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
Labor
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
{*sample cut and scratched*}
[Aesop Rock]
Who put the monkey wrench in well oiled prefectionist emblem
Just to watch these moniters spit white noise
through your office space auto made
I infect knowledge gene pool dissented cloud clusters
Delinquent fan for brick habitat bob, weave, stick, move fence
and put somewhere in the middle for slick invention
This years brain crop spread spectacular
I ain't mad at cha don't stay mad at the caliber
I twist characters like twist characters
Talley up the alley cat aggresion
in this Doug E. Fresh infested mess up bassline lust
An automatic be -boy krylon can't combust circuits
Working these war picked cyphers
with head striker stability and kamakazi chivalry
I alone noble in a warm food feud
Walking ten generations ain't nobody asking for your patience
Who ranned off but only meet to face the fact
that I knew myself and didn't have to ask nobody else
(Talk about labor) Fantastic planet urchin putting work in
Searching for pertinent verse minus the murderous diversions
Apologies won't lore me to the communal sob story
nor would I sacrifice lifestyle to benefit jewerly temperament
This whole Green Goblin webcutter butts up against
crayola daydream landscapes spittin bedlam, Datum
Charge the villagers nickles and nicotine
to watch them fed to undiscreniled crack at the high noon
(We sell popcorn, beer and balloons!)
I got an echelon this gon be the one children bicker over
And start warriors vs. baseball fury element
to glitches mode of century development
I am a star really! The big bang bastard's back
with a one way ticket to Beat Street
This soil is like relevant to human concept
plot the man ratios man learning, I work past the service
I work on what I love, I work the service on my vertince
And I work till this here little flat line closes the curtains
{*beat plays with some scracthing*}
In the song "Labor" by Aesop Rock, the rapper explores the concept of hard work and the dedication it takes to succeed in the music industry. He starts off by questioning who would purposely disrupt a perfectly functioning system, only to introduce chaos in the form of white noise. He then acknowledges his own role in breaking apart established norms: "I infect knowledge gene pool dissented cloud clusters."
Aesop Rock goes on to describe the struggles and challenges he has faced in his career. He uses vivid imagery to paint the picture of a "Delinquent fan for brick habitat bob, weave, stick, move fence," constantly working to find his place in the music scene. He celebrates the success he has achieved ("This years brain crop spread spectacular"), but also acknowledges that there is always room for improvement ("don't stay mad at the caliber").
Throughout the song, Aesop Rock emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication. He refuses to be swayed by the lure of money or fame ("nor would I sacrifice lifestyle to benefit jewerly temperament"). Ultimately, he recognizes that success is not guaranteed, but he is determined to keep working until the end ("And I work till this here little flat line closes the curtains").
Overall, "Labor" is a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever put in the hard work necessary to achieve their goals, despite the obstacles they face.
Line by Line Meaning
Who put the monkey wrench in well oiled prefectionist emblem
Who disrupted the flawless system that was in place?
Just to watch these moniters spit white noise
Just to see chaos and disorder unfold.
through your office space auto made
In your automated workspace.
I infect knowledge gene pool dissented cloud clusters
I spread alternative ideas that go against conventional wisdom.
Brushing dust mites off your starborn all revolution sound jugglers
Addressing the flaws in the revolutionary system and fixing them.
Delinquent fan for brick habitat bob, weave, stick, move fence
Underground movements that sprout up, disappear, and then re-emerge.
and put somewhere in the middle for slick invention
Being resourceful in navigating the system in order to make change.
This years brain crop spread spectacular
This year's ideas and creativity are widespread and impressive.
I twist characters like twist characters
I manipulate words and language in a unique way.
Talley up the alley cat aggresion
Taking stock of the aggression and energy within oneself.
in this Doug E. Fresh infested mess up bassline lust
In this environment of chaos and disorder fueled by music and rhythm.
An automatic be-boy krylon can't combust circuits
Despite one's best efforts, there are limitations to what can be achieved.
Working these war picked cyphers
Navigating through the battles and conflicts of life.
with head striker stability and kamakazi chivalry
Facing challenges with bravery and courage, despite the potential risks.
I alone noble in a warm food feud
I stand alone and proud in the midst of competition and conflict.
Walking ten generations ain't nobody asking for your patience
No one is seeking approval or patience from others, but they continue to push forward.
Who ranned off but only meet to face the fact
Those who ran away must ultimately come to terms with themselves.
that I knew myself and didn't have to ask nobody else
I am self-aware and confident in my identity, and I don't need validation from external sources.
(Talk about labor) Fantastic planet urchin putting work in
Working hard and striving for greatness, despite being an outsider.
Searching for pertinent verse minus the murderous diversions
Looking for meaningful and important ideas, while avoiding harmful distractions.
Apologies won't lore me to the communal sob story
Empty apologies will not get me to give in to group pressure or conform to a sob story narrative.
nor would I sacrifice lifestyle to benefit jewerly temperament
I will not give up my values or way of life to please others.
This whole Green Goblin webcutter butts up against
The chaotic system and forces that work against progress.
crayola daydream landscapes spittin bedlam, Datum
Chaos and disorder erupting in unexpected places.
Charge the villagers nickles and nicotine
Exploiting and taking advantage of the people who are most vulnerable.
to watch them fed to undiscreniled crack at the high noon
Watching as those who are exploited are on the verge of destruction.
(We sell popcorn, beer and balloons!)
Profitting off of the pain and suffering of others.
I got an echelon this gon be the one children bicker over
Achievement of a high level of success that will be hotly debated and contested.
And start warriors vs. baseball fury element
The intense competition and conflict that arises from success.
to glitches mode of century development
Innovating and finding new ways to make progress.
I am a star really! The big bang bastard's back
I am significant and important, despite the obstacles and challenges.
with a one way ticket to Beat Street
Embarking on a journey with no plans of turning back.
This soil is like relevant to human concept
This earth is integral to human understanding and progress.
plot the man ratios man learning, I work past the service
Calculating the ratio of human learning to human labor, and finding ways to surpass expectations.
I work on what I love, I work the service on my vertince
Dedicating time and energy to passions and interests, while still functioning within societal norms.
And I work till this here little flat line closes the curtains
Continuing to work and achieve until the end of life.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind