New York producer Tony “Blockhead” Simon has invigorated America’s underground hip-hop scene for two decades—he started out as a close collaborator of famously slippery lyricist Aesop Rock, and more recently he’s provided beats for hard-edged rapper Billy Woods. Over the years, Simon has also learned how to transform the gritty, big-footed underground hip-hop sound into […]
Tag: Aesop Rock
Posted inNews & Politics
Hip-hop taught Andre Vasquez about community—and he wants to take those lessons to City Hall
In the 90s Andre Vasquez rapped as Prime and joined underground collective the Molemen. Now he’s a socialist candidate for 40th Ward alderman, hoping to unseat entrenched incumbent Patrick O’Connor.
Posted inBlogs
Aesop Rock paints a picture of his estranged brother as a music-obsessed 90s teen
Worldly-wise wordsmith Aesop Rock leads listeners on a deeply felt trip through his childhood with the single “Blood Sandwich.”
Posted inBlogs
Best shows to see: Helado Negro, Samothrace, Sewingneedle
Over the next few days your live-music options include Samothrace, Helado Negro, Aesop Rock, Bobby Conn, and a top-shelf tribute to Fred Anderson.
Posted inBlogs
Shows to See: Off!, Blues Control, Rebecca Gates, and more
Off!, Blues Control, Aesop Rock, and Rebecca Gates are among this weekend’s Soundboard offerings
Posted inBlogs
Early Warnings Roundup
This week’s Early Warnings include Aesop Rock, Bomba Estereo, Def Leppard, Dengue Fever, Man Man, Matt & Kim, Small Brown Bike, Sondre Lerche, and the Pitchfork Music Festival.
Posted inMusic
Aesop Rock
Aesop Rock is a man of ideas. So many, in fact, that it’s hard to keep track of them all. He hasn’t released a lot of records in the ten years he’s been around, but unpacking his dense lyrics could keep a dedicated fan busy for a lifetime–and with the addition of his latest, None […]
Posted inBlogs
Today’s download queue
New downloads from Little Brother and Mick Boogie, Snowden, and Aesop Rock.
Posted inMusic
Aesop Rock
With factions of the hip-hop underground thinning out its beats until they’re as vestigial as folkie hand claps around the campfire and suckers like Anticon’s Sole claiming “I only rap because I ain’t smart enough to write a book,” you’ve got to wonder about indie rap’s priorities. No less wordy than his peers, Long Island-born […]