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
Wake Up Call
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wake up, wake up
Ayo Percee P, it's time to wake these kids up
[Percee P]
Word up Aesop Rock, they'd better take their fingers off
Pause and hit record
Is you fat cats or lab rats?
Trails to my steppin got em sweatin flashbacks
I played a part of minesweeper, plunking sneakers in my sunken city
Defunct, and apparently examinin' famine, I'm a
Volatile strobe while your blind spot swallows the globe
Sing to the track and think back
When I was a boy I employed styles exhausted
By every lost child at present
Normally I drill pillars of normalcy
You're cordially invited to accompany me
In rotation of the tables to label the opposition
As I choose, refusing to evolve with the cold
Rapidly dissolved my involvement in a solvent of soul and roll back
Brain trip the Beta weights trap for the slaughter
Like livestock infected with anthrax
On my call a pack or clan snaps, collapsed was the mandatory maze
On the fluids ???? and glory days
Desire on the opposite circuit and glorious days
Is glorious hazes of gray spun through my array of operation
Slave to idiot box revalations
And wrapped tightly in a practice with my colleagues and slackers
20,000 league nappers and the swelling increases
Once the mortar hit the pestal your whole vessel fell to pieces
And I laughed, I laughed for me and my Starving art family
I laughed tangibly, your failures ampin me to vamp fresh
My mic stabs white flags and drag trembling
Devil skin-wearers through the terrors of compliance
Once the day turns night, senoritas suck the woody like termites
And wonder how they got labeled dick-hungry damsels in distress
The all new and improved poetically portable Aesop Rock
Available in stores with my, highly suggested parental discretion
99 brilliant new dimensions
[Percee P]
I'm not your average man bragging, toe or hand tagging
50 grand bagging, pants sagging, trigger nigga on the bandwagon
Huh, I know this nigga named Rickey his girl Nikki want to get with me
Says "Stick me just a quickie, lick me and leave a hickie"
I stick instead of tricking bread in this chickenheads
One look and said I ain't shit in bed, she must be licking lead
You'd better let your gods recognize the Rhyme Inspector hides
And never sweat them lies about me haters check your eyes
One verse, lung burst, as I done first
Guns, slums, hearse don't stun Perce, where I'm from's worse (sucker)
My new cuts are hot, bodies chewed up a lot
Then flew up the block to a cipher, blew up the spot
Stacks of rhymes, ain't a match for mines, tracks and shine
Leave you back in time in a ?beeler? still ain't at my prime
I'm a stab your face in, trial and shit is wild
I turn the dial, niggas stealing my style
I should file for reparations
"Aesop Rock" "Percee P" *scratched til fade*
The lyrics to Aesop Rock's song Wake Up Call feature a conversation between him and Percee P discussing the importance of waking people up and making music that has meaning. Aesop Rock starts with a rhetorical question - whether people are "fat cats or lab rats" - implying that society is divided between those in power and those being experimented on. He then uses his own personal experience of playing Minesweeper to parallel how he feels lost in a world of decadence and shortages - "examinin' famine." Aesop Rock goes on to challenge the listener that he is inviting to go on a musical journey with him to "label the opposition as he chooses," refusing to be constrained by conventions.
Percee P's verse is also filled with vivid imagery that continues the theme of not conforming to societal pressures. He discusses how he is not a follower, and that people who believe in what society deems as 'success' are not worth his time. He talks about his own talent - 'stacks of rhymes' - saying that they are unmatched, while others 'steal his style.' Overall, the song is a wake-up call to the music industry as it urges artists and listeners to move away from the ordinary and create and appreciate music that has meaning and substance.
Line by Line Meaning
Wake up, wake up
We need to alert people and encourage them to take action
Ayo Percee P, it's time to wake these kids up
Addressing Percee P and emphasizing the importance of motivating young people
Word up Aesop Rock, they'd better take their fingers off
Acknowledging Aesop Rock and warning people to stop mistreating others
Pause and hit record
Take a moment to capture this message so we can spread it further
Is you fat cats or lab rats?
Questioning whether someone is a wealthy elite or a victim of experimentation
Trails to my steppin got em sweatin flashbacks
My path is causing others to remember their past struggles
I played a part of minesweeper, plunking sneakers in my sunken city
Using a gaming metaphor to describe how I navigate through adversity
Defunct, and apparently examinin' famine, I'm a
Obsolete and observing the devastating effects of hunger on society
Volatile strobe while your blind spot swallows the globe
I am attracting attention like a flashing light while the world fails to see important issues
Sing to the track and think back
Reflect on past struggles while we move forward
When I was a boy I employed styles exhausted
As a child, I had to use strategies that were already well-worn by others
By every lost child at present
The techniques I used as a child are still needed by people who feel lost today
Normally I drill pillars of normalcy
I usually try to reinforce traditional values and customs
You're cordially invited to accompany me
I am politely inviting people to join me on my journey
In rotation of the tables to label the opposition
We will take turns being in charge, and we will identify those who oppose us
As I choose, refusing to evolve with the cold
I will make my own choices and not blindly follow the trends of society
Rapidly dissolved my involvement in a solvent of soul and roll back
I quickly withdrew from a situation that was causing me spiritual decay
Brain trip the Beta weights trap for the slaughter
I am using my intelligence to avoid being manipulated into a bad situation
Like livestock infected with anthrax
People are being poisoned and mistreated, like cattle infected with a deadly disease
On my call a pack or clan snaps, collapsed was the mandatory maze
When I take action, I expect others to follow my lead and join me in breaking free from a restrictive system
On the fluids ???? and glory days
Unclear, no meaning can be derived from this line due to missing information
Desire on the opposite circuit and glorious days
My desires go against what society deems acceptable and I long for better times
Is glorious hazes of gray spun through my array of operation
Beauty can be found in the darkness and unknown chaos of my work
Slave to idiot box revalations
People are addicted to television and do not think for themselves
And wrapped tightly in a practice with my colleagues and slackers
I am surrounded by people who do not take responsibility for their own lives
20,000 league nappers and the swelling increases
Many people are sleeping and unaware of the issues that we face, and the problems are getting worse
Once the mortar hit the pestal your whole vessel fell to pieces
One small event can have a huge impact on your life and cause it to fall apart
And I laughed, I laughed for me and my Starving art family
I found humor in the midst of struggle, and in the company of those who share my passion for creating art
I laughed tangibly, your failures ampin me to vamp fresh
I took pleasure in seeing others fail and found inspiration to create new art
My mic stabs white flags and drag trembling
I use my music to intimidate others and force them to surrender
Devil skin-wearers through the terrors of compliance
People who conform to society's expectations are like servants of the devil, lost in a state of fear
Once the day turns night, senoritas suck the woody like termites
At night, women become more promiscuous and act like insects
And wonder how they got labeled dick-hungry damsels in distress
Women are unfairly judged and criticized for their sexual behavior
The all new and improved poetically portable Aesop Rock
I have reinvented myself as a more effective artist
Available in stores with my, highly suggested parental discretion
My work may not be suitable for children and should be closely monitored by parents
99 brilliant new dimensions
My creativity and artistry have expanded to include many new innovative ideas
I'm not your average man bragging, toe or hand tagging
I am not like other men who boast about their material possessions or accomplishments
50 grand bagging, pants sagging, trigger nigga on the bandwagon
I do not care about expensive clothing or fitting in with popular culture
Huh, I know this nigga named Rickey his girl Nikki want to get with me
I am telling a story about how someone's girlfriend was interested in me
Says "Stick me just a quickie, lick me and leave a hickie"
I am quoting what the woman said to me, in a vulgar and suggestive way
I stick instead of tricking bread in this chickenheads
I choose to make money honestly instead of deceiving women for financial gain
One look and said I ain't shit in bed, she must be licking lead
The woman did not find me attractive and insulted my sexual performance, suggesting that she was not thinking clearly
You'd better let your gods recognize the Rhyme Inspector hides
I am asserting my authority as a talented rapper and warning others not to underestimate me
And never sweat them lies about me haters check your eyes
People should not believe false rumors or lies about me, and should instead look at the facts
One verse, lung burst, as I done first
I can deliver powerful lyrics with just one verse, and have been doing so since the beginning of my career
Guns, slums, hearse don't stun Perce, where I'm from's worse (sucker)
Violence, poverty, and death do not scare me, because I come from an even more difficult place
My new cuts are hot, bodies chewed up a lot
My new musical creations are impressive and have had a big impact
Then flew up the block to a cipher, blew up the spot
My music became popular and spread quickly among a group of rappers
Stacks of rhymes, ain't a match for mines, tracks and shine
My music is better than anyone else's, with its clever lyrics and polished production
Leave you back in time in a ?beeler? still ain't at my prime
I am ahead of my time and will continue to improve as an artist in the future
I'm a stab your face in, trial and shit is wild
I will retaliate with violence if someone crosses me, and the world is full of chaos and unpredictability
I turn the dial, niggas stealing my style
I am changing things up and innovating as an artist, while others try to copy what I do
I should file for reparations
I deserve compensation for the harm and disrespect that I have experienced in my life
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joe Ramirez
[Aesop Rock]
Wake up, wake up
Ayo Percee P, it's time to wake these kids up
[Percee P]
Word up Aesop Rock, they'd better take their fingers off
pause and hit record
[Aesop Rock]
Is you fat cats or lab rats?
Trails tell my steppin got em sweatin flashbacks
I played a part of minesweeper, plunking sneakers in my sunken city
Defunct, and apparently examinin' famine, I'm a
Volatile strobe while your blind spot swallows the globe
Sing to the track and think back
When I was a boy I employed styles exhausted
By every lost child at present
Normally I drill pillars of normalcy
You're cordially invited to accompany me
In rotations of the tables to label the opposition
As I choose, refusing to evolve with the cold
Rapidly dissolved my involvement in a solvent of soul and roll back
Brain trip the Beta weights, trap for the slaughter
Like livestock infected with anthrax
On my call a pack or clan snaps, collapsed was the mandatory maze
Where the bluest ribbons yield the glory days
Desire on the opposite circuit and glorious days
Is glorious hazes of gray spun through my array of operation
Slave to idiot box revalations
And wrapped tightly in a practice with my colleagues and slackers
20,000 league nappers and the swelling increases
Once the mortar hit the pestle your whole vessel fell to pieces
And I laughed, I laughed for me and my starving art family
I laughed tangibly, your failures ampin me to vamp fresh
My mic stabs white flags and drags trembling,
Devil skin-wearers through the terrors of compliance
Once the day turns night, senoritas suck the woody like termites
And wonder how they got labeled dick-hungry damsels in distress
The all new and improved poetically portable Aesop Rock
Available in stores with my, highly suggested parental discretion
99 brilliant new dimensions, bust it
KevTheGOAT
Percee P's flow on this is untouchable
Joe Ramirez
[Aesop Rock]
Wake up, wake up
Ayo Percee P, it's time to wake these kids up
[Percee P]
Word up Aesop Rock, they'd better take their fingers off
pause and hit record
[Aesop Rock]
Is you fat cats or lab rats?
Trails tell my steppin got em sweatin flashbacks
I played a part of minesweeper, plunking sneakers in my sunken city
Defunct, and apparently examinin' famine, I'm a
Volatile strobe while your blind spot swallows the globe
Sing to the track and think back
When I was a boy I employed styles exhausted
By every lost child at present
Normally I drill pillars of normalcy
You're cordially invited to accompany me
In rotations of the tables to label the opposition
As I choose, refusing to evolve with the cold
Rapidly dissolved my involvement in a solvent of soul and roll back
Brain trip the Beta weights, trap for the slaughter
Like livestock infected with anthrax
On my call a pack or clan snaps, collapsed was the mandatory maze
Where the bluest ribbons yield the glory days
Desire on the opposite circuit and glorious days
Is glorious hazes of gray spun through my array of operation
Slave to idiot box revalations
And wrapped tightly in a practice with my colleagues and slackers
20,000 league nappers and the swelling increases
Once the mortar hit the pestle your whole vessel fell to pieces
And I laughed, I laughed for me and my starving art family
I laughed tangibly, your failures ampin me to vamp fresh
My mic stabs white flags and drags trembling,
Devil skin-wearers through the terrors of compliance
Once the day turns night, senoritas suck the woody like termites
And wonder how they got labeled dick-hungry damsels in distress
The all new and improved poetically portable Aesop Rock
Available in stores with my, highly suggested parental discretion
99 brilliant new dimensions, bust it
Butcher Bear
2021 and still as good as the first day I heard this as a child!
CockyR4
Aesop Rock was crazy with the words and imagination. But Percee killed those multis and interns.
Mogifire
Percee dropped it real nice and smooth, big props this is a dope track
Thomas Moore
Percee kills the speed but aes' style is SOOO FARR above par its insane...I dont know 20 rappers alive that could decode what hes sayin the first time through let alone reading it....
Marco A
One of the best hip hop tunes ever made
steffe689
People say aesop rock is underrated? he got alot of views on none shall pass... Percee P is the most gifted of them all.. true legend !! love them both but Percee P blow my mind.
khalfan junim
I'm confused.
steffe689
@khalfan junim me too. Might have been high or drunk 9 years ago... I do love Percee p tho