| Whether he likes it or not, Aesop Rock is among an elite group of internet emcees, for lack of a better term. The New York sub-dweller has become a hallowed name amongst underground fans, as word of his lyrical dexterity spread across the net. Float is the artist's third outing, and one of the inter-ground's most highly anticipated records of 2000. Only two weeks after release, some of the best-known internet vendors of underground material were already sold out, which certainly doesn't hurt his rep any. Luckily, Aesop didn't let down all those questioning the buzz. Lyrically, Aesop utilizes a dense poetic style rather than trusting in the cheap metaphors, one-liners, and alliteration that has made the career of many. If tracks like "Basic Cable" and "Oxygen" don't have you questioning the status of many cultural norms, you're probably brain-dead. Kindly ask someone to pull the plug. The album's highlight is "Attention Span" a cut featuring Company Flow affiliate Vastaire (of Harlem's best kept secret, Cannibal Ox). Aesop and Vast take turns spitting lines that will retire many aspiring emcees. "Spare a Match" is another high-octane journey through Aesop's lush cerebral backwoods. Most of the production was handled by Blockhead, whose raw and earthy sound packs enough boom to keep your head nodding. All said and done, Float is a solid album that will certainly have the global underground waiting for another round. Hopefully, a few people out there will peel their ears away from all the watered down Sprite rap on the radio long enough to float with Aesop. - Platform |
2XLP/Out Of Print