Despite recording for Def Jux, former Company Flow frontperson El-P's devoutly independent label, Aesop Rock is not on any kind of mission. On "Save Your self," the New Yorker advises, "The next time you wanna be a hero/ try saving something other than hip-hop/ and maybe hip-hop will save you from the pit stop." It's practical advice from a practical MC.
"Labor Days" boasts production that feels lo-fi and washed-out. The sound keeps it real, I suppose; even better, it makes things intriguing. On "Tugboat Complex Pt. 3," Rock laments that "You'll probably never hear this song/ much less sit still long enough to listen," but he's not complaining. He's challenging you to try.