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AESOP ROCK

Aesop Rock

Labor Days - 2024 Repress

    The Labor Days 20th Anniversary Edition 2xLP is pressed on metallic copper vinyl. Labor Days was Aesop Rock's fourth release and his third full-length studio album. The project was originally released in 2001 as his first album on Definitive Jux. The album includes popular songs "Daylight" and "9-5ers Anthem", and guest features from Illogic and C-Rayz Walz, as well as production from Aesop Rock, Blockhead, and Omega One.

    TRACK LISTING

    1. Labor
    2. Daylight
    3. Save Yourself
    4. Flashflood
    5. No REgrets
    6. One Brick (feat. Illogic)
    7. The Tugboat Complex Pt. 3
    8. Coma
    9. Battery
    10. Boombox
    11. Bent Life (feat. C-Rayz Walz)
    12. The Yes & The Y'all
    13. 9-5ers Anthem
    14. Shovel

    Aesop Rock

    Daylight - 2024 Reissue

      Originally released in 2002, 'Daylight' EP was the follow-up to Aesop Rock’s critically-acclaimed 'Labor Days' album, a cult classic released only six months prior. The EP was built around its titular opening song, 'Daylight', one of the standout tracks from 'Labor Days', and continued expanding upon the range and depth of Aesop’s multi-talented gifts for writing and producing. In addition to the title track, 'Daylight' EP also included its counterpoint, 'Night Light', an alternate version in concept whose paraphrased lyrics simultaneously refer back to– and stand in stark opposition to– the original's, over darker, more menacing production. The tracklist for 'Daylight' EP boasted seven songs plus a hidden track for a total of eight, and collectively featured production by Blockhead, El-P, Blueprint and Aesop Rock himself, as well as guest appearances from Vast Aire (Cannibal Ox) and Blueprint.

      At the time of its initial release, 'Daylight' EP was only offered in CD and digital formats, while the vinyl was stripped back, available only as a three-song 12” single. Now, Rhymesayers Entertainment is pleased to present the complete EP on vinyl for the first time ever, pressed on two-color side A/B effect orange & blue vinyl to complement the original artwork. Finally, fans and vinyl collectors everywhere can own this integral piece of Aesop Rock’s legacy and enjoy the genius behind this project. 

      TRACK LISTING

      1. Daylight
      2. Night Light
      3. Nickel Plated Pockets Feat. Vast Aire
      4. Alchemy Feat. Blueprint
      5. Forest Crunk
      6. Bracket Basher
      7. Maintenance 

      Aesop Rock

      Integrated Tech Solutions

        A tech company's "senior spirit guide" finally comes to the defense of the "financially unsuccessful" Vincent van Gogh; wonders of the natural world are reimagined as "muster points for brainstorming innovators"; the "artificial char lines" on fast-food burgers are cited as if signs of the apocalypse. For the better part of three decades, Aesop Rock has used the syntax of the moment to pinpoint the fault lines in that moment's supposedly solid foundation. With his tenth album, Integrated Tech Solutions, Aes wields insidious corporatespeak as a tool to pry that parasitic worldview away from the parts of life that truly matter.

        A concept album about an organization offering "lifestyle- and industry-specific applications designed to curate a desired multi-experience," Integrated Tech Solutions picks apart the charlatan language that hears app inventors put themselves on continuums starting with cavemen and continuing through da Vinci. On "Mindful Solutionism," the wheel evolves seamlessly into modern agriculture—and then into atomic bombs, Agent Orange, cigarettes, and surveillance cameras. In a rare moment of transparency, the engineers Aes give voice to sum up this spiral in just a few words: "We cannot be trusted with the stuff that we come up with."

        Appropriately, the album sounds like the past and future at once. Largely self-produced, Integrated Tech Solutions catches Aes at his leanest and most innovative, leveraging "Solutionism"'s careening bounce against the wistful "By the River" or the slow creep of "Salt and Pepper Squid." The effect is a record that sounds itself like an organism growing, mutating, hurtling toward profitability-and then destruction. As fans have come to expect, Aes is cuttingly funny and slyly profound at once, whether recounting a childhood restaurant run-in with Mr. T ("100 Feet Tall") or quipping, on "Pigeonome- try," that "white dove is a pigeon-you motherfuckers is bigots." At the same time, Integrated Tech Solutions is working on another parallel project: tracing the sprawl of modernity and cutting directly to its core. "I've been doing laps of the lost worlds," he raps on "All City Nerve Map," sounding at once wearied and reinvigorated. "I can draw a map to the raw nerve."


        TRACK LISTING

        1. The ITS Way
        2. Mindful Solutionism
        3. Infinity Fill Goose Down
        4. Living Curfew ( Feat. Billy Woods)
        5. Pigeonometry
        6. Kyanite Toothpick [feat. Hanni El Khatib]
        7. 100 Feet Tall
        8. Salt And Pepper Squid
        9. Time Moves Differently Here
        10. Agressive Steven
        11. Bermuda [feat. Lealani Teano]
        12. By The River
        13. All City Nerve Map
        14. Forward Compatibility Engine [feat. Rob Sonic]
        15. On Failure
        16. Solid Gold
        17. Vititus
        18. Black Snow [feat. Nikki Jean]

        Aesop Rock

        Bazooka Tooth - 2023 Reissue

          Originally released in 2003, Bazooka Tooth was the fourth studio album by Aesop Rock. His first full-length recording following the lauded Labor Days album, Bazooka Tooth debuted at #112 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart and #44 on their Hip-Hop and R&B charts. On Bazooka Tooth, Aesop’s dizzying delivery and oscillating growl paired well with the produc- tion, delivering more apocalyptic angst and future-funk flavor than its predecessors. Buried within these sawtooth grooves, listeners have discovered a plethora of Aesop’s keen observations on the state of the industry, the state of the world and the state of humanity.

          TRACK LISTING

          01 : Bazooka Tooth
          02 : N.Y. Electric / Hunter Interlude
          03 : Easy
          04 : No Jumper Cables
          05 : Limelighters / Flunkadelic Interlude (feat. Camp Lo) 06 : Super Fluke
          07 : Cook It Up (feat. Party Fun Action Committee)
          08 : Freeze / Honeycomb Interlude
          09 : We’re Famous (feat. El-P)
          10 : Babies With Guns
          11 : The Greatest Pac-Man Victory In History
          12 : Frijoles
          13 : 11:35 / Ketamine U.S.A. Interlude (feat. Mr. Lif)
          14 : Kill The Messenger
          15 : Mars Attacks 

          Aesop Rock

          None Shall Pass - 2023 Reissue

            Originally released in 2007, None Shall Pass was the fifth studio album by Aesop Rock. Created over a two year period following the release of his Fast Cars, Danger, Fire & Knives EP, the album would prove to be Aesop’s final release on the now defunct Def Jux label. The critically acclaimed album debuted at #50 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart and #35 on their Hip-Hop and R&B charts, and includes the title track “None Shall Pass” which has proven to be one of Aesop’s most popular songs to date. None Shall Pass documents the vast amounts of personal change Aesop had been experiencing at this time while still deftly depicting scenes and stories relative to all ages of life.

            TRACK LISTING

            01 : Keep Off The Lawn
            02 : None Shall Pass
            03 : Catacomb Kids
            04 : Bring Back Pluto
            05 : Fumes
            06 : Getaway Car (feat. Breeze Brewin & Cage)
            07 : 39 Thieves
            08 : The Harbor Is Yours
            09 : Citronella
            10 : Gun For The Whole Family (feat. El-P)
            11 : Five Fingers
            12:NoCity
            13 : Dark Heart News (feat. Rob Sonic)
            14 : Coffee (feat. John Darnielle Of The Mountain Goats) 

            Aesop Rock & Homeboy Sandman

            Lice Two: Still Buggin

            Both Aesop Rock and Homeboy Sandman are regarded as top tier lyricists known for pushing the envelope of creativity in their writing, while covering a wide range of topics and moods. However, sometimes things are inherently simple. Take for example, the origin of their collaboration, born from a mutual appreciation for each other as artists which became fully realized when Aesop Rock invited Homeboy Sandman to join him on tour in 2015. Traveling the country together, they built a connection beyond the music, resulting in a friendship that led to recording a few songs together, and before they knew it, they were in the middle of a three EP run of records.

            Initially released in 2016 as a free direct download, followed by an extremely limited vinyl pressing sold exclusively on tour, Aesop Rock and Homeboy Sandman's “Lice Two: Still Buggin'” is finally available to fans everywhere. The second in a series of EP releases, “Lice Two: Still Buggin'” featured production from Dan Hayden, Mondee, Aesop Rock, SoberMindedMusiC and Mono En Stereo. The original cover art was designed by renowned illustrator Jeremy Fish.


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: My favourite of the three records. There's just something almost telepathic about their interplay and question & answer flow. Both rappers possess a unique voice, both sharp and drawl in equal measure - it must be a New York thing!

            TRACK LISTING

            1. Zilch
            2. Couple Things
            3. Oatmeal Cookies
            4. Mud
            5. Stop The Bleeding

            Aesop Rock & Homeboy Sandman

            Triple Fat Lice

            Both Aesop Rock and Homeboy Sandman are regarded as top tier lyricists known for pushing the envelope of creativity in their writing, while covering a wide range of topics and moods. However, sometimes things are inherently simple. Take for example, the origin of their collaboration, born from a mutual appreciation for each other as artists which became fully realized when Aesop Rock invited Homeboy Sandman to join him on tour in 2015. Traveling the country together, they built a connection beyond the music, resulting in a friendship that led to recording a few songs together, and before they knew it, the “Lice” project had been conceived – a three record series concluding with this, “Triple Fat Lice”.

            Initially released in 2017 as a free direct download, followed by an extremely limited vinyl pressing sold exclusively on tour, Aesop Rock and Homeboy Sandman's “Triple Fat Lice” is finally available to fans everywhere. The third in a series of EP releases, “Triple Fat Lice” features production from Cohen Beats, Oh No, Ben Boogz (of 2 Hungry Brothers), Quelle Chris and M Slago. The original cover art was designed by renowned illustrator Jeremy Fish.


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Concluding the tryptic on a lyrical high, Homeboy and Aesop collude on subject matter such as parent's disappoint, food, pandemic woes and a whole host of other quick-witting, sharp observations. Two of the most unique voices in the rap game; the production is deliciously old skool - with whiffs of boom-bap mixed in with experimental sample usage and skeletal instrumentals. A masterpiece!

            TRACK LISTING

            1. Pins And Needles
            2. Comfy
            3. Pizza And Burgers
            4. Yoohoo
            5. Panacea

            Aesop and Blockhead have never done a full album together, until now. “Garbology” came together over the course of the pandemic during stagnent periods for both – a dry creative period with neither really having any focus – so Blockhead started sending Aesop some beats for him to write over; with no real expectation, direction or end goal in sight, their creative juices began to flow naturally once more…

            “Garbology” encapsulates much of the claustrophobic tension of of current times, capturing a snapshot of Aesop and Blockhead expressing a means of entertaining themselves the midst of a major global crisis.

            Blockhead’s thick, atmospheric street beats compliment Aesop’s unique, quick-fire flow perfectly. Almost instantly transporting you under railway bridges, to underground subway stations, crumbling corner shops and abandoned waste grounds. If you’ve obsessed over the gritty cinematography of Detroit, Baltimore, Gary and other forgotten industrialized areas of the US (the label is based in Minneapolis); then this dark, isolated and wrought piece is the perfect soundtrack. Lyrically it’s poignant and tight, Aesop’s storytelling able to evoke thoughts, feelings and memories that the listener may not have experienced first hand but can completely sympathize with through the duo’s honest and authentic presentation. Possibly my favourite release from Aesop Rock and a brilliant showcase of Blockhead’s beats – which are unlike any other available in the market! 10 outta 10 all around – top of the class for these two.


            TRACK LISTING

            1. The Only Picture
            2. Jazz Hands
            3. Wolf Piss
            4. Legerdemain
            5. Difficult
            6. All The Smartest People
            7. Oh Fudge
            8. More Cycles
            9. Flamingo Pink
            10. All Day Breakfast(feat. Homeboy Sandman)
            11. Fizz
            12. That Is Not A Wizard
            13. The Sea
            14. Abandoned Malls

            The explosion of indie Hip Hop labels in the early 90s resulted in an ongoing snowball effect that started to shift the narrative around an artist’s need to sign to a major label. Coincidentally, quality home recording equipment was also becoming more easily accessible and, with the rising popularity of CD-R technology, this allowed artists to write, record, and manufacture their own albums right at home.

            Appleseed was a highly celebrated and influential release from that era, cementing Aesop Rock as a new face whose talent could not be denied. The album explores creative concepts with inventive writing and stripped-down yet melodic and melancholic production. Six out of the eight songs were produced by Aesop Rock, with Omega One producing “Sick Friend” and longtime collaborator Blockhead handling “1000 Deaths”, and the project’s sole guest lyricist was Doseone.

            The DIY process was followed in every aspect, as Aesop himself recalls, “I did the Appleseed hand style while working at Tepper Galleries in NYC. The cover was made at Kinko’s. The first Appleseed CD’s were CD-R’s I duped at home and sold from my backpack at an MF DOOM show at Brownies, which was right below my apartment at the time. I continued to sell hand to hand in NY, while Blockhead started fielding some mail orders from a young internet. People would send us cash or a check, and he’d cut the covers out and mail them off.“

            The two of them were able to move a couple thousand CDs that way before turning their attention to newer projects, particularly Float in Aesop’s case. As a result, Appleseed went out of print for many years before resurfacing as a merch item on tour. However, in all that time it was only available on CD, directly from Aesop. Finally, 21 years after its debut, Appleseed officially returns, now available on all digital platforms, as well as on vinyl for the first time!


            TRACK LISTING

            1) Appleseed Intro
            2) Dryspell
            3) Same Space (The Tugboat Complex, Part 2)
            4) Sick Friend
            5) Hold The Cup
            6) 1,000 Deaths
            7) Blue In The Face
            8) Odessa Feat. Doseone

            Aesop Rock

            Long Legged Larry

              Here’s some things you should know about Larry: His legs are long. His heart is true. His heroics are unmatched. Leaky faucet? Stolen bike? Trouble with your math homework? Fear not! Larry is here and he’s got what it takes to ease your troubles. We can’t keep this green guy away from a good cause! The song "Long Legged Larry" details 3 instances where Larry’s valiance shines.Draftsman and renowned amphibian consultant Jeremy Fish created the artwork, and helped visualize Larry in the form of a beautiful plush toy with sick shorts and a big beard. Furthermore - visionary Rob Shaw has captured some of this frog’s finer moments through the magic of stop-motion animation in a music video available right now for your viewing pleasure.

              STAFF COMMENTS

              Patrick says: Aesop gets his Slick Rick on, swerving into story teller mode to tell the story of a freaky frog called Larry over some brill boom-bap snatched from psych funk nuggets.

              TRACK LISTING

              A. Long Legged Larry
              B. Long Legged Larry (instrumental) 

              "Be not afraid! Whether you’re simply sightseeing, enjoying temporary flights of fancy or considering a more permanent relocation, the all-new Spirit World Field Guide offers twenty-one insightful chapters of firsthand know-how into the terrain, wildlife, and social customs of our parallel universe. The narrator’s vast expertise of multiple global entry points and various modes of interdimensional transport informs a rich tapestry of tips, tricks and tools to unfailingly aid in your ultimate survival. If you are among the countless individuals who find themselves feeling both dead and alive at the same time, the information contained within may serve as an invaluable asset to your journey. Godspeed and good luck."

              Those are the words of the album’s narrator -- an attempt to prepare listeners, both old and new, for a safe entry into the Spirit World.

              It’s been a long road for Aesop Rock to get here, releasing a steady stream of impressive albums, singles, and collaborative projects that have continued to invigorate, solidify and grow his diverse fan base, but he shows no signs of slowing down or deviating from his path, constantly pushing his creative limits. Last year saw the release of Malibu Ken, a joint effort featuring the psychedelic and trippy sounds of producer Tobacco, providing a different type of intrigue for Aesop's descriptive, compelling, and often humorous, writing. Then, he kicked 2020 off with a hard-driving single, "Rogue Wave", followed not long after by Freedom Finger, which found Aesop immersing himself in the video game world that the music was written and produced for. And this year still has a few exciting releases on the horizon yet, including the infinite heroics of "Long-Legged Larry", a 20-year anniversary vinyl release of his debut album, Float, and now his brand new album, Spirit World Field Guide.

              Since his debut in the late nineties, Aesop Rock’s writing has been of the highest caliber, but one thing that has continually evolved is his near-flawless and diverse flow, now perfectly infused with his personality and a gift for visual imagery. On Spirit World Field Guide, characters, inanimate objects, and their surrounding environments vividly come to life as Aesop describes each passing moment throughout the album’s twenty-one chapters.

              Welcome to the Spirit World. Explore with intention.

              STAFF COMMENTS

              Barry says: 'Spirit World Field Guide' sees Aesop Rock mix some brilliantly rich beats with Bavitz' unmistakeable flow and background brimming with VHS saturated 8bit arpeggios and thumping bass.

              TRACK LISTING

              01. Hello From The Spirit World
              02. The Gates
              03. Button Masher
              04. Dog At The Door
              05. Gauze
              06. Pizza Alley
              07. Crystal Sword
              08. Boot Soup
              09. Coveralls
              10. Jumping Coffin
              11. Holy Waterfall
              12. Flies
              13. Salt
              14. Sleeper Car
              15. 1 To 10
              16. Attaboy
              17. Kodokushi
              18. Fixed And Dilated
              19. Side Quest
              20. Marble Cake
              21. The Four Winds


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