Aesop Rock

Aesop Rock is a critically acclaimed Hip-Hop artist/producer, recognized for his dense and abstract word-play. His career rose to fame early on as a prominent member of El-P’s now defunct label, Def Jux. 

Since 1997, Aesop Rock has released eight solo albums, three EPs, a 45-minute Nike-commissioned piece of music designed for runners, and more. His lyrics have been published in the New York Times Best-Seller,Hip-Hop Speaks to Children, by author/activist Professor Nikki Giovanni (2008), as well as Yale University’sAnthology of Rap (2010). In 2014, Aesop was also recognized in a study conducted by data scientist Matt Daniels as one of the most verbose MC’s in Hip-Hop to date. His music has also been featured in numerous video games, including Tony Hawk’sPro Skater 4,Underground 2 andAmerican Wasteland; The 2K Sports series’NBA 2K6; Forza’sHorizon 3; and Madden’sNFL 2017.

Aesop Rock has also taken part in an eclectic mix of collaborations, landing him both behind the boards and in front of the mic. He’s provided music for short films “Wallyball” (2008) and “Dewana’s Bridal” (2009), scored Cary Murnion & Jonathan Milott’s action-thriller,Bushwick (2016), and wrote and produced the score for Wide Right Interactive’s shooter game,Freedom Finger (2020). Aesop Rock also produced the third installment of Slug & Murs’ collaborative Felt series,A Tribute to Rosie Perez (2009), contributed beats and vocals on Kimya Dawson’s albumThunder Thighs (2011), co-produced SF rock outfit Dirty Ghosts’ debut album,Metal Moon (2012), and has also written and produced multiple albums with collaborative side-groups; The Uncluded (w/ Kimya Dawson), Hail Mary Mallon (w/ Rob Sonic), Lice (w/ Homeboy Sandman), and Malibu Ken (w/ TOBACCO). 

In November 2020, Aesop released his eighth full-length solo album,Spirit World Field Guide, to much critical acclaim before returning in April 2021 to surprise audiences of all ages with Long Legged Larry — a children’s tale in the form of song, brought to life as a plush toy with the help of his friend, renowned artist Jeremy Fish. Nearly one year later, Aesop returned in November 2021 with the full-lengthGarbology, produced by longtime collaborator, Blockhead. Although the two have worked together since before either had established music careers, and Blockhead has produced some of Aesop’s most popular songs to date, this was the first time they had collaborated on a complete album together.