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
Blacklist
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Even so still top choice off the tracklist.
Far as I know we've been blacklist
For as long as the earth rotate on a 23 degree axis.
(MF Doom)
€I can stop any time I want to.
Famous last words that came back to haunt you
Some cats get it like no bright ideas.
He broke the record then bowed.
Said he couldn't do it without the crowd, for crying out loud.
Even took the time to contaminate the rhyme scene
And drop a lot before he was out, in the common scene.
A lot of rappers are drama queens (buddy dutty ?)
When they come to the mic, I'm €˜a feel ya's. (buddy buddy ?)
Fuck around and get your title took, cut and dry.
He doesn't lie, even like “who and where, what and why?â€
Hold it like a cue ‘n button, button fly (boom boom) (?)
Once they leave the room, they be like, “Doom! Doom! Doom!â€
It's no use. Blessed to design
And the villain has left the building, dressed to the nines.
Like, I'm ‘a do mine. Ya'll do yours.
He stay reppin' the game like Lou Rawls
The super MF villain, feelin' like two balls,
For the microphone, he joins like two falls. (?)
Well we'll see after these criminals who falls.
A lot of ya'll is reminiscent of Rupaul.
Ball to ball and we'll be needing new drawers.
Drawers, the one-twos that run through walls.
Keep in mind this flow is used for practice.
Even so still top choice off the tracklist.
Far as I know we've been blacklist
For as long as the earth rotate on a 23 degree axis.
(Aesop Rock)
All in it together now.
Some of the misadventures of a father crop
My provider chop's flashin'
See, I'm ‘a stop that gut reaction
Bound to tackles when a battle runs in circles
Like rodeo clowns with paddles.
Poked in the belly by petty sarcasm.
Gentlemen, start your laugh tracks.
Push pins for the lab rat breed.
All I wanna be is a fat cat sleeping 40 nights (nights)
In hopes that when I rise,
The hacker mass will have seen there's more to life.
Let's recreate a perfect service rooted in labor lust
And a discipline prisoner.
I don't work a thick antithesis.
Parallel park your burning prod adjacent
To the flagrant iron ego valve
Let us study a weaker outlet
I found peace (I found peace)
I found peace, it tap me on the shoulder
Asking where's the closest war and how to make it sleep
I pointed toward the exact place my sneakers met the creedence,
Said “If I could answer questions (who), I would be relief.â€
Now classify don't got ‘em shook by exposing the skeletons
Yeah I sorta stick to a more murky-hurt development.
Some of these kids are spittin just a bit too delicate a thesis.
If only… Yeah, but holy jumpin Jesus!
I get torn swiftly from a planet while it tilts, 23.
Look buddy, we've gotta talk.
God made me a fine instrument of style
Zig zag zisfiss?
Don't make me holy sleep bolts blindly until your mood shifts.
Now here comes 40 acres of congruency pistons,
Purple skeleton key immunity systems.
Aw, it'll be something incredible.
See, I know the limit.
That's why I do my best to stay quiet
Whenever I ain't spittin the gimmick.
Keep in mind this flow is used for practice.
Even so still top choice off the tracklist.
Far as I know we've been blacklist
For as long as the earth rotate on a 23 degree axis.
In "Blacklist," Aesop Rock and MF Doom both take turns rapping over a beat that samples "Peter Piper" by Run-DMC. The lyrics of the song touch on themes including rap's commercialization and the never-ending struggle of underground artists to gain recognition. Aesop Rock sets the tone in the first verse by boasting about his skills on the mic, but acknowledging that he and other underground rappers have been blacklisted and have yet to be recognized by the mainstream. He references the 23 degree axis, suggesting that the struggle has gone on for a very long time and is unlikely to end any time soon.
In MF Doom's verse, he takes a subtly critical stance, lamenting the fact that many rappers are "drama queens" more focused on their image and fame than their music. He mentions an artist who broke a record and deserved recognition but only received it thanks to the audience's support. He also cleverly references his own moniker by saying that once he leaves the room, people are shouting "Doom! Doom! Doom!" implying that he's the best in the game. He also alludes to the fact that some rappers are like Rupaul, likening them to drag queens who are all style and no substance.
Line by Line Meaning
Even so still top choice off the tracklist.
Despite the blacklisting, their music remains popular and highly regarded.
Far as I know we've been blacklist
They have been blacklisted for a long time.
I can stop any time I want to.
The singer believes they have full control over their actions.
Famous last words that came back to haunt you
A warning that the artist's supposed control may come back to harm them.
All your life, like permanent dried tears.
The artist compares their struggles to tears that never fully disappear.
Some cats get it like no bright ideas.
Some people have a natural talent and don't need to rely on ideas.
He broke the record then bowed.
The singer achieved a great feat and was humble in their success.
Said he couldn't do it without the crowd, for crying out loud.
The artist acknowledges that their success was due in part to the support of others.
Even took the time to contaminate the rhyme scene
The artist intentionally created unconventional music to challenge the norms of their genre.
And drop a lot before he was out, in the common scene.
The artist made a lot of music before they became popular.
A lot of rappers are drama queens (buddy dutty ?)
Many people in the music industry are preoccupied with drama.
When they come to the mic, I'm 'a feel ya's. (buddy buddy ?)
The artist connects with and understands other musicians.
Fuck around and get your title took, cut and dry.
Carelessness can lead to losing one's reputation and success.
He doesn't lie, even like âwho and where, what and why?â
The singer is truthful and transparent.
Hold it like a cue ân button, button fly (boom boom) (?)
The singer handles their music with precision and care.
Once they leave the room, they be like, âDoom! Doom! Doom!â
The artist is well-respected and known in the music industry.
It's no use. Blessed to design
Despite being blacklisted, the artist is still able to create and contribute to the world.
And the villain has left the building, dressed to the nines.
The artist is leaving, dressed in their finest attire.
Like, I'm 'a do mine. Ya'll do yours.
The artist will continue to pursue their own goals, despite opposition.
He stay reppin' the game like Lou Rawls
The artist continues to support and represent their music genre.
The super MF villain, feelin' like two balls,
The artist feels confident and powerful.
For the microphone, he joins like two falls. (?)
The artist's music flows and blends together seamlessly.
Well we'll see after these criminals who falls.
The artist's detractors will be exposed and defeated.
A lot of ya'll is reminiscent of Rupaul.
Many musicians in the industry are superficial and lack depth.
Ball to ball and we'll be needing new drawers.
The singer's music is extremely powerful and intense.
Drawers, the one-twos that run through walls.
The singer's music can break down barriers and connect people.
All in it together now.
Everyone in the industry is working towards a common goal.
Some of the misadventures of a father crop
The artist reflects on their experiences and how they influenced their music.
My provider chop's flashin'
The artist has been successful in their music career.
See, I'm 'a stop that gut reaction
The singer is trying to control their emotions.
Bound to tackles when a battle runs in circles
The singer is familiar with and prepared for challenges.
Like rodeo clowns with paddles.
The artist is able to navigate challenges with ease.
Poked in the belly by petty sarcasm.
The artist has been criticized with unimportant or petty comments.
Gentlemen, start your laugh tracks.
The artist is unbothered by the criticism and encourages others to laugh it off.
Push pins for the lab rat breed.
The music industry can feel like an experiment or testing ground.
All I wanna be is a fat cat sleeping 40 nights (nights)
The artist dreams of a life of luxury and comfort.
In hopes that when I rise,
The singer hopes to achieve their dreams.
The hacker mass will have seen there's more to life.
The singer's music will inspire others to seek more in life.
Let's recreate a perfect service rooted in labor lust
The singer wants to create music that is authentic and hardworking.
And a discipline prisoner.
The artist is dedicated and disciplined in their craft.
I don't work a thick antithesis.
The artist avoids creating music that goes against their values or beliefs.
Parallel park your burning prod adjacent
The singer advises others to be careful with their creativity.
To the flagrant iron ego valve
The singer critiques those who are too prideful and boastful.
Let us study a weaker outlet
The artist encourages others to learn from their mistakes and seek different avenues.
I found peace (I found peace)
The artist has found contentment and happiness.
It tap me on the shoulder
The realization came to the artist suddenly.
Asking where's the closest war and how to make it sleep
The singer is aware of the conflicts and struggles in the world.
I pointed toward the exact place my sneakers met the creedence,
The artist is interested in the intersection of art and society.
Said âIf I could answer questions (who), I would be relief.â
The singer doesn't have all the answers, but wishes they did.
Now classify don't got 'em shook by exposing the skeletons
The artist is unafraid to reveal their flaws or inner demons.
Yeah I sorta stick to a more murky-hurt development.
The singer's growth and development have been challenging.
Some of these kids are spittin just a bit too delicate a thesis.
Some musicians lack depth or originality in their music.
If only⦠Yeah, but holy jumpin Jesus!
The artist has high expectations and desires for the industry.
I get torn swiftly from a planet while it tilts, 23.
The singer feels out of place in the world and different from others.
Look buddy, we've gotta talk.
The singer is addressing a friend or colleague.
God made me a fine instrument of style
The artist believes they have been gifted with musical talent.
Zig zag zisfiss?
This line is unclear and its meaning is unknown.
Don't make me holy sleep bolts blindly until your mood shifts.
The artist doesn't want to waste their energy or time on something that isn't important.
Now here comes 40 acres of congruency pistons,
The singer is bringing new and innovative ideas to the industry.
Purple skeleton key immunity systems.
The artist's music allows for freedom, creativity, and exploration.
Aw, it'll be something incredible.
The singer is optimistic and hopeful about the future.
See, I know the limit.
The singer is aware of their own abilities and limitations.
That's why I do my best to stay quiet
The singer avoids overexerting themselves and trying to do too much at once.
Whenever I ain't spittin the gimmick.
The artist prefers to have authenticity and meaning in their music.
Contributed by Jordan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MrEpic-qe2tt
This is one of the greatest collaborations to ever exist.
R.I.P.
@GtaRockt
If Doom and Aesop Rock made an album together, I'd throw money at my screen.
two of the illest MCs to ever walk this earth
@shenallh
check put your quarter up MF DOOM Aseop and Slug
@shenallh
check put your quarter up MF DOOM Aseop and Slug
@masonpagnotta279
check put your quarter up MF DOOM Aseop and Slug
@masonpagnotta279
check put your quarter up MF DOOM Aseop and Slug
@blazakin246
Aesop DOOM
@stonedwolf420
This is like seeing two legendary pokemon at the same time
@cjzulawski1
Stoned Wolf you get one master ball. Who do you pick?
@Nothing2Interesting
@@cjzulawski1 Aesop Rock