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
Pigs
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Locusts stole the groceries out the local Farmer's Market
All God's critters hold positions
Some are violent, some are victims
Each alive is an equal and vital piston I support
So when the piranhas honor New York
My daddy long legs dangled and mangled for sport
And while I bring in every dink in the kingdom with open wings
The pigs, the pigs, the dregs of what y'all aim for
The gluttonous muddy stomachs under the pudgy cakehole
Two-track braniac using the food and payroll
To chew up and consume every cookie, crumb, and peso
And place a cloven hoof on the lucrative when convenient
As the bourbon-odor smokers' coughs smolder off the Cohiba
If Noah had the benefit of hindsight on his ship
He could've snatched two unicorns and left behind the motherfucking...
[Chorus]
Pigs!
God damn... pigs!
Potbelly... pigs!
Punch-drunk... pigs!
Take money, money... pigs!
Loudmouth... pigs!
Wide load... pigs!
Let's make a deal...
When all the wolves in woolly wigs
Have huffed, and puffed, and blew the bricks
The skulls of Brooklyn's cruelest pigs
Will rain on Fulton's newest kicks
As mulish swine of all surrounding counties sniff the gruesomeness
We pass around the pineapples and pull the pins in unison
I will gladly feed you to the breed who wants you sacrificed
No pagan or sacrilege, just bacon for scavengers
I will gladly seat you with the chickens, not the passengers
Hopefully the crack in his armor spreads to his avarice
Never that, Wilburs multiply quicker than triples
And hunt their truffles in fistfuls, but it was all bells and whistles
Bougie this and Bougie that...
War pig or pussy cat...
Glitzy to the pork ribs, had to gold-leaf the booby traps
Powder-pink, double-breasted, mess of mud and money
Waddle off the fire to make his stubborn tummy wroggle
And while I don't really know the working details of your tribes
I know that that's one ugly fucking tie... asshole
[Chorus]
Apple in his mouth, Maraschino eyes
Party like the butcher boy's cleaver is alive
I mosey into sixteen hours of smoke in the misty winter
To see the county fair's blue ribbon winner as dinner
Then dance until the sun has kissed your blisters in the morning
As the misery was dormant and dibbed in crispy portions
Corporates fund, allure 'em, and they whore 'em
Or does he whore to corporates to expand the more important forums for 'em?
Push the mortar pestle past the ordinary orchard
When the frilly border's faded is the product mine or yours, pig?
Mine, plus I toss a token where I go:
Directly to the worms who shovel shit and yellow snow
This little piggy went to the market with a target
And will subsequently know the armor-piercing forks of farmers
Final words for the finer birds taking notes:
I dig a chick in pig tails, "That's all Folks!"
[Chorus]
The song "Pigs" by Aesop Rock is a commentary on inequality and corruption. The lyrics use animal metaphors to describe those in power who exploit and oppress others. The opening lines describe a world where even seemingly harmless creatures like locusts can cause harm, and everyone holds a position in the hierarchy. The singer expresses support for all living beings, but recognizes that some, like the "shit-soaked pigs," abuse their power and consume resources without regard for others.
The chorus repeatedly shouts "pigs!" as a form of condemnation for those who fit this description. Throughout the verses, Aesop Rock describes the greed and gluttony of these "potbelly pigs," who use their influence to acquire more money and consume more resources. The lyrics suggest that these pigs will eventually face consequences for their actions, such as when their skulls rain down on someone else's new kicks.
Towards the end of the song, the lyrics become more specific about the exploitation of animals for human consumption. The singer describes going to a county fair and seeing the blue ribbon winner as dinner, and how the industry is funded by corporations who both exploit and are exploited by farmers. The singer acknowledges their own role in this system by tossing tokens to the worms who shovel manure, but vows to continue fighting against those who abuse their power.
Line by Line Meaning
Sharks in the dunk tank, vipers in the garden
Danger lurks in unexpected places
Locusts stole the groceries out the local Farmer's Market
Even the most basic essentials can be taken away
All God's critters hold positions
Every living thing has a unique role in the world
Some are violent, some are victims
The balance of power is never equal
Each alive is an equal and vital piston I support
Every individual is important and deserves respect
So when the piranhas honor New York
When ruthless opportunists celebrate success
My daddy long legs dangled and mangled for sport
Innocent creatures are often harmed for entertainment
And while I bring in every dink in the kingdom with open wings
I welcome everyone with kindness and acceptance
It all boils down to them shit-soaked pigs
In the end, the corrupt and selfish are exposed
The pigs, the pigs, the dregs of what y'all aim for
The epitome of greed and excess
The gluttonous muddy stomachs under the pudgy cakehole
The insatiable hunger for wealth and power
Two-track braniac using the food and payroll
Manipulative and cunning in business dealings
To chew up and consume every cookie, crumb, and peso
To take everything without remorse or consideration
And place a cloven hoof on the lucrative when convenient
To greedily take advantage of opportunities
As the bourbon-odor smokers' coughs smolder off the Cohiba
As the wealthy indulge in their vices
If Noah had the benefit of hindsight on his ship
If people could look back and learn from past mistakes
He could've snatched two unicorns and left behind the motherfucking...
He would have avoided the corrupt and selfish
[Chorus]
Repeating the title of the song
When all the wolves in woolly wigs
When those who hide their true nature are exposed
Have huffed, and puffed, and blew the bricks
When they have exhausted their power and resources
The skulls of Brooklyn's cruelest pigs
The remnants of those who were once powerful and corrupt
Will rain on Fulton's newest kicks
Their downfall will be a spectacle for all to see
As mulish swine of all surrounding counties sniff the gruesomeness
Others will take notice and learn from their mistakes
We pass around the pineapples and pull the pins in unison
We share in the responsibility of taking down the corrupt
I will gladly feed you to the breed who wants you sacrificed
Those who seek to harm others will meet their own demise
No pagan or sacrilege, just bacon for scavengers
There is no higher power punishing the corrupt; they will be taken down by their own greed
I will gladly seat you with the chickens, not the passengers
Those who devalue others will be treated with the same disrespect
Hopefully the crack in his armor spreads to his avarice
Hopefully their downfall will lead to a shift in society away from corruption
Never that, Wilburs multiply quicker than triples
The corrupt and selfish will always find ways to thrive
And hunt their truffles in fistfuls, but it was all bells and whistles
They enjoy their luxuries, but it is all a facade
Bougie this and Bougie that...
Mocking those who try to seem upper class
War pig or pussy cat...
Questioning the motivations of the powerful
Glitzy to the pork ribs, had to gold-leaf the booby traps
The wealthy will do whatever it takes to maintain their status
Powder-pink, double-breasted, mess of mud and money
The superficiality of wealth and power
Waddle off the fire to make his stubborn tummy wroggle
The consequences of excess
And while I don't really know the working details of your tribes
Acknowledging the different experiences and struggles of others
I know that that's one ugly fucking tie... asshole
Critiquing those who try to appear successful but are actually corrupt
[Chorus]
Repeating the title of the song
Apple in his mouth, Maraschino eyes
The traditional depiction of a pig as food
Party like the butcher boy's cleaver is alive
Indulging in excess and celebrating wealth and power
I mosey into sixteen hours of smoke in the misty winter
A specific and detailed image of a cold and difficult environment
To see the county fair's blue ribbon winner as dinner
Highlighting the way society values and treats certain animals
Then dance until the sun has kissed your blisters in the morning
Experiencing pleasure and enjoyment despite harsh circumstances
As the misery was dormant and dibbed in crispy portions
Finding relief from pain and suffering in temporary pleasure
Corporates fund, allure 'em, and they whore 'em
The wealthy and powerful exploit those who seek success and recognition
Or does he whore to corporates to expand the more important forums for 'em?
Questioning the motivations of those who work for the wealthy and powerful
Push the mortar pestle past the ordinary orchard
Going above and beyond what is necessary
When the frilly border's faded is the product mine or yours, pig?
Who benefits from the fruits of our labor?
Mine, plus I toss a token where I go:
Despite the corrupt system, I try to make a positive impact
Directly to the worms who shovel shit and yellow snow
Supporting those who perform menial and unappreciated labor
This little piggy went to the market with a target
The inevitability of being targeted by the corrupt and powerful
And will subsequently know the armor-piercing forks of farmers
The consequences of being on the wrong side of those in power
Final words for the finer birds taking notes:
Parting words for those paying attention
I dig a chick in pig tails, "That's all Folks!"
A lighthearted and quirky end to a serious and critical song
[Chorus]
Repeating the title of the song
Contributed by Isaiah R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Stephen Daire
Sharks in the dunk tank, vipers in the garden
Locusts stole the groceries out the local Farmer's Market
All God's critters hold positions
Some are violent, some are victims
Each alive is an equal and vital piston I support
So when the piranhas honor New York
My daddy long legs dangled and mangled for sport
And while I bring in every dink in the kingdom with open wings
It all boils down to them shit-soaked pigs
The pigs (what), the pigs (what), the dregs of what y'all aim for
The gluttonous muddy stomachs under the pudgy cakehole
Two-track braniac using the food and payroll
To chew up and consume every cookie, crumb, and peso
And place a cloven hoof on the lucrative when convenient
As the bourbon-odor smokers' coughs smolder off the Cohiba
If Noah had the benefit of hindsight on his ship
He could've snatched two unicorns and left behind the motherfucking...
[Hook 1]
Pigs!
God damn... pigs!
Potbelly... pigs!
Punch-drunk... pigs!
Take money, money... pigs!
Loudmouth... pigs!
Wide load... pigs!
Let's make a deal...
Ben C
everything aesop has been saying for 20 years is finally coming true
Mothboss
I came straight here and have listened to this song every day since this started
iammscrap
It's always been true
iammscrap
@Jamie Sullivan yes!
Vice Versa Games
This song is about corporate greed and politicians, not cops. Still applies though
Tyler Sissons
My best friend showed me Aesop. He passed away and this was his favorite song. Listening to it makes me feel like he is right next to me spitting word for word. I love what music can do.
Transatlanticsilkcottonfabrics
Yeoo same ✌️ stay safe and stay free.
Illavick
This song is, no joke, a shining beacon of what you can accomplish in hip hop. It's a damn shame more artists aren't striving to reach these kinds of lyrical heights.
Michael Robinson
I read that as "bacon" instead of "beacon" because pigs.
Interesting comment but....
Michael Robinson Boom. Lyrical genius