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
The Tugboat Complex Part 3
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I could make 'em all dance, or I could sleep
I could walk with a limp and make your step feel incomplete
People are made of match sticks, life is but a flame
Note at the craftwork door the last smirk of the the Damien mainframe
My box cost siphon third rail juice from lost poets
Inhabit ocean bottoms with a bitter rotten scapegoat pardons (note to self)
Where participants squeeze your last giggle then whittle sacrificial finalies
I can tie my new faces alone, save your knee deep offerings
Sorta bring puke coughing bunk persona to light (I might)
Build anti-malignant railroads, find you, and lay tracks adjacent
Just to scream "fuck off" as the engine pulls out the station
What should we do with a thousand drunken sailors?
"kill 'em all, locate their family address, release a mailer"
(dear sir or madam, your son or daughter's embarrassed human kind
Consuming booze and gut fuel, till they cruised across the line)
I spin gold, your raps are dirty lapsed
Towards the nursery class act impression of a bubble
(yeah I could of been more subtle when polluting paradise gene puddle)
Man huddles make us look like cool peeps and I'm trying to school sheep
Towards the right idea {*c'ya* - 5X}
This basic divine subsidiary bust center syllable logic, fold origami
Plantation shut this picket fence
*TANGLED THROUGH your dream kitten, you'll probably never hear this song
Let alone sip the mission long enough to listen
(I smoke cigarettes down to filter, smoke the filter down to space
Now I'm gonna roll this question tight and smoke that shit up in your face
Now if you were to alter masks every time fame circus approaches
Do you really think your maker wouldn't notice? *THINK ABOUT IT)
Okay, I've died a thousand, and I'll die a thousand more,
I leave footprints in fours, two for bi-peds, two more to break the door
Practically caress the utterings of crushed by drudgery brothers and sisters
Mothering stickler cabin and madden shit
I'll fix the wing for a penny and a *PARABLE, yeah but this friendship
Sunk with a barrel full of ?? pull
I seen guys harbor bad shiners
Then wonder why the culprits sitting at the their rainbows ending
Rocks garbage bag liners
With out the apple seed it's useless (I sat for greed)
Patched for boredom crafts a castle out of toothpicks (I sat to breath)
I breath to hard nearly metamorph castle loose pins
Now I stand to breath as not to disturb the*PLUMMAGE
And I know that's not a story, it no longer turns my stomach
Hollering wolves in the form of one frustrated culprit
But a love tap full of washed up stardom melted trying to milk it
Win a ticket to right white lines highway sideways melt it smelt it
One love to the rungs in my ladder, one love to the gathering of
Laughter bats that hung from my rafters
See the jackal met the badger, they were both such fucking bad asses
That clashing wouldn't make sense (hence my tape deck)
Now I ain't gonna name name's, and I ain't gonna drag others in
But I ain't about to say that I'm the only cat you got bubbling
Your lucky, somehow you managed to befriend some good people
Who will sit and soak the evils you secrete, but why? I'm not really sure
(knock the fuck off, kicking his lip across the floor
'til the archival vinyl venom soak the lure
Anti-clarity mechanism spit flattery burners
Fusing a million majesty murders then stole the crown)
oh wait that's right, you discovered me right?
Offered up the peace pipe, and oh
It's all cotton candy when Aesop Rock the be line
He's actin foolish left in the middle of laying bricks
(oh we weren't building nothing but a great wall around these stones and sticks)
Oh and for the record I've been rhyming since me and Andre thought we could freestyle
Built foundation out of passion and brother dusty tasking
Studied dope rappers, vocab expansion, poems and syllable placement
Your just mad 'cause somewhere in there you came and went (I ain't the type to dwell)
Dismissed it as casually non compatible and bounced
Obtained status where I could straight objectively critique your after projects like
(damn that sounds fresh) or (damn that shit is garbage, what happened?
I'm not even laughing)
Yeah, but the barriers were broken (you choked)
You made comments to the wrong ?? who out of respect and honor leaked your program
Now like were both trying to sit and breath another dawn so my advice
To you is when I say just "move on" {*move on* - 5X}
The Tugboat Complex Pt. 3 is a song by Aesop Rock that begins with him questioning the choices he has in regards to his music. He could either make music that makes people dance or just do nothing at all. He then dives into the idea that people are like matchsticks and that life is just a flame. He notes that at the door of the craftwork, the last thing to see is the smirk of the Damien mainframe. This seems to indicate that no matter what you do, life is going to end at some point. The song then goes on to reveal Aesop’s insecurities and the fact that he is struggling to make his way in the music industry.
The Tugboat Complex Pt. 3 is a song that is difficult to interpret but has different layers of meaning. At its core, the song is about the struggles that artists face in the music industry. The lyrics are complex and require interpretation, but they describe the frustration of trying to make it in an industry that doesn’t always value artistry or originality. The song is also about the insecurities that artists face and the struggle to be recognized for their talent. Ultimately, the song is a critique of the music industry and the challenges that artists face when trying to make their art.
Line by Line Meaning
I could make 'em all dance, or I could sleep
I have the power to control people, but I could also choose to ignore it
I could walk with a limp and make your step feel incomplete
Even the smallest of things could have an impact on someone else's life
People are made of match sticks, life is but a flame
People are fragile, and life is fleeting
Note at the craftwork door the last smirk of the the Damien mainframe
See the last smile of the computer program that once destroyed the world
My box cost siphon third rail juice from lost poets
My music is inspired by artists who have been forgotten by the mainstream
Inhabit ocean bottoms with a bitter rotten scapegoat pardons (note to self)
I sometimes feel trapped and alone with my negative thoughts (reminder to myself)
Don't bargain at martyr parliament rallies
Don't make deals with those who are willing to die for their beliefs
Where participants squeeze your last giggle then whittle sacrificial finalies
People will make fun of you until it becomes serious and deadly
I can tie my new faces alone, save your knee deep offerings
I can reinvent myself without anyone's help, and I don't need your phony gestures of support
Sorta bring puke coughing bunk persona to light (I might)
I might reveal my true self, even if it's disgusting and unpleasant
Build anti-malignant railroads, find you, and lay tracks adjacent
I will fight against evil and injustice, and I will come after you and your corrupt ways
Just to scream "fuck off" as the engine pulls out the station
I will express my anger and frustration even if it's too late for you to hear it
What should we do with a thousand drunken sailors?
What should we do with people who are out of control and causing havoc?
"kill 'em all, locate their family address, release a mailer"
Kill them and send letters to their family informing them of their disgraceful behavior
(dear sir or madam, your son or daughter's embarrassed human kind
Consuming booze and gut fuel, till they cruised across the line)
Informing families of their loved one's shameful actions while under the influence of alcohol
I spin gold, your raps are dirty lapsed
Towards the nursery class act impression of a bubble
I create art that is valuable and timeless, while your work is shallow and immature
(yeah I could of been more subtle when polluting paradise gene puddle)
I could have been more discreet when spreading my negative influence
Man huddles make us look like cool peeps and I'm trying to school sheep
Towards the right idea {*c'ya* - 5X}
Hanging out with friends might seem cool, but I am trying to educate people and lead them towards positive change
This basic divine subsidiary bust center syllable logic, fold origami
Plantation shut this picket fence
Using simple but powerful language, I want to dismantle the structures that oppress us
*TANGLED THROUGH your dream kitten, you'll probably never hear this song
Let alone sip the mission long enough to listen
This song might never reach you, and even if it does, you might not understand the message
(I smoke cigarettes down to filter, smoke the filter down to space
Now I'm gonna roll this question tight and smoke that shit up in your face
I smoke a lot, and now I am going to ask you a pointed and confrontational question
Now if you were to alter masks every time fame circus approaches
Do you really think your maker wouldn't notice? *THINK ABOUT IT)
If you are not true to yourself and change who you are to fit in with a crowd, do you think your true self will still exist?
Okay, I've died a thousand, and I'll die a thousand more,
I leave footprints in fours, two for bi-peds, two more to break the door
I have faced many challenges and failures, but I keep going and making my mark
Practically caress the utterings of crushed by drudgery brothers and sisters
Mothering stickler cabin and madden shit
I empathize with those who are suffering and try to help them
I'll fix the wing for a penny and a *PARABLE, yeah but this friendship
Sunk with a barrel full of ?? pull
I am willing to help others even if it's for a small reward, but sometimes friendships are destroyed by greed
I seen guys harbor bad shiners
Then wonder why the culprits sitting at the their rainbows ending
Rocks garbage bag liners
With out the apple seed it's useless (I sat for greed)
I have seen people hide their bad deeds, and then be surprised when they face the consequences. Without the necessary tools and resources, even the best intentions won't succeed.
Patched for boredom crafts a castle out of toothpicks (I sat to breath)
I breath to hard nearly metamorph castle loose pins
Now I stand to breath as not to disturb the*PLUMMAGE
When I am feeling bored, I create something out of nothing. I sometimes put too much effort into small details, and I am now standing carefully so as not to ruin my masterpiece
And I know that's not a story, it no longer turns my stomach
Hollering wolves in the form of one frustrated culprit
I have heard so many negative stories that they no longer surprise me. Sometimes, people act out of frustration and cause harm to others
But a love tap full of washed up stardom melted trying to milk it
Win a ticket to right white lines highway sideways melt it smelt it
Sometimes, people use their fame and status for their own gain, but it doesn't last forever. Winning a contest won't solve your problems
One love to the rungs in my ladder, one love to the gathering of
Laughter bats that hung from my rafters
I am grateful for the people who have helped me succeed, and I cherish the memories of good times
See the jackal met the badger, they were both such fucking bad asses
That clashing wouldn't make sense (hence my tape deck)
Sometimes, seemingly incompatible people can get along and form a bond. Just like how my music collection has a variety of different styles and genres
Now I ain't gonna name name's, and I ain't gonna drag others in
But I ain't about to say that I'm the only cat you got bubbling
I won't call anyone out specifically, and I won't involve other people. But I won't deny that there are others out there making great art
Your lucky, somehow you managed to befriend some good people
Who will sit and soak the evils you secrete, but why? I'm not really sure
You are fortunate to have friends who tolerate your negative actions, but I don't understand why they do it
(knock the fuck off, kicking his lip across the floor
'til the archival vinyl venom soak the lure
Anti-clarity mechanism spit flattery burners
Fusing a million majesty murders then stole the crown)
Stop talking and stop lying. My music is pure and powerful, and it will destroy anything fake or negative
oh wait that's right, you discovered me right?
Offered up the peace pipe, and oh
It's all cotton candy when Aesop Rock the be line
He's actin foolish left in the middle of laying bricks
(oh we weren't building nothing but a great wall around these stones and sticks)
You act like you discovered me, but all you did was offer me drugs. You only care about me when I am popular and successful. Our collaboration was pointless and aimless
Oh and for the record I've been rhyming since me and Andre thought we could freestyle
Built foundation out of passion and brother dusty tasking
Studied dope rappers, vocab expansion, poems and syllable placement
Your just mad 'cause somewhere in there you came and went (I ain't the type to dwell)
I have been making music for a long time, and I have honed my skills through hard work and dedication. You are jealous because you were once in my position but lacked the commitment to stick around
Dismissed it as casually non compatible and bounced
Obtained status where I could straight objectively critique your after projects like
(damn that sounds fresh) or (damn that shit is garbage, what happened?
I'm not even laughing)
You dismissed my talent and left, but I have since achieved success and can now evaluate your work without bias
Yeah, but the barriers were broken (you choked)
You made comments to the wrong ?? who out of respect and honor leaked your program
Now like were both trying to sit and breath another dawn so my advice
To you is when I say just "move on" {*move on* - 5X}
The barriers to success were broken, but you couldn't handle the pressure and made a mistake. Someone who respected you leaked your secret, and now we both have to move on and start fresh
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind