 On Aesop Rock’s 5 th album, you hear what you would expect from the New York born MC: great hip-hop. He has been doing it since 1997s Music for Earthworms and shows no sign of slowing down. Produced by Aesop Rock and Blockhead this album seems much clearer and precise. Aesop’s dark lyrics mixed with his incredible cadence suck you right into the music. Lots of different sounds are heard on this album, the keyboard driven “None Shall Pass”, the intelligent funk of “Bring Back Pluto”, and the crazy samples of “Getaway Car”. None Shall Pass features plenty of guest artists that spice up the album to the next level. We get to hear from Lo-Fi master El-P, Cage, and Rob Sonic just to name a few. El-P’s tracks “39 Thieves” and “Gun For the Whole Family” are key on this album.
One of the best parts of None Shall Pass is Aesop Rock’s ability to write lyrics that flow creatively and remain mysterious on a first listen. The more you listen to this album you will hear his take on society, government, and even space. He definitely has something to say and the album is a life preserver in an ocean of meaningless hip-hop.
I wouldn’t say this is Aesop Rock’s best album to date it lacks some of the soul and grit that was heard on his previous albums 1997’s Float and 2001’s Labor Days but it is still great hip-hop. The different sounds and mind-blowing flow of Rock’s lyrics will keep you coming back to this album again and again. If you’re a fan of his work then no doubt you will enjoy this album. And if you have never heard of him pick this album up and you will be introduced to hip-hop the way it should be.
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