Quotes from Aesop Rock

I've been able to tour because of my music and I've learned a lot about myself while on the road. I think some of the imagery of my writing are snapshots of where I've been and my feelings about the world.

I would say the best toy for any cat is always some sort of dangling item on a string or fishing-rod-type structure.

I have been inspired by countless artists over the years, but there's also times when you just gotta make your own inspiration.

I would love for my existence as an artist to be completely about my art - not about my social media, or what I do vs what's cool right now, or even whether or not I sound okay in an interview.

I am hoping to improve my writing and rapping, as well as get a better grasp on how to make beats and music that complements what I do vocally. It's a learning process that hopefully won't end.

I don't see any of my records as any more or less conceptual than the others, and I don't really plan some overall idea in advance. The songs all get written under the umbrella of a certain time in your life, and it's natural to find themes that repeat within these periods.

I always find my emotions all over the map, not so much a single thing overriding the rest.

New York can be a tad stressful.

I've traveled a lot, I've rapped a lot. I like to think that's all in the toolbox to be tapped into when I need it.

I've learned I don't like being around people too much. It's hard to stand around and make conversation with people I've learned. But I do want to be the guy that can do it easily.

I just write notes all day on my phone, and when I write songs it becomes a patchwork of these smaller notes that I had, mixed with stuff in the moment.

It's a strange position to be in. Not only the fact that I'm trying to live off work that is personal, but how you get the money for that is racing around the country and smiling for people and selling the record, you know what I mean?

I know so many people that were really able to lead 'perfect' lives. They meet the right person, they make the babies, they get the jobs, they get the house and it's essentially a smooth ride. That really didn't happen for me.

I don't really engage much in the creative community. I just kind of keep to myself and do my work.

Doing something like 'Bushwick,' a lot of people need to agree that the piece is working with what's going on on the screen. So it's a lot of tweaks and re-works, just kinda moving pieces around and getting things to hit right.

People can label me whatever they like. I don't really care any more.

I guess all that I can hope for is that my songs affect the younger versions of me out there.

Inserting my personal brand of humor is something I have at times had trouble doing - but I feel like I've been learning about it a little more, how to do it, and how it helps my songs.

When I do solo material I definitely tend to overthink it. I make a lot of rules for myself that are a little bit arbitrary and... it's just painful.

Sometimes comfort zones are the best. Sometimes discomfort is just what the doctor ordered.

When I record in a studio. I know that on Tuesday at 3 o'clock I've got to go be creative.

Artwork, films, TV - it's always informed my work, no matter what I'm working on.

Pardon me if this all sounds corny, but when you put on a record, I'd like it to be an escape from everything you do.

I love 'Black Mirror.'