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
Freeze
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is a never dug disco, Zoo York tycoon, memorandum bonanza banter clamp crunk out the fish bowl. Gorgeous how struggling gills wriggle out water, ain't it? Same scape as the walls crawling with paranoia's plaintiffs. The robo-komodo promo Zen patience a-alike to this jittery drooling mess. Bitterly unruly on mud hugger alert, he usher dirt to the kick circus. Deflected labor ethic questions peeled at the field workers. Is it raw? Please... does a priest need a ten-foot pole to baptize little Linus minus the lap ride and tease? Evolution is a leader depleter, seeker needy sheep idol feeder beware, once complete you might not want to be there. Dead straw to gold bar spin fiber. Lost and fond in a smitten kitten's incisors. They Aphrodite all over the burgle of a purple heart compartment. Marched a burgundy carpet alarmed and far to parched to bark it. Lil' Abner. A real firecracker. Grows to throw 'bows with vehicular hijackers. To eavesdrop plots cops hired a wire tapper. That's a whipper snapper trapped beneath my grip on the fire ladder. Took drums over to deril' to once over the line tones. Punch toothy ticks 'til they find homes like three ruby clicks. The roof is on fire where snoopy sits right now. You should have shot yourself in the foot when it was in your mouth.
CHORUS
Thieves in the strobe deep freeze your pose. For the disease that grows underneath your toes holds up a reason y'alls gold never seems to glow. Now we can all breath slow once the fiend's exposed. It goes heave ho. You never got the grit right. Bark fame but you never put the grit down. Hawk styles but you never got the grit right. Put the grit down. Grit right. Get down.
This is a never dug disco defamation of dog and pony grappled out chincey, chipping Leo Da Vinci phonies pushing kill of hill bloated. Nobody got you. While biggest brother's watching bigger brother watching big brother watch you. Nothing says circus fun quite like nuclear holocaust over breakfast on the terrace. Hash browns and peril. Old ironsides or good ship lolli-popper, Davy Jones still got a locker, ak, the opera's more than docs and soccer moms. Now before you kick your feet up, I married and divorced mother nature after sweet-talking that old hag out of a pre-nup. This information's neither braggadocio nor secret, just know as of now the world is technically not yours, peanut. It's a day in the life of the carnie dog-faced boy escapist. Living large, watching Springer, smoking beedies wrapped in bacon. At night his get busy disease leakage peaketh. Merk the he say/she say, BK Jesus turn peg legs to Adidas on the down stroke. And they like 'what's up with the name?' I tell'em y'all made Bazooka Tooth I's about to ask the same. But before you curfew the city and shut down every block, I'd like to say I still Aesop the fuck out of the Rock
CHORUS
This is a never dug disco. Spread feelers. Tonka zonk Gepetto bred beezers. Jeepers, gee wilikers, goshes galoshes, Christ, god almighty. They tore his limbs off kilter, still the hostage moshes slightly. Hung off the balcony by the skin off his doctor's psyche. He hopes it holds but knows the locusts kamikaze nightly. He woke, corroded buggy facial, insect chopper biting. He's only bones by the time the ungodly body's sighted. He saw the puddle, full color hideous monster Viking. He used to survey if the vermin dined on others like him. He found the fucks indigenous to him and awfully feisty. He grew old awkward grinch and settled into bonkers nicely. I alert vital spider works to cultivate grit, ship the bulk rate shit. Herbie the love bug drugs pulsate whips. Tie in spite for commoner idiocy and good old-fashioned biblical plague. We move units off your pagan escapade. And it's pits to the peg legged. Megas eclipse cripples so that pimp limp's wheel chair basketball when 15 minutes fizzles. Your flimsy frame marks hip-hop's second most tragic event and will 'til Jam Master Jay's resurrection and second death.
CHORUS
The lyrics to Aesop Rock's "Freeze" describe a chaotic and dystopian world where everything is falling apart. The opening lines, "Welcome to the pop off, some pop soft. We bang be-bang be-bang bang out loud." describe a violent and aggressive atmosphere. The chorus speaks of "thieves in the strobe" who freeze their pose and hold up a reason why their gold never seems to glow. The verse is laden with metaphors and imagery that convey the sense of a world that is out of control, where the powerful exploit the weak, and society is on the brink of collapse. Aesop Rock's lyrics are dense and require careful attention and interpretation to arrive at their meaning.
The verse elevates into a surreal and dizzying stream of consciousness that probes the multiple layers of meaning at play. The lyrics suggest that there is an insidious disease growing underneath the people's feet, representing the institutional and systemic issues that plague society. Aesop Rock uses metaphors to convey the point that the world is a dangerous and unpredictable place, where everyone is struggling to survive. He also alludes to the fact that the world is in the grip of a ruthless and impersonal system that values power and wealth over the well-being of people.
In conclusion, Aesop Rock's "Freeze" is a complex and challenging song that invites the listener to reflect deeply on the state of the world. It is a meditation on the themes of power, violence, and corruption and serves as a warning of the danger of complacency in the face of oppression.
Line by Line Meaning
It goes welcome the pop off, some pop soft. We bang be -bang be -bang bang out loud.
We're ready to show off and make an impact. Some may not be as bold as us, but we'll make our presence known loudly.
Ready on the left with a face full of death. We slanged out fang mouth bang out now.
We are prepared to face death with a tough exterior. We speak in slang and act fearlessly.
This is a never dug disco, Zoo York tycoon, memorandum bonanza banter clamp crunk out the fish bowl.
We are in a unique and unexplored environment in New York, full of creativity and opportunity for business. We have a lot of energy and excitement.
Gorgeous how struggling gills wriggle out water, ain't it? Same scape as the walls crawling with paranoia's plaintiffs.
It's amazing to see fish breathe underwater but it's similar to the people who are trapped by their own fears and anxieties.
The robo-komodo promo Zen patience a-alike to this jittery drooling mess.
We have the same calmness and patience as a robotic lizard, despite the chaos and mess around us.
Bitterly unruly on mud hugger alert, he usher dirt to the kick circus.
We are aggressively against conformity and always seeking to add excitement and new experiences to our lives.
Deflected labor ethic questions peeled at the field workers. Is it raw? Please... does a priest need a ten-foot pole to baptize little Linus minus the lap ride and tease?
We deflect questions about our work ethic and whether we are being honest. We believe the answer is obvious and do not need to be questioned.
Evolution is a leader depleter, seeker needy sheep idol feeder beware, once complete you might not want to be there.
Being a follower and seeking to please others will lead to depletion of one's own leadership abilities. Beware of following blindly.
Dead straw to gold bar spin fiber. Lost and fond in a smitten kitten's incisors.
We can turn something lifeless and plain into something valuable and beautiful. We are lost in the grip of someone who has charmed and captivated us.
They Aphrodite all over the burgle of a purple heart compartment. Marched a burgundy carpet alarmed and far to parched to bark it.
We are enamored by someone who stole a valuable item. They were proud and unafraid of their actions.
Lil' Abner. A real firecracker. Grows to throw 'bows with vehicular hijackers.
We are brave and feisty, unafraid to stand up for ourselves and fight against those who try to harm us.
To eavesdrop plots cops hired a wire tapper. That's a whipper snapper trapped beneath my grip on the fire ladder.
The police are trying to spy on us, but we are always one step ahead. We are in control and not afraid of being caught.
Took drums over to deril' to once over the line tones. Punch toothy ticks 'til they find homes like three ruby clicks.
We brought musical instruments to a dangerous area and played until the atmosphere changed. We fought until we found a place we belonged.
The roof is on fire where snoopy sits right now. You should have shot yourself in the foot when it was in your mouth.
Snoopy is in a lot of trouble right now. If you had any sense, you would have stopped before getting yourself in trouble.
Thieves in the strobe deep freeze your pose. For the disease that grows underneath your toes holds up a reason y'alls gold never seems to glow.
Those who steal and deceive will be caught and exposed. The negative thoughts and behavior they have are preventing them from seeing success.
Now we can all breath slow once the fiend's exposed. It goes heave ho. You never got the grit right.
Once the wrongdoers are caught, we can all take a deep breath and relax. They never had the determination and strength to succeed.
Bark fame but you never put the grit down. Hawk styles but you never got the grit right. Put the grit down. Grit right. Get down.
You may talk about wanting success and put on a flashy appearance, but you never had the true determination and resilience to achieve your goals. It's time to put in the real effort.
This is a never dug disco defamation of dog and pony grappled out chincey, chipping Leo Da Vinci phonies pushing kill of hill bloated.
We're in a new and unexplored area where we rally against those who are not true and put on a false facade. We won't let them succeed.
Nobody got you. While biggest brother's watching bigger brother watching big brother watch you.
You are alone and nobody is truly looking out for you. You are always being watched and judged by those in power.
Nothing says circus fun quite like nuclear holocaust over breakfast on the terrace. Hash browns and peril.
Even the most horrific events can become mundane and accepted over time. We've become too used to danger and destruction.
Old ironsides or good ship lolli-popper, Davy Jones still got a locker, ak, the opera's more than docs and soccer moms.
Whether you're on a historic ship or a playful candy-themed one, death is always lurking. The opera is more than just entertainment for average people.
Now before you kick your feet up, I married and divorced mother nature after sweet-talking that old hag out of a pre-nup.
Don't relax yet, I've already gone through a lot and am not afraid to take on anything. I've even manipulated nature itself to get what I want.
This information's neither braggadocio nor secret, just know as of now the world is technically not yours, peanut.
This is not boastful, just a fact. You are not in control of the world or your own destiny.
It's a day in the life of the carnie dog-faced boy escapist. Living large, watching Springer, smoking beedies wrapped in bacon.
Life is like being in a circus, always trying to escape and be free. We enjoy living extravagantly and indulging in our vices.
At night his get busy disease leakage peaketh. Merk the he say/she say, BK Jesus turn peg legs to Adidas on the down stroke.
Our productivity peaks at night, but gossip and rumors can be harmful. We have the power to turn obstacles into opportunities.
And they like 'what's up with the name?' I tell'em y'all made Bazooka Tooth I's about to ask the same.
People often ask about our name and we question it ourselves. We know that we are different and do things our own way.
But before you curfew the city and shut down every block, I'd like to say I still Aesop the fuck out of the Rock.
Before you try to control everything and everyone, remember that I still have power and control over my own life.
Spread feelers. Tonka zonk Gepetto bred beezers. Jeepers, gee wilikers, goshes galoshes, Christ, god almighty.
We are spreading our influence and seeking opportunities. We are unique and unconventional, full of excitement and awe.
They tore his limbs off kilter, still the hostage moshes slightly. Hung off the balcony by the skin off his doctor's psyche.
Our body and mind can be hurt and broken, but we still keep going. We are often being controlled by the people and things around us.
He hopes it holds but knows the locusts kamikaze nightly. He woke, corroded buggy facial, insect chopper biting.
We hope to stay strong and avoid harm, but we know that destruction can come at any time. We have been scarred and hurt but continue to fight back.
He's only bones by the time the ungodly body's sighted. He saw the puddle, full color hideous monster Viking.
We are often reduced to nothing in the face of death and destruction. We have seen the worst of humanity and been horrified by it.
He used to survey if the vermin dined on others like him. He found the fucks indigenous to him and awfully feisty.
We used to observe and fear those who were like us but we have found strength in ourselves and are unafraid of those who try to harm us.
He grew old awkward grinch and settled into bonkers nicely. I alert vital spider works to cultivate grit, ship the bulk rate shit.
We have grown older and accepted our quirks and flaws. We are determined to succeed and ship out our hard work.
Herbie the love bug drugs pulsate whips. Tie in spite for commoner idiocy and good old-fashioned biblical plague.
We use our creativity and individuality to succeed. We also use spite and anger towards those who don't understand us or try to harm us. We are not afraid to confront the worst of situations.
We move units off your pagan escapade. And it's pits to the peg legged. Megas eclipse cripples so that pimp limp's wheel chair basketball when 15 minutes fizzles.
We will succeed and make our mark regardless of your efforts to stop us. We rise above those who are weak and disabled. We are always ready to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.
Your flimsy frame marks hip-hop's second most tragic event and will 'til Jam Master Jay's resurrection and second death.
Your weak and insignificant presence shows how far hip-hop has fallen. You will always be remembered as a failure, second only to Jam Master Jay.
Thieves in the strobe deep freeze your pose. For the disease that grows underneath your toes holds up a reason y'alls gold never seems to glow.
Those who steal and deceive will be caught and exposed. The negative thoughts and behavior they have are preventing them from seeing success.
Now we can all breath slow once the fiend's exposed. It goes heave ho. You never got the grit right.
Once the wrongdoers are caught, we can all take a deep breath and relax. They never had the determination and strength to succeed.
Bark fame but you never put the grit down. Hawk styles but you never got the grit right. Put the grit down. Grit right. Get down.
You may talk about wanting success and put on a flashy appearance, but you never had the true determination and resilience to achieve your goals. It's time to put in the real effort.
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
joey sands
Bazooka Tooth is such an awesome album, and I was rediscovering it the other day, so this is rad.
Does anyone else remember the third verse of βthe Greatest PAC Man Victory of All Timeβ? That shit couldnβt be more inspirational to any writer.
The man births gems unlike any other artist, and must be protected at all costs
catalyst
L S D L S D that shit blew my fucking mind when i first heard it. aes is to me the greatest mc and a significant source of inspo in my work over the years
Oswald Bates III, Esq.
@catalyst The way he used the letters LSD as a whole verse was ridiculous.
The Vinyl Truffle
Killer production from Aesop here. RIP Def Jux.
L P
Safe to say, Aes has always been ahead of his time
Even today he shakes a fist at your favorite rappers with an OLD song... its really crazy ngl
NorCal Prospecting
π€£
Robert Valeska
This is what meth would sound like if it could speakβ¦
Marco Senarosa
@Robert Valeska lol facts
Rev. Jimmy Wonko
20 years in and still hear something I missed every time.
irock4031
Great shit mate!.... you are the only person I know who doesn't just make a song that sounds good and rhymes.... you paint a picture in your mind and tell us what that world sounds like! Stay Marvelous my Lyrical Legend!... we will talk soon!