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
Coma
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Music to make you stutter
I've been a biplane dog fighter Henson invention
Trooper burst result of Dragon Ball Z/Speed Racer gene splicing
Mach force, blind the extorted style from the common dirty
Destiny dream sighting, important as split the prints
God shit the planet screaming "What on Earth is that?"
Only to muscle the overcooked specimen
Fending tragic fatality successful dodging violets
All hail Mary and hello dollies!
I flow ridiculous, indigenous to now
Who holds the fifth golden ticket?
Saw the wicked war phantom mansion beyond the pickets
The house next door to when the stick ball clears the fence
Y'all hesitate to fetch it!
I was walking through a pinball tilt built landscape
Pterodactyl circling turtle
I bite the bullet in a wingspan shadow
Suck and rust the oxygen gulps
And spit the metal directly back up the barrel
We ice grill the silhouettes (right)
The common decency factors a low ball estimate of zero
My testament is striking B-boy stances
Dancing past the foggy mirror
With wipes clean the billy goat beard, camouflage the spirit
I'm at six degrees of sexy sarcasm
Yeah never swam up inside summer jam classic
Under the bed backwards bastard
Scavenging the carnival grounds for an outlet
Who the fuck is Aes Rock?
I'm not a name to keep at arms length
Adjacent to little ? quilt makeshift
Sick security mechanism, check your mission
I am not a vision, check your mission
Just a simple sour patch delinquent
No it will not help you shove your Lincoln
[Chorus: x2]
I alone settle
I alone peddle in the mud
I alone, I condone rebel zone planting
I alone stand in a social coma
All up to your dome, follow I alone
Now you see me, now you don't
Well he was maverick enough but still scraped up
Taki One-Eighty-Three innovation for the kids
Brick foot iron lung honor
Escape through the night like a disgruntled teen Krylon bomber
Without a care inside from posting the roster
Mal-adjusted blank faced civilian dispersed feelings
Reeling in several separate defunct fame-booster modules
This nervous twitch mark the most delectable ingredient
See Aesop starving troops in cell blocks with strap-on feeding bins
(More like) Like I'd auction off a fuck for that blind cause you ride in
I'd rather find the floors and watch you hide them
Feel the haggered look penetrate brain castle
Blasting clear out the back of this batches sour wind collection
(Flash flooder!)
You're a fuckin' wind-up toy
A goddamn four string criminal trading card
The reason they decorate the fonts of closing credits
To boost on-looker amusement after fading hard
Catch more Z's than Rip Van Winkle's Twelve Step Narcolepsy Seminar
The action, we all compete the masked illusion
The common folk, I provoke em all
Challenge thirty balance
I alone pour talent while they fidget
If the revolution ain't gon' be televised
Then fuck, I'll probably miss it
[Chorus: x2]
The lyrics to Aesop Rock's song Coma are incredibly dense and interwoven, making for a challenging but rewarding piece of music to interpret. The song seems to be a stream of consciousness from Aesop Rock, touching on themes of identity, rebellion, and individuality. The line "Music to make you stutter" is an interesting opener, as it seems to suggest that the song is intentionally disorienting or difficult to parse.
The succeeding lines are packed with references to pop culture and personal anecdotes. The reference to Dragon Ball Z and Speed Racer suggests a love for anime as a child, and the "God shit the planet screaming 'What on Earth is that?'" line is a surreal moment of humor. The idea of "muscling the overcooked specimen" could refer to Aesop's own artistic output, or it could simply be a metaphor for asserting oneself in the world.
The chorus of the song is a repeated refrain of "I alone settle / I alone peddle in the mud / I alone, I condone rebel zone planting / I alone stand in a social coma / All up to your dome, follow I alone." This seems to suggest that Aesop is proud of his individuality and unwillingness to conform to societal norms. The line "All up to your dome" is interesting because it's unclear whether Aesop is referring to his own head or that of his audience.
Line by Line Meaning
We now present to you, music
Introducing the song
Music to make you stutter
This song has a unique and captivating style that will leave you speechless
I've been a biplane dog fighter Henson invention
My imagination has allowed me to experience thrilling adventures, similar to the creations of Jim Henson
Trooper burst result of Dragon Ball Z/Speed Racer gene splicing
My energy and power rival that of characters from Dragon Ball Z and Speed Racer due to fictional gene splicing
Mach force, blind the extorted style from the common dirty
My speed and strength are unparalleled, and my unique style stands out from the ordinary
Destiny dream sighting, important as split the prints
I have a strong sense of purpose and my dreams are significant, like a unique footprint
God shit the planet screaming "What on Earth is that?"
My talent and impact are so great that it seems otherworldly
I sit back five dimensions
I have a unique perspective that transcends traditional thinking
Only to muscle the overcooked specimen
I am capable of handling any challenge, even if it seems overdone
Fending tragic fatality successful dodging violets
I have been able to avoid danger and negative situations despite adversity
All hail Mary and hello dollies!
I am confident and successful, and people admire and respect me
I flow ridiculous, indigenous to now
My flow and style are unique and authentic to the present
Who holds the fifth golden ticket?
Who has achieved success and recognition comparable to Willy Wonka's golden ticket winner?
Saw the wicked war phantom mansion beyond the pickets
I have overcome monumental obstacles and achieved great success
The house next door to when the stick ball clears the fence
I have achieved greatness and surpassed traditional expectations
Y'all hesitate to fetch it!
Others are slow to catch on to my success and achievements
I was walking through a pinball tilt built landscape
My journey has been full of ups and downs, like navigating a pinball machine
Pterodactyl circling turtle
Unusual and unexpected elements have crossed my path, much like a prehistoric creature circling a modern animal
I bite the bullet in a wingspan shadow
I have faced fear and danger head-on in the face of adversity
Suck and rust the oxygen gulps
I have faced and overcome challenges and obstacles that took my breath away
And spit the metal directly back up the barrel
I have been able to turn a situation around and use it to my advantage
We ice grill the silhouettes (right)
We maintain a cool and collected demeanor, even in the face of challenges or negativity
The common decency factors a low ball estimate of zero
People often underestimate my abilities or character, assuming the worst
My testament is striking B-boy stances
My actions and style are reminiscent of hip-hop and breakdancing culture
Dancing past the foggy mirror
I have overcome confusion and uncertainty to achieve clarity and success
With wipes clean the billy goat beard, camouflage the spirit
I have transformed and refined my appearance and character to better align with my goals
I'm at six degrees of sexy sarcasm
My attitude and humor are sexy, confident, and sarcastic
Yeah never swam up inside summer jam classic
I have always stood out and done my own thing, even in traditional or expected situations
Under the bed backwards bastard
I have faced and overcome my own inner battles and doubts
Scavenging the carnival grounds for an outlet
I have searched for opportunities and ways to succeed through unconventional means
Who the fuck is Aes Rock?
Who am I and what makes me unique and successful?
I'm not a name to keep at arms length
I am memorable and influential, and people should pay attention to me
Adjacent to little ? quilt makeshift
I am close to success and greatness, and am always working towards it
Sick security mechanism, check your mission
I am always aware of my surroundings and opportunities, and take appropriate measures for success
I am not a vision, check your mission
I am not just an idea or dream - I am real, and capable of achieving greatness
Just a simple sour patch delinquent
I am imperfect and rough around the edges, but still capable of great things
No it will not help you shove your Lincoln
My success and influence will not necessarily lead to personal gain for others
[Chorus: x2]
Repeating the chorus
I alone settle
I am content with my own success and achievements
I alone peddle in the mud
I am not afraid to take risks and get dirty in pursuit of success and greatness
I alone, I condone rebel zone planting
I am a pioneer and leader, breaking free from traditional norms and planting my own path
I alone stand in a social coma
I am unfazed by negativity or societal pressure, standing apart from the rest
All up to your dome, follow I alone
It's up to you to follow and recognize my success and leadership
Now you see me, now you don't
My success and influence are unpredictable and can come and go in unexpected ways
Well he was maverick enough but still scraped up
I am unique and unconventional, but still face challenges and setbacks
Taki One-Eighty-Three innovation for the kids
I am a trendsetter and innovator, inspiring and influencing younger generations
Brick foot iron lung honor
I am strong and determined, earning respect and admiration
Escape through the night like a disgruntled teen Krylon bomber
I have escaped negativity and adversity, like a rebellious teenager evading authority
Without a care inside from posting the roster
I am confident and unconcerned with society's expectations or standards
Mal-adjusted blank faced civilian dispersed feelings
I have struggled to adapt to societal norms or expectations, and may appear emotionless or distant
Reeling in several separate defunct fame-booster modules
I have overcome challenges and obstacles that could have propelled me to fame or fortune, but instead found my own success
This nervous twitch mark the most delectable ingredient
My quirks and imperfections are what make me unique and successful
See Aesop starving troops in cell blocks with strap-on feeding bins
I have faced and overcome extreme adversity and negativity, like being deprived of basic needs like food and freedom
(More like) Like I'd auction off a fuck for that blind cause you ride in
I refuse to compromise my values or beliefs for something that goes against my morals or principles
I'd rather find the floors and watch you hide them
I would rather expose and confront the truth and flaws, than ignore or hide them
Feel the haggered look penetrate brain castle
I feel the weight of the world and its challenges, even on a mental and emotional level
Blasting clear out the back of this batches sour wind collection
I am capable of overcoming negative or toxic situations and people, like blasting through a strong wind
(Flash flooder!)
I am able to make a strong and sudden impact, like a flash flood
You're a fuckin' wind-up toy
You are predictable and lack authenticity or uniqueness
A goddamn four string criminal trading card
You are a fake, imitating the success and style of others without having your own identity or uniqueness
The reason they decorate the fonts of closing credits
Successful and influential people often receive recognition and praise, even in subtle ways like credits at the end of a movie
To boost on-looker amusement after fading hard
The recognition and fame that comes with success can provide entertainment and inspiration to others
Catch more Z's than Rip Van Winkle's Twelve Step Narcolepsy Seminar
I have overcome challenges and obstacles that could have left me sleeping or stagnant, like a person with narcolepsy
The action, we all compete the masked illusion
Success and influence often come with a facade or illusion, and we must compete and adapt to overcome them
The common folk, I provoke em all
I inspire and influence average or ordinary people to pursue greatness and success
Challenge thirty balance
I constantly challenge myself and push my own limits to achieve success and progress
I alone pour talent while they fidget
I am capable of great talent and skill, while others hesitate or fidget
If the revolution ain't gon' be televised
If change and progress are not fully recognized or broadcasted, it is still worth pursuing
Then fuck, I'll probably miss it
Even if change and progress go unnoticed or unrecognized, I will still pursue it and not regret missing out
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Y, IAN BAVITZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind