Aesop Rock doesn’t try to contend with rap music’s commercial villains. Instead, on Labor Days, his first release for the Def Jux label, Aesop ignores the mainstream and displays an unshakable confidence rarely seen in independent hip-hop. Although a staccato, Dadaist delivery is his trademark, subsequent listens reveal his storytelling gifts and rhyme structures to be thick with purpose. There’s also a sensitivity only hinted at on Float, his first mass release. On “Daylight,” [Read More...]
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Like golf? After a bad tee shot, do you ever find yourself asking just how do i drive a golf ball?
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I’ve been infatuated with the underground hip-hop scene for about a year now. Which is something that more hip-hop lovers need to do, since the commercial product has gone down the toilet since the mid-90s. I bought this album from Amazon after reading all the rave reviews, and to my shocking delight, it lives up to all the hype. It’s hard to pinpoint who Aesop Rock sounds like. He builds on the rapping styles of Kool Keith (Ultramagnetic MC’s, Dr. Octagon), Del tha Funkee Homosapien, and Andre 3000 (Outkast). “Labor Days” has got to be one of the most surprising, unique, and complex hip-hop albums I’ve ever heard. There isn’t a lyricist out there that doesn’t wish they could rhyme like this guy. His mid-blowing metaphors mixed with his thought provoking poetry builds imagery in the listeners mind that is nothing short of genius. Be warned though; this is not an album that is immediately accessible. You will not feel the power of his lyrics and messages the first time you listen to the album. It may not even be the second. But given the chance, you will learn to love these songs as they grow on you.
Aesop may be a little too much for some people. If you are looking for catchy hooks or an abundance of choruses, you will not find them here. If you are looking for bouncy, flashy hip-hop party beats, you also won’t find those here. In fact, the production value of this album has nearly as much to offer as Aesop’s rhymes do. The album is filled with beautiful soundscapes, many of which are sampled from the classical genre, pushing it further than Immortal Technique has. Most of the beats are slow and comfortable, which never overpower his vocals, as they are the main focus of the music. The slow music mixed with his fast rhymes make for an intense listen. There isn’t a dud in the mix, and although my favorite cuts constantly change, some standout tracks include “Daylight,” “Coma,” “Battery,” and “Boombox”.
Aesop Rock is not for the weak minded. If you are not into music that provokes your mind and makes you think; then you won’t like this stuff. If you dwell on the fact that you cannot get inside the music because of the complexity of his messages; then this isn’t for you either. This music is for people that strive on complexity, originality, and for people that look for a challenge when they push play. If this describes you, then you owe it to yourself to check out Aesop Rock’s quintessential masterpiece.
Aesop Rock’s new album “Labor Days” is a other reason why Def Jux is to me the best label out there. “Labor Days” is banging from start to finish. Aesop comes with his complex dope style like always, but this time has a Def Jux feel to it. This is Aesop’s 4th album, and 2nd I have (Float) was the first. “Labor Days” is produced by Blockhead, Omega(Coma) and Aesop himself. I was a little dissapointed that El-P did not come with a track, but like I said “Labor Days” has that Def Jux (Can Ox) feel to it. Plus El-P working on his solo project due sometime in winter(can’t wait for that one). Anyway go cop this Aesop Rock if your looking for some real hip hop and if you liked that Cannibal Ox album you will like this. This whole album(14 tracks) is dope to me. Some bangers on the album include “labor Days”, “Daylight”, “Save Yourself”, “No Regrets”, “Coma”, “Boombox”, “The Yes And The Yall”, “9-5ers anthem”. Aesop is not simple like for ex. Ja Rule so you have to listen to “Labor Days” more then once to really analyze what Aesop is saying because he is so complex. This is independent hip hop at it’s best so check it out. Definitive Jux(Def Jux) is making an major impact on this hip hop industry, and does not show they will let up, but only building stronger like an ox.