Aesop Rock, born Ian Matthias Bavitz on June 5, 1976, is an influential American rapper and producer from Long Island, New York. Emerging as a leading figure in underground and alternative hip hop during the late 1990s and early 2000s, he became known for his complex lyrics and original sound. He released early albums like Music for Earthworms and Float before gaining wider recognition with Labor Days in 2001. Aesop Rock continued to build his discography with acclaimed albums such as Bazooka Tooth, None Shall Pass, Skelethon, The Impossible Kid, Spirit World Field Guide, Garbology, and Integrated Tech Solutions. He was signed to Definitive Jux until 2010 and has been part of groups including The Weathermen, Hail Mary Mallon, and The Uncluded. Currently, he forms half of the duo Malibu Ken. The name Aesop Rock originated from a film role and later evolved to fit his artist persona.