"Shriek into the vacuum if in spite of your accomplishments, you wake up feeling empty as Houdini's grave probably is." I think Klutz is one of his best songs hands down but he has so many bangers its hard to tell.
Understanding Aesops lyrics on the first listen is like being able to pass all the exams for a 3-year university programme by only being allowed to study for one day.
He's the only artist I've ever listened to that made me feel like I'd have to actually look up the lyrics and properly analyze them to understand what he is rapping about. I haven't watched this video yet, but I'm here to see if the lyrics actually mean anything or if he just raps words to flow well.
@@SATAN-x7i some people need to listen to Eminems discography. Fr. And im not tryina be that guy like a lil bs stan or nothin but em gives you all this with perfect delivery and amazing cadences. Tho this layed back flow is dope…. I like variety
@@lucascoxe1481 Eminem is pretty good but honestly I don't think his lyrics are on the same level as this. I can't honestly think of a single Eminem song that I wouldn't understand the general gist of without looking it up. That is a regular occurrence when it comes to Aesop.
@@SATAN-x7i Ehh maybe you gotta look it up in terms of dictionary and what not but em has enough to have other rappers dissing him like mgk sayin all he does is read the dictionary… so id have to disagree. And he has put out a lot more music than aesop too so keep that in mind. But even so thats only one area of lyricism. Delivery and flows and paying homage and entendres these all matter. And Em can do it at speed. Giving more words and more rhymes while keeping the lyrical integrity. And he impacted the game monumentally. Like i said im not tryina be that stan but fr im tired of mfers sleepin on eminem just cuz they tired of hearing his name.
@@SATAN-x7i also, em got bars that actually hit. Like “ ill pull up and take your spot from you. Ill get to doin what a leaky faucet do but im not talkin drip when i say ill get the drop on you, im screamin fuck all of you “
The most insane thing about Aesop is that everything that you mention here is in pretty much every single song of his. Something like None Shall Pass would be some insane far out song for most rappers but for Aesop the only real difference between it and any of his other songs is that maybe it has a better beat than some of his other stuff.
none shall pass isn't even in my top 20 aesop songs... if i was making This video I would deconstruct commencement at the obedience academy...but I guess its far from his most popular but it's intricacy is deep
Its good to see someone giving Aesop Rock some cred, this dude is *CRIMINALLY* slept on. It is legit criminal. This dude is a God of wordplay. Lovin this. Also for those who are dipping their toe in the Aesop Waters and love wordplay, go listen to "Big Bang". You are welcome in advance.
This is an old comment but I'm calling that Aesop Rock is gonna get the MF DOOM treatment here soon. Both have been spitting disgusting bars since the late 90's but MF didn't make it big in the hiphop scene until just a few years before he passed away (RIP). Aesop gonna blow up just the same and when he does he will have years of top tier music for new people to dig into just like MF.
"When you start getting all expressive and symbolic its impossible to actualize an honest diagnostic; i said when you start getting all exact and algebraic i reminded its a racket not a rehabilitation"
"Swap tales (tails) with heads like every other penny throw" is just such a beautiful example of his mastery of idiom. In one line paints an image of trading stories with old heads, pitching pennies. The word play is top.
He ain't though. Been listening to him since 98, and he still hasn't gotten his. Unfortunately the masses don't want this. But real ones know. And honestly, it might not be what he deserves, but it's more than a lot of us get.
I told my ex in '97 I was falling on my weapon Ripped the phone up out the wall The 'Po would drag me from my bedroom An embarrassing ordeal involving hospitals and questions And the kinda doctors who use words like "cognitive" and "spectrum" While explaining why you're selfish to romanticize a ruse And watch unruly roots pull you to Lucifer by your shoes I mean, it isn't perfect but don't misconstrue the purpose Any urge isn't discernible from community service to the kiddo Plus she'd make a beautiful widow But that's an altruistic ticket to a room with no windows This is one of my favourite Aesop verses. He’s like a modern day Shakespeare, his writing is so dense.
That line, "Any urge is indiscernible from community service to the kiddo" really hit me once I starting looking into the lyrics. This song got me through 2018, such an amazing song about mortality.
I think the "none shall pass" is actually a reference to Lord of the Rings, Gandalf tells the balrog "you shall not pass" while holding his staff and sword out. It's slightly differently worded, but Aesop says "with a cane to the sky like none shall pass"
The line from the book is. "You cannot pass. I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass."
Couldn't resist joining the bandwagon: "Used to draw Hard to admit that I used to draw Portraiture in a human form Doodle of a two-headed unicorn, it was soothing Moving his arm in a fusion of man made tools And a muse from beyond Even if it went beautifully wrong It was tangible truth for a youth who refused to belong" Hands down the greatest ever, forever grateful for his art.
'Labor Days' album is an all-time classic for music in general, imo. "Man, it's the year of the Orphan. Seated adjacent to the firefly circling the torches on your porches. Trying to guard the fortress of a king they've never seen or met, but all are trained to murder at the first sign of a threat."
I think the best thing Aesop has to offer is his story telling ability. He is by far the best at painting a picture with words. Ruby '81, Blood Sandwich and Alligator to name a few. I just like to close my eyes and "watch" what he says.
Music aside, Aesop Rock(Ian Bavitz) is one of, if not the most, innovative creative writer of the 21st century. His distinguished, original work continually expands great literature and provides an artform that should be appreciated beyond music culture. Truly a relic.
I agree. He deserves serious study. But then Shakespeare is disappearing from schools (along with Mark Twain, Laura Ingalls Wilder, some Dr. Seuss 😲), so who knows what the future holds?
@@Goyahkla6772dude Chino hasn’t done shit worth listening to since Here to Save You All, and even that is a relic of the punchline era nearly 30 years ago. No question he could rap his ass off, but his best work aged poorly, while Aes’ worst work is still exemplary.
One of the best ever. Also, he had a moment around the time of Bazooka Tooth were he did poke through. He was on a Tony Hawk soundtrack, None Shall Pass blew up and he hosted a music show on MTV. Not exactly Cardi B, but he has now and again gotten the recognition he so rightly deserves from the heard.
I'm still trying to completely decipher his 1st album. He's a genius. "All I ever wanted was to pick apart the day, & put the pieces back together my way." Simple yet powerful.
I have and will always state that this man is criminally neglected in so many lyricist discussions. It's okay if you don't prefer his music but you cannot deny he is one of, if not, the best ever. GIVE THIS MAN THE RECOGNITION!
The craziest thing about rock to me is that almost Every. Single. Song. Is that dense. A lot of people could probably come up with a song like that once or twice in their life but he has been doing it for years!
@@imgonnacream Not at all. He is using vocoders for his singing so i can tell, it is not his voice doing it, but some computer magic. Aesop is using really minimal post-production stuff for his voice, apart from few doubles. Kendrick also repeats himself a lot with certain lines and it is honestly kinda annoying after some time.
@imgonnacream Kendrick is my favorite at the moment and has been for a few years but he's nowhere near the lyricism of aesop. Don't forget this entire video is on one 4minutr song
Aes saved my fuckin life. One of Four taught me how to be a more grateful person. I've been a listener for 10 years. None Shall Pass was the first I ever heard. Girl I love gave it to me on a piece of paper, with all the songs she wanted me to hear. Then I listened to Float, then Earthworms. I kinda feel like bazooka tooth was his fall from grace for awhile there, but none shall pass was him gettin back on his feet. Everything he's done after has been therapy. I even really dug what he did with Kimya Dawson. Uncluded seemed like his way of working through a lotta shit. Malibu Ken is even amazing, even tho some songs sound rehashed from bars he's used before. His story about Ricky Kasso is just fuckin phenomenal lyricism. I'm glad he's starting to make a splash. I cheered for my man when he appeared on the late show lol This is a dope video. Thanks man!
I’d say, once he got away from Def Jux and got picked up by Rhymesayers, he’s been steadily consistent. His beat production improved tremendously on Skelethon. Such a dope album.
I have been completely unable to maintain Any semblance of relationship on any level I have been a bastard to the people who have Actively attempted to deliver me from peril I have been acutely undeserving of the ear that listened up And lip that kissed me on the temple I have been accustomed to a stubborn disposition That admits it wish its history disassembled I have been a hypocrite in sermonizing tolerance While skimming for a ministry to pretzel I have been unfairly resentful of those I wish Had acted different when the bidding was essential I have been a terrible communicator Prone to isolation over sympathy for devils I have been my own worst enemy since the very genesis of rebels ~Aesop Rock
Gopher Guts indeed .. those lyrics spoke to me so personally the first time I heard them, I was in awe. He takes so much of what I think and feel and puts them on wax in a way I never could. Many of Aesop’s lyrics will be with me for the rest of my life - it’s why I got so much love for the dude I’m probably going to have one of his lyrics tatted on me one day - if I could just narrow it down to one ..
Just bought malibu ken on vinyl the other day. Aesop carried me through Middle School and High school. This man inspired me to be more thoughtful in choice of words when it comes to writing lyrics. I don't know how much worse I'd be off if not for Aes. Love this man.
I'm only just getting into his music, but listen to the ends of his verses before the hook on Rings. *That's* a fast flow. This is pretty average pace flow
boccaccioe Whaddup! Just honestly reading through the comments and seeing who isn't an asshole that is genuinely curious about new music! 🙏🏻 anytime you have the chance you should check out my debut album! 'Far from Average' is the title! It's available here on UA-cam and on all other platforms as well🔥
Honestly, it's not necessarily that this is particularly fast rapping for aesop, but rather, the typography is there, which draws your focus, and then it moves too fast and flip flops around so much you basically can't read most of it, which only serves to make it harder to tell what he's saying. I ended up closing my eyes during those parts because holy fuck, that was a stupid decision, and the creator should feel bad.
I've been on the Aesop train for decades. Following his personal journey, his artistic evolution, and his consistency has really been a dance of reflection and projection. It's intellectually engaging, emotionally resonant, and it's all wrapped up in a tight bow of understanding the language. Aesop Rock is, and has been, my favorite lyricist for years on end.
I didn't play that one as much but I was 11 or 12 when thug 2 came out and I loved hearing the "no jumper cables" remix. couple years later when NSP dropped I got it around my birthday. Then started looking for more of his music. Can't say I was disappointed.
I was reading all these dense lyrical verses in the comments, and the juxtaposition between them and this, not to mention the context of the video, led me to laugh deeply and heartily. Excellent comment. ❤
One thing that I think helps make none shall pass catchy while dense is another similarity with james joyce- each line is a microcosm of the song at large. You don't need to actually listen to each line or understand every reference to understand that you're listening to a condemnation of the way we use our unparalleled luxury to forget the people who can't get to comfort. As well, the song has a microcosm/macrocosm quality- it can be taken as his individual feeling and experience, or the voice of a generation that began noticing the loss of opportunity several years before the 08 melt down. This layering of micro and macro creates the most satisfying experiences. Sometimes great art errs heavily on one side or another- either singing too much from personal particular experience or taking a more omniscient voice than the singer is qualified for. When the particular and the general align, the greatest of lyrics are made.
The best compliment I can give you is that not only is this one of the finest videos I've seen on UA-cam.... ever. But I keep coming back to watch it when I feel low. Over and over. And it lifts me. Then I go on an Aesop marathon and feel better. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Both to you and Aes
Daylight/Nightlight was my intro and i havent stopped since. He's the Goat and maddeningly underrated. Got friends who like Logic but have never heard Aesop.
To be completely fair, many are far too lacking in vocabulary to even catch half of what Aesop does at all. Not to mention he’s a beast poet who’s also a GOAT lyricist.
Absolutely, the astute members of the Aesop Mobb are the cream of the crop thinkers in this zeitgeist. We sit atop the lonely nipple that is the iceberg most of our so called "contemporaries" ship hit
@@musaka2022 as far as aesthetic and abstract dope art, I put Aesop Daylyt and Nino Bless in the same realm Vastly different styles but that same feel of amazing shit that you gotta know a lot to even catch If u haven’t heard the other two I’d highly suggest Daylyt - Killed Our Fathers and Nino Bless - Unsafe Haven
@@MatthewHiltner Corn Maze is fire, and 1+1=13 and Tuesday are pretty good, but overall it didn't feel like an Aes album, but it's also not all his either.
i got into Aesop Rock just a few days ago when i listened to toxic Coffe, a remix and then listened to the original and saw the videoclip, i realized that his lyrics are something different, i found this video and now i am scared and excited at the same time, english is not my first language so is quite difficult to keep it up with him, damn... wish me luck, i feel like there is something to be learn with him so i`ll try it.
My favorite lyric by Aesop is... "All I ever wanted was to pick apart the day and put the pieces back together my way"... From a different track... Also produced by Block.
@@ThirteenAmp Why does everyone recommend Kirby its literaly the most throw away song on the album. Its a cute lil song for his cat, it really doesnt showcase his strengths as much as most others do.
Aes has always been one of my favorites since I found him. A friend showed me Skelethon when it came out and I went home and downloaded his entire discography. One of the only discographies I could put on shuffle and never skip a song. I write hip hop and he has always been an inspiration. He urges me to play with words in an intricate and precise way, while using intense rhyme schemes and vivid metaphors. I met Blockhead once. That was awesome. Great video.
That Vocabulary of Rappers chart sampled only their first 30,000 words, so Aes's 7,000 words come from a relatively small sample of his discography. It was also updated very recently. Busdriver broke the 7,000-word limit as well (though still a ways behind Aes).
And for my next trick I'll make a dollar bill climb up out your wallet Disappear and reappear inside my pocket I never really do these things twice But if y'all ask nice I just might
If you listen to aes long enough his style will click and his lyrics become more accessible plus he just writes much more straightforward songs these days. Frankly, I'd argue aes leveled up big time on none shall pass and had just gotten better and better since. Listen to Tuesday on his newest record and how he describes his depressing and messy life with hilarious lyrics about the state of his home and inability to keep even a cactus alive.
The editing is crazy on this. Glad Aesop Rocks rhymes can be more appreciated on a visual level like this. Busdriver would be interesting to dive into as well
His album labor days changed my life. My philosophy professor in college got me into him and he explained to me the philosophical / existentialism meaning behind the album. Dude is a genius.
Aesop Rock is one of the few artists where I enjoy his super early stuff just as much as his newest stuff. I am a metal head to my core but Aes is probably my all time favorite musician. There's no other artist where I can listen to a song 100 times and find new meaning in the lyrics with each new listen. Just incredible stuff. Thanks for making this video.
I've loved aesop since the first time i ever heard him. Back in 2001 with the song labor days. I relate to so much of his work like 9 to 5ers anthem, Draw bridge, Odessa, labor days, daylight, nightlight. Ect.
Literally stumbled upon him last week on UA-cam and I have no idea how this kind of talent can be overlooked. Alreadt purchased 2 albums. Think I might buy more
Seeing him live too is really unique. He uses music sheets to remember lyrics and still raps on beat. Please show me a live rap show nowadays that doesn't have the rapper lazily encourage the audience to sing the rest of the lyrics. Or gets the Producer/DJ to just raise the mix of the track while the rapper throws water at the crowd.
You taught me nothing. I LOVED how you explained the 'jittery zeitgeist' line by including Hegel. Pointing out that unpacking Aes requires active listening and that it is highly enjoyable...definitely something I have always agreed with. The dual cow references was a nice choice. Damn, for someone who invested so much time getting their masters in Sociology from Berkeley Inot a lucrative endeavor) and has been a fan for so long now.....GREAT opinions, GREAT outlines and GREAT job with the editing. I could not have done better myself; and I would be on the highest of horses to be overly critical. EXCELLENT!
Represent!!! Im definitely in that catagory if for no other reason than buying "float" the day it came out and having it memorized in its entirety in 4 months.
@@florida_mane6267 Man, RIP Def Jux. I'm really glad El-P found success with Run The Jewels. I really hope Aes has a breakout along those lines to. They both 100% put in the work for decades, it's almost criminal how slept on Aes is. Too bad he somehow fucked up his relationship with Rob Sonic. I really wanted more Hail Mary Mallon.
@@bredivil96 Aesop seems like the type of artist comfortable in his spot as one of the legends of the underground, If he ever became mainstream I don't know how he could react to all the attention
Aesop Rock went and graduated from my high school and his best album is none shall pass 🔥🔥🔥 salute the way he rhymes and his voice is incredible he is one of those emcees that can never have a bad song
I personally feel like once i was awakened, Aesops stuff slowly started making so much sense on a deep, multilayered level. Because more than anything i think most if not all of his lyricism is actually a way to integrate himself on a level youd have to look deeply to even realize. Once you do, its a lot to process>>>"Woke up 8 years non responsive, its a lot to process.."
Any recognition and commentary he gets I am thrilled for. His writing is SO compelling and there is such little discussion around. Thanks for making this video. Do another one on him!
I've had passionate arguments with people who insisted that Aes just "says words." Anyone who thinks that just ain't listening. The only way I can even remember his lyrics is because they mean something, and paint verbal images of the stories and ideas behind the metaphors and wordplay.
Healthy air to reconvene Towel shaking Ruby off EMT confirm the save Everybody say "good dog." Most chilling Aesop line IMO. This or the last verse of Gopher Guts
Love the video, but I would have to say that Daylight is his most popular song, I mean, it’s the one he usually ends his shows with...at least he used to. If you’re going into the underground rap thing, do a video about Eyedea.
E&A are legends. Sadistik does a great job carrying Larson's torch/style if you ask me, although he's a lot darker in a general sense. The Balancing Act, produced by Emancipator, is great. The Art Of Dying with Kid Called Computer producing is also just fantastic. Just uh, don't listen to them while in a good mood. ua-cam.com/video/TY5nE51ScKY/v-deo.html this song even has a verse from Eyedea. They were friends, which makes sense because Sadistik has been rocking the heroin addict look for years. They probably shot up together, it just too bad Eyedea lost his control. R.I.P
@@bredivil96 sadistik has become a bit too 'edgy' for me in recent years. although his skill is still very impressive. also check out No Bird Sing and Kristoff Krane (who also did an album with sadistik), they were very close to Eyedea and you can hear it in the music
"with a cane to the sky, like NONE SHALL PASS" Isn't that a LOTR reference, not a MP Holy Grail one? I def never thought of Monty Python on that, I always pictured Ian McKellen haha
"I've been ignored for longer than you've been interested"
-Aesop Rock, Klutz
me lol
"Shriek into the vacuum if in spite of your accomplishments, you wake up feeling empty as Houdini's grave probably is." I think Klutz is one of his best songs hands down but he has so many bangers its hard to tell.
One Piece fan?
Hell yeah I love that line
Im just here to drop a "Caaaaptaiinnnn!!" , from Beppo
Understanding Aesops lyrics on the first listen is like being able to pass all the exams for a 3-year university programme by only being allowed to study for one day.
He's the only artist I've ever listened to that made me feel like I'd have to actually look up the lyrics and properly analyze them to understand what he is rapping about. I haven't watched this video yet, but I'm here to see if the lyrics actually mean anything or if he just raps words to flow well.
@@SATAN-x7i some people need to listen to Eminems discography. Fr. And im not tryina be that guy like a lil bs stan or nothin but em gives you all this with perfect delivery and amazing cadences. Tho this layed back flow is dope…. I like variety
@@lucascoxe1481 Eminem is pretty good but honestly I don't think his lyrics are on the same level as this. I can't honestly think of a single Eminem song that I wouldn't understand the general gist of without looking it up. That is a regular occurrence when it comes to Aesop.
@@SATAN-x7i Ehh maybe you gotta look it up in terms of dictionary and what not but em has enough to have other rappers dissing him like mgk sayin all he does is read the dictionary… so id have to disagree. And he has put out a lot more music than aesop too so keep that in mind. But even so thats only one area of lyricism. Delivery and flows and paying homage and entendres these all matter. And Em can do it at speed. Giving more words and more rhymes while keeping the lyrical integrity. And he impacted the game monumentally. Like i said im not tryina be that stan but fr im tired of mfers sleepin on eminem just cuz they tired of hearing his name.
@@SATAN-x7i also, em got bars that actually hit. Like “ ill pull up and take your spot from you. Ill get to doin what a leaky faucet do but im not talkin drip when i say ill get the drop on you, im screamin fuck all of you “
she said, "You're being difficult"
I said, "I'm being guarded. You're a quarter mil in debt, I get more guidance from my barber"
What’s this from? Take me to the basement, or am I mistaken?
@@7151-h6w Shrunk, off of The Impossible Kid.
@@7151-h6w the song is called "Shrunk" its off of Impossible Kid.
This cat is asking if I've seen his little lost passion
I told him: "Yeah, but only when I pedaled past him"
@@7151-h6w shrunk but i know the line you're confusing with haha
Aes doesn't get enough love, glad to see someone trying to open doors for the person who opens doors
Ayyy shrunk bar
Nice reference
Why? Does your love that little?
i've never been speechless from reading a youtube comment before lol
The most insane thing about Aesop is that everything that you mention here is in pretty much every single song of his. Something like None Shall Pass would be some insane far out song for most rappers but for Aesop the only real difference between it and any of his other songs is that maybe it has a better beat than some of his other stuff.
Yeah, it's just what he's comfortable with.
none shall pass isn't even in my top 20 aesop songs... if i was making This video I would deconstruct commencement at the obedience academy...but I guess its far from his most popular but it's intricacy is deep
@@gabeehli7469 any tracks from that album though?
@@gabeehli7469 commencement at the obedience academy is such an underrated Aesop Rock song
@@TheOGDominic MUST NOT SLEEP MUST WARN OTHERS
Its good to see someone giving Aesop Rock some cred, this dude is *CRIMINALLY* slept on. It is legit criminal. This dude is a God of wordplay. Lovin this.
Also for those who are dipping their toe in the Aesop Waters and love wordplay, go listen to "Big Bang". You are welcome in advance.
Big Bang is a wordplay masterpiece
Thank you very much haha
Actually its legal.
@@nbafinest2775 unfunny
This is an old comment but I'm calling that Aesop Rock is gonna get the MF DOOM treatment here soon. Both have been spitting disgusting bars since the late 90's but MF didn't make it big in the hiphop scene until just a few years before he passed away (RIP). Aesop gonna blow up just the same and when he does he will have years of top tier music for new people to dig into just like MF.
This just made my year. Thanks so much for featuring Aes in this series.
its been a great last 2 months for aes fans
yeah man.. it made my year too
@@demareatunes Absolutely on fire!
@@nideshacharya9648 Cheers from MN.
Aes is one of the only reasons I'm still alive. Not getting into details but it's true for me.
Phenomenal artist.
"When you start getting all expressive and symbolic its impossible to actualize an honest diagnostic; i said when you start getting all exact and algebraic i reminded its a racket not a rehabilitation"
This is my favorite rap lyrics.
@@averygarrett9716 What about " Rumples-stilts-skin in the game droopy aged/ Boogers, Boogie Nights lifestyle of a human ape" - Aesop ?
Aesop Rock wrote the dictionary
Yo where did you find that profile pic?
Thesaurus may be more accurate
He is the dictionary.
Dead ass
This is factually inaccurate. This assumes the dictionary knows all the words Aes does. It doesn't.
"Swap tales (tails) with heads like every other penny throw" is just such a beautiful example of his mastery of idiom. In one line paints an image of trading stories with old heads, pitching pennies. The word play is top.
Must not sleep, must warn others
Trust blocks creep where the dust storm hovers!
I milk my habitat for almost everything I want, sometimes I take it all and still can't feel this pitfall in my gut
did he ever mentioned what this tattoo is referring to?
@vomittie I´ve not ask what anybody thinks what it could mean...
@@bernsasbrot i can't speak for any metaphorical/personal meaning but the words are a reference to "Invasion of the Bodysnatchers"
All I ever wanted was to pick apart the day
And put the pieces back together
My way
Heey Kirby. 😼 Why did you eat that leaf 🤔
Nom
No answer has been given as of yet. There is a Legend that says once we figure it out, we can look inside the box.
a line everybody who's had a cat has said at least once. I like.
Dropped 20 on the spot and copped a warlock.
More than a pet to worship
It’s an M.D. recommended sense of purpose...
"Done feeling unsung and savage. Punk, we have come for your cabbage."
Dude wasn't joking, he's blowing up.
He ain't though. Been listening to him since 98, and he still hasn't gotten his. Unfortunately the masses don't want this. But real ones know. And honestly, it might not be what he deserves, but it's more than a lot of us get.
I told my ex in '97 I was falling on my weapon
Ripped the phone up out the wall
The 'Po would drag me from my bedroom
An embarrassing ordeal involving hospitals and questions
And the kinda doctors who use words like "cognitive" and "spectrum"
While explaining why you're selfish to romanticize a ruse
And watch unruly roots pull you to Lucifer by your shoes I mean, it isn't perfect but don't misconstrue the purpose
Any urge isn't discernible from community service to the kiddo
Plus she'd make a beautiful widow
But that's an altruistic ticket to a room with no windows
This is one of my favourite Aesop verses. He’s like a modern day Shakespeare, his writing is so dense.
If you can read a song with no backing music and still feel moved, that's what songwriting is about.
That line, "Any urge is indiscernible from community service to the kiddo" really hit me once I starting looking into the lyrics. This song got me through 2018, such an amazing song about mortality.
Victor Alpert What do you get from that line? It doesn’t really speak to me like the other lines do.
Shrunk is my favorite song by him
Get out of the car, shrunk, and kirby is a great trilogy, I love all three of those songs back to back
I think the "none shall pass" is actually a reference to Lord of the Rings, Gandalf tells the balrog "you shall not pass" while holding his staff and sword out. It's slightly differently worded, but Aesop says "with a cane to the sky like none shall pass"
It took FAR too long to scroll for this comment. I am so depressed.
You okay buddy?
Yes it took me zero minutes of listening to grab hold of the Tolkien reference.Let's not pat ourselves on the back 2 hard for spotting the obvious.
honestly, it's probably both.
The line from the book is. "You cannot pass. I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass."
Couldn't resist joining the bandwagon:
"Used to draw
Hard to admit that I used to draw
Portraiture in a human form
Doodle of a two-headed unicorn, it was soothing
Moving his arm in a fusion of man made tools
And a muse from beyond
Even if it went beautifully wrong
It was tangible truth for a youth who refused to belong"
Hands down the greatest ever, forever grateful for his art.
'Labor Days' album is an all-time classic for music in general, imo.
"Man, it's the year of the Orphan.
Seated adjacent to the firefly circling the torches on your porches.
Trying to guard the fortress of a king they've never seen or met,
but all are trained to murder at the first sign of a threat."
Glad to see you making videos on different genres
@Thorne I'm waiting for a dark prog video
Kaileidoscope ah a man of culture
@@cai6972 I'm waiting for a glo-in-the-dark prog video
I think the best thing Aesop has to offer is his story telling ability. He is by far the best at painting a picture with words. Ruby '81, Blood Sandwich and Alligator to name a few. I just like to close my eyes and "watch" what he says.
Before The Credits grandmas yellin' "Go Cubs", cubs ain't playing
No regrets as well
OMG how did I forget No Regrets.
My only complaint about Ruby '81 is that it's over too quickly.
The harbor is yours is like a movie for the ears.
Imagine if Aes and DOOM made an album together...
they got a single together
Was thinking the same.
OsKarMike1306 I don’t think it would do to well tbh
They actually have 2 singles together
Put ya quarters up, i got next....
Music aside, Aesop Rock(Ian Bavitz) is one of, if not the most, innovative creative writer of the 21st century. His distinguished, original work continually expands great literature and provides an artform that should be appreciated beyond music culture. Truly a relic.
I agree. He deserves serious study. But then Shakespeare is disappearing from schools (along with Mark Twain, Laura Ingalls Wilder, some Dr. Seuss 😲), so who knows what the future holds?
Chino XL is a more impressive writer/emcee
@@Goyahkla6772dude Chino hasn’t done shit worth listening to since Here to Save You All, and even that is a relic of the punchline era nearly 30 years ago. No question he could rap his ass off, but his best work aged poorly, while Aes’ worst work is still exemplary.
So excited you're covering Aesop, genuinely one of the most underrated artists and a personal fav. Need to make a video on MF DOOM now too .
My man!
And gza
One of the best ever.
Also, he had a moment around the time of Bazooka Tooth were he did poke through. He was on a Tony Hawk soundtrack, None Shall Pass blew up and he hosted a music show on MTV.
Not exactly Cardi B, but he has now and again gotten the recognition he so rightly deserves from the heard.
Labor days is so good
I'm still trying to completely decipher his 1st album. He's a genius. "All I ever wanted was to pick apart the day, & put the pieces back together my way." Simple yet powerful.
I have and will always state that this man is criminally neglected in so many lyricist discussions. It's okay if you don't prefer his music but you cannot deny he is one of, if not, the best ever. GIVE THIS MAN THE RECOGNITION!
The craziest thing about rock to me is that almost Every. Single. Song. Is that dense. A lot of people could probably come up with a song like that once or twice in their life but he has been doing it for years!
Thats crazy
Kendrick Lamar is close
@@imgonnacreamNo lol
@@imgonnacream Not at all. He is using vocoders for his singing so i can tell, it is not his voice doing it, but some computer magic. Aesop is using really minimal post-production stuff for his voice, apart from few doubles.
Kendrick also repeats himself a lot with certain lines and it is honestly kinda annoying after some time.
@imgonnacream Kendrick is my favorite at the moment and has been for a few years but he's nowhere near the lyricism of aesop. Don't forget this entire video is on one 4minutr song
Aes saved my fuckin life. One of Four taught me how to be a more grateful person.
I've been a listener for 10 years. None Shall Pass was the first I ever heard. Girl I love gave it to me on a piece of paper, with all the songs she wanted me to hear. Then I listened to Float, then Earthworms. I kinda feel like bazooka tooth was his fall from grace for awhile there, but none shall pass was him gettin back on his feet. Everything he's done after has been therapy. I even really dug what he did with Kimya Dawson. Uncluded seemed like his way of working through a lotta shit. Malibu Ken is even amazing, even tho some songs sound rehashed from bars he's used before. His story about Ricky Kasso is just fuckin phenomenal lyricism. I'm glad he's starting to make a splash. I cheered for my man when he appeared on the late show lol
This is a dope video. Thanks man!
One of 4'th are greatfull song. I wish u luck man
I’d say, once he got away from Def Jux and got picked up by Rhymesayers, he’s been steadily consistent. His beat production improved tremendously on Skelethon. Such a dope album.
Bazooka Tooth is one of his best albums
@@IvefoundthetruthonMay ikr wth? It totally aesops the fuck outta the rock
I have been completely unable to maintain
Any semblance of relationship on any level
I have been a bastard to the people who have
Actively attempted to deliver me from peril
I have been acutely undeserving of the ear that listened up
And lip that kissed me on the temple
I have been accustomed to a stubborn disposition
That admits it wish its history disassembled
I have been a hypocrite in sermonizing tolerance
While skimming for a ministry to pretzel
I have been unfairly resentful of those I wish
Had acted different when the bidding was essential
I have been a terrible communicator
Prone to isolation over sympathy for devils
I have been my own worst enemy since the very genesis of rebels
~Aesop Rock
What song ?
E knows Game News gopher guts !
Gopher Guts indeed .. those lyrics spoke to me so personally the first time I heard them, I was in awe. He takes so much of what I think and feel and puts them on wax in a way I never could. Many of Aesop’s lyrics will be with me for the rest of my life - it’s why I got so much love for the dude
I’m probably going to have one of his lyrics tatted on me one day - if I could just narrow it down to one ..
I think Aes just keeps getting better while becoming more listenable. SWFG is an absolute banger. Pizza Alley is a literal journey.
I really appreciate this man.
Aes is quietly one of the GOATs and deserves more public love.
Just bought malibu ken on vinyl the other day. Aesop carried me through Middle School and High school. This man inspired me to be more thoughtful in choice of words when it comes to writing lyrics. I don't know how much worse I'd be off if not for Aes. Love this man.
Need 144 Hz screen just to watch the lyrics in real time
I'm only just getting into his music, but listen to the ends of his verses before the hook on Rings. *That's* a fast flow. This is pretty average pace flow
boccaccioe Whaddup! Just honestly reading through the comments and seeing who isn't an asshole that is genuinely curious about new music! 🙏🏻 anytime you have the chance you should check out my debut album! 'Far from Average' is the title! It's available here on UA-cam and on all other platforms as well🔥
boccaccioe 144 GANG
Honestly, it's not necessarily that this is particularly fast rapping for aesop, but rather, the typography is there, which draws your focus, and then it moves too fast and flip flops around so much you basically can't read most of it, which only serves to make it harder to tell what he's saying.
I ended up closing my eyes during those parts because holy fuck, that was a stupid decision, and the creator should feel bad.
It's still a blur at 244 Hz
I've been on the Aesop train for decades. Following his personal journey, his artistic evolution, and his consistency has really been a dance of reflection and projection. It's intellectually engaging, emotionally resonant, and it's all wrapped up in a tight bow of understanding the language. Aesop Rock is, and has been, my favorite lyricist for years on end.
Rap Genius should explain these lyrics instead of 'I be flossinggg'
Genius died a long time ago
The website has the annotated lyrics
Lol as if genius understands Aesop Rock
They do...
They did it as a lame meme
I love aesop rock so much, I wish I had thought to make a video on him. When I started rapping he was one of my biggest inspirations
Been listening to Aes since I was 12 (Thanks, Tony Hawk 4!), he will never not be my favorite rapper.
I didn't play that one as much but I was 11 or 12 when thug 2 came out and I loved hearing the "no jumper cables" remix. couple years later when NSP dropped I got it around my birthday. Then started looking for more of his music. Can't say I was disappointed.
Put your quarter up! THAW!
Labor Days ✌🏽👽
same here, im 23 now. shoutout to the dope older siblings out there lol
you must be smart asl...
He is the definition of a lyrical genius, and he deserves to have university courses dedicated to his writing.
Air horn air horn air horn air horn- Aesop Rock
Check out Whales by Hail Mary Mallon ;b
I was reading all these dense lyrical verses in the comments, and the juxtaposition between them and this, not to mention the context of the video, led me to laugh deeply and heartily. Excellent comment. ❤
Ear horn, heir whorin', heir whorin', air horn?
Thats why im here. W-w-w-wild frontier
Well hold on, if we're talking lyrical masterpieces don't forget about Superheroes from Hokey Fright.
One thing that I think helps make none shall pass catchy while dense is another similarity with james joyce- each line is a microcosm of the song at large. You don't need to actually listen to each line or understand every reference to understand that you're listening to a condemnation of the way we use our unparalleled luxury to forget the people who can't get to comfort.
As well, the song has a microcosm/macrocosm quality- it can be taken as his individual feeling and experience, or the voice of a generation that began noticing the loss of opportunity several years before the 08 melt down. This layering of micro and macro creates the most satisfying experiences. Sometimes great art errs heavily on one side or another- either singing too much from personal particular experience or taking a more omniscient voice than the singer is qualified for. When the particular and the general align, the greatest of lyrics are made.
Dude Aesop Rock. Nice
The best compliment I can give you is that not only is this one of the finest videos I've seen on UA-cam.... ever.
But I keep coming back to watch it when I feel low. Over and over.
And it lifts me.
Then I go on an Aesop marathon and feel better.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Both to you and Aes
Daylight/Nightlight was my intro and i havent stopped since. He's the Goat and maddeningly underrated. Got friends who like Logic but have never heard Aesop.
Aesop is a goddam lyrical master, its actually a joy to decipher his songs and find meaning behind the bars n flow
To be completely fair, many are far too lacking in vocabulary to even catch half of what Aesop does at all. Not to mention he’s a beast poet who’s also a GOAT lyricist.
Absolutely, the astute members of the Aesop Mobb are the cream of the crop thinkers in this zeitgeist. We sit atop the lonely nipple that is the iceberg most of our so called "contemporaries" ship hit
@@musaka2022 as far as aesthetic and abstract dope art, I put Aesop Daylyt and Nino Bless in the same realm
Vastly different styles but that same feel of amazing shit that you gotta know a lot to even catch
If u haven’t heard the other two I’d highly suggest Daylyt - Killed Our Fathers and Nino Bless - Unsafe Haven
@@amanSpawn00 Thanks for suggestion
@@amanSpawn00Billy Woods
Aesop is the kinda artist where you an listen to 1 track 100 times and come away with a completely new view every time
Malibu Ken!
Not feeling it :(
@@MatthewHiltner Corn Maze is fire, and 1+1=13 and Tuesday are pretty good, but overall it didn't feel like an Aes album, but it's also not all his either.
Fuck yes.
Man vs Merik It’s not as good as None Shall Pass, but I can vibe with it.
Man vs Merik Chips down
i got into Aesop Rock just a few days ago when i listened to toxic Coffe, a remix and then listened to the original and saw the videoclip, i realized that his lyrics are something different, i found this video and now i am scared and excited at the same time, english is not my first language so is quite difficult to keep it up with him, damn... wish me luck, i feel like there is something to be learn with him so i`ll try it.
On Beat Saber?
Nice to see an analysis of one of my all-time favorite rappers. New record with TOBACCO already in heavy rotation
Such a good record!
Oh hey there
I cant imagine how many people you put onto this hiphop legend just with this amazing study
My favorite lyric by Aesop is...
"All I ever wanted was to pick apart the day and put the pieces back together my way"...
From a different track... Also produced by Block.
So underated. And what a good analytical breakdown of such an amazing emcee.
Well when polyphonic does a video on someone I dont know that well its just something new to listen too
Check out his song Kirby from the album "the impossible kid"
If you don't fall In love I donno what else to say
I agree, this is an amazing channel for discovering music
@@ThirteenAmp Why does everyone recommend Kirby its literaly the most throw away song on the album. Its a cute lil song for his cat, it really doesnt showcase his strengths as much as most others do.
@@IchKomentiereNur123 agreed... At least to start, Kirby will just give a wrong impression of Aesops music.
@@lawrenceshdow On impossible kid I think Dorks should be the entrance track. If we can go to any album than maybe blood sandwhich or gopher guts.
I loved this video. Aesop rock in this kind of video format really makes me glued to the video. I felt so excited to watch this one.
I was giggling all the way through this like an excited little school girl! Aes is the GOAT! There is no other...
Aes has always been one of my favorites since I found him. A friend showed me Skelethon when it came out and I went home and downloaded his entire discography. One of the only discographies I could put on shuffle and never skip a song. I write hip hop and he has always been an inspiration. He urges me to play with words in an intricate and precise way, while using intense rhyme schemes and vivid metaphors. I met Blockhead once. That was awesome. Great video.
That Vocabulary of Rappers chart sampled only their first 30,000 words, so Aes's 7,000 words come from a relatively small sample of his discography.
It was also updated very recently. Busdriver broke the 7,000-word limit as well (though still a ways behind Aes).
Where can I find this chart, I want to see if Sadistik, Qwel or Kristoff Krane is on there.
I figured Busdriver would be up there, possibly K.A.A.N as well, but I can't be too sure on that one.
I’d be surprised if Myka 9 wasn’t up in that range too
pudding.cool/projects/vocabulary/
@@kyleeaton2717 they ain't on it look up rapper vocabulary y'all see a site by pudding
Had to watch this as soon as I noticed you uploaded it. Probably my favorite rapper, the man is a genius.
Thank you for acknowledging Aesop Rock.
GOOD LORD YES
It's incredible to see a great breakdown on my all time favorite artist in this series
Love it man
YESSS. this is why I sub to you. thank you for this, homie.
None Shall Pass still holds up more so now more than ever.
The timing of this video and the release of Malibu Ken is very convenient
Chips down walls up
With another ripened psychopath shopping for attention
You are not even a peasant, you're a notch in a weapon
Half eighth and a half ate corndog
kool aid ooze out his toothe ache, mushroom growing in the car it's just another tuesday
And for my next trick
I'll make a dollar bill climb up out your wallet
Disappear and reappear inside my pocket
I never really do these things twice
But if y'all ask nice I just might
the production quality of this channel is probably the best i’ve seen on youtube. your editing is just so fucking good man, i love it.
This is awesome. I just started listening to Aes a few weeks ago. Man is a lyrical genius.
good video my friend. aesop is a genius and one hell of a human being.
If you listen to aes long enough his style will click and his lyrics become more accessible plus he just writes much more straightforward songs these days. Frankly, I'd argue aes leveled up big time on none shall pass and had just gotten better and better since. Listen to Tuesday on his newest record and how he describes his depressing and messy life with hilarious lyrics about the state of his home and inability to keep even a cactus alive.
The editing is crazy on this. Glad Aesop Rocks rhymes can be more appreciated on a visual level like this. Busdriver would be interesting to dive into as well
His album labor days changed my life. My philosophy professor in college got me into him and he explained to me the philosophical / existentialism meaning behind the album. Dude is a genius.
. based vry intrigue. new to th name. sep.t3^
Aesop Rock is one of the few artists where I enjoy his super early stuff just as much as his newest stuff. I am a metal head to my core but Aes is probably my all time favorite musician. There's no other artist where I can listen to a song 100 times and find new meaning in the lyrics with each new listen. Just incredible stuff. Thanks for making this video.
Loved this guy for years. Glad he's finally getting some attention
I forgot about this guy. I'm going to listen to him again. Good video, as always.
I've loved aesop since the first time i ever heard him. Back in 2001 with the song labor days. I relate to so much of his work like 9 to 5ers anthem, Draw bridge, Odessa, labor days, daylight, nightlight. Ect.
Literally stumbled upon him last week on UA-cam and I have no idea how this kind of talent can be overlooked. Alreadt purchased 2 albums. Think I might buy more
"I can't even keep a cactus alive when I'm present
When I'm gone it's a groundbreaking botanical epic."
"With a cane to the sky like none shall pass" clearly a reference to Gandalf in LOTR. His classic "you shall not pass!" While raising his staff.
Seeing him live too is really unique. He uses music sheets to remember lyrics and still raps on beat.
Please show me a live rap show nowadays that doesn't have the rapper lazily encourage the audience to sing the rest of the lyrics. Or gets the Producer/DJ to just raise the mix of the track while the rapper throws water at the crowd.
You taught me nothing. I LOVED how you explained the 'jittery zeitgeist' line by including Hegel. Pointing out that unpacking Aes requires active listening and that it is highly enjoyable...definitely something I have always agreed with. The dual cow references was a nice choice. Damn, for someone who invested so much time getting their masters in Sociology from Berkeley Inot a lucrative endeavor) and has been a fan for so long now.....GREAT opinions, GREAT outlines and GREAT job with the editing. I could not have done better myself; and I would be on the highest of horses to be overly critical. EXCELLENT!
Every time I listen to his songs I discover something new so it never gets old
Aesop Rock is the GOAT with lyrics! His content and words all have meaning. I saw him live and he is one of the best hip hop performers hands down !
Oooooh shittttt where my rap nerds at?
The last few months I've been getting into the Def Jux lineup and am loving it. Lot's a great stuff there
Represent!
Represent!!!
Im definitely in that catagory if for no other reason than buying "float" the day it came out and having it memorized in its entirety in 4 months.
@@florida_mane6267 Man, RIP Def Jux. I'm really glad El-P found success with Run The Jewels. I really hope Aes has a breakout along those lines to. They both 100% put in the work for decades, it's almost criminal how slept on Aes is.
Too bad he somehow fucked up his relationship with Rob Sonic. I really wanted more Hail Mary Mallon.
@@bredivil96 Aesop seems like the type of artist comfortable in his spot as one of the legends of the underground, If he ever became mainstream I don't know how he could react to all the attention
Aesop Rock went and graduated from my high school and his best album is none shall pass 🔥🔥🔥 salute
the way he rhymes and his voice is incredible he is one of those emcees that can never have a bad song
I personally feel like once i was awakened, Aesops stuff slowly started making so much sense on a deep, multilayered level. Because more than anything i think most if not all of his lyricism is actually a way to integrate himself on a level youd have to look deeply to even realize. Once you do, its a lot to process>>>"Woke up 8 years non responsive, its a lot to process.."
Any recognition and commentary he gets I am thrilled for. His writing is SO compelling and there is such little discussion around. Thanks for making this video. Do another one on him!
He's not as thesaurus like in his earlier work but its still a masterpiece
Glad to see this. Aesop has been my favorite forever now.
I've had passionate arguments with people who insisted that Aes just "says words." Anyone who thinks that just ain't listening. The only way I can even remember his lyrics is because they mean something, and paint verbal images of the stories and ideas behind the metaphors and wordplay.
most people don't want to chew before they swallow, they want it chewed already and that's why they listen to basic stuff
glad to see some hip hop on Polyphonic. hope to see more. thanks Poly
Would love to see a video on MF Doom 😁
ALL CAPS when you spell the mans name
MY DOOM yees
How
Mm FooD
check out the hypocrisy of the mf doom fan
Good break down yo. One of my favorite lyricist.
Healthy air to reconvene
Towel shaking Ruby off
EMT confirm the save
Everybody say "good dog."
Most chilling Aesop line IMO. This or the last verse of Gopher Guts
RIP Rumplestilstkins dog
I fricken love Aes.... so much. What a beast.
Aseop is a beast ! Great to see live also.
his best albums are float and the impossible kid. it’s cool to listen to them back to back and see how he’s changed.
u should do a video on float.
I doubt you would think about doing this but maybe you could do a video about how alternate guitar tunings changed rock.
Yes! Especially Robert Fripp and his crazy arpeggiating
You should have a Netflix show dude you're research, passion, and editing at top notch
Love the video, but I would have to say that Daylight is his most popular song, I mean, it’s the one he usually ends his shows with...at least he used to. If you’re going into the underground rap thing, do a video about Eyedea.
wish I'd go to a show soon, i'd just like to see any songs performed.
Eyedea
E&A are legends. Sadistik does a great job carrying Larson's torch/style if you ask me, although he's a lot darker in a general sense. The Balancing Act, produced by Emancipator, is great. The Art Of Dying with Kid Called Computer producing is also just fantastic. Just uh, don't listen to them while in a good mood.
ua-cam.com/video/TY5nE51ScKY/v-deo.html this song even has a verse from Eyedea. They were friends, which makes sense because Sadistik has been rocking the heroin addict look for years. They probably shot up together, it just too bad Eyedea lost his control. R.I.P
@@bredivil96 sadistik has become a bit too 'edgy' for me in recent years. although his skill is still very impressive.
also check out No Bird Sing and Kristoff Krane (who also did an album with sadistik), they were very close to Eyedea and you can hear it in the music
@@alejandroramirez4470 do it!
I hate how not enough people talk about Aesop Rock. He is such a great rapper
"with a cane to the sky, like NONE SHALL PASS"
Isn't that a LOTR reference, not a MP Holy Grail one? I def never thought of Monty Python on that, I always pictured Ian McKellen haha
He is one of the greatest rappers to ever live. Thank you, finally.