Aesop Rock Interview: His Best Song, Struggling to Be Happy With His Career | SoundSet 2015

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Aesop Rock talks about how his continued fight to be happy rapping and why "Homemade Mummies" is the best song he's done.
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[@RawShogun]

He’s like one punch man he doesn’t realize how powerful he is.

[@TheCheffer76]

Dude that is spot on. Well done!

[@b-zealous7423]

Lolz

[@bigpapaboomboom9735]

Truth

[@devgrare7976]

On point comparison

[@MildCrisp]

Isnt OPM's whole thing that he got bored cause he understands how strong he is

[@jacindakrider1847]

Aesop Rock has definitely attained unfuckwithable status. There's no one quite like him.

[@jjwp-ql5rv]

Literally only heard of him today.

[@Sagar-ti2ec]

@@jjwp-ql5rv this might sound pretty corny, but it's the truth. The reason Aes isn't that famous is cuz majority of people are idiots and can't understand head or tail about what he's saying. Then there are a few who are capable of understanding him, but don't make an effort. His songs take 7-8 listens before you fully grasp the concept. And yet you'll keep finding new things to grasp with each listen. Only people who make an effort to understand the deep meaning behind his every sentence likes him. Hence he has a very small group of fans.

[@gavinknightjackson6307]

If say busdriver is on his level in a way . But different for sure . Aesop is def better of the two . But lyrically and flow wise there pretty close

[@PlaceboZypresse]

Unfuckwittable*

[@curtisunit]

count have been said better. ive been onto him since i heard him w prefuse 73 and push button objects. he is in his own class. my 8 and 9 year olds are now into him as well. i hope he can get some satisfaction out of what he's doing and know that he's made a serious contribution.

[@YaBoyMe]

you can tell aesop has an entirely different conversation happening behind his eyes

[@EASFromTheWest]

some of us process differently than others and you will literally see us see the world different than you are used to

[@EASFromTheWest]

also he’s recalling a lot of info from memory for this specific interview and that can glaze someone’s gaze a bit considering we have to look inside our heads rather than the “outside world” when making recall of info to share

[@blameowls5561]

Disagree. It's not behind his eyes, it's entirely explicit. He's truly genuine and that's what makes him unique.

[@Lynxchillin08]

I understand what you mean

[@Eight---]

It’s that inescapable sadness.

[@YourPalHDee]

I've avoided watching interviews with this guy for 13 years, because I didn't want my hero's image to change... nothing has changed.

[@reefchiefer]

YourPalHDee I always try to explain this concept to people, it's why I don't like live shows. I don't want to risk compromising my favorite music.

[@LapisStone]

That is so dumb. You would rather create and protect your own perception of a person than accept them as who they are? For what, so you can "enjoy" their music? No you are enjoying the cool person you think you look like while listening to their music.

[@anonimoosea.9423]

@@LapisStone Shut the fuck up, everyone has their own way to enjoy music and you looking down on someone else just because you don't agree is stupid and stinks of irony.

[@snanstv3764]

Lapzul Music Literally shut the hell up, goddamn.

[@thenavigator2559]

@@snanstv3764 he shouldn't have been so mean about it but he's right in a way. You can't really enjoy music to its full potential from an artist, that's as introspective as Aesop's, without knowing a lil bit about him.

[@stevef4464]

A painter has never quit due to age

[@jonsense4937]

Hard to believe that he used to paint...

[@30secondvideos91]

@@jonsense4937 I know a girl named Lucy that paints

[@jonsense4937]

@@30secondvideos91 i heard she was a strange girl who lived in the same building that she grew up in

[@MyNameIsntRyan]

@@jonsense4937 She drew with chalk and then charcoal sticks, she did not paint 😅 lmao

[@MN_PGN]

@@MyNameIsntRyan I believe while some were spreading rumors through the streets, she painted another masterpiece

[@BR4D2THEBONE]

Dudes one of the best, people just don't realize it. He actually knows how to RHYME AND DOES IT WELL.

[@UnbakedMango]

MR MILL3R People are just lazy, his form of rhyming is unique. He raps with metaphors and anecdotes. That alone, makes it so people think he's just mumbling. Just reading up on one song made me think he is one of the smartest people in the game.

[@pippip9927]

Preach

[@OfficialSonnySpitz]

Well is an understatement

[@rodneyh8711]

Aesop ....Black Thought....Pharaoh Monch.....,ELITE

[@abdoonyt9049]

@@UnbakedMango it's not about mumbling dude, he is said to have 1/3rd of Shakespeare's vocabulary when we count unique words.

[@maruchannuudle657]

The only comment section that makes me feel like I walked into a room of genuinely great people

[@thecaptain8309]

I've never seen an interview with him. Hearing his speaking voice and him sounding like he's not a rap phenomenon is wild. He sounds like a dude that you'd smoke with in high school. Lol

[@Z_RLBXY]

For some reason. It makes me sad when he says "I'm over wordy anyway". His ability to be verbose is AMAZING.

[@silewis9396]

Reason it makes me sad is because his ability to put words and songs together is incredible even when I don't fully understand what he's saying yet. His output of words is a superpower that literally put him at the top of hip hop vocabulary charts. He should be proud of being so wordy

[@HeySkyeKade]

The hook of Homemade Mummy is "Take the brain out, leave the heart in". That's what the Egyptians used to take the brain out: a hook. That's what Aesop did, he said it himself. He likes that it's short. He likes that he took the brain out and related it to an ancient process of the very same.

[@frankbrazil7918]

your fucked

[@donnyp]

+Frank Brazil you're*

[@frankbrazil7918]

ya ya. your you're. potato tomato. settle down genius

[@chicNstu702]

+Skye Kade heey, good thinking, thats wild he thought of that.

[@LisaOpenshaw]

+Skye Kade Yes, his lyrics are extremely esoteric. He's known as the rapper with the biggest vocabulary, but it goes deeper than that. I love that he shares these concepts in a way that is relevant to today's issues.

[@mrgroosumthasandman8046]

Words CAN NOT describe this man! very underrated VERY APPRECIATED! I think I speak for most TRUE Aesop fans when I say, The first time I heard an Aesop joint, my mind, body and soul was NOT prepared for that caliber of artistry. It went way Beyond just listening to over and over again to catch every word and metaphor. Art and poetry at its best!!!

[@YourPalHDee]

Mrgroosum ThaSandman I sat and deciphered the meaning of his lyrics through about 20 listens in a row and was like "okay, so this guy's a creative genius"

[@williamroberts10887]

Literally can’t say it better

[@benmcallister3719]

Yup. My buddy had me listen to “Daylight” 13 years ago, and he’s been the GOAT ever since.

[@skelter1153]

You can't remember the first track of his you heard ?

[@RobotronSage]

fr there's just not enough words dawg

[@deefman123]

i have so much respect for aes its unreal. the way he deals with mental issues on the daily and still be capable of delivering a real and honest response, he deserves a lot of respect for his ongoing contribution, yeah he is a legend

[@RobotronSage]

Imma make this man proud like look just see what i got cooking here I got other stuff i've been working on so idk have some patience but i think i'm gonna bring something good to the table BLANK PAGES, SEEN A LOTTA (BLANK) FACES, HORSE TO THE RACES (GO GET UM) (CAUSE) WE GOT A LOTTA(F) ACES SO YOU BETTER TIE 2 UR LACES (,/AND) RIDE LIKE BUCKY LASEK # BETTER PARAPHRASE IT CAUSE I BRING THOSE FLOWS LIKE HADES, DUNNO HOW MUCH (MORE) I CAN TAKE THIS, SWEAR IVE [GOTTEN SICK OF / SEEN] SO MANY PLACES [LATELY] IVE BEEN COV'RING ALL MY BASES SWEAR IM NOT (SOME KIND) A RACIST # (SO) CAN YOU TELL ME) WHATS UP WITH ALL THESE BABIES, BITCH I THINK (THAT) I MIGHT HAVE RABIES LIVING IN THIS MATRIX NOW I GOTTA DOMINATE THIS (MORPHEUS?) CAUSE THEY GONNA OVERRATE THIS - THESE DAYS SO PAY ME, HEARD EM CALLING FOR A (REAL) SLIM SHADY, AND BAYBE I AINT SAYING MAYBE I DONT EVEN CARE IF THEY SAY THAT I AM CRAZY CAUSE IVE BEEN FEELIN LATELY THAT YOU AND I JUST MAYBE REALLY PERFECT TOGETHER AND I DONT CARE ABOUT TALKING ABOUT THE WEATHER AND I DONT CARE WHENEVER YOU ARE READY TO FACE ME AT THE SAME PACE THAT WE CREATED AND THEY CAN SAY THEY REALLY HATED IT BUT THEY DUNNO WHAT THEY PLAYING WITH SOMETIMES I THINK THEYRE JUST TAKING THE PISS SO LIKE I SNAKE A WANNA HISS AND THIS IS NOT A DISS I GOT ALL THESE LADIES TRYNA TAKE MY RIZZ SO PLEASE RETRIEVE THAT WHICH YOU BELIEVE IN OR MAKE ME CLIMB A TREE IN THE GARDEN OF EVE WHILST WE PICK UP SOME LEAVES ON A BREEZE CAUSE ITS EASY, FLOATIN ON A BOAT ABOVE RIVER THAMES OR THEBES, BITCH I'M STEAZY ALSO KINDA SLEAZY, SLINGING WORDS AROUND LIKE IM LOKI

[@tatorusia6057]

He looks like my drunk uncle saying toasts at family evening ...

[@crossbytedelafade6073]

"Look, I've never had a dream in my life. Because a dream is what you want to do, but still haven't pursued. I knew what I wanted and did it till it was done. So i've been the dream I wanted to be since day one!" -Aesop Rock "No Regrets" Goin off memory so hopefully I didn't botch it. 🤘😝🤘

[@absolutetrashcan6852]

well, the nurse jumped back

[@dahalofreeek]

If I ever got the chance to tell him I'd say it's an astonishing body of work he's been able to produce. He's essentially unparalleled in the sheer number of fantastic albums he's made over a very long period of time as far as hip-hop artists go. I hope he finds the pride and happiness in himself that he deserves.

[@bluesnoopz]

if i hit the lottery and won millions of dollars, the first thing i would do is give aesop a cool 1 mil. he deserves to never worry about money again, his art is so good and so underappreciated. its truly a crime how he is treated.

[@robertjohn8726]

I mean follow his IG. Seems to have a nice place, lives with his cat, goes skateboarding with his friends all the time, works on music. Dude seems to have it figured out.

[@he4099]

Wtf

[@literaticrux8292]

2020 wants a socially distanced interview regarding Spirit World.

[@TheRyzenfall]

^ You know

[@SupernovaSteven]

2021 still wants it

[@cloudcloudzy7640]

@@SupernovaSteven 2021 still really really wants that.

[@harrisonhunter9433]

By far the best rapper in the world.

[@leotuckey4671]

no

[@harrisonhunter9433]

@@leotuckey4671 Yes.

[@Finn-tj7jv]

@@harrisonhunter9433 Even though he's not my #1 I can't argue with that.

[@LEGENDTHEGOD25]

On a underground scale absolutely I agree in terms of someone who appeals to the world on a mainstream level no. Lebron James is considered the best basketball in the world because the world made that assessment we all know who he is. You can’t tell me there’s someone in another country better than lebron if the masses don’t know who he is🤷🏾‍♂️ Eminem, Jay z, & NAS got that crown for me and I Love aes to death but when we mention hip hop timeless classic projects his name don’t come up. In ordering to be the best or greatest you have to make a undisputed global impact worldwide

[@jihad4realniz]

Not the best Rapper but yes hes dope but he is by far the best lyricist

[@mattslim8972]

aesop looks like a heavier jimmy fallon

[@jakemorgang3573]

Best comment ever

[@johnwentzell1427]

Haha was staring at him thinking who does he look like here. Nailed it

[@jacobmagallon8381]

I can’t unsee it

[@kongwakasomo9840]

😂💀

[@issafacelift]

He's the real Jimmy Fallon. The other is the clone.

[@l4wbeats876]

this guy deserves all the music accolades and writing awards going....he is a gifted individual who doesn't get nowhere near enough praise in my eyes..

[@cristinahavenhill7466]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Aesop. People can say whatever they want about his music. Even say it causes a headache but no one can ever say it's boring. Also it's a good profiling tool for seeking out my kind. Always get excited like a teenager listening. So yeah. Thank you to him.

[@brodyeckblad7413]

I go thru phases of listening to him, and every time I start listening to him another layer pops out. True genius.

[@RobotronSage]

🙏

[@krakhen4041]

Aesop rock and MF Doom... my personal 2 best lyrical geniuses in rap of all time...hard to make that argument in most circles... but lol... fight me on this one... i stand by that statement

[@imbolts1753]

Likewise also czarface is also great

[@connormcgregor2329]

Gza, eyedea and immortal technique

[@cyan_9263]

Kendrick has become way more pop in the past 3 years but he still holds his own as a top tier lyricist with rhyme schemes and storytelling for days

[@jessesmith4207]

@@cyan_9263 he didn't even drop in the last 3 years

[@cyan_9263]

Jesse Smith yh work ethic is still questionable

[@jeremydaly8293]

You're my idol man, keep doing exactly what you're doing. I hold you in my mind compared to many of my favourite poets. You seem to have a deep love of Tolstoy, if theres one thing I could say its that you more than anyone carry on that legacy

[@wouazzalus]

True human being and legend at the same time !! Aesop got all my respect ... for years now !! Damn !

[@gamecop2191]

Just recently discovered this guy. And sandman. So much to listen to … all so good. This interview made me an even bigger fan.

[@losxdescabezados]

I'm sure then that you've discovered Lice... Homeboy Sandman took a bit for me to get used to but, these two together are definitely worth the listen!

[@khrissyboy69]

Such a humble dude

[@wrarmatei]

Homemade Mummy is probably my fav song of his and I've been listening to him for around fifteen years. Meaningful, catchy and good verses, plus manages to be uplifting or sobering. Quite the beast.

[@hiropon2985]

he's so lovely and humble.

[@kiad.6112]

I'm so glad he stays in the game. Aesop🤘is always 🔥🔥🔥 💯 Everytime. It's amazing!

[@Hermetic_]

Love this guy and Atmosphere

[@jabrams112]

Honest and talented man, love his body of work

[@AlexAnder-lf6mf]

Did anybody else laugh out loud when the interviewer asked Aesop Rock "do you still really think you're living THE DREAM?" Just look at Aesop's fucking face. Does it look like he's living a fucking dream? It looks like he's living a depressing nightmare LOL.

[@gumbymofugga]

Nah dude he's exhausted, he sweats like crazy at shows.

[@ThirteenAmp]

@@gumbymofugga people keep asking is that man melting

[@cameronb8284]

@@ThirteenAmp lol love it dude

[@playingwithplastiquebeats2729]

why is aesop rock always looking like he's never cutting his hair while he has freshly cutted his hair?

[@GraViTyAboVe]

Hey Aes love your music keep making it if I ever reach 100. I'm still recovering from church to.

[@JoeDiVitaMusic]

I've always been really picky about what Rap I listen to. It's a genre of music that is represented the least in my "wheelhouse". Grew up on the real early stuff, but its just how my musical path went. All I gotta say is this dude is something special. Not only cause he's a serious badass artist, but he's so chill and humble, too! Thankful someone did me the favor of turning me on to his tracks and I try to pay it forward as much as I can. Good art is good for the soul, transcends genre and time....And everybody needs to hear this sh*t! lol

[@MegaFlorest]

I LOVE Homemade Mummy. My favorite song by Aes.

[@jadenramalho2534]

great insight Aes!

[@EquaIparts]

Ace if you read this your not fizzling out. ITS is a sick project. Your fans respect you. I bought a t shirt. ❤

[@turniorarroyo1405]

Living Legend all his songs are dope!

[@daxer.breh.3256]

this dude one of my favorite rappers tbh

[@jahcook7814]

Aesop saved my life

[@eugenevarvorines8645]

Ill never stop listening to this metaphorical dictionary!

[@mj350gt2]

Asap Rock the original! One of my fav underground East coast underground hip hop artist! Saw him live and he was amazing! We need this real music to be heard!

[@hiropon2985]

so jealous you saw him live!

[@DanThibodeau1]

I've always known of him, but it wasn't until Malibu Ken that I REALLY listened. Holy moly, I need a time machine, because this man is a poet fucking laureate. Feel bad it took me so long to catch up

[@CRAZYGUY11000]

I think that's clockwork indigo in the backround(flatbush zombies-the underachievers (

[@JAWNDOEmusic]

that 'ive never had a dream in my life' quote from no regrets is my yearbook senior quote and the only other tattoo ive ever planned on getting

[@zacharygross7574]

Aesop Rock, you're my favorite writer ever. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Thanks for organizing them and giving a fuck. You're legendary. I swear.

[@dodgyxd4772]

Legendary

[@msaad8053]

Thps4 love you aesop rock

[@Khvost_]

Aesop has a face of a very kindhearted person

[@brawlaphant]

Bro, you’re the most demonstrable rapper, but your beats and delivery goes over people’s heads. If I could have one gift from you it’d be bangers, and you know what I mean. Aesop Rock Rap God

[@RobotronSage]

Doesn't go over mine that's for sure

[@hipsonsogbo]

guys like him never sell out , they dont give a fuck about youtube views just spit bars

[@Visionary-j3q]

Homemade mummies is such a beast of a track

[@briannowdesha3986]

I want to be in it. I have a book of rhymes I would love to share some with him seeing as how he has shared his with me and it has inspired me so much. I have shared his music with friends and they love it! I just wish I had the motivation to put my stuff out there. I have no beats or music of my own. Aesop has some of the sickest beats and music in his songs. Keep doing it Aesop. You are the man!!

[@NoopLocke]

Seeing this interview after the ITS release is amazing. Way to fuckin go aes

[@FOUL_TROUBLE]

i have that same hoodie and aes is one of my heroes since childhood. weird.

[@2ndEzra]

Aesop Rock is one of the Greats

[@dexterhuntington2495]

I met him after a show in London,I met an idol,I hope didn't disappoint.

[@rabbitfari]

Love Homemade Mummy

[@toddturner9792]

He's is one real dude.

[@ccconor728]

he's back emceeing with blockhead shits beyond dope

[@RUSSIAN_SPY_INC]

my first album was Fat boys crushing early 80's that is how long I have been into rap and Aesop is my favorite.

[@lowlowseesee]

same lolololol im 41

[@Ckypwnd]

Love aesop

[@christianperez7846]

He said a long time ago “Must not sleep, must warn others” I haven’t looked back since.

[@wakeup9712]

I never really liked rap. Especially enough to listen to someone’s albums back to back to back and AES is the only artist where I’ve looked high and low to find anything he’s made or been apart of. I’m late to his career and wish I could’ve found him much earlier, it would have helped in life. My kids love his music and I’m glad they get to grow and listen to his masterpieces. Inspiring the next generation with dope rhymes.

[@losxdescabezados]

Truly, better late than never. When did you first find out about him and how deep into his catalog are you? lol, Aes has so much to offer and it's been quality from day one!

[@father3dollarbill]

This man is a genius

[@jonnylevy1181]

Dude is a beast yo

[@tansiantsi6087]

For whatever it's worth, Save Yourself of Labor Days is just the god damn best thing ever.

[@taddybear4244]

Aes' ditched the day jobs and casually become the greatest hip-hop artist because it came naturally to him. And still managed to be a humble and just awesome dude.

[@ashleereaume3393]

Dope

[@steverice7546]

“Cold Turkey from benzos. Summer was awesome.”

[@malekartorian3054]

Actual genius

[@predictorbibulous3327]

If respect translated to money he'd be the richest rapper on earth.

[@featherycoffee1401]

I'd say DOOM just cause more people know of him than Aesop

[@spiderhands]

Aaaeeeeesssss!!!

[@aliasjaymes]

AESOP ROCK IS THE ONLY GOD I WORSHIP.... his music has saved my life more times than I can count

[@Visionary-j3q]

Kirby is great...I love that track...just for his kitten

[@complxoner9086]

I love this dudes music but physically he looks drained I hope he's not doing drugs ...his music is fire

[@KerrBB]

+Luwis Marquez It looks like it's after a performance, so he's probably just exhausted.

[@brosettastone7520]

+Luwis Marquez no one could be as logical and responsive as he was in this video if they were on any drugs. You can tell hes just had a long night haha

[@complxoner9086]

I'm not hating on him but from back in they day from spark plugs he looks worn down n I hope he's chillin n not on some addiction shit

[@theghostofchillhop]

Here just performed and then did this interview

[@codycharles7147]

Dude just WORKED. Sometimes, after working, you look like shit. That's life

[@alexandercollins9678]

Aesop and MF are the most prolific lyricists of all time

[@RobotronSage]

For REAL Also yall will be adding my name to that list Also shoutout for Hopsin and Dax they also on some whole other levels

[@kurexx3424]

Aesop Rock is #7 on my All Time list

[@knj24march]

Who's #1?

[@kurexx3424]

@@knj24marchMy bad I’m just now seeing this lol, but MF DOOM probably

[@snailboy]

I have the same hoodie.

[@janedoe9728]

Look I’ve never had a dream in my life Because a dream is what you want to do but still haven’t pursued. I knew what I wanted and did it till it was done So I’ve been the dream I’ve wanted to be since day one!

[@LvI28Larvitar]

Favourite hip hop artists: Aesop Rock Nas Jurassic 5 Atmosphere Wu-Tang Clan 2Pac Biggie Grand Puba Dr. Dre Mobb Deep

[@josecamara1100]

Good list man..

[@LvI28Larvitar]

thanks Jose, who are some of your favourites?

[@deathstrike7799]

no del?

[@nuckinfuts420]

eyedea?

[@MorganGrimmett]

You a smart man

[@dimpledpirate]

❤❤❤❤❤ love you aesop rock 🫶🏻

[@amberdavis7199]

This man should be a part time counselor

[@kaleinabruh364]

Oh shit, didn't know muta made bangers

[@dtothee8730]

He's this famous and still doesn't feel "successful" status? It's sad that music doesn't make money like it used to. Hope Aesop gets what he deserves...He's so talented. Words cannot describe how much satisfaction I feel listening to his music.

[@jackcravford8744]

Even Eminem said that even how things turned out, he will be inside always an outsider. It is reflecting to see these artists dealing with normal thoughts and staying grounded. Maybe Aesop regrets, he is not making paintings.

[@featherycoffee1401]

hope he's okay, he looks... sleep deprived to say the least

[@skelter1153]

This dude LIKES the Painkillers. Hope he doesn't take it too far.

[@judgeandjewelry19]

This nigga is the best rapper I've ever heard lyrically

[@fernidadjames3188]

no one of this generation even knows this guy.. Hes literally untouchable on word schemes and cadence.. hes so fucking smart i have to literally research have this guys vocabulary hes wicked smaaatt

[@MIIRAPOSA]

Plenty of people in this generation know him.

[@ishaking6278]

Aesop is not even top 10 with cadence.

[@MIIRAPOSA]

@@ishaking6278 calm down bro he's undeniable

[@ishaking6278]

@@MIIRAPOSA No, he is not. Kendrick, Eminem, Tech 9, Biggie, Asa, Lil Wayne, Andre 3k, Lupe... better

[@MIIRAPOSA]

@ishaking6278 as a fan of most of those artists, hating to be unique is really lame loser shit

[@GramOzLb]

hey he’s doin pretty good

[@user-xy2hq7pn8i]

Yo Aesop Rock s

[@nota_2526]

Seems like a cool guy

[@shortie9103]

Why wouldn't you get excited if you can match or even top your old self? Aes needs to realise that he is still living a life and his ride isn't over. There are a whole lotta people who desperately want to be fans of this dude, but just don't know it

[@Wordscomeatmidnight]

It’s to hear him just talk

[@hiropon2985]

"you're already in next"

[@oliverrando6463]

This dude is pretty nice in rapping

[@Joellercoaster]

I agree with him about his best song 😀 Get corpse, get gauze, get comfy!

[@_meatsauce]

Take the brain out, Leave the heart in!

[@slipperynips760]

Spirit world field guide & Garbology !!!