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
Winner Takes All
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
CHORUS
I have landed safely. I have not received my papers. I have zero natural enemies. I don't know my location. I have no training in reconnaissance, combat or colluding. I'm calling for my orders, over. 'Strap on a helmet and start shooting.'
Clonopin to kill a horse, numb and blood thirsty 'til the 'uncle' spitter beg a jungle pig to hug mercy. Two 40-below shitkickers tickle the corpses. Duck, the widow maker also manufactures orphans. Manufactures ornaments, if it moves stick a fork in it. Winners take all, killers rap all coordinates. Unfortunately courted by the most tenacious guardians whose aimless nature bait a harlequin to taste the martyr skin. No semper fi. No saluter unit, soldier, the fire is more flesh than sulfur. And when the automatic jitters wiggle the ribs, I feel so alive it don't matter which bitches litter is clipped. Sun down, goggle up. Canteen, gobble juice. Tear gas, nozzle up. Brain buff, hostile youth. Chop it up. Lock a noose upon it. You will die for the glory of... shit I can't put my finger on it but it's big. Big and legitimate, justify women and kiddy killer shit; iller it builds. So he is not a natural predator but could dismantle an AK-47, clean and rebuild before you could mayday brethren. Muddy gut, snake eyes. He approaches cobras with an ugly muck and bloody bowie knife clamped in the canines. Wake 'em with that blind military mechanism set to bludgeon. What is your major malfunction
CHORUS
I shimmy up out of the foxhole, disorderly, only after having logged every cadaver accordingly. High scores keep automatons enthralled. There is no cause at all. If his perspective is merked, sneaky detective work is aborted and it's no longer whisper mode on the red alert. No bed of dirt sniper rifle peaking out the bunker. Now I'm center city looking for something to puncture. Help me up the numbers or the hero status suffers, treat the public like a tin can riddled before it plummets, but adrenaline could lead to lazy eye hassles so be missed the little boy inch the pin out the pineapple. That's funny. Bumps into the steel toe. That's lovely. Sum it up in 'hell no'. And just as quick as the parachute cable snipped, I was rag doll horizontal 2 limbs short of fixed. Leak a baby pool around the standard issue weaponry while fading as a blemish in civility's memory, they will step over the body for the looting... strap on a helmet and start shooting.
CHORUS
I have landed safely. I have not received my papers. I have zero natural enemies. I don't know my location. I have no training in reconnaissance, combat or colluding. I'm calling for my orders, over. 'Strap on a helmet and start shooting.'
The song "Winner Takes All" by Aesop Rock is a complex and metaphorical exploration of the cycle of violence and destruction perpetuated by war. The lyrics depict a soldier's journey through a battle, from parachuting in to navigating through dangerous terrain and facing the harsh realities of combat. The first verse describes the soldier's descent from the sky, as his parachute malfunctions and leaves him vulnerable. He then experiences physical pain and disorientation before being given orders to "start shooting." The second verse delves deeper into the soldier's psyche, as he struggles with the moral implications of killing and the psychological toll of battle. The chorus, repeated throughout the song, highlights the soldier's uncertainty and disconnection from his surroundings and purpose.
The language in the song is highly symbolic and abstract, making it open to multiple interpretations. However, some possible themes include the dehumanization of soldiers in war, the destructive impact of violence, and the manipulation of individuals by higher powers. The use of military jargon and slang adds to the authenticity of the story being told, while also emphasizing the distance between the soldier and the country he is fighting for. Overall, "Winner Takes All" is a thought-provoking and powerful commentary on the human cost of war.
Line by Line Meaning
Parachute ratty.
The parachute is in poor condition.
One bunk chord, now the air is scooped badly.
A chord of the parachute is broken, causing it to be unstable.
Dripping out the sticks like a twig tweed hammock.
The person is falling out of the parachute in an uncontrolled manner.
Miter cut the cables for that quick, clean transit.
The person cut the parachute cables quickly and cleanly to land.
Miser tuck the big screen panic near the business card.
The person is concealing their panic about the situation.
Ankle out of wack. Painkiller debacle.
The person's ankle is injured and they are dealing with issues related to painkillers.
Scrappy navigate the yellow corn height for the barn when the spot light swivel hard right over the farm.
The person is navigating through a cornfield towards a barn, but is spotted by a searchlight.
Post up. 3 cheers for the gimp sprint, thank you.
The person has reached a safe location and is congratulating themselves on making it there despite their injury.
Limp to the door, splint what he mangled.
The person is limping to a door and trying to fix their injured ankle.
Oh yeah, I knew the percentages but the numbers were unaware of the grand finale's emphasis.
The person had some knowledge of the situation, but didn't fully understand the gravity of the final outcome.
And over the scent of a thousand dead dogs Agent Zip Zooka swore to pull it off.
Someone named Agent Zip Zooka is determined to succeed despite difficult circumstances.
Game face. Walkie-talkie squawking off his hip regarding paratrooper's 20.
Someone is preparing to face a difficult situation and communicating with others via a walkie-talkie.
Tug a noise box trigger, reporting for hunting.
Someone is preparing to hunt for a target by pressing a trigger.
Clonopin to kill a horse, numb and blood thirsty 'til the 'uncle' spitter beg a jungle pig to hug mercy.
The person is experiencing a strong desire for violence and death due to medication, but may still have some empathy.
Two 40-below shitkickers tickle the corpses.
Two people are examining dead bodies in very cold weather.
Duck, the widow maker also manufactures orphans.
A dangerous person or thing also ends up causing children to become orphans.
Manufactures ornaments, if it moves stick a fork in it.
The dangerous thing will destroy anything that moves.
Winners take all, killers rap all coordinates.
The most ruthless people will end up in control and dictate the direction of things.
Unfortunately courted by the most tenacious guardians whose aimless nature bait a harlequin to taste the martyr skin.
Evil forces are luring victims into their traps with false promises.
No semper fi. No saluter unit, soldier, the fire is more flesh than sulfur.
The situation is not one of camaraderie and respect for other soldiers - it is brutal and violent.
And when the automatic jitters wiggle the ribs, I feel so alive it don't matter which bitches litter is clipped.
The person is exhilarated by violence and killing.
Sun down, goggle up. Canteen, gobble juice. Tear gas, nozzle up. Brain buff, hostile youth.
The person is preparing for battle.
Chop it up. Lock a noose upon it. You will die for the glory of... shit I can't put my finger on it but it's big.
The person is threatening their enemy with death and promising them they will be remembered for something big.
Big and legitimate, justify women and kiddy killer shit; iller it builds.
The violence is escalating and becoming more horrible over time.
So he is not a natural predator but could dismantle an AK-47, clean and rebuild before you could mayday brethren.
The person may not be naturally violent, but is highly skilled in weaponry and could act quickly in a dangerous situation.
Muddy gut, snake eyes. He approaches cobras with an ugly muck and bloody bowie knife clamped in the canines.
The person is tough and unafraid, even when dealing with deadly snakes.
Wake 'em with that blind military mechanism set to bludgeon. What is your major malfunction
The person is highly aggressive and looking to cause harm to others through a military attack. They may be provoking others to respond.
I shimmy up out of the foxhole, disorderly, only after having logged every cadaver accordingly.
The person is leaving a battle scene but is documenting everything they see.
High scores keep automatons enthralled. There is no cause at all.
People are addicted to violence and war, even when there is no real reason for it.
If his perspective is merked, sneaky detective work is aborted and it's no longer whisper mode on the red alert.
If the person is distracted, their ability to investigate is compromised and they must be cautious about speaking out loud.
No bed of dirt sniper rifle peaking out the bunker. Now I'm center city looking for something to puncture.
The person is no longer hiding in a bunker, but is in the middle of a city and looking for a target to attack with a sniper rifle.
Help me up the numbers or the hero status suffers, treat the public like a tin can riddled before it plummets.
The person needs to be perceived as successful and will do whatever it takes to achieve that, even if it means sacrificing innocent lives like a falling tin can.
But adrenaline could lead to lazy eye hassles so be missed the little boy inch the pin out the pineapple.
The person is hyped up on adrenaline and may not be paying careful attention to their surroundings, potentially missing important details.
That's funny. Bumps into the steel toe. That's lovely. Sum it up in 'hell no'.
The person is experiencing a mix of emotions and is speaking sarcastically about their situation.
And just as quick as the parachute cable snipped, I was rag doll horizontal 2 limbs short of fixed.
The person's situation changed rapidly and they are now powerless and almost completely immobilized.
Leak a baby pool around the standard issue weaponry while fading as a blemish in civility's memory, they will step over the body for the looting...
The person is dying and their weapons are being taken as they fade into obscurity.
strap on a helmet and start shooting.
The person is being encouraged to continue fighting, regardless of their injuries or the odds of survival.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bazooka Tooth
"Just as quick as the parachute cable snipped I was rag-doll, horizontal; two limbs short of fixed!"
This song and food, clothes, and medicine are two of the greatest songs created.
Paul Hazel
Aesop is meticulous and wise. He should be proud of this work. The cover of this. The words. The meaning. Is brilliant by any measure. Paul.
Robert Chamberlin
One greatest albums all-time! PhD rap!
Melanie kimberley
Beautiful music
ergman
"This fire is more flesh than sulphur"
Jesus
Lorst dringus
He used a lot of figurative language, but this is a balanced take on the US war on terror. He's describing a situation where a bunch of young inexperienced guys are dropped off into a country where it's hard to tell the difference between civilians and enemy guerillas, and the the situation is a clusterfuck
Bazooka Tooth
"Treat the public like a tin can riddled before it plummets"
Target practice baby
zan dawacki
Fucking awesome!
Behemoth Rogue
Shit gets me hype
Dastompinata
I can dig that