"I've been ignored for longer than you've been interested" -Aesop Rock, Klutz

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.

Aes doesn't get enough love, glad to see someone trying to open doors for the person who opens doors

'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."

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"

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.

"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"

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.

Must not sleep, must warn others

This just made my year. Thanks so much for featuring Aes in this series.

"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.

All I ever wanted was to pick apart the day And put the pieces back together My way

Aesop Rock wrote the dictionary

Heey Kirby. 😼 Why did you eat that leaf 🤔

"Done feeling unsung and savage. Punk, we have come for your cabbage." Dude wasn't joking, he's blowing up.

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"

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.

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.

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!

Imagine if Aes and DOOM made an album together...

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 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

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 .

Glad to see you making videos on different genres

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

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!

Need 144 Hz screen just to watch the lyrics in real time

Air horn air horn air horn air horn- Aesop Rock

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!

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.

Malibu Ken!

Rap Genius should explain these lyrics instead of 'I be flossinggg'

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.

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).

Been listening to Aes since I was 12 (Thanks, Tony Hawk 4!), he will never not be my favorite rapper.

Nice to see an analysis of one of my all-time favorite rappers. New record with TOBACCO already in heavy rotation

I really appreciate this man. Aes is quietly one of the GOATs and deserves more public love.

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.

Well when polyphonic does a video on someone I dont know that well its just something new to listen too

Dude Aesop Rock. Nice

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.

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.

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 timing of this video and the release of Malibu Ken is very convenient

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.

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.

He's not as thesaurus like in his earlier work but its still a masterpiece

He is the definition of a lyrical genius, and he deserves to have university courses dedicated to his writing.

"I can't even keep a cactus alive when I'm present When I'm gone it's a groundbreaking botanical epic."

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.

Would love to see a video on MF Doom 😁

I am so glad you did this! I have been waiting for a long time for you to make a video on Aes.

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.

glad to see some hip hop on Polyphonic. hope to see more. thanks Poly

Oooooh shittttt where my rap nerds at?

Loved this guy for years. Glad he's finally getting some attention

So underated. And what a good analytical breakdown of such an amazing emcee.

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.

Thank you for acknowledging Aesop Rock.

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.

The best compliment I can give you is that not only is this one of the finest videos I've seen on KZfaq.... 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

Every time I listen to his songs I discover something new so it never gets old

I’ve never heard of this artist, but I’m so glad you’ve introduced me to him, I love this sound. Thanks for the video!

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.

I forgot about this guy. I'm going to listen to him again. Good video, as always.

I was giggling all the way through this like an excited little school girl! Aes is the GOAT! There is no other...

This is awesome. I just started listening to Aes a few weeks ago. Man is a lyrical genius.

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.

Your work and breakdown is fully appreciated!

I would pay actual money to get another video on this man, seriously good job!

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.

I doubt you would think about doing this but maybe you could do a video about how alternate guitar tunings changed rock.

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.

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.

YESSS. this is why I sub to you. thank you for this, homie.

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

I could create an entire art career out of just painting my interpretations of Aesop Rock's lyrics. Flash that buttery gold indeed.

Had to watch this as soon as I noticed you uploaded it. Probably my favorite rapper, the man is a genius.

Please do a video on Eyedea.

“I have been my own worst enemy since the Genesis of rebels! …today I found”

This is so well put together. Your lyrical break down is concise!

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!

Aseop is a beast ! Great to see live also.

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.."

My favorite lyricist when it comes to rap, awesome video, keep up the good work!

GOOD LORD YES It's incredible to see a great breakdown on my all time favorite artist in this series Love it man

I remember some idiot saying asap rocky was the guy with the best vocab..... he didn't even know about this guy 😂😂😂

the impossible kid easily his best album

Happy to see you cover this awesome artist.

"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.

Great vid and great subject. His new stuff with Malibu Ken is great also....Corn Maze is on constant rotation.

Aesop Rock caters to those intellectual Hip-Hop heads. Profound displays of vocabulary drizzled articulately across smooth beats.

Thank you so much for this video!! I love Aesop Rock and am happy to see him make the Polyphonic Class!

Great video on my favourite artist. Thanx for making this

I don’t like rap music generally, but I’m liking this dude.

Please do Fugazi.

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.

Dude I already loved this channel as it is and now you’re doing a video on Aesop Rock!? You’re fuckin killin it! Keep it up!