Aesop Rock’s music has had a huge impact on how many of his fans view rap, lyrics, and many other elements of creativity. His abstract tactics and relatable subject mater connect with people on a level that makes him stand out amongst other artists in the genre.

With a couple questions we tapped into some of the specifics on what exactly inspires this deeply complex, intellectual artist to create and the musical collaborations that have transpired.

All of your albums are very different. Over the years, how do you feel you've evolved as an artist and as a person. From Skelethon to the current run of the impossible kid?

“It's a bit tough to put it into words, as it's all been a slow change for me, but never felt like any kinda overnight leaps. I just let my ears guide it, and hopefully improve my craft. Different subject matter in terms of the writing just kinda comes and goes. I also approach some of the same subjects I did 20 years ago - I just have a different approach. I kinda feel like I'm not in control of any of this stuff. I just sorta do what feels right at the time, which is a combination of many things, outside influences, personal changes, just all of it. My process has remained pretty similar since day 1, so it's really just me hopefully expanding my horizons within my rapping and production.”

What sets you apart from most other rappers is your expansive vocabulary and usage of complex metaphors, where in life did you gather those skills from?

“I don't really know - just kinda from everywhere. I always write down stuff that I hear and think could work for song, so it's often a matter of just being in that mode where - when those words and phrases come into your life, being ready to document them. I think I just enjoy putting words together so I soak up words as often as I can. That said - for me the songs aren't really about that. It's a helpful tool to get where I'm going, but it's not the actual theme.”

The Uncluded is a really unique change of pace from the music your solo albums what inspired that project?

“I was a long time fan of Kimya’s work, and we have some mutual friends. I did some work on her Thunder Thighs LP, and we felt we had a good vibe going - enough to carry us through a project together. I think it was exciting for both of us to do something different and it all sorta unraveled naturally.”

How would you describe the contrasts between your solo work and Hail Mary Mallon?

“The Mallon stuff often inspires subject matter I probably wouldn't get to on my solo stuff. The dynamic of two rappers/friends going in really makes a nice foundation for having fun and trying stuff out that I otherwise couldn't. It's just nice to have two Brains working on a project sometimes - as the solo work can get heavy to trudge through. Rob and I try to make sure we're enjoying ourselves first and foremost, and there's a totally different dynamic available to play with when you have two rappers going back and forth.”

With the constant advancements in technology, allegedly being responsible for the "decline of the music industry" as an artist who has been around for many years, what is your take on the future of the "music industry"?

“Honestly I have no idea. I've never wanted to know what was going on in the industry, those trends Come and to so fast in marketing and selling and all of that - It's just not information that I find exciting in any way. I do everything in my power to just concentrate on the music part, and let the people I work with worry about that. No matter what's happening in the industry - nothing happens if I'm not productive. That's where I put my energy.”

You've toured a lot over the years, what parts of touring do you look forward to, and what parts tend to get old?

"I think I like having a mission. Sometimes when you kinda hole-up to make a project, you just lose your mind a bit, and can't even tell if you're doing anything. The tour is an actual assigned mission which is a nice place to get to after second guessing yourself in a studio for years. It's exhausting and all that - but that's fine."

From his answers, it’s safe to say one of the underlying elements of his growth and success as an artist is staying focused, tuning out irrelevant distractions, and taking the next steps forward regardless of the challenges at hand.

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