by SCOTT C

Just like most of his releases to date, the groggy but talkative Aesop Rock (aka Ian Bavitz) gives off a modest, matter-of-fact air as he explains himself over the phone from his hometown, New York City. Having just released his second LP, Bazooka Tooth, with leftfield hip hop stable Definitive Jux, Aesop's confident and nimble narrative is being supported by a tour with Mr. Lif. Before settling down with EL-P and the Def Jux camp, Aesop cut his teeth with a slew of independent releases like Music for Earthworms and Appleseed, before dropping Float on Mush back in 2000.

Mirror: Would you call yourself a self-starter or are you making things up as you go along?

Aesop Rock: Oh, shit. I'm definitely flying by the seat of my pants, man. I have no idea what I'm doing half the time. Sometimes it can get really stressful, both touring and recording, when you don't know what the hell you're going to do next. I mean, after this tour I have no idea. I'll most likely try to do another record, but you never know.

M: What were you doing before you started making records?

AR: Just the normal shit, going to school and working. I've been making music forever, but I kind of went through life not expecting to make my living off of music, y'know? I was running around New York making tracks with close friends, and eventually shit started to pop up and people were likin' it.

M: I often hear people argue about the right route to take. I know cats who have everything planned, down to the bodyguards flanking them, on their first single, but I also know guys making the most amazing stuff who have no plans at all.

AR: Well, if you have plans and they fail, then you're fucked. But if you have no plans and you're doing it for the right reasons, because you love this shit, you'll be alright. I recognize that that's rare or lucky for me, but if you get your hopes too high, then you're never gonna be satisfied. Every record I've done has consecutively done a little better than the last, and I try to take that all into perspective. It makes me very happy, but I know that this could all end tomorrow.

M: From your point of view, is there a huge divide between underground and commercial hip hop artists in New York, or is it all love?

AR: Well, I don't exactly hang out with Jay-Z everyday, if that's what you mean. It's like, once you're a star, you're not exactly out and about anymore.

M: So you must be pretty safe to walk down the street and not get accosted by a bunch of screaming girls, then?

AR: I wish there were girls. Nah man, I get recognized about once a week on the street, which is more than enough for me. I'm totally thankful that I have fans at all. If someone stops and gives me a pound in the street, it makes me feel good, especially if it's a girl.

With Mr. Lif, Sa Smash and DJ Fakts One
at SAT on Sunday, Oct. 19, 9pm, $20

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