Artist of the Day: Aesop Rock

Aesop Rock sure has stirred up the modern rap scene as of late. His unique brand of work behind the microphone has earned him all types of respect over the years, and although his approach has changed a bit lately (bigger beats, more expansive production), the man behind the mask is still going at it just as strongly as he was from the start.

After all, his debut album Labor Days is heralded as a classic by many a rap junkie. His introspective storytelling flirted with clever wordplay in a delightful way, a combination that even managed to snag the attention of those who weren't quite in on the rap game. The emcee's syllabic splendor delighted hip-hop veterans while enticing newcomers, setting a high standard for those that had yet to enter the ring themselves. And, in comparison to his newer work, Labor Days bolstered a very straightforward production, an approach that proved to be divisive among the community.

Now that Aesop's moving towards more complex terrain more and more prominently with each new track he releases, those itching for something huge are collectively doe-eyed in anticipation. I'm definitely included here - after all, each song off Skelethon (out July 10) thus far has been huge.

Check out the music video for "Zero Dark Thirty", Skelethon's first single.

Skelethon will be released July 10 on Rhymesayers Entertainment. Pre-order the album at Fifth Element; I dare you to join the hype train.