About this album

Sound: "A dense tapestry of abstract wordplay and unconventional beats intertwines with eclectic samples and surreal storytelling."

Where they were

By the time Aesop Rock released 'Bazooka Tooth' in 2003, he was already an established figure in underground hip-hop, following his critically acclaimed album 'Labor Days' from 2001. This album further solidified his reputation for intricate lyricism and inventive production, showcasing his growth as a unique artist within the Def Jux label's roster.

Why it matters

'Bazooka Tooth' received significant acclaim, with its idiosyncratic style influencing a generation of artists in the underground scene. It debuted on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, reflecting Aesop Rock's commercial rise while maintaining a strong cult following and critical praise that emphasized his distinctive approach to hip-hop lyricism.

Essential tracks

  • "No Jumper Cables" — This track exemplifies Aesop's complex narrative style, blending personal reflection with vivid imagery against an experimental backdrop.
  • "We're Famous" — Featuring clever wordplay and sharp social commentary, this track highlights Aesop's ability to critique celebrity culture while remaining deeply introspective.
  • "Kill the Messenger" — This song encapsulates the album's overarching themes of communication and misunderstanding, delivered through Aesop's signature rapid-fire delivery.
  • "Babies With Guns" — In this track, Aesop explores themes of violence and innocence, employing metaphorical language that showcases his lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities.

Release Date

January 1, 2003

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 Bazooka Tooth 2:25
  2. 2 N.Y. Electric / Hunter (interlude) 5:11
  3. 3 Easy 5:01
  4. 4 No Jumper Cables 5:06
  5. 5 Limelighters / Flunkadelic (interlude) 4:34
  6. 6 Super Fluke 4:52
  7. 7 Cook It Up 3:46
  8. 8 Freeze / Honeycomb (interlude) 5:32
  9. 9 We're Famous 6:22
  10. 10 Babies With Guns 5:07
  11. 11 The Greatest Pac-Man Victory in History 4:48
  12. 12 Frijoles 3:49
  13. 13 11:35 / Ketamine U.S.A. (interlude) 4:24
  14. 14 Kill the Messenger 4:55
  15. 15 Mars Attacks 4:39

Disc 2

  1. 1 The Best of Def Jux Megamix 30:33
  2. 2 The Essence (snippet) 1:35
  3. 3 Elephant Guns (snippet) 1:21
  4. 4 Beer (snippet) 2:01
  5. 5 Be My Lady (snippet) 1:55
  6. 6 Slide on 'em (Escapade) (snippet) 1:12
  7. 7 Illy (snippet) 1:30
  8. 8 What Do You Know? (snippet) 1:28
  9. 9 Risky Business (snippet) 1:57
  10. 10 Razor Fund (snippet) 2:23
  11. 11 N.Y. Electric (snippet) 2:22
  12. 12 No Jumper Cables (snippet) 2:29