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
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Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before you knew the underground or independent existed
I watched the whole scene straight jump on the dick
After stepping to KCR lit and flexing my shit
No gun talk, no gimmicks, just rounds of raw-dogging
Dirty dusty intelligent wit and word murdering
A hardcore poetic informed without burglary
Everytime I prescribe a new pill, revolution
Quickly defined the standard for indie rap distribution
Arrogant unafraid shit developed riding a train thinking of brain fucks
"Bad Touch Example" that soon became bucks
Had everybody sprung wondering where I came from
Screaming out "Independent's fucked up" in the same tongue
With an indelible squad of design monsters
Innovating the styles that made biters look like imposters
So we scripted an album and signed to Rawkus
Selling a hundred thousand without a radio chart hit
Imposterous son is taking the world hostage
Classic hip-hop bombage dirty with style progress
Now I've come from the '80s juvenile Brooklyn
Where cats was like: "Gimme that subway pass, kid. Good lookin."
Now someone else is taking a ride with what's mine
So I had to develop styles with a death device cooked in
So when I battled in basements I had eight sentences
Waiting way before the four you had laced in
And I was taught to wait patient (Why?)
Only faggots make shit up just to get famous
So when I finally blew up I remained sick
Earning respect in ghettos and 'burbs for word placement
Back when the independent scene remained faceless
We were the only crew who promised your ass we'd take it
Mold it, shape it, living outside the matrix
Hold it, make it, more than miniature major labels
Hold it sacred, living it for the culture
Told ya plainly, protected it from the vultures
That's why I always get respect from true soldiers
While half of the critics claim it every year: "Hip hop's over."
FUCK YOU, hip hop just started
It's funny how the most nostalgic cats are the ones who were never part of it
But true veterans'll give dap to those who started it
Then humbly move the fuck on and come with that new retarded shit
New slang, new thought, new sound
Who's heart you thought you had?
You clown, you don't, you drown
I won't dumb it down, I'm dumbing now for these rounds
I'm a live mothefucker plus I'm gunning for clowns
You're mine motherfucker, don't be coming for pounds
So you can break out of that invisible box, you're not down
My favorite ones are the ones who started that young rap about
Comic books, spaceships, and Obi-Quan one
And even though they were soft they had fun
But they couldn't break out the frame of the town they came from
Some of these faggots used to send me their demos
I'm keeping their puppy styles in the Company Flow kennels
But since they had no identity from the start
They started to resent the scene when they couldn't become a part
They've been failing for years and call themselves Vets, that's bold
Motherfucker, you're not a Vet you're just old
I'll slap the shit out of you to continue my nerve racket
Making this money fist over fist, fuck what you heard
Jukie cats talk about boom bap and golden ages
Patting themselves on the back for making that new outdated shit
I've been putting out vinyl since '93 and never looked back once
And ya'll trying to chase me
You don't innovate because you can't innovate
It's not a choice despite what you might tell your boys
Keep your identity crisis under the table
I always knew who I was and I'll always be more famous
Check it
For the best in the vendor biz
1-800-Lazerface
Leave the last CE-Offer crabs and buy them Hatorade
Dig it, daddy dug his own tunnel under the gutters where the numbers bleed
Hunters froze up and exposed Rapunzel weeds
Tugboat, tug up through that brutal dirt first
The fuedals fuming oodles, it was right under your poodle skirt
Welcome to Bazooka Works, halogen halo eyesore
The revolution will not be apologized for
Warbucks exlex megaphone on the fashion piggy pageant
While my dick's raw-dogging a style magnet
Fraggle rock your four figure watch
I clock ninety-nine cent wristbands
And still know the time when you record flops
Now this is on a sick with it factor
Exhibit A, E, F, Genesis of the klepto reactor
Want to burgle the buzz over definitive cash
After a life of labor camps starts paying innovaters back
Baby, you ain't felt the collective? (Coooool)
Stop running bases with little bears under the wing of punchdrunk butter makers
That engine sputters while the hound dogs wire cutter mechnical rabbit
Bantam weight puppies ain't rabid enough to snatch him
Pockmark ninety Moses approach with a golden focal point
Come soak in it, resume sturdy composer soldier bliss
Wrong name by a molar can often expose your phobias
Watch a cobra grow hands to hold his own tongue when he notices
All city legity critter, bark with me
All filthy documents, cats piss on their kittie litter moccasins
Welcome to mi casa, Monsters Inc, dropping bangers out the rocket ships
Your own private apocalypse
Honor it
For fuck's sake
Original
Wild fly
You want to read the nile?
I twitch easy reader
Father it
I will, dog
Original
Wide open with banged out cutlery from a slang mouth teacher
And money is an ugly god we all fall for
I got land mammal, cannibal, natural evolving squackbox
That means when I wake up and decide to comprise the new shit
It's not some watered down version of what my favorite crews did
Puff the magic komodo bitch
Rappers stuffed komonos and shark fame at a perfect working unit
Look, I'm done
Be-boy, feed that to the needy
Shut your liquor hole, fuck you in 3D
Easy
The lyrics of Aesop Rock feat. El-P's song We're Famous speak of the underground and independent rap scene during the 90s, when Aesop Rock began making music before it gained popularity. Aesop Rock raps that he brought "genuine shit" in '96 and watched the whole rap scene jump on the bandwagon soon after he flexed his talent on KCR lit. He boasts of his unique style of rap, which was devoid of gun talk and gimmicks, but full of intelligent wit and poetic wordplay that shook established rappers who only just learned of him. Aesop Rock notes that he quickly defined the standard for indie rap before the likes of Bad Touch Example, and his crew was responsible for innovating rap styles by shaping and molding them outside of the major recording labels, thereby promising to take over the scene.
The second verse of We're Famous is a retrospective look at Aesop Rock's journey from his Brooklyn roots in the 80s to becoming a popular rapper in the underground scene. In the bars, Aesop Rock raps about battling in basements when he was young, and how true veterans of the rap game give dap and move on from the past, while newcomers are trying to get in. He continues to call out fakes and posers in the scene, criticizing their inability to innovate and warning them not to chase his shadow. He ends by saying that he has always known who he is and remains more famous than the clowns trying to imitate him; the lines that stand out are, "I got land mammal, cannibal, natural evolving squackbox. That means when I wake up and decide to comprise the new shit. It's not some watered-down version of what my favorite crews did."
Line by Line Meaning
I brought that genuine shit in '96
I introduced authentic and real music in 1996
Before you knew the underground or independent existed
Before these genres were widely known or recognized
I watched the whole scene straight jump on the dick
I witnessed the entire music industry quickly embrace and support my style
After stepping to KCR lit and flexing my shit
After gaining exposure by performing on KCR and showcasing my talent
No gun talk, no gimmicks, just rounds of raw-dogging
No need for fake bravado or tricks, just pure and unfiltered skill
Dirty dusty intelligent wit and word murdering
I possess clever and thought-provoking lyrics that dominate the competition
A hardcore poetic informed without burglary
I deliver powerful and meaningful poetry without resorting to theft or imitation
Potent and shook the shit out of rappers who just learned of me
My talent and impact intimidated and surprised other artists who were unfamiliar with my work
Everytime I prescribe a new pill, revolution
Whenever I release a new project, it brings about significant change or innovation
Quickly defined the standard for indie rap distribution
I established the benchmark for how independent rap music is distributed
Arrogant unafraid shit developed riding a train thinking of brain fucks
Confident and fearless, I created exceptional music while contemplating and challenging conventional thinking
"Bad Touch Example" that soon became bucks
My song "Bad Touch Example" led to financial success and profit
Had everybody sprung wondering where I came from
I surprised and impressed everyone, leaving them curious about my origins
Screaming out "Independent's fucked up" in the same tongue
Expressing frustration with the flaws of the independent music industry
With an indelible squad of design monsters
I surrounded myself with a talented and creative team
Innovating the styles that made biters look like imposters
We introduced groundbreaking styles that exposed imitators as frauds
So we scripted an album and signed to Rawkus
We wrote and planned an album then secured a record deal with Rawkus Records
Selling a hundred thousand without a radio chart hit
We achieved commercial success by selling 100,000 copies of our album without any radio hits
Imposterous son is taking the world hostage
Fake artists are holding the music industry hostage
Classic hip-hop bombage dirty with style progress
Our classic hip-hop music is powerful and groundbreaking, constantly evolving
Now I've come from the '80s juvenile Brooklyn
I originated from Brooklyn in the 1980s during my youth
Where cats was like: "Gimme that subway pass, kid. Good lookin."
People used to ask me for my subway pass as a sign of respect
Now someone else is taking a ride with what's mine
Now, someone else is trying to steal and profit from my hard work and ideas
So I had to develop styles with a death device cooked in
To combat this, I had to create innovative and impactful music that would destroy the competition
So when I battled in basements I had eight sentences
During rap battles in basements, I had carefully crafted lyrics and verses prepared
Waiting way before the four you had laced in
I had prepared my verses long before you even came up with your four lines
And I was taught to wait patient (Why?)
I was taught the value of patience because waiting allows me to strategically outshine and outperform others
Only faggots make shit up just to get famous
Only individuals lacking talent and originality fabricate stories to gain fame
So when I finally blew up I remained sick
Even after achieving success, I maintained my unique and exceptional style
Earning respect in ghettos and 'burbs for word placement
My skillful and strategic wordplay earned me respect in both urban and suburban areas
Back when the independent scene remained faceless
During a time when independent artists were not widely recognized or acknowledged
We were the only crew who promised your ass we'd take it
We were the only group who assured everyone that we would succeed and make an impact
Mold it, shape it, living outside the matrix
We constantly shaped and molded our music, existing outside mainstream norms
Hold it, make it, more than miniature major labels
We held onto our independence and made music that surpassed that of major record labels
Hold it sacred, living it for the culture
We treated our music as something sacred, respecting and living it for the sake of the hip-hop culture
Told ya plainly, protected it from the vultures
We warned everyone clearly and made efforts to shield our music from those who would exploit it
That's why I always get respect from true soldiers
I receive respect and admiration from loyal and dedicated fans of real hip-hop
While half of the critics claim it every year: "Hip hop's over."
Despite critics constantly claiming that hip-hop is dead or over, it continues to thrive
FUCK YOU, hip hop just started
To those who doubt the continued relevance of hip-hop, I say they're wrong because it is still in its early stages
It's funny how the most nostalgic cats are the ones who were never part of it
Ironically, those who romanticize the past and claim to be experts on hip-hop are often the ones who were not actively involved in its creation
But true veterans'll give dap to those who started it
Actual veterans of hip-hop will acknowledge and show respect to the true pioneers who initiated the movement
Then humbly move the fuck on and come with that new retarded shit
They will then humbly transition and continue to create groundbreaking music
New slang, new thought, new sound
Introducing fresh and innovative language, ideas, and musical styles
Who's heart you thought you had?
Making others question the loyalty and dedication they thought they had from certain individuals
You clown, you don't, you drown
Mocking those who falsely believed they had a place in the industry, but are actually destined to fail
I won't dumb it down, I'm dumbing now for these rounds
I refuse to simplify my music, but I will dumb down my opponents in these battles
I'm a live mothefucker plus I'm gunning for clowns
I am energetic and always on top of my game, actively pursuing my rivals
You're mine motherfucker, don't be coming for pounds
You belong to me now, so don't try to claim any sort of victory or success
So you can break out of that invisible box, you're not down
You may try to escape your limited perception and image, but you do not possess the true essence of hip-hop
My favorite ones are the ones who started that young rap about
I have a fondness for those who began rapping at a young age and focused on playful and creative topics
Comic books, spaceships, and Obi-Quan one
Themes such as comic books, spaceships, and referencing Obi-Wan Kenobi were common in their music
And even though they were soft they had fun
Despite their less aggressive and tough personas, they took joy and pleasure in their music
But they couldn't break out the frame of the town they came from
Unfortunately, they were unable to escape or gain recognition beyond their local community
Some of these faggots used to send me their demos
Certain individuals who lacked talent and originality would send me their music demos
I'm keeping their puppy styles in the Company Flow kennels
I am storing their unoriginal and lackluster styles in the metaphorical kennels of Company Flow
But since they had no identity from the start
Because they never had a distinct or genuine identity from the beginning
They started to resent the scene when they couldn't become a part
They grew bitter and resentful towards the music scene when they realized they could not find success or belong
They've been failing for years and call themselves Vets, that's bold
Despite their continuous failures, they audaciously label themselves as veterans
Motherfucker, you're not a Vet you're just old
You may be old, but you lack the credentials and accomplishments to be considered a true veteran
I'll slap the shit out of you to continue my nerve racket
I will physically and metaphorically attack you to maintain my dominance and assert my confidence
Making this money fist over fist, fuck what you heard
I am earning a significant amount of money rapidly, disregarding any rumors or misconceptions
Jukie cats talk about boom bap and golden ages
Drug addicts claim to be knowledgeable about the classic boom bap era and hip-hop's golden ages
Patting themselves on the back for making that new outdated shit
They foolishly praise themselves for creating music that sounds outdated and irrelevant
I've been putting out vinyl since '93 and never looked back once
I have consistently released music on vinyl since 1993 and have never regretted that decision
And ya'll trying to chase me
Others are attempting to follow in my footsteps and catch up to my level of success
You don't innovate because you can't innovate
You lack the ability to bring fresh and original ideas to the table
It's not a choice despite what you might tell your boys
Your inability to innovate is not a deliberate decision, regardless of what you may claim to your friends
Keep your identity crisis under the table
Hide your confusion and lack of originality from others
I always knew who I was and I'll always be more famous
I have always maintained a clear sense of self and will continue to achieve greater fame and recognition
Check it
Listen closely
For the best in the vendor biz
I offer the highest quality products in the business
1-800-Lazerface
Call the number 1-800-Lazerface
Leave the last CE-Offer crabs and buy them Hatorade
Ignore the mediocre offerings from other CEOs and purchase a refreshing dose of Hatorade
Dig it, daddy dug his own tunnel under the gutters where the numbers bleed
Underground and unnoticed, I paved my own path for success
Hunters froze up and exposed Rapunzel weeds
Those who tried to challenge me or bring me down failed and revealed their own weaknesses
Tugboat, tug up through that brutal dirt first
I persevered through difficult and challenging circumstances to rise to the top
The fuedals fuming oodles, it was right under your poodle skirt
I was silently making significant moves and generating success right in front of your oblivious eyes
Welcome to Bazooka Works, halogen halo eyesore
Welcome to Bazooka Works, a place that is visually striking and attention-grabbing
The revolution will not be apologized for
We will not apologize for the revolution we are creating in the music industry
Warbucks exlex megaphone on the fashion piggy pageant
Our influential and wealthy persona dominates the fashion industry like a megaphone in a beauty contest
While my dick's raw-dogging a style magnet
While my exceptional talent and appealing style attract attention and admiration
Fraggle rock your four figure watch
Your expensive and luxurious watch means nothing in the grand scheme of things
I clock ninety-nine cent wristbands
I wear inexpensive wristbands that demonstrate my lack of concern for material possessions
And still know the time when you record flops
Even when your music fails, I remain aware of the current state of the industry
Now this is on a sick with it factor
This is at an extremely high level of creativity and skill
Exhibit A, E, F, Genesis of the klepto reactor
These exhibits and examples represent the beginning and foundation of my unique and innovative style
Want to burgle the buzz over definitive cash
I aim to steal the attention and success of others for significant financial gain
After a life of labor camps starts paying innovaters back
After years of hard work and dedication, those who innovate in the industry finally see the financial rewards
Baby, you ain't felt the collective? (Coooool)
You haven't experienced the true power and impact of our collective group? (Cool)
Stop running bases with little bears under the wing of punchdrunk butter makers
Stop associating with untalented and delusional individuals who offer false promises and questionable advice
That engine sputters while the hound dogs wire cutter mechnical rabbit
Their plans and ideas lack substance and effectiveness, while others easily outperform and dominate them
Bantam weight puppies ain't rabid enough to snatch him
These weak and mediocre artists are not skilled or determined enough to surpass me
Pockmark ninety Moses approach with a golden focal point
Despite having physical imperfections, I possess an incredible gift and clear direction
Come soak in it, resume sturdy composer soldier bliss
Embrace and immerse yourself in my music, it will provide you with a sense of joy and strength
Wrong name by a molar can often expose your phobias
A simple mistake or misstep can reveal the fears and weaknesses you possess
Watch a cobra grow hands to hold his own tongue when he notices
Observe as a deadly snake uses its hands to restrain itself and prevent revealing too much
All city legity critter, bark with me
I am a legitimate and respected artist throughout different cities, join me in making a statement
All filthy documents, cats piss on their kittie litter moccasins
Others disrespect and disregard their own mediocre creations
Welcome to mi casa, Monsters Inc, dropping bangers out the rocket ships
Welcome to my home and my world, where I am constantly releasing incredible and impactful music
Your own private apocalypse
You will personally experience the destruction and chaos caused by my talents
Honor it
Recognize and respect the exceptional and groundbreaking work being done
For fuck's sake
For the sake of everything holy and important
Wide open with banged out cutlery from a slang mouth teacher
Completely open and honest, speaking with a strong and influential voice
And money is an ugly god we all fall for
People are easily enticed and deceived by the lure of money and material wealth
I got land mammal, cannibal, natural evolving squackbox
I possess a unique and ever-evolving talent and skillset, devouring any competition that comes my way
That means when I wake up and decide to comprise the new shit
I have the power and ability to create something completely new and groundbreaking whenever I choose
It's not some watered down version of what my favorite crews did
It is not a diluted or inferior imitation of what my favorite music groups have done
Puff the magic komodo bitch
Witness the incredible and magical talent I possess
Rappers stuffed komonos and shark fame at a perfect working unit
Other rappers try to emulate my style and success with artificial and forced efforts
Look, I'm done
Listen, I have finished speaking
Be-boy, feed that to the needy
Give that inferior and uninspiring music to those who have no taste or discernment
Shut your liquor hole, fuck you in 3D
Keep your mouth closed and refrain from speaking, I have no respect for you
Easy
That's enough, end of discussion
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JEFFREY B. ATKINS, ROBERT S. KELLY, IRVING DOMINGO LORENZO, KENDRED T. SMITH, JEFFREY ATKINS, KENDRED T SMITH, JEFFREY ATKINS (JA RULE)
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ScienceofSpeed
(El-P)
I brought that genuine shit in '96
Before you knew the underground or independent existed
I watched the whole scene straight jump on the dick
After stepping to KCR lit and flexing my shit
No gun talk, no gimmicks, just rounds of raw-dogging
Dirty dusty intelligent wit and word murdering
A hardcore poetic informed without burglary
Potent and shook the shit out of rappers who just learned of me
Everytime I prescribe a new pill, revolution
Quickly defined the standard for indie rap distribution
Arrogant unafraid shit developed riding a train thinking of brain fucks
"Bad Touch Example" that soon became bucks
Had everybody sprung wondering where I came from
Screaming out "Independent as fuck" with an insane tongue
With an indelible squad of design monsters
Innovating the styles that made biters look like imposters
So we scripted an album and signed to Rawkus
Selling a hundred thousand without a radio chart hit
Preposterous sonics taking the world hostage
Classic hip-hop bombage dirty with style progress
Now I've come from the '80s juvenile Brooklyn
Where cats was like: "Gimme that subway pass, kid. Good lookin."
Now someone else is taking a ride with what's mine
So I had to develop styles with a death device cooked in
So when I battled in basements I had eight sentences
Waiting way before the four you had laced in
And I was taught to wait patient (Why?)
Only faggots make shit up just to get famous
So when I finally blew up I remained sick
Earning respect in ghettos and 'burbs for word placement
Back when the independent scene remained faceless
We were the only crew who promised your ass we'd take it
Mold it, shape it, living outside the matrix
Hold it, make it, more than miniature major labels
Hold it sacred, living it for the culture
Told ya plainly, protected it from the vultures
That's why I always get respect from true soldiers
While half of the critics claim it every year: "Hip hop's over."
FUCK YOU, hip hop just started
It's funny how the most nostalgic cats are the ones who were never part of it
But true veterans'll give dap to those who started it
Then humbly move the fuck on and come with that new retarded shit
New slang, new thought, new sound
Who's heart you thought you had?
You clown, you don't, you drown
I won't dumb it down, I'm dumbing now for these rounds
I'm a live mothefucker plus I'm gunning for clowns
You're a mime motherfucker, don't be coming for pounds
So you can break out of that invisible box, you're not down
My favorite ones are the ones who started that young rap about
Comic books, spaceships, and Obi-Quan one
And even though they were soft they had fun
But they couldn't break out the frame of the town they came from
Some of these faggots used to send me their demos
I'm keeping their puppy styles in the Company Flow kennels
But since they had no identity from the start
They started to resent the scene when they couldn't become a part
They've been failing for years and call themselves Vets, that's bold
Motherfucker, you're not a Vet you're just old
I'll slap the shit out of you to continue my nerd rap
Making this money fist over fist, fuck what you heard
Jukie cats talk about boom bap and golden ages
Patting themselves on the back for making that new outdated shit
I've been putting out vinyl since '93 and never looked back once
And ya'll trying to chase me
You don't innovate because you can't innovate
It's not a choice despite what you might tell your boys
Keep your identity crisis under the table
I always knew who I was and I'll always be more famous
(Aesop Rock)
Check it
For the best in the vendor biz
1-800-Lazerface
Leave the last "C.E." off for Craps and buy them Haterade
Dig it, daddy dug his own tunnel under the gutters where the numbers bleed
Hunters froze up and exposed Rapunzel weeds
Tugboat, tug up through that brutal dirt first
The fuedals fuming oodles, it was right under your poodle skirt
Welcome to Bazooka Works, halogen halo eyesore
The revolution will not be apologized for
Warbucks exlex megaphone on the fashion piggy pageant
While my dick's raw-dogging a style magnet
Fraggle rock your four figure watch
I clock ninety-nine cent wristbands
And still know the time when you record flops
Now this is on a sick with it factor
Exhibit A. E. S., Genesis of the klepto reactor
Wanna burgle the buzz over definitive cash
After a life of labor camps starts paying innovaters back
Baby, you ain't felt the collective? (Coooool)
Stop running bases with little bears under the wing of punchdrunk Buttermakers
That engine sputters while the hound dogs wire cutter mechnical rabbit
Bantam weight puppies ain't rabid enough to snatch him
Pockmark ninety Moses approach with a golden focal point
Come soak in it, résumé sturdy composer soldier bliss
Wrong name by a molar can often expose your phobias
Watch a cobra grow hands to hold his own tongue when he notices
All city legity critter, bark with me
All filthy documents, cats piss on their kittie litter moccasins
Welcome to mi casa, Monsters Inc, dropping bangers out the rocket ships
Your own private apocalypse
(El-P)
Honor it
(Aesop Rock)
For fuck's sake
(El-P)
Original
(Aesop Rock)
Wild fly
You wanna read the nile?
I twitch easy reader
(El-P)
Father it
(Aesop Rock)
I will, dog
(El-P)
Original
(Aesop Rock)
Wide open with banged out cutlery from a slang mouth teacher
And money is an ugly god we all fall for
I got land mammal, cannibal, natural evolving squackbox
That means when I wake up and decide to comprise the new shit
It's not some watered down version of what my favorite crews did
Puff the magic komodo bitch
Rappers stuffed kimonos and shark fame at a perfect working unit
Look, I'm done
B-boy, feed that to the needy
Shut your liquor hole, fuck you in 3D
Easy
El-P & Aesop Rock
-Were Famous
KC
I found it! I had an out of town boyfriend when I was 17, and we were too young to sleep together in his room when I went there, so he would go up on the couch and leave Aesop Rock playing on loop overnight and I always woke up when this one would play because it was like it was punching me in the face repeatedly.
Yao Black
🤣🤣🤣welcome back.
ciggy322
I have no words to express how dope this is.
Yao Black
Inexpressible
Mental Hellth
Aesop and El-p was like the early 2000s version of Snoop and Dre. Aesop was the lyrical assassin and el-p was the producer that brought the devastation. Everytime these two callab it turned to gold. It's a shame they don't work together anymore 😔
ScienceofSpeed
(El-P)
I brought that genuine shit in '96
Before you knew the underground or independent existed
I watched the whole scene straight jump on the dick
After stepping to KCR lit and flexing my shit
No gun talk, no gimmicks, just rounds of raw-dogging
Dirty dusty intelligent wit and word murdering
A hardcore poetic informed without burglary
Potent and shook the shit out of rappers who just learned of me
Everytime I prescribe a new pill, revolution
Quickly defined the standard for indie rap distribution
Arrogant unafraid shit developed riding a train thinking of brain fucks
"Bad Touch Example" that soon became bucks
Had everybody sprung wondering where I came from
Screaming out "Independent as fuck" with an insane tongue
With an indelible squad of design monsters
Innovating the styles that made biters look like imposters
So we scripted an album and signed to Rawkus
Selling a hundred thousand without a radio chart hit
Preposterous sonics taking the world hostage
Classic hip-hop bombage dirty with style progress
Now I've come from the '80s juvenile Brooklyn
Where cats was like: "Gimme that subway pass, kid. Good lookin."
Now someone else is taking a ride with what's mine
So I had to develop styles with a death device cooked in
So when I battled in basements I had eight sentences
Waiting way before the four you had laced in
And I was taught to wait patient (Why?)
Only faggots make shit up just to get famous
So when I finally blew up I remained sick
Earning respect in ghettos and 'burbs for word placement
Back when the independent scene remained faceless
We were the only crew who promised your ass we'd take it
Mold it, shape it, living outside the matrix
Hold it, make it, more than miniature major labels
Hold it sacred, living it for the culture
Told ya plainly, protected it from the vultures
That's why I always get respect from true soldiers
While half of the critics claim it every year: "Hip hop's over."
FUCK YOU, hip hop just started
It's funny how the most nostalgic cats are the ones who were never part of it
But true veterans'll give dap to those who started it
Then humbly move the fuck on and come with that new retarded shit
New slang, new thought, new sound
Who's heart you thought you had?
You clown, you don't, you drown
I won't dumb it down, I'm dumbing now for these rounds
I'm a live mothefucker plus I'm gunning for clowns
You're a mime motherfucker, don't be coming for pounds
So you can break out of that invisible box, you're not down
My favorite ones are the ones who started that young rap about
Comic books, spaceships, and Obi-Quan one
And even though they were soft they had fun
But they couldn't break out the frame of the town they came from
Some of these faggots used to send me their demos
I'm keeping their puppy styles in the Company Flow kennels
But since they had no identity from the start
They started to resent the scene when they couldn't become a part
They've been failing for years and call themselves Vets, that's bold
Motherfucker, you're not a Vet you're just old
I'll slap the shit out of you to continue my nerd rap
Making this money fist over fist, fuck what you heard
Jukie cats talk about boom bap and golden ages
Patting themselves on the back for making that new outdated shit
I've been putting out vinyl since '93 and never looked back once
And ya'll trying to chase me
You don't innovate because you can't innovate
It's not a choice despite what you might tell your boys
Keep your identity crisis under the table
I always knew who I was and I'll always be more famous
(Aesop Rock)
Check it
For the best in the vendor biz
1-800-Lazerface
Leave the last "C.E." off for Craps and buy them Haterade
Dig it, daddy dug his own tunnel under the gutters where the numbers bleed
Hunters froze up and exposed Rapunzel weeds
Tugboat, tug up through that brutal dirt first
The fuedals fuming oodles, it was right under your poodle skirt
Welcome to Bazooka Works, halogen halo eyesore
The revolution will not be apologized for
Warbucks exlex megaphone on the fashion piggy pageant
While my dick's raw-dogging a style magnet
Fraggle rock your four figure watch
I clock ninety-nine cent wristbands
And still know the time when you record flops
Now this is on a sick with it factor
Exhibit A. E. S., Genesis of the klepto reactor
Wanna burgle the buzz over definitive cash
After a life of labor camps starts paying innovaters back
Baby, you ain't felt the collective? (Coooool)
Stop running bases with little bears under the wing of punchdrunk Buttermakers
That engine sputters while the hound dogs wire cutter mechnical rabbit
Bantam weight puppies ain't rabid enough to snatch him
Pockmark ninety Moses approach with a golden focal point
Come soak in it, résumé sturdy composer soldier bliss
Wrong name by a molar can often expose your phobias
Watch a cobra grow hands to hold his own tongue when he notices
All city legity critter, bark with me
All filthy documents, cats piss on their kittie litter moccasins
Welcome to mi casa, Monsters Inc, dropping bangers out the rocket ships
Your own private apocalypse
(El-P)
Honor it
(Aesop Rock)
For fuck's sake
(El-P)
Original
(Aesop Rock)
Wild fly
You wanna read the nile?
I twitch easy reader
(El-P)
Father it
(Aesop Rock)
I will, dog
(El-P)
Original
(Aesop Rock)
Wide open with banged out cutlery from a slang mouth teacher
And money is an ugly god we all fall for
I got land mammal, cannibal, natural evolving squackbox
That means when I wake up and decide to comprise the new shit
It's not some watered down version of what my favorite crews did
Puff the magic komodo bitch
Rappers stuffed kimonos and shark fame at a perfect working unit
Look, I'm done
B-boy, feed that to the needy
Shut your liquor hole, fuck you in 3D
Easy
El-P & Aesop Rock
-Were Famous
TheArborphiliac
"theft device cooked in" and "I had eight sentences waiting and ready" as per the lyric book that came with the deluxe edition of Fast Cars, Danger, Fire and Knives.
Chad Howe
EL-P has always been dope, but I never expect a verse like that so every time I hear this I'm like holy shit balls what the fuck was that.
David Westwood
haha yeah no kidding, he said exactly what he wanted to say. he did not mince words
Crux
+Chad Howe you gotta go all out on a track with Aesop