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Media Credit: worlds-fair.net "Aesop Rock is hip-hop's best kept secret, did you know?"

Remember when Hip-Hop was the cool thing to listen to? Well it just got cooler with New York's own, Aesop Rock.

Born to the name of Ian Matthias Bavitz, Aesop Rock came to us in the late 90's early 2000's. At first, Aesop Rock was not under a label and still managed to have two albums. Music for Earth Worms and Appleseed EP both came out in the late 90's, starting the Long Island MC's career.

Although his first albums were a little darker, he soon changed things up a bit and started from scratch.

With the new millennium came a new album, and finally recognition from a label. Aesop Rock was signed to Mush Label and came out with his first real album, Float, which he produced most of.

After his first album, Aesop went a different direction in more ways than one. Aesop went from Mush to the label known as Definitive Jux, commonly known as Def Jux, and created the album, Labor Days.

This album defined Aesop Rock not just as an MC, but as someone who knew how to tell people what's happening around them through music. Labor Days is a tale about the lives of labor workers and wage slaves.

Labor Days was his biggest hit because of the song Daylight. This single became so popular that Aesop decided to make a seven song EP with a new version of the song.

Handling the production of his next album in 2003, his Bazooka Tooth album seemed like it was the start of some popularity. Although this album was very hard to understand and it was a risky choice for Aesop to go that way with this album, this risk conquered in the end. Two of the hits became singles and one even had its own video.

By 2005, Aesop had done a lot with his music. He decided to release yet another EP, but this time around it came along with an 88 page booklet full of lyrics from his first album up until the latest, Fast Cars, Danger, Fire and Knives. After a couple of these being sold, the label realized that it was too much and decided to remove the booklet and included a bonus track instead.

Things took a turn for Aesop. After being underground for so long, he finally received recognition. Nike, Apple and Aesop got together to create a 45-minute instrumental "Nike+Original Run mix."

Following the release of the Nike mix, Aesop released his fifth album, None Shall Pass in August of 2007.

Since the beginning of his career, Aesop has had a difficult time gaining fans, but this latest album may have been his best yet.

The album was split in half between himself, Blockhead, who started him off in the beginning and one track by EL-P, and another by Rob Sonic.

None Shall Pass, not just the name of the album, but also a big commercial hit turned the tables around and got Aesop's name out there.

"He is the Thomas Pynchon of underground hip-hop." Pace University student Kristina Longhitano stated. Anti Social and No Regrets are two of Longhitano's favorites from the artist.

If you are considering dabbling with Aesop Rock, listen to the two hits None Shall Pass and Coffee featuring John Darnielle. Both of these hits also have music videos.

Aesop Rock is hip-hops best kept secret, but I'm letting you in on it; take advantage.

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