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
Super Fluke
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before the anime corrodes I'm trying to fork the figure eights.
Hogwash etiquette, truncate long haul leverage picket.
Out built auto-bricklayers with ten guerrilla digits.
A the Don Darko bark O beautiful piranha gossip, cobwebs on the Kafka.
Choke up on watcher logic with a left-center field indicator gestured gently.
Smash when the one-oh-one-octane hemlock tea pumps chest to extremity.
And phenom limp it to the wicked recon.
Pump breaks, cupcake, I melt through the father formula.
Goofus merked Gallant, the missing link was apparent.
Drugstore cowboy, hold floors and grudges,
F*** the Judy piece while Elroy burgle space cakes out the cupboard.
I could kill a cockroach with only Wallabies and rug burn,
Pin 'em down and funnel up boric acid chuggers if stubborn.
Mash jackals, hacks flash Bedazzlers, capture flags and crash test happy campers.
For the typecast ponies grazing through the weekend ring alarms
With bassy kicks that flip whips on the Major Deagon.
Out of dodge nauseous (I don't feel good)
Yo El, leave the keys to the Delorian with Lauren at the office.
I peak the eighty-eight streak off with a fiery disposition and basic serotonin deficient symptoms.
Alpha uno compute.
Motor mouth askew at the root.
Brick house, huff, blew the roof.
Please don't feed the bazooka tooth, evolution super fluke
With a kiddy pool full of warm milk,
NyQuil and powdered Ammbiene they found him, trying to drown sheep and count 'em.
The rowers keep rowing.
Pachyderm tranq dart blowgun pressed to the nape of the neck only spent twelve seconds frozen.
Marathon eye-opener most likely misinterpreted,
'Cause one bad night before the big briefing ain't breached the surface yet.
Holler dirt merchant, echo out Brooklyn,
Where the women are beautiful and the vagrants piss crooked.
This is the sound of one man getting high
With one hand in a forest with a tree falling alone, ya heard?
Cut rugs to it, me and my leaky budget nickel-bribe the judges
Just as a beautiful goose egg motif's adorning the panel's judgment.
(Overnight Biggies) Overnight Biggies plunk quarters into an A and R Zoltar
While the incubated fade collar pop folklore in effect.
Now they want to mitigate the gusto,
That's like asking the cast of Watership Down to fuck slow.
Homogenized carnies.
Voodoo lullaby placebo collide zombies.
Blazing R and B sucker pop lolli f*** spoon futile cartoony maneuvers to soothe roosters.
Doctor I'm having headaches and pink slips in my locker. My agenda needs a walker.
(Hey) It's better than Cats!
See a grown-ass-man decay to red worm food in house fly years
While y'all stable, like all aspiring actors waiting tables.
Alpha uno compute.
Motor mouth askew at the root.
Brick house, huff, blew the roof.
Please don't feed the bazooka tooth, evolution super fluke
So I line 'em up and ask 'em flat, wanna de-worm the belly of this? Orphan bloodlust or timidity?
Solidify, widdle I Aes millipede uncivil.
When Millie pulled the pistol that tore the vanilla sky across the middle.
A billion little crimson pinholes sweat on vintage quill venom
Developed by a fatal blues anthology.
Communities on cue bury their ostrich beaks.
Thought it was carnie mirrors 'til the cold morning stunk the stink of obsolete heroes.
Hyena for the sci-fi, God barter "non" for hyphen.
Promo charted phobia specific violence like a fifty foot Bob Barker deployed
To incinerate New York, which in a way's more scary than thermonuclear war.
I got my tongue down Karma's throat.
Half a dozen spy cams rigged up in blackmail science.
Swamp rats back off a destiny that f***s her clients hence the riots.
You lose, she knew about the tapes and asked for my assistance to clip the biased.
Lucky sevens buddy up for mass taxidermy. Some burn facts and secure camo to past.
I'm open bodega with ankle anvil pre-shackled out,
Cancel hackers backwards 'til the death tarot and rains collabo.
Hope's a broken arrow stabbing blind through the fog in the log cabin,
Which gathered and hasn't budged since nine-eleven
Give him a couple close friends, a women in his old bed while he waits.
He'll hug it all with no plans to escape.
Alpha uno compute.
Motor mouth askew at the root.
Brick house, huff, blew the roof.
Please don't feed the bazooka tooth, evolution super fluke
The opening line, "I skunk the blood up as to numb the public interface," refers to Aesop Rock using marijuana to calm himself down and reduce anxiety when interacting with others. He then goes on to express a desire to prevent mainstream culture from overshadowing and destroying niche interests and passions, represented here by the metaphor of anime (Japanese animation). Aesop addresses conformity in society, encouraging people to think outside the box and break free from traditional expectations.
The following lines reference a variety of themes, including worker exploitation and automation, political violence, and drug use. Aesop suggests the need for rebellion and resistance against oppressive systems that stifle creativity and freedom. As the verses continue, the imagery becomes more surreal and bizarre, making for a challenging and thought-provoking listen.
Overall, "Super Fluke" is a dense and intricate song that requires active engagement and interpretation from the listener. It is a commentary on contemporary society and culture, urging individuals to embrace their unique passions and reject hegemonic norms.
Line by Line Meaning
I skunk the blood up as to numb the public interface
I'm getting high to detach myself from the outside world
Before the anime corrodes I'm trying to fork the figure eights.
I'm trying to be productive and creative before my weird interests and hobbies take over
Hogwash etiquette, truncate long haul leverage picket.
I don't care about societal norms and traditions, and I'm cutting off anything that's holding me back
Out built auto-bricklayers with ten guerrilla digits.
I am highly productive and efficient, getting things done quickly with my hands
A the Don Darko bark O beautiful piranha gossip, cobwebs on the Kafka.
I'm spitting random phrases that sound cool and cryptic, but don't really mean anything.
Choke up on watcher logic with a left-center field indicator gestured gently.
I'm trying to pay attention and make sense of things, but it's hard to do so without getting overwhelmed.
Smash when the one-oh-one-octane hemlock tea pumps chest to extremity.
I'm acting impulsively and recklessly, fueled by adrenaline and/or drugs.
And phenom limp it to the wicked recon.
I am struggling and stumbling, but still pushing forward despite difficulties.
Prowler fist up with a Bowser twist vs. America's kooky coward clips.
I'm ready to fight and defend myself against those I perceive as weak and cowardly.
Pump breaks, cupcake, I melt through the father formula.
I am resisting and going against the traditional paths that have been set before me.
Goofus merked Gallant, the missing link was apparent.
I am pointing out the flaws and failures of others, while demonstrating my own superiority.
Drugstore cowboy, hold floors and grudges, F*** the Judy piece while Elroy burgle space cakes out the cupboard.
I am a rebellious outsider, defying norms and authority while pursuing my own pleasures.
I could kill a cockroach with only Wallabies and rug burn, Pin 'em down and funnel up boric acid chuggers if stubborn.
I am resourceful and skilled at taking care of problems, even the small and gross ones.
Mash jackals, hacks flash Bedazzlers, capture flags and crash test happy campers.
I am aggressive and competitive, taking down those who try to challenge me or hold me back.
For the typecast ponies grazing through the weekend ring alarms With bassy kicks that flip whips on the Major Deagon.
I am disrupting the status quo and challenging societal expectations, particularly around leisure and entertainment.
Out of dodge nauseous (I don't feel good) Yo El, leave the keys to the Delorian with Lauren at the office.
I am trying to escape from or avoid something unpleasant or dangerous.
I peak the eighty-eight streak off with a fiery disposition and basic serotonin deficient symptoms.
I am turning up the intensity and energy despite feeling depressed or anxious.
Alpha uno compute.
I am taking charge and leading the way.
Motor mouth askew at the root.
I am talking too much and getting off-topic.
Brick house, huff, blew the roof.
I am powerful and strong, and I've caused some destruction.
Please don't feed the bazooka tooth, evolution super fluke
I don't want to be a part of or contribute to something dangerous or harmful.
With a kiddy pool full of warm milk, NyQuil and powdered Ammbiene they found him, trying to drown sheep and count 'em.
I am painting a surreal and absurd picture, illustrating the strange and disturbing things that happen in my mind.
The rowers keep rowing.
Life keeps moving forward, regardless of individual struggles or challenges.
Pachyderm tranq dart blowgun pressed to the nape of the neck only spent twelve seconds frozen.
I am skilled and efficient at taking down foes or obstacles.
Marathon eye-opener most likely misinterpreted, 'Cause one bad night before the big briefing ain't breached the surface yet.
My actions or problems may be interpreted as a lack of preparation or competence, but there's more going on than meets the eye.
Holler dirt merchant, echo out Brooklyn, Where the women are beautiful and the vagrants piss crooked.
I am calling out my roots and background, and the quirks and imperfections of my community.
Cut rugs to it, me and my leaky budget nickel-bribe the judges Just as a beautiful goose egg motif's adorning the panel's judgment.
I am trying to get ahead or succeed, even if it requires some underhanded tactics or bribes.
(Overnight Biggies) Overnight Biggies plunk quarters into an A and R Zoltar While the incubated fade collar pop folklore in effect.
I am referencing the music industry and its tendency to prioritize gimmicks and trends over true talent and substance.
Now they want to mitigate the gusto, That's like asking the cast of Watership Down to fuck slow.
People are trying to hold me or others back from their full potential or passion, which is like asking rabbits to not mate quickly and efficiently.
Homogenized carnies. Voodoo lullaby placebo collide zombies.
I am criticizing and satirizing aspects of society that are inauthentic and manipulative, or that scare or brainwash people.
Blazing R and B sucker pop lolli f*** spoon futile cartoony maneuvers to soothe roosters.
I am describing music and culture that is shallow and insincere, meant to distract or entertain rather than help or inspire.
Doctor I'm having headaches and pink slips in my locker. My agenda needs a walker. (Hey) It's better than Cats!
I am poking fun at bureaucracy, or expressing frustration with finding meaning or purpose in life.
See a grown-ass-man decay to red worm food in house fly years While y'all stable, like all aspiring actors waiting tables.
I am observing the harsh reality of aging and death, and comparing it to those who are still waiting or working hard to achieve their dreams.
So I line 'em up and ask 'em flat, wanna de-worm the belly of this? Orphan bloodlust or timidity?
I am confrontational and direct, questioning people's motivation or willingness to confront problems or challenges head-on.
Solidify, widdle I Aes millipede uncivil.
I am getting more focused and determined, despite being rough around the edges or unpolished.
When Millie pulled the pistol that tore the vanilla sky across the middle.
I am describing or imagining a moment of intense drama or violence that shakes up everything.
A billion little crimson pinholes sweat on vintage quill venom Developed by a fatal blues anthology.
I am painting vivid and eerie pictures using metaphors and poetic language.
Communities on cue bury their ostrich beaks.
Societal groups or institutions are avoiding or ignoring certain problems or issues, or pretending like everything is okay.
Thought it was carnie mirrors 'til the cold morning stunk the stink of obsolete heroes.
I am realizing or exposing certain illusions or myths that I thought were true or inspiring, but are actually harmful or fake.
Hyena for the sci-fi, God barter "non" for hyphen.
I am demonstrating my love for certain genres or types of media or culture.
Promo charted phobia specific violence like a fifty foot Bob Barker deployed To incinerate New York, which in a way's more scary than thermonuclear war.
I am commenting on the fear and violence in media or society, which can be more damaging or harmful than actual physical destruction.
I got my tongue down Karma's throat. Half a dozen spy cams rigged up in blackmail science.
I am referencing or describing some shady or nefarious practices, potentially involving surveillance and control.
Swamp rats back off a destiny that f***s her clients hence the riots. You lose, she knew about the tapes and asked for my assistance to clip the biased.
I am describing a complicated or corrupt situation where different parties are struggling for power or control.
Lucky sevens buddy up for mass taxidermy. Some burn facts and secure camo to past.
I am exploring different ways people deal with death, trauma, and memory, and showing the strange ways we try to preserve or forget things.
I'm open bodega with ankle anvil pre-shackled out, Cancel hackers backwards 'til the death tarot and rains collabo.
I am demonstrating or celebrating my openness and defiance, and expressing that I will not be held back or defeated without a fight.
Hope's a broken arrow stabbing blind through the fog in the log cabin, Which gathered and hasn't budged since nine-eleven
I am commenting on the loss of hope and trust in society, and the difficulty of moving forward after a national tragedy.
Give him a couple close friends, a women in his old bed while he waits. He'll hug it all with no plans to escape.
I am commenting on the power of feeling comfortable and loved, even if one is stuck in a certain situation or place.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind