Ian Matthias Bavitz, better known as Aesop Rock, is an American rapper and producer from Long Island, New York. Born in 1979 in Syosset, New York, Aesop got his start in music at a young age, learning the piano and bass. During his time at Boston University, he met Blockhead, who would later produce many of his early albums and released his first self-funded album, Music for Earthworms in 1997.

The album sold over 300 copies, thanks to an internet promotion campaign from his website AesopRock.com and MP3.com. Later in 1999, he released Appleseed EP which gave him a boost in popularity in the underground hip-hop scene. That success drew the attention of Mush label who signed him on that same year.

Mush Label assisted in the creation of Aesop’s first major album in 2000, Float. Following that, Aesop signed onto the Definitive Jux label and released the 2001 album Labor Days. Then in 2003, Aesop released Bazooka Tooth, which was made solely by himself. This album pushed him into further success, with one pf his singles being featured on Tony Hawk’s Underground 2.

In total, Aesop Rock has made nine solo albums, with his latest, Integrated Tech Solutions, released in November 2023. Aesop is loved for his abstract style of music and cryptic lyrics.