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
Dead Pan
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stitchin every be-boy fragment
Somebody live enough to bust through the belly with a fist up
This is a right now generation murdered by the fan base
This is adored by the writers-Dead water
With a still force activated
No I'm not feelin' alright
Punched by the stagnant water gate threw the fickle back
But by the window's still three nickels in a piggy bank
Caught her with her head up funny stomach from the hunger pains
Flashed automatic be -boy with big visions
In a matchbox apartment adjacent a crooked starship
Who better nation a million's the only remedy
Nine dizzy planets with a bullet riding centerpiece
Take Me Through The Gates
I'm bout as sick of burning find the hottest slacker in a visionary costume
Con artist kamikaze conduct
Warm for a second to the minute he whored herself to disaster
I recognize the cankers by the mechanical stagger
As opposed to the skip of big brother bad slapper
Theologies who need to keep the cookies caffeinated
Like a mad hatter that'll sleep now, ask after
Calibrate the happy scale when he's soakin
Wet with a mouthful of dead ideas and see if it tipped zero
Stripped ego, tall stories of broad glory
I'll be god while you're still living life on a full 40
Or maybe I'll be gramacin, homes poor, broke and lonely
Hidden by my billygoat beard and cardboard monstrosity
I drink a bad glass of gumption
Not bad meaning bad, but bad meaning disgusting
Wildchild activater activate sludge enough to dungeon for a accolade and wild ones
I committed wild murder, went through the city
With a wild merger, woke up in a wildstyle burner
Space case, boom box, hate tapes, no lemonade breaks (sweat), no cheddar in labor days
Right now, I'm here to break a point of big system plus my screen
I was never cursed in a russmeyer bixon
Spit sob stories to confront my dick addictions
Of the dirty basement at the graves of Salem witches
Driving my stake through the face of painstaking business (checkmate)
But I scream Misery (better breath take)
Out of sleep, lifted up lobotomy, little Jackie paper
And a magic dragon sack of dirty shrubbery
I'll be the ugliest version of paranoia
Kingpin set in motion by the secondhand pressure
Some get excited when the sun folds under
Some get excited when the summer hits the pavement
Some get excited when the bullet hits bone and a board
I'll escape through the train yard and sleep till it's broken
This be the settling of debt of warm water
A mobile be-boy function
Somebody mad enough to cut apart the curtain with a fist up
This is the dagger in the 88 magnificent memorial
This is the heater to a movement-dead water
When I broke fifth and got sparks
No I'm not feelin alright
This be the windshear dodgin dead water
Solitary be-boy wonder
Somebody fresh enough to reinvent the court with a fist up
This is the funky outline around a classic breakbeat
This is an agitated moment-dead water
With a burnt future, beaten, ugly
No I'm not feelin' alright
In this song, Aesop Rock talks about the current generation being dead water, stagnant and lacking passion or creativity. He mentions how someone needs to break through this stagnation with a “fist up,” someone who is energetic enough to reinvent the classic breakbeats and reinvent the court of hip hop. The singer recognizes the commercialization of hip hop - a movement that was once revolutionary and now has been gentrified and commercialized. The singer recognizes that there is something inherently wrong with the current state of hip hop and the music industry as a whole because of the fan base and the writers. He mentions the stagnation in the industry and calls for someone to bring radical change to the water that is dead.
Moreover, the singer mentions someone who has enough passion and vision to perform a “wild merger” in the city by taking the music industry head-on. The singer also hints at how the system is corrupt and how the musicians who don’t conform are eliminated. Despite this system, the singer refers to himself as the “ugliest version of paranoia” and a “kingpin set in motion by the secondhand pressure,” suggesting that he is aware of the chaos and disorder around him and is trying to make sense of it.
Overall, the song conveys a sense of cynicism towards the state of the music industry and how it has become more commercialized, losing the passion and creativity that once was the cornerstone of hip hop.
Line by Line Meaning
This be the dawning of the age of dead water
This marks the beginning of a new era of stagnation and despair.
Stitchin every be-boy fragment
Piecing together every bit of hope and creativity.
Somebody live enough to bust through the belly with a fist up
Someone who is strong enough to rise up against the oppression with a fighting spirit.
This is a right now generation murdered by the fan base
Our current generation is being suppressed and silenced by the very people who claim to support it.
This is adored by the writers-Dead water
The artists and writers who are supposed to inspire and challenge us are instead glorifying the current state of stagnation and hopelessness.
With a still force activated
Despite the lack of movement or progress, there is a powerful force at work that is keeping things stagnant.
No I'm not feelin' alright
The singer is not okay with the current state of affairs.
Formed by the village of badness and bad karma
Our current situation is the result of past mistakes, misfortunes, and negative energy.
Punched by the stagnant water gate threw the fickle back
We are being held back and prevented from moving forward by the stagnant forces that surround us.
But by the window's still three nickels in a piggy bank
Despite the lack of resources, there is still some hope and potential for change.
Caught her with her head up funny stomach from the hunger pains
The people who are striving to make a difference are facing difficulties and challenges.
Flashed automatic be-boy with big visions
The artist or others like them have a strong creative vision and are trying to make an impact.
In a matchbox apartment adjacent a crooked starship
Amidst the oppressive and limiting environment, there are still hopeful and imaginative people trying to break free.
Who better nation a million's the only remedy
The only cure or solution to the current problems is to band together and work towards a common goal.
Nine dizzy planets with a bullet riding centerpiece
There are many difficulties and obstacles to overcome, but there is still a central force or idea that people can rally behind.
Take Me Through The Gates
The artist is calling out for guidance or a way to break out of the current stagnation.
I'm bout as sick of burning find the hottest slacker in a visionary costume
The artist is tired of seeing people who are supposed to be inspiring or leading the charge acting lazy or apathetic.
Con artist kamikaze conduct
The people who claim to be leading or helping the cause are actually causing harm or destruction.
Warm for a second to the minute he whored herself to disaster
The people who could have made a difference or had potential have sold out or given up.
I recognize the cankers by the mechanical stagger
The artist can see the corruption and stagnation in the system due to its repetitive and uniform behavior.
As opposed to the skip of big brother bad slapper
The artist rejects the empty or false promises of those in power or in the mainstream.
Theologies who need to keep the cookies caffeinated
Religious or ideological systems that rely on material things or instant gratification to keep people invested.
Like a mad hatter that'll sleep now, ask after
People who are crazed or consumed with their own interests who will deal with the fallout later.
Calibrate the happy scale when he's soakin
Measuring one's level of satisfaction or contentment when they are at their lowest or most vulnerable.
Wet with a mouthful of dead ideas and see if it tipped zero
Testing the worth or usefulness of ideas or concepts that are no longer relevant or effective.
Stripped ego, tall stories of broad glory
Revealing the truth behind inflated or exaggerated claims of success or power.
I'll be god while you're still living life on a full 40
While others are trapped in a life of mere survival, the singer will strive for greatness and make a difference.
Or maybe I'll be gramacin, homes poor, broke and lonely
The artist may not be successful or powerful, but they will still work towards making a positive impact.
Hidden by my billygoat beard and cardboard monstrosity
The artist may appear unassuming or unimpressive, but they should not be underestimated.
I drink a bad glass of gumption
The singer is willing to take risks and act boldly even if it may end up being harmful or counterproductive.
Not bad meaning bad, but bad meaning disgusting
The singer is using 'bad' to describe something negative, not cool or rebellious.
Wildchild activater activate sludge enough to dungeon for a accolade and wild ones
Even in the midst of stagnation and oppression, there are still people trying to make a positive impact and leave a legacy.
I committed wild murder, went through the city
The artist has caused drastic and disruptive change in the hopes of improving things.
With a wild merger, woke up in a wildstyle burner
The artist's attempts at making a difference have led to unexpected and chaotic consequences.
Space case, boom box, hate tapes, no lemonade breaks (sweat), no cheddar in labor days
The singer is living a difficult and challenging life with few resources or luxuries.
Right now, I'm here to break a point of big system plus my screen
The artist is determined to challenge and change the larger systems that are causing the stagnation and oppression.
I was never cursed in a russmeyer bixon
The singer has not been corrupted or influenced by the mainstream or mainstream culture.
Spit sob stories to confront my dick addictions
The singer is trying to address and overcome their own negative or self-destructive tendencies.
Of the dirty basement at the graves of Salem witches
The singer is drawing on the dark history of oppression and persecution to fuel their own fight for change.
Driving my stake through the face of painstaking business (checkmate)
The artist is aggressively challenging the oppressive systems and leaders who are causing harm.
But I scream Misery (better breath take)
The artist is acknowledging the pain and difficulty of their situation, but will not be defeated by it.
Out of sleep, lifted up lobotomy, little Jackie paper
The singer is trying to break free from the oppressive systems that are keeping them trapped.
And a magic dragon sack of dirty shrubbery
The singer has secrets or tools at their disposal that others may not be aware of.
I'll be the ugliest version of paranoia
The artist will do whatever is necessary to protect themselves and others from harm.
Kingpin set in motion by the secondhand pressure
The oppressive systems and leaders are being driven by powerful but hidden forces.
Some get excited when the sun folds under
Some people take pleasure in the failures or struggles of others.
Some get excited when the summer hits the pavement
Others find joy or relief in the changing of the seasons or weather.
Some get excited when the bullet hits bone and a board
Still others are drawn to violence or destruction for its own sake.
I'll escape through the train yard and sleep till it's broken
The singer will continue to fight and challenge the oppressive systems until they are able to break free from them and find rest.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
slipknot95maggot
I mean I'm not gonna let it die....
Aes for president 2020
res6155
the ending rhyme scheme is killer. this guy has a tremendous amount of creativity
Bazooka Tooth
"In a matchbox apartment adjacent a crooked starship
Spoon feed a nation millions is the only remedy
Nine deadly planets with a bullet riding centerpiece."
"I recognize the takers by the mechanical stagger
As opposed to the skip of big brother badge flasher."
Bazooka Tooth
"Stripped ego, tall stories of broad glory
I'll be god while you're still living life on a full 40
Or maybe I'll be gramacin' home poor, broke and lonely
Hidden by my billygoat beard and cardboard monstrosity"
The Wolf
Way too far ahead of this life time
Bazooka Tooth
Aesop Rock for President 2016
Bazooka Tooth
+556FATHOMS he doesn't need to accept.
wissen
Nah, it'd be too stressful for Aes.
Tim Milne
Aesop Rock For President 2012.
Michael Dziengel
This one is the dope.