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Palko signed with Eastern Conference Records, releasing his debut album, Movies for the Blind, on August 6, 2002. It peaked at #12 on the Heatseekers chart, #14 on the Top Independent Albums chart, #58 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and #193 on the Billboard 200.[8] Palko later stated that the album “sort of glorified drugs” and that he felt the album was “crazy for the sake of being crazy [...] [It] was just kind of an angsty, bullshit record. A few songs on there I liked, and I had a few things to say that were fragmented in there within a lot of randomness”.[9] During this period, Palko formed the group The Weathermen, named after the left-wing political organization.[4] The group released their debut album, “The Conspiracy” on June 3, 2003 before Palko left Eastern Conference over alleged non-payment.[3] An extended play, Weatherproof, was released on July 29, 2003.

Because Palko felt that he should no longer play a character, he began to take on a more open writing style,[3] and signed with Definitive Jux, where he released his second studio album, Hell’s Winter on September 20, 2005. Palko is quoted as saying “I make progressive rap, it’s as simple as that. [...] I don’t live for drugs anymore, I don’t support them, and I’m not about to make a million songs about them anymore.”[9] Hell’s Winter peaked at #26 on the Top Heatseekers chart and at #36 on the Top Independent Albums chart.[10] In an in interview with actor Shia LaBeouf for Vanity Fair, LaBeouf expressed interest in starring as Palko in a possible film biography.[11] On November 30, 2007, Spin reported that the film would go into production.[12]

On February 10, 2009 Palko released the track “Nothing Left to Say,” the first song to be heard from the Depart From Me album on his MySpace and to Pitchfork Media.[13] Two other tracks were subsequently leaked, titled, ‘Dr. Strong’ and ‘I Never Knew You.’ On May 18th 2009, Cage released I Never Knew You, an extended play of exclusive bonus material which contains five tracks. It was released as a free download from mtv2.com in conjunction with Definitive Jux. Coinciding with the release of the EP, a music video for “I Never Knew You” was filmed and directed by Shia LaBeouf.[14].

written by Breezilla \\ tags: 2009, 2009 Releases, CAGE, Connecticut, Def Jux, Definitive Jux, East Coast, Shia LeBouf

Only when I’m high off my ass do I personally really enjoy Aesop Rock’s music. I mean he does have his exceptional track here and there that appeals to me under non-compromised circumstances, but whether or not I’m a huge fan there’s no denying Aesop’s solidified status as a indie hip-hop legend. This was a special post for my best friend who got me listening to half of the music I listen to today, and although he never completely turned me over to the side of the Aesop junkies, I can still appreciat his creativity and uniqueness in style as well as his knack for taking on obscure and lesser touched on topics in hip-hop. Def Jukies fans salute.

Aesop Rock LPs
Aesop_Rock-Music_For_Earthworms_(Remastered)-1998-C*S
Aesop_Rock-Float-2000-C*S
Aesop_Rock-Labor_Days-2001-F*D_INT
Aesop_Rock-Bazooka_Tooth-2003-C*S
Aesop_Rock-Bazooka_Tooth_(Bonus_Disc)-2003-W*R
Aesop_Rock-None_Shall_Pass-2007-C*

Aesop Rock EPs
Aesop_Rock-Appleseed-Remastered-1999-C*S_INT
Aesop_Rock-Daylight-Retail_EP-2002-Rec*cled_INT
Aesop_Rock-Fast_Cars_Danger_Fire_And_Knives-EP-2005-C*S

A Huntington, Long Island, New York-born MC, Aesop initially recorded and released two self-financed efforts, Music for Earthworms (1997), a full length featuring underground legend Percee P on two tracks, and the Appleseed EP (1999), while also working as a waiter. These two independent releases are widely sought after in the underground scene.

After moving to the Mush label, Aesop released his first major album, Float (2000), with guest appearances from Vast Aire, Slug, and Dose One. Production was split between Blockhead and Aesop himself, with one track by Omega One.

Shortly after releasing Float, Aesop Rock signed to Manhattan-based label Definitive Jux (commonly shortened to Def Jux), where he released Labor Days, an album dedicated to the discussion of labor in American society and the concept of “wage slaves”. This album was most well known for its single “Daylight.” Because of its popularity, Daylight was re-released in 2002 as a 7-track EP, including an “alternative” new version of the song, “Night Light,” whose paraphrased lyrics simultaneously refer back to, and stand in stark opposition to, the original’s.

Labor Days was followed by Bazooka Tooth in 2003. For the first time, production was mostly handled by Aesop himself, with three tracks from longtime collaborator Blockhead and one from close friend and Definitive Jux label CEO El-P. Guest appearances include Party Fun Action Committee, El-P, and Mr. Lif (all Definitive Jux labelmates) and Camp Lo. With this release Aesop hit a higher level of recognition, releasing “No Jumper Cables” as a single and music video, then another single, “Freeze”, shortly after.

In the summer of 2004, Aesop Rock appeared on the Evil Nine Single “Crooked” from the Album You Can Be Special Too, on Marine Parade records.

In February 2005, Aesop Rock released a new EP, Fast Cars, Danger, Fire and Knives. The first pressing of the EP included an 88 page booklet with lyrics from every release from Float until this EP (the lyric booklet is titled The Living Human Curiosity Sideshow); later pressings of the album come without the booklet, but with an additional bonus track, “Facemelter”. In addition, a limited number of albums were available direct from Def Jux with Aesop Rock’s graffiti tag on them. In response to demands from his fans, Aesop did less production on the EP: three songs are produced by Blockhead, three produced by Aesop, and one by Rob Sonic.

Aesop Rock was commissioned to create a 45-minute instrumental track for the Nike+iPod running system, entitled All Day. It was released in February 2007. Distributed via the iTunes Music Store and featuring Allyson Baker on guitar and scratches from DJ Big Wiz, Aesop has described the release as “something that evolved enough that the sound was constantly fresh and attractive, as though the runner were moving through a set of differing cities or landscapes.” [1]

All Day was followed in August of the same year by Bavitz’s fifth full-length album, None Shall Pass (2007). The album also contained original artwork by Jeremy Fish.

More info after the jump. Continue reading »

written by Breezilla \\ tags: Aesop Rock, Blockhead, Blueprint, Breeze Brewin', C-Rayz Walz, CAGE, Camp Lo, Camu Tao, Def Jux, Definitive Jux, Dessa, Discography, Dose One, El-P, Grouprip, Illogic, John Darnielle, Mr. Lif, Odessa, P.F.A.C., Rob Sonic, Slug, Vast Aire

Finally a new Cool Calm Pete track. I’ve been fiending for some new Pete shit ever since I heard his 2005 release (Lost the Album) and although I bought and enjoyed his CD of loosies, I was looking for more. This track hits the spot for now, but only makes me want to hear his new LP Leonard Z (which is supposed to drop later this year). Check the track and buy the album when it drops.

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written by admin \\ tags: Babbletron, Cool Calm Pete, Def Jux, Definitive Jux, Hip-Hop, Music, Rap

Here’s the widely slept on EP of  Grammy winning (yes Grammy winning) Def Jux artist Danny! (of South Carolina). For fans of Little Brother, Kanye West, & Kidz in the Hall.

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written by admin \\ tags: Danny!, Def Jux, Definitive Jux, Hip-Hop, Kanye West, Kidz In The Hall, Little Brother, Music, Rap

“Appleseed is an EP by American hip hop artist Aesop Rock, the second of two self-released efforsts preceding his Mush debut Float (2000). As Aesop’s first EP, it is available only on CD-R.”

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written by admin \\ tags: Aesop Rock, Def Jux, Definitive Jux, Dose One, Hip-Hop, Music, Rap

If you checked out that Babbletron album I posted a while back, then you’re familiarized with Cool Calm Pete… if not, get familiar. This is Pete’s critically acclaimed ‘05 Def Jux release (on of my favorite albums of all time). When it camed out it was widely praised for the panaromic views Pete tends to paint of his city and surroundings, Pete’s lazy, but always interesting flow, as well as Pete’s use of traditional Korean samples in his production. Great album, I can say enough about it and I also can’t wait for his 08 release. Download the album, listen to the album, buy the album.

 
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written by admin \\ tags: Babbletron, Cool Calm Pete, Def Jux, Definitive Jux

Got a request for this one from Aleksandar. I’ve personally never checked out Babbletron myself (shame on me), but I’m a huge Cool Calm Pete fan (can’t wait for his 2008 release to drop), so this is probably worth it if you’re into the entire Definitive Jux scene. Thank the savant for this one.

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written by admin \\ tags: 2003, Babbletron, Cool Calm Pete, Def Jux, Definitive Jux, Request

Another test post:

In my search for sites to add RSS Feeds from, I was disappointed that

Okayplayer still does not have up their RSS Feed (it really is long overdue ?uest), but I was pleasantly surprised at the site’s new facelift. Okayplayer always has some of the best news from the conscious music scene and is also good about greenlighting promising cats, so check them out. Here’s an Okayplayer interview from the UK’s own Dizzee Rascal. I’ve been into dude for about two years now (you might remember him from the 2007 BET Awards show cypher), but he’s making his US debut with the album titled Maths & English on Definitive Jux April 29th (got released in Europe ages ago).

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written by admin \\ tags: Def Jux, Dizzee Rascal, Grime, Okayplayer, Singles