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
Cook It Up
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Spooky
Salute
Look
Zoop, well hook it up
Shoop the local Wendy Cooper loopy
Low brow, low brim
She asked me, "What's the name?"
Jumped out where it's open:
"What's yours?"
"Um, Jenny, um..."
5 o'clock with the ten-penny sum
Sprung colassal miss, may I process your Pentium?
But ae is hesitating
"My princess
The pigeon holing roles that your predecessor's lunacy in the kismet"
Her eyes googled back "?that want to fortune to? breed plus a new kink in the posture
"Just don't get all barnacley
Get P.T. Barnumed in 3D THX sound stereo dismissal
Sorry hun, it's just the last ?group? was a fistful
Like them girls you bump into like dumb luck
get high in the city kiss once when she's punch drunk
Watch her misinterpret the moment tongues touch
Crazy mc-clingalot claim instant one love
And you've gotta beg your friends to take 'em off your hands like thumbcuffs
Or them barbies you'll vibe for a sexy second (love you)
Give 'em a month Hyde Hekyl to Jekyl and she makes Hitler look cuddly
But Jenny in the sky with emerald eyes
You're so different so delicious so ?de fish?
I'd be willing to walk the limb with
So let's just get a few things out the way: (okay)
I'm clinically bonkers and just about everyone god's great earth offers
I won't be getting dressed up to impress your family dear
And if I can't wear jeans and sneakers then I won't be lamping there
Nope, aggro-pimp, sinfully, clinically ?novel,? back it up no-diggity soldier
Magic-touch fingertip donor
Own up to your dirty debutant animalistic instincts
ritual courting dance and breeding behaviour" (like what?)
"I dream of Jeannie and fucking her obsecenly
But Jeannie could be Jenny so easily if you'd let me
Hell, the bad-tac daddy-o Merlin-- 'e' for effort
Most of these high-post Fabio world motherfucks make my head hurt
Dead up-- I got death in the skull but you'll get used to it ma
Dinner and cinema, yes, just cough the bread up
Sure, he schleps with naked pockets but I carry dreams
Like I want to be an anstronaut after you marry me"
(WHAAAAT???)
"You're rushing this I feel smothered it's crowding me awfully, dolly
I love you, Get the fuck off me! Sorry." (Call me)
And I'm circling her like a tiger shark frenzied but friendly
"I'm cool, how you feeling Jenny?" (Jenny) Jenny (Jenny) Jenny
"So quiet, oh I like that, so mysterious, I dig it
The way you haven't made eye contact with me once in ten minutes
I'm just saying girl, I'm dirty-dog raw vintage mixed with mega-low society
Mister gutter-fuck ?head? if you try me
So there it is, game. I mean it's not like I'm sweating you
because when it comes down to it, most of y'all females are the same
But now it's your turn baby, spit it out"
"Okay" She punched me dead in the fuckin mouth and walked away
Watch out ladies cause you know he don't love ya
Bazookatooth is one bad motherfucker
He's a low life pimp with a low life game
He needs a no life dame with a strobe light frame
Cook it up now..
No ring on the finger
There ain't no strings attached
But if you love television and
manic depression
Get a carton of cigarettes
And we can make it happen
Get your mac in
Just leave your bag up on my curb with the trashcan
?Pretend? like I seen you in maxim
?Relax with the tap dance?
Lights, camera, action
cook it up now..
The lyrics to Aesop Rock's song Cook It Up feat. P.F.A.C are a dialogue between a man and a woman in which the man is trying to impress the woman by being upfront about his flaws and quirks while also trying to encourage her to open up more. The man talks about how he won't pretend to impress her family, how he has animalistic instincts, and how he's "clinically bonkers." However, the woman seems skeptical of his intentions and eventually punches him in the end.
The lyrics are very introspective and delve into the insecurities and uncertainties of a new relationship. The man is trying to play it cool and be himself, but he also wants the woman to take a chance on him despite his flaws. He speaks honestly about his desires and dreams, but also acknowledges that he might be overwhelming or off-putting. The woman, on the other hand, is hesitant to open up and seems wary of the man's advances.
Overall, the lyrics present a complex and nuanced view of romantic relationships, with both parties trying to navigate their own issues and desires while also trying to connect with each other.
Line by Line Meaning
Cook it up
Get it started
Spooky
Scary
Salute
Pay homage
Look
Pay attention
Zoop, well hook it up
Let's get it going
Shoop the local Wendy Cooper loopy
Get crazy with Wendy Cooper
Low brow, low brim
Unsophisticated
She asked me, "What's the name?"
She asked for my name
I flashed the grossest fangs in show biz
I revealed my true self
Jumped out where it's open:
Made my presence known
"What's yours?"
Asked for her name
"Um, Jenny, um..."
Her name is Jenny
5 o'clock with the ten-penny sum
Late in the day, but still enough money
Sprung colassal miss, may I process your Pentium?
Impressed by her, offered to help her
But ae is hesitating
I'm hesitant
"My princess
Addressing her kindly
The pigeon holing roles that your predecessor's lunacy in the kismet"
Previous experiences have made me cautious
Her eyes googled back "?that want to fortune to? breed plus a new kink in the posture
She looked at me questioningly
Just don't get all barnacley
Don't get too clingy
Get P.T. Barnumed in 3D THX sound stereo dismissal
Be dismissed in a grand way
Sorry hun, it's just the last ?group? was a fistful
I'm sorry, I've had bad experiences
Like them girls you bump into like dumb luck
Girls you meet by chance
get high in the city kiss once when she's punch drunk
Inebriated hookups
Watch her misinterpret the moment tongues touch
Misunderstanding of physical affection
Crazy mc-clingalot claim instant one love
Claiming instant love
And you've gotta beg your friends to take 'em off your hands like thumbcuffs
Friends have to help you escape
Or them barbies you'll vibe for a sexy second (love you)
Temporary attraction
Give 'em a month Hyde Hekyl to Jekyl and she makes Hitler look cuddly
Personality change
But Jenny in the sky with emerald eyes
Talking about Jenny
You're so different so delicious so ?de fish?
Jenny is unique and desirable
I'd be willing to walk the limb with
I'm willing to take risks for you
So let's just get a few things out the way: (okay)
Let's talk
I'm clinically bonkers and just about everyone god's great earth offers
I'm crazy
I won't be getting dressed up to impress your family dear
No dressing up
And if I can't wear jeans and sneakers then I won't be lamping there
I won't go if I can't wear what I want
Nope, aggro-pimp, sinfully, clinically ?novel,? back it up no-diggity soldier
Reiterating my craziness
Magic-touch fingertip donor
Offering my help
Own up to your dirty debutant animalistic instincts
Accept your primal desires
ritual courting dance and breeding behaviour" (like what?)
Talking about animal mating
"I dream of Jeannie and fucking her obsecenly
Sexual fantasy
But Jeannie could be Jenny so easily if you'd let me
Jenny is my desire
Hell, the bad-tac daddy-o Merlin-- 'e' for effort
Continuing with nonsense talk
Most of these high-post Fabio world motherfucks make my head hurt
I don't like high society people
Dead up-- I got death in the skull but you'll get used to it ma
I'm not normal, but you'll adapt
Dinner and cinema, yes, just cough the bread up
I'll take you out if you pay
Sure, he schleps with naked pockets but I carry dreams
I'm broke but ambitious
Like I want to be an anstronaut after you marry me"
Dreams of an astronaut
"You're rushing this I feel smothered it's crowding me awfully, dolly
I feel crowded
I love you, Get the fuck off me! Sorry." (Call me)
Mixed messages
And I'm circling her like a tiger shark frenzied but friendly
Talking about my behavior
"I'm cool, how you feeling Jenny?" (Jenny) Jenny (Jenny) Jenny
Addressing Jenny
"So quiet, oh I like that, so mysterious, I dig it
I like your mystery
The way you haven't made eye contact with me once in ten minutes
Not making eye contact
I'm just saying girl, I'm dirty-dog raw vintage mixed with mega-low society
Reiterating my unsophistication
Mister gutter-fuck ?head? if you try me
Warning against provocation
So there it is, game. I mean it's not like I'm sweating you
Game over, not invested
because when it comes down to it, most of y'all females are the same
All women are the same
But now it's your turn baby, spit it out"
Your turn to talk
"Okay" She punched me dead in the fuckin mouth and walked away
Got punched for my behavior
Watch out ladies cause you know he don't love ya
Warning to women
Bazookatooth is one bad motherfucker
Bazookatooth is tough
He's a low life pimp with a low life game
He's a pimp with low standards
He needs a no life dame with a strobe light frame
Looking for a certain type of woman
No ring on the finger
Not married
There ain't no strings attached
No strings attached
But if you love television and manic depression
Must have similar interests
Get a carton of cigarettes
Smoke cigarettes
And we can make it happen
We can be together
Get your mac in
Get ready
Just leave your bag up on my curb with the trashcan
Leave your bag on the curb
Pretend like I seen you in maxim
Flirting
Relax with the tap dance
Relax
Lights, camera, action
Get ready
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ANTHONY SIMON, IAN BAVITZ, J GIBSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind