Earlier in the month Alternative Hip-Hop mainstay Aesop Rock released his first album in nearly five years. Without spoiling our upcoming review of Skelethon, his return to solo projects was more than worth the wait. But his long hiatus allow us to forgive those who aren’t so familiar with the ex-Def Jukie. So we figured for those who want to dig a little into Aesop Rock’s back-catalogue, we’d provide Aesop Rock’s Essential listening.

Daylight

From the album Labor Days

If there was anyone yet to be convinced, Aesop Rock’s breakout single “Daylight” converted anyone left. Blockhead, a frequent producer of Aesop Rock’s, absolutely hits it out of the park with the production here.

None Shall Pass (Tor / Sufjan Stevens Remix)

A remix from Tor’s Illinoize, original taken from the album None Shall Pass

Ok so this isn’t the original, but Tor’s remix/mash-up with Sufjan Stevens is a beautiful version of Aesop’s 2007 album None Shall Pass’ title track.

ZZZ Top

From the album Skelethon

The 2nd track we heard off his new album, Skelethon, pretty much confirmed our high expectations for the longly-awaited album. Here Aesop tells three separate stories of different teenagers and their love for their respective genres.

Big Bang

From the album Float

My first experience of Aesop was with his second album, Float. “Big Bang” immediately followed the attention grabbing Blade Runner sample on “Commencement at the Obedience Academy”, and didn’t fail to disappoint my captured attention with the great hook on this one.

Battery

From the album Labor Days

We’ll end how we started, another track from the breakout hit Labor Days. ”Battery” probably has Aesop Rock at his wordiest and Blockhead at his most introspective on beat.

And that’s our Aesop Rock Essentials. Check out previous Essentials, featuring the likes of Ugly Duckling, People Under The Stairs, Shad K, Jurassic 5 & more.