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
Take Me To The Basement
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me count the holes in your foundation
Ancient ridicule system alert, kissing my lurk
The perch of rare grimace on iron mask
I remember science class
If chemistry could silence the lions laugh I'd be fine
(i fail tah) molindone up
Adrenaline trades the leaves that walk the plank
Meridian carpal will jolt your logic
When the burn earned its self normalcy for 20 plus
Run a muck or sink, swims not an option
She applied the lipstick slow
Slow enough for me to bask in
Fast enough for me to wish it lasted
Past my alarms cackling
The front line of its mystique's geek
Doubled my proposals,bargains
For the ogers who prefer the roller coasters
(i prefer the roller coasters)
Well that'll sip the blood of merry men
That'll grace holiday carols when the merry ends
Barrel past the auto craft, exhale into final raft
And pirate your local rain puddle torturous
Try to shake pilot fish off your dorsal fin
Lets dive through the archives, synax on frantic ?
Stamp it with a notable brand to reek the profit
See I don't know hell but I've read about it often
Sounds like a dope concept gone wrong
(note to caution)
Take Me to the basement
Lets zoom into that war paint sensation
Take Me to the basement
Lets dis-sable the cause rotation
Sayin, if you choose to build or you'll die by the tools you build with
So make some noise for all your predecessors reppin dirty grill-age
Take Me to the basement
Lets deny the nervous rooms of pacin
Take Me to the basement
Lets review the hearts ramifications
Sayin, if you choose to build or you'll die by the tools you build with
So make some noise for all your predecessors reppin sturdy grill-age
Take me to the basement
Lets remove the costume you escaped in
Hold up your legacies,I'll tell you which ones my favorite
Hold up your elacerative innocence
I'll teach you about the perks of patience in seminar format
I've worn that hat for seven years
That's why its discolored,ragged and shitty
I ain't about to toss when its been through all these dream wars with me
Ima undercover profit,thrift shop god
I rather starve then sit inside this gridlock till it parts
This tailor made rutiny ain't suitin me
It's tied around my neck like 13 loops rafter an apple box
Heartless harvest of mine,I'm tired of pissin benediction
Maybe it ain't healthy,but sometimes I rather burn then let you help me
It's getting brisk, brisk as fuck
My skin ain't thick enough ,these icicles ain't civil
How many freezer burn victims can one society on tilt manufacture
Prior to hire,being intervening just to release last laughter
And every tree trunks made of third rails with tourniquet branches
And I learned to walk with an anchor in my back pocket
And man I read palms during even the most brief handshakes
And man I ain't alive to pull the weeds around the spotlit
Well I'm wallowin, followin my little lost princess to the promise land
Hollerin my potent slogan,hell if Nostradamus can
Conquering these open roads with throttle pin to floor
Cause Ima win right after I finish these chores
Take Me to the basement
Lets zoom into that war paint sensation
Take Me to the basement
Lets dissable the cause rotation
Sayin, if you choose to build or you'll die by the tools you build with
So make some noise for all your predecessors reppin sturdy grillage
Take Me to the basement
Lets deny the nervous rooms of pacin
Take Me to the basement
Lets review the hearts ramifications
Sayin, if you choose to build or you'll die by the tools you build with
So make some noise for all your predecessors reppin sturdy grillage
Take Me to the basement
In Aesop Rock's song "Take Me To The Basement", he speaks of a desire to be taken to a place where he can explore and examine the foundations of things. The song begins with him requesting to be taken to the basement, where he can "count the holes in your foundation". He then goes on to describe various images that seem to represent the hidden or overlooked aspects of the world, such as an "ancient ridicule system alert", "the perch of rare grimace on iron mask", and "meridian carpal". He seems to be searching for something deeper, hidden beneath the surface.
Throughout the song, Aesop Rock makes references to chemistry and science, as well as themes of power and control, rebellion, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. He speaks of the "burn" that has earned itself normalcy, and the need to break free from the often restrictive nature of society. The song is a complex examination of the human condition, as well as a call to action to search for the truth behind what we see on the surface.
Line by Line Meaning
Take me to the basement
Lead me to a place where I can examine the foundation of things
Let me count the holes in your foundation
Let me observe the weaknesses and flaws in your belief system
Ancient ridicule system alert, kissing my lurk
Old-fashioned mockery is trying to hide my true intentions
The perch of rare grimace on iron mask
The position of a seldom-seen expression on a face of steel
I remember science class
I recall the teachings of science
If chemistry could silence the lions laugh I'd be fine
If the power of chemistry could silence my fears, I would be okay
(i fail tah) molindone up
I am struggling with a medication called molindone
Adrenaline trades the leaves that walk the plank
The rush of adrenaline causes the leaves to fall from the tree branches
Before the crimson struck a match this season
Before the bloodshed began this year
Meridian carpal will jolt your logic
A sudden burst of pain will shock your reasoning
When the burn earned its self normalcy for 20 plus
Once the pain became a normal part of life for over two decades
Run a muck or sink, swims not an option
Either go crazy or fail, there is no middle ground
She applied the lipstick slow
She put on her lipstick with care and precision
Slow enough for me to bask in
Slow enough for me to appreciate the moment
Fast enough for me to wish it lasted
Fast enough for me to realize it was fleeting
Past my alarms cackling
Despite my fears and anxieties
The front line of its mystique's geek
The forefront of its mystery is a fascination
Doubled my proposals, bargains
Negotiating and making deals twice as much
For the ogers who prefer the roller coasters
For those who enjoy a thrilling and unpredictable ride
(i prefer the roller coasters)
I personally enjoy the thrill of a roller coaster ride
Well that'll sip the blood of merry men
That action will drain the life and happiness out of people
That'll grace holiday carols when the merry ends
That will be a reminder of happier times past
Barrel past the auto craft, exhale into final raft
Rush through the automated process and finally breathe a sigh of relief
And pirate your local rain puddle torturous
Take over and control the pain and distress of local hardships
Try to shake pilot fish off your dorsal fin
Attempt to rid oneself of parasites and hangers-on
Lets dive through the archives, synax on frantic?
Let's explore historical records and frantically search for meaning?
Stamp it with a notable brand to reek the profit
Put a recognizable label on it in order to make money
See I don't know hell but I've read about it often
I have not experienced hell, but I have read about it often
Sounds like a dope concept gone wrong
It appears to be a good idea that did not turn out well
(note to caution)
Be careful and proceed with caution
Lets zoom into that war paint sensation
Let's focus closely on the feeling of preparing for battle
Lets dis-sable the cause rotation
Let's stop the cycle of bad events
Sayin, if you choose to build or you'll die by the tools you build with
If you build something, you will either succeed or fail based on the tools you use
So make some noise for all your predecessors reppin dirty grill-age
Give credit to those who paved the way with hard work and grit
Lets deny the nervous rooms of pacin
Let's conquer our anxiety and not pace nervously
Lets review the hearts ramifications
Let's examine the consequences of our emotions on our hearts
Sayin, if you choose to build or you'll die by the tools you build with
If you build something, you will either succeed or fail based on the tools you use
So make some noise for all your predecessors reppin sturdy grillage
Give credit to those who built strong foundations before you
Lets remove the costume you escaped in
Let's shed the disguise you used to escape your problems
Hold up your legacies, I'll tell you which ones my favorite
Show me your past accomplishments and I'll pick my favorite
Hold up your elacerative innocence
Show me the wounds of your innocent past
I'll teach you about the perks of patience in seminar format
I'll show you how beneficial patience can be in a classroom setting
I've worn that hat for seven years
I have been in this situation for a long time
That's why its discolored, ragged and shitty
That's why it looks worn out, damaged, and undesirable
I ain't about to toss when its been through all these dream wars with me
I won't discard it when it has been through so many difficult times with me
Ima undercover profit, thrift shop god
I am secretly profiting and I am a master of thrift shopping
I'd rather starve then sit inside this gridlock till it parts
I'd rather go hungry than be stuck in this stalemate situation forever
This tailor made rutiny ain't suitin me
This routine that was made just for me is not fitting me well
It's tied around my neck like 13 loops rafter an apple box
It's suffocating me like a noose with 13 tight loops around my neck
Heartless harvest of mine, I'm tired of pissin benediction
This heartless harvest of mine has worn me down and I am tired of pretending to bless it
Maybe it ain't healthy, but sometimes I rather burn then let you help me
Perhaps it's not a healthy mentality, but sometimes I prefer to suffer alone than to accept aid from others
It's getting brisk, brisk as fuck
It's becoming colder and harsher very quickly
My skin ain't thick enough, these icicles ain't civil
I can't handle the harshness of the cold, it's like the icicles are attacking me
How many freezer burn victims can one society on tilt manufacture
How many people can this unstable society produce who are frozen and damaged
Prior to hire, being intervening just to release last laughter
Before being hired, I am anticipating being fired and wanting to laugh one last time
And every tree trunks made of third rails with tourniquet branches
Every tree is dangerous and damaging, with electrical third rails and branches that cut off circulation
And I learned to walk with an anchor in my back pocket
I learned to carry a heavy burden with me at all times
And man I read palms during even the most brief handshakes
I look for meaning and insight in even the most fleeting interactions
And man I ain't alive to pull the weeds around the spotlit
I don't exist just to fix minor imperfections in the spotlight
Well I'm wallowin, followin my little lost princess to the promise land
I am struggling and searching for hope, following my own version of the fairy tale princess to a better future
Hollerin my potent slogan, hell if Nostradamus can
I am shouting my strong message, even if no one can fully understand or predict the outcome
Conquering these open roads with throttle pin to floor
I am taking on these undefined paths with everything I have, driving forward with full force
Cause Ima win right after I finish these chores
I will succeed as soon as I finish these mundane tasks
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind