Once hailed as one of rap's most literary voices, Aesop Rock fits cleanly into the niche created by the Def Jux camp. Like head honcho El-P, Rock finds comfort behind both the microphone and the mixing board. The two men also share a penchant for decidedly dense lyrics and tend to border on a more glass half-empty view of our world. None Shall Pass is Aesop Rock's latest release and a worthy addition to his growing catalog.
The precision of Aesop's vast vocabulary and references separates him from the majority of rappers. One can easily establish why earlier critics have viewed him as, gasp, an avid reader. For example, he chooses to substitute a "steeple chase," for a simple race, better articulating an arduous fast paced life journey. His emphasis on the minutiae of lyricism and rhyme patterns can be simultaneously intriguing and alienating. Conceptually, Aesop benefits from exactitude, pushing simple topics into captivating multilayered stories. Unfortunately, in this climate of ringtone rap and dance routines, the resonance of his outlook dilutes with each well thought out couplet.
Thieving is the topic of choice for the album's finest cut, "Five Fingers." Aesop is at his descriptive best, laying out kleptomanias various incarnations. From verse to hook, Aesop barely takes a breath, his impressive lung capacity utilized to a dazzling effect. The title cut, "None Shall Pass," is almost the equal of "Five Fingers." Again, Aesop pulls cleaver references to color the run of the mill. The beat bounces gleefully, punctuating the dark humor of the bars.
Cage and Breeze Brewin' join Aesop on "Getaway Car," a track paced with quick drums and mentalist verses. Not surprisingly, Aesop stands out on the track, not so much for outshining his cohorts, but because his voice is so easily recognizable. It's his greatest asset, so immediately understood when he is joined by others. With El-P, on "Gun For the Whole Family," Aesop rhymes over the type of dark, jittering beat that has become a Def Jux hallmark.
Ultimately, Aesop remains one of those rappers that backpackers champion, and question why he has not galvanized the mainstream crowd. None Shall Pass follows cleanly in the footsteps of Bazooka Tooth and Labor Days. All are albums that require investment on the part of the listener, grant a reward, and for all their respective brilliance, they just fall short of being truly entrancing. Aesop should be applauded for his distinctive approach and unquestionable talent. He is a brilliant bedroom rapper thrust into the spotlight; being unsure of his stardom might be the biggest hindrance.
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