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
Bracket Basher
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I bash the bracket open and breach
The priority's bleached since that seventy-six umbilical severed
Majority's cordially aboard the pinnacle benders
I got West Nile virus on my TV in the Bronx
I got two hollow pockets and a sleepy hollow mosh pit
Tryin' to blow the spot with wet matches and bottle rockets
While cop walkie talkies walk outside my apartment obnoxious
Look mom! I learned to tie my shoes! Hey can I borrow twenty bucks?
Peel back the prickly cocoon a Polaroid turbulent land unit birth
Student first pedagogue only from brazen action
Wind blown mariner east river shark carry lunge carry funk ends on caliber
Watch war face painted junkies dance blissfully around a bonfire and
sacrifice life's sanity Pay a nickel for nose-bleed seats in a peanut gallery
Gallop with a Pegasus, malice with no benefits, balance with some sense of bliss in the foulest degenerates, my New Year's revolution's gon' be to stop burning bridges
I'm just 'gon bend 'em toward the couple cats that's worth the visits
Um, it's like that, and that's the way Ase stinks, and um
Plans are like clipper ships, if they got holes they sink
And if the skipper slips the crew shits bricks, wither, and hits the brink
That's why I take the poison spitter sips and smile big when I drink
You never knew mayhem walked with Nikes talked like a trucker hawk the filibuster Gerber baby lucid Colonel Mustard's
No time to hold my breath, I'm only here to rap, eat, sleep, grow old, and smoke stogies through the hole in my neck.
New millennium, mad cows and Pentium, process the hostage, lock him in the petting bin
Showing pictures of his wife and kids, then wash the brain
Probably the same motherfuckers that buffed the train
OK OK OK OK OK OK
Must not sleep
Must bash the bracket
Pay the rent, pay the debt
Must slash the fabric
Catch the jackrabbit
Pay the rent, pay the debt
Sleep
OK OK OK OK OK OK
Must not sleep
Must bash the bracket
Pay the rent, pay the debt
Must slash the fabric
Catch the jackrabbit
Pay the rent, pay the debt
Sleep
Roll into the city with one half of the cannibals.
New joint bumpin' out the whip speakers
Made the escape for a night of makin' tapes now it's back to the cockroaches and preachers
Somewhere a prom queen's givin' birth in a bathroom stall
Holding a prime directive not to get blood on her mother's ballgown
I'm son of a stubborn old one track jackal prince
Trucking with prime directive just to get the goods and never fall down
Ate the city spit the bricks ate the boxcar spit the burners
Ate the planet spit the murder
Funny farm rampage from writing rap for milk money built ugly
but a couple side effects to make 'em love me
My cipher demeanor left Jesus rubbin' genie bottles
Til the following morning Colombo found a crown of thorns in urine puddles
You're in trouble
I'm not trying to save the world I'd rather watch it die slow
So I could spit my grand I-told-you-so
Are we having fun yet?
Yup. Step to the carnies
Try to win a teddy bear to impress your favorite Barbie
She almost sucked you off at the company Christmas party
But she won't accept the bear 'til Aesop signs it with a sharpie
My ex-girl bounced without payin' the cable bill
I check myself in television rehab
Withdrawal symptoms may include shivering, fevers, drooling and chronic masturbation
Now I pray to the gods of pornography and PlayStation
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the lord my soul to keep
And if I should die before I wake
Give my A-S-R to El and bury me with my mistakes
OK OK OK OK OK OK
Must not sleep
Must bash the bracket
Pay the rent, pay the debt
Must slash the fabric
Catch the jackrabbit
Pay the rent, pay the debt
Sleep
OK OK OK OK OK OK
Must not sleep
Must bash the bracket
Pay the rent, pay the debt
Must slash the fabric
Catch the jackrabbit
Pay the rent, pay the debt
Sleep
Bonus Round
This is the hot tin roof stepper
Hold it down with centipede foundation
Mr. Greed who burns rugged obstruction in bunches
like little Jackie paper puffs the magic dragon and dutchess
We don't need another hero homie gallop off on your my little one trick pony
Holly Hobbie Polly Pocket pretty future destiny
If the slipper fits fire up Cinderella propeller and curtsey for the munchkins right before
Aesop Rock smashed the pumpkin
Iron on gusto rustolium bloodstream what's better?
When the wrist slit it leaks out only the bloodiest bubble letters
Complete with outlines, fill-ins, dates, shading and shout out columns
For vagrant colonies to follow in redeeming bottles
You're a little tea pot tryin' to eavesdrop on the mammoth route
Peekin' out from around the rose bush like...here is my handle...here is my spout
Godzilla junkie used to be in love, now out for gigapussy
Sorry to offend but sometimes life bends in the middle
So now you have a fulcrum where there used to be a pillar
And now I got a pulse that bumps less than a cocaine binger
And now I got no 9 to 5 and still labor days flicker
And now I got a 9mm Q-tip with an itchy trigger finger
See, I really don't feel your persona distortion ordered by martyrs
Who martyr self for martyr's sake
Wow fame, if notoriety grew adjacent a jealous dick-riding sentiments I'd give you a pound like "Greetings Mr. President."
Now go do your homework
Order the sequence
In Aesop Rock's "Bracket Basher," he begins by saying "Hey yo must not sleep, I bash the bracket open and breach." The "bracket" Aesop Rock references represents the structure that society has put in place for its people, and he intends to break free of it. He then goes on to describe the struggles and challenges that he and many others face, such as living paycheck to paycheck, dealing with illness, and experiencing the harsh realities of living in poverty.
Aesop Rock also touches on themes like rebellion and anti-establishment, discussing his desire to push the boundaries and break free of what society deems as acceptable. He references numerous pop culture and societal icons, like Cinderella, Godzilla, and the President, examining their roles in society and how they relate to his own struggles.
The lyrics of "Bracket Basher" are a commentary on the struggles and challenges that people face in today's society, as well as their desire to rebel against the establishment and push back against the status quo. Overall, the song serves as a powerful critique of modern society, exploring themes of poverty, rebellion, and anti-establishment sentiment.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey yo must not sleep
You have to stay awake and vigilant
I bash the bracket open and breach
I break through barriers and obstacles
The priority's bleached since that seventy-six umbilical severed
The importance has faded since I cut ties with my past
Majority's cordially aboard the pinnacle benders
Most people are willingly caught up in self-destructive behavior
I got West Nile virus on my TV in the Bronx
I am exposed to negativity and sickness in my surroundings
I got two hollow pockets and a sleepy hollow mosh pit
I have no money and my environment is devoid of energy
Tryin' to blow the spot with wet matches and bottle rockets
Attempting to create chaos and disruption
While cop walkie talkies walk outside my apartment obnoxious
The constant presence of authority is disturbing
Tonight's special consists of stale fiber from shitty diners
The current situation is unsatisfying and unfulfilling
Look mom! I learned to tie my shoes! Hey can I borrow twenty bucks?
Despite growing up, I am still dependent on others for financial support
Peel back the prickly cocoon a Polaroid turbulent land unit birth
Unveiling a chaotic and unpredictable world
Student first pedagogue only from brazen action
Learning through bold and daring experiences
Wind blown mariner east river shark carry lunge carry funk ends on caliber
Navigating through treacherous waters and dangerous situations
Watch war face painted junkies dance blissfully around a bonfire and sacrifice life's sanity
Observing drug addicts find temporary escape from their troubled lives
Pay a nickel for nose-bleed seats in a peanut gallery
Settling for cheap and undesirable experiences
Gallop with a Pegasus, malice with no benefits, balance with some sense of bliss in the foulest degenerates, my New Year's revolution's gon' be to stop burning bridges
Finding joy and harmony in the midst of chaos and immoral behavior, and resolving to maintain healthier relationships
I'm just 'gon bend 'em toward the couple cats that's worth the visits
I will invest my time and effort in people who are deserving and valuable
Um, it's like that, and that's the way Ase stinks, and um
This is how I operate, and it may not be pleasant
Plans are like clipper ships, if they got holes they sink
If plans have flaws or weaknesses, they will fail
And if the skipper slips the crew shits bricks, wither, and hits the brink
If the leader makes a mistake, chaos and disaster follow
That's why I take the poison spitter sips and smile big when I drink
I embrace negativity and find pleasure in it
You never knew mayhem walked with Nikes talked like a trucker hawk the filibuster Gerber baby lucid Colonel Mustard's
You were unaware that chaos and destruction can be disguised and unpredictable
No time to hold my breath, I'm only here to rap, eat, sleep, grow old, and smoke stogies through the hole in my neck.
I have no time for hesitation, my existence revolves around basic needs and pleasures
New millennium, mad cows and Pentium, process the hostage, lock him in the petting bin
In this new era, there are new problems and technologies, and people are treated as objects
Showing pictures of his wife and kids, then wash the brain
Manipulating someone's emotions and thoughts by using their loved ones
Probably the same motherfuckers that buffed the train
Likely the same people who manipulate and deceive are also responsible for other wrongdoings
Roll into the city with one half of the cannibals.
Arrive in a place full of aggressive and selfish individuals
New joint bumpin' out the whip speakers
A new song playing loudly from the car speakers
Made the escape for a night of makin' tapes now it's back to the cockroaches and preachers
Briefly enjoyed a moment of creativity and escape, but reality is filled with unpleasantness and religious figures
Somewhere a prom queen's givin' birth in a bathroom stall
In a hidden and desperate situation, someone with status and beauty is facing the harsh reality of life
Holding a prime directive not to get blood on her mother's ballgown
Struggling to maintain appearances and protect her family's reputation
I'm son of a stubborn old one track jackal prince
I come from a lineage of relentless and single-minded individuals
Trucking with prime directive just to get the goods and never fall down
Moving forward with a clear goal, determined to succeed without giving up
Ate the city spit the bricks ate the boxcar spit the burners
Engulfed by the city and its hardships
Ate the planet spit the murder
Consumed by the world and its violence
Funny farm rampage from writing rap for milk money built ugly
My unconventional career in rap music is the result of desperation for money
but a couple side effects to make 'em love me
Despite the negative consequences, some people appreciate me and my music
My cipher demeanor left Jesus rubbin' genie bottles
My presence and attitude create a sense of mystique and wonder
Til the following morning Colombo found a crown of thorns in urine puddles
Even when under scrutiny, evidence of my unorthodox behavior is found
You're in trouble
You are facing difficulties and consequences
I'm not trying to save the world I'd rather watch it die slow
I have no interest in preserving society, I prefer to witness its decline
So I could spit my grand I-told-you-so
I want to be able to prove to others that I was right all along
Are we having fun yet?
Is this chaos and destruction enjoyable to you?
Yup. Step to the carnies
Yes. Approach the performers and entertainers
Try to win a teddy bear to impress your favorite Barbie
Attempt to obtain something to impress someone you desire
She almost sucked you off at the company Christmas party
She nearly engaged in sexual activity with you at a work event
But she won't accept the bear 'til Aesop signs it with a sharpie
But she will only appreciate the gift if it is personalized by me
My ex-girl bounced without payin' the cable bill
My former girlfriend left without fulfilling her financial obligations
I check myself in television rehab
I immerse myself in watching television to escape reality
Withdrawal symptoms may include shivering, fevers, drooling and chronic masturbation
The side effects of avoiding television may include physical discomfort and excessive masturbation
Now I pray to the gods of pornography and PlayStation
Nowadays, I find solace and entertainment in sexual imagery and video games
Now I lay me down to sleep
Now I am ready to go to bed
I pray the lord my soul to keep
I hope that my soul will be protected
And if I should die before I wake
And if death comes while I'm sleeping
Give my A-S-R to El and bury me with my mistakes
Give my music and legacy to El and let my flaws and errors be remembered with me
This is the hot tin roof stepper
This is the confident and daring individual
Hold it down with centipede foundation
Maintaining stability and strength
Mr. Greed who burns rugged obstruction in bunches
A person driven by greed who overcomes obstacles
like little Jackie paper puffs the magic dragon and dutchess
Similar to a child playing with imaginary creatures and royalty
We don't need another hero homie gallop off on your my little one trick pony
We don't need another savior or protagonist, just go on with your limited abilities
Holly Hobbie Polly Pocket pretty future destiny
A future that is filled with innocence and a narrow view
If the slipper fits fire up Cinderella propeller and curtsey for the munchkins right before
If the opportunity presents itself, seize it and fulfill your role
Aesop Rock smashed the pumpkin
Aesop Rock destroyed the illusion or facade
Iron on gusto rustolium bloodstream what's better?
Maintaining determination and resilience despite challenges
When the wrist slit it leaks out only the bloodiest bubble letters
When there is self-inflicted harm, only the most intense and painful emotions are expressed
Complete with outlines, fill-ins, dates, shading and shout out columns
Filled with details, explanations, context, and acknowledgments
For vagrant colonies to follow in redeeming bottles
For marginalized communities to find purpose and redemption
You're a little tea pot tryin' to eavesdrop on the mammoth route
You are insignificant and attempting to listen in on something much larger
Peekin' out from around the rose bush like...here is my handle...here is my spout
Timidly observing from a safe distance
Godzilla junkie used to be in love, now out for gigapussy
A person who was once passionate, but is now obsessed with destructive forces
Sorry to offend but sometimes life bends in the middle
Apologies for possibly causing discomfort, but life often takes unexpected turns
So now you have a fulcrum where there used to be a pillar
Now you must balance and find support where there was once stability
And now I got a pulse that bumps less than a cocaine binger
Now my motivation and enthusiasm are diminished
And now I got no 9 to 5 and still labor days flicker
Now I have no regular job, but the days still pass by
And now I got a 9mm Q-tip with an itchy trigger finger
Now I am armed and ready to act impulsively
See, I really don't feel your persona distortion ordered by martyrs
I don't connect with the fake image you are projecting, influenced by those who sacrifice for their beliefs
Who martyr self for martyr's sake
Who sacrifice themselves just for the sake of sacrifice
Wow fame, if notoriety grew adjacent a jealous dick-riding sentiments I'd give you a pound like "Greetings Mr. President."
If fame and recognition were based on jealousy and false support, I would acknowledge it sarcastically
Now go do your homework
Now go take care of your responsibilities
Order the sequence
Arrange things in the appropriate order
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind