- Artist
- Aesop Rock
- Label
- Definitive Jux
- Release date
- 27th August 2007
- Genre
- Hip hop
Underground hip hop remains in good hands thanks to Def Jux pioneer
While the commercial end of hip hop flounders in a mundane morass of lazy samples, tedious bravado and bling worship, labels like Def Jux continue to provide the perfect underground hip hop antidote. Alongside the likes of label mates (and collaborators here) El-P and Rob Sonic, San Francisco-based Ian Bavitz, aka Aesop Rock, has been delivering cutting social commentary over densely complex loops and beats since Labor Days, his critically acclaimed 2001 debut.
While Aesop Rock has taken a more story-based approach to his rhymes this time around, they remain as mysterious as ever – but where decipherable, rich with strange metaphors and intriguing images. Lush synths, incendiary scratching and tight beats abound within dark, claustrophobic soundscapes - and these can make None Shall Pass an exhausting, hour-long listen. Even so, the heavy trip-hop with sedate strings of No City, spooky atmospherics of Gun For The Whole Family and the fast-paced Outkast-esque closer Coffee all see Rock more open than ever to exploring the outer reaches of indie-hip hop. In small doses, it’s an exhilarating ride.
More to try: El-P: I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead RJD2: Deadringer Beans: Tomorrow Right Now
