"and nobody is unseating Aesop Rock"

I was going to say that. Several years ago I saw either this list or a similar one on Reddit and a lot of comments wanted to know why Aesop Rock was missing. I grew interested and people gave "none shall pass" as a good first song to listen to if you want to get familiar with his work. My only problem with his stuff is that I have zero idea what he is talking about. It's basically just a lot of words jumbled together except for that song about the dog saving a little girl from drowning. I've heard it 50x now and still tear up.

Ruby ‘81

That’s one of my favourite songs of all time. It’s an amazing example of poetry emphasized by music. Highly recommended, even if someone doesn’t like hip hop.

I think his music has gotten much more accessible and less obscure over time. I think The Impossible Kid (his most recent album) is a much better point of reference for what's interesting about his work, and it deals with topics in ways that are easier to understand and relate to, but equally as interesting and well considered (See: Lotta Years -> reflections on getting older, Blood Sandwich -> Looking back on some family moments, Kirby -> Heartfelt and hilarious ode to his cat)

Check out the album he did with Kimya Dawson (The Uncluded - Hokey Fright). Kimya is pretty matter-of-fact in a lot of the songs and seems to reign Aes in (or at least offer a point of reference for when he starts getting out-there). Its one of my favorite albums. "Earthquake" is beautiful

It was this list. "Blood Sandwich" is another lyrically accessible song from him that tugs the heartstrings.

I feel like MC Paul Barman would have a shot, his whole schtick is his inflated vocab.

He's kind of a stunt rapper though, and had some dated offensive shock lyrics that are hard to listen to. I'd much rather listen to Aesop.

Mac Lethal might be up there too, not sure.