiending for a purpose.
I have an intense desire to find meaning and purpose in my life
Aesop Rock, prototype Robocop
I see myself as a creative powerhouse, always moving forward and improving like a futuristic robot
Jabberwocky rocking on the highest hilltop.
I am a mythical creature, rocking out on top of the metaphorical mountain of success
I possess two siamese styles that's like connected at the mic hollering monstrous.
I have two distinct styles that flow seamlessly together, creating a powerful and intense sound
Poly-tech impeded indidgy progress, deaf,
The overwhelming influence of technology has stunted creativity and growth, leaving me feeling stuck
Swept off your meridian. It's operation Start With a Slummy Raped Your Milk and Honey.
You have been taken off course, and I am launching an all-out attack on the corrupt and unjust aspects of society
Can I like, conjure up like all potent components of like,
Can I summon all of the powerful elements that make me who I am, and channel them into my creative work?
Middle siblings scribbling on his lonesome like,
I am working alone, like the forgotten middle child, creating my art in isolation
Hit him with my ninety-nine metal plated mics upon the wall, take them down, pass them round, rock them all. Bust it.
I am ready to wow the crowd with my powerful music, using multiple microphones to amplify my sound
I'm forever building my City of Lost Children ripping rungs off your ladder at a
I am always working on creating my art and achieving my goals, even if it means hindering the progress of others
Sardonic smirk. Ebonics lurking where the crop circles got stamped out from the rain dance.
I express a cynical grin, as if I know something you do not. I use African American vernacular to add depth to my lyrics
Tsunami rain blast tipped off like origami frames and sloppy braincasted class-a-piece mastered to capture your flag then flutter.
My music is like a powerful wave crashing down, unfolding in intricate patterns that eventually reveal a masterful work of art
While slaves defy water, start roofing paper bags.
People are willing to do whatever it takes to survive, even if it means repurposing everyday items to meet their needs
The magic-maker dragging devils to add triple sixes melted triple glitches on your console.
I am a master at crafting enchanting music that seduces even the most evil aspects of society
I calibrate my mics prior to claim and shit is rockable.
I prepare my equipment and focus before starting to create music, ensuring that the final product will be high quality
Unlock and pull a backdoor for the bounce.
I am ready to open up and bring energy to the music, inviting others to join me in creating a vibrant sound
While cannily panicking was the average. I broadcast modern boredom mesozoic poetry pupils.
Most people are frenzied and anxious, while I calmly create art. My music speaks to those who are bored with modern society
Caught up in scruples from the inimical nature of my program.
I am conflicted due to the harmful influence of society on my creative process
Elegant, the overcast password cursed on a tactless bastard, catatonic until personal practice mastered.
My music is sophisticated and elegant, with a secret password that only those in the know can understand. I remain unmoving until I perfect my craft
Contributed by Caroline O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@fuckyougoogleihateyou2008
For everyone butchering the Pharoahe Monch sample, it's "When I'm in a renovative state of mind I'm innovative."
@atoasttototoro
MUST NOT SLEEP...
MUST WARN OTHERS...
@cybinshroom9598
Aphex Brain u gay
@pendragon5573
He says this later in his album Float. The song is "Commencement At The Obedience Academy".
@thomasmccauley6212
@@pendragon5573 it's tatted on his arms its from invasion of the bodysnatchers
@chetrok1
Man havent heard this ish in fkn forever so dope, with the Pharoah
@clevelandbrown7806
"When im in a state of mind im innovative, moving in nautical miles with style."
@fuckyougoogleihateyou2008
It's "When I'm in a renovative state of mind I'm innovative." It's a Pharoahe Monch line from the Organized Konfusion track "Bring It On."
@cybinshroom9598
Cleveland Brown u Gay
@marcoangelo
"Hit them with my 99 metal plated mics upon the wall; take 'em down, pass them round rock them all. Bust it." Such a sick line