So it seems Aesop Rock is the latest artist to contribute to Nike’s Original Run series. The idea is to be a 45 minute continuous mix that you can listen to while wearing your Nike apparel. You’ve probably already heard LCD Soundsystem’s mix from a few months back.
The idea that one of the best underground hip hop artists has been commissioned by a company with questionable work practices doesn’t sit well for me. Sure, there are sports stars like Tiger with sponsorship deals but musicians are a different breed, how can they benefit from working with such a company? Nike gain cool points by working with some of the best independent artists in music but where’s the trade-off? A years supply of sneakers? A shitload of money? Just sayin’.
As for the mix itself, entitled “All Day” Aesop had this to say about it:
I wouldnt call it my first instrumental album as I kind of approached it differently then I would a true instrumental album, but it is primarily instrumental, with some areas of vocals. This project has lots of live intrumentation, bass, guitars, keys, etc., and really has a consistently changing sound. There were a couple rules to follow, as I kinda had to make something that was as ‘functional’ as it was kinda cool to listen to. It really runs the gamut from super light and almost ambient to pretty dark and tuff, to eerie, to funky, etc etc. I really got to try things i dont think i would have ever tried elsewhere on this thing. Dj Big Wiz does cuts throughout. Allyson Baker (former parchman farm member) plays guitar a lot.
You can hear a sample of it on his myspace as well as a snippet from the forthcoming album None Shall Pass.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
yeah,
im with you, questionable practices for a musician. im not diggin it
yeah,
im with you, questionable practices for a musician. im not diggin it
i am with you. Aesop is my favorite rapper, Nike my least favorite shoe maker/sports apparel maker/ slave-labor user. Seriously, I know you have to make money as an artist, but I am a little let down. Oh well, I still love the music and won’t stop liking it because of this, but its still kind of uncool. The only good thing I can say is that at least it is a crazy 45 minute track that is pushing teh bounds of what he does.
i am with you. Aesop is my favorite rapper, Nike my least favorite shoe maker/sports apparel maker/ slave-labor user. Seriously, I know you have to make money as an artist, but I am a little let down. Oh well, I still love the music and won’t stop liking it because of this, but its still kind of uncool. The only good thing I can say is that at least it is a crazy 45 minute track that is pushing teh bounds of what he does.
I know where you are all coming from but it’s not always a musicians position to take a polititcal stance. Aesop wants to make music, get paid for it and reach listeners. Nike undoubtedly a) have given him a new challenge. b) paid him well for it – which is nice for him – as he’s no Madonna so a big pay day would be appreciated – whoever you are. c) He’s gonna reach a shed load more fans than he normally would – and largely new ones.
Hmmm why wouldn’t he take those options again?
I know where you are all coming from but it’s not always a musicians position to take a polititcal stance. Aesop wants to make music, get paid for it and reach listeners. Nike undoubtedly a) have given him a new challenge. b) paid him well for it – which is nice for him – as he’s no Madonna so a big pay day would be appreciated – whoever you are. c) He’s gonna reach a shed load more fans than he normally would – and largely new ones.
Hmmm why wouldn’t he take those options again?
Mayor, It’s a person’s responsibility to take a moral stance to himself. I guess I’m disappointed that Aesop felt no moral qualms about doing something like this for Nike.
Having said that, it’s all about the music here so I’ll put up an excerpt of the mix later on.
Mayor, It’s a person’s responsibility to take a moral stance to himself. I guess I’m disappointed that Aesop felt no moral qualms about doing something like this for Nike.
Having said that, it’s all about the music here so I’ll put up an excerpt of the mix later on.
nike is not the only company with questionable work practices, and i find it difficult to believe you all live your lives with out having to purchase the products of such a company.
also, keep in mind that nike owns converse, maker of the indie world’s favorite shoe.
nike is not the only company with questionable work practices, and i find it difficult to believe you all live your lives with out having to purchase the products of such a company.
also, keep in mind that nike owns converse, maker of the indie world’s favorite shoe.
I think it just comes down to the fact that Aesop formed a lot of ideals with his lyrics that are in complete contradiction to his actions with Nike. He’s obviously against imperialistic dominance of any form, and working with a company that exploits others with beneficial power is just another form of it. He flat out created a fishing lure for Nike products. I can understand if A) Wants new challenges, B) Whats a big pay off, or C) Whats to be more well known. But if you break all these down they are just about independent gain, and in this role, as in dealing with Nike, that independent gain is linked with a large scale of suffering. I just think many of us, after reading his lyrics in depth, can not grasp how he could morally put his own well-fair and self interests in such high value he has to cooperate and coordinate with a company so scandalous. And if he feels immoral about it hes a downright untrue bitch of the market.
I think it just comes down to the fact that Aesop formed a lot of ideals with his lyrics that are in complete contradiction to his actions with Nike. He’s obviously against imperialistic dominance of any form, and working with a company that exploits others with beneficial power is just another form of it. He flat out created a fishing lure for Nike products. I can understand if A) Wants new challenges, B) Whats a big pay off, or C) Whats to be more well known. But if you break all these down they are just about independent gain, and in this role, as in dealing with Nike, that independent gain is linked with a large scale of suffering. I just think many of us, after reading his lyrics in depth, can not grasp how he could morally put his own well-fair and self interests in such high value he has to cooperate and coordinate with a company so scandalous. And if he feels immoral about it hes a downright untrue bitch of the market.
R or R I totall agree – well said.
[quote post=”256″]nike is not the only company with questionable work practices, and i find it difficult to believe you all live your lives with out having to purchase the products of such a company.also, keep in mind that nike owns converse, maker of the indie world’s favorite shoe. [/quote]
This is totally beside the point man. NONE of us (blog readers) have written an entire album based on bullshit work conditions/working lives (that would be 100% exemplary of nike) – Aesop has (a fuckin brilliant one, much like the rest of his work). Therefore, his new nike dealings may be interpreted as being hypocritical by any one of us without any problems. NO ONE can live their lives entirely free of dealing with MNCs now, so your other argument is completely null and void – this is the era of globalization in case you hadn’t noticed, and I don’t see anyone here blowing their own moral trumpets, and no hypocrtites either. and as for cons? personally, I wouldn’t be caught dead with a pair….
R or R I totall agree – well said.
[quote post=”256″]nike is not the only company with questionable work practices, and i find it difficult to believe you all live your lives with out having to purchase the products of such a company.also, keep in mind that nike owns converse, maker of the indie world’s favorite shoe. [/quote]
This is totally beside the point man. NONE of us (blog readers) have written an entire album based on bullshit work conditions/working lives (that would be 100% exemplary of nike) – Aesop has (a fuckin brilliant one, much like the rest of his work). Therefore, his new nike dealings may be interpreted as being hypocritical by any one of us without any problems. NO ONE can live their lives entirely free of dealing with MNCs now, so your other argument is completely null and void – this is the era of globalization in case you hadn’t noticed, and I don’t see anyone here blowing their own moral trumpets, and no hypocrtites either. and as for cons? personally, I wouldn’t be caught dead with a pair….
“NO ONE can live their lives entirely free of dealing with MNCs now, so your other argument is completely null and void – this is the era of globalization in case you hadn’t noticed”
ummm…that was my point if you actually read it.
“NO ONE can live their lives entirely free of dealing with MNCs now, so your other argument is completely null and void – this is the era of globalization in case you hadn’t noticed”
ummm…that was my point if you actually read it.
“NO ONE can live their lives entirely free of dealing with MNCs now, so your other argument is completely null and void – this is the era of globalization in case you hadn’t noticed”
ummm…that was my point if you actually read it.
good that we agree on something so – but there is a difference between purchasing a pair of nike runners (if anybody here even has) and entering into a promotion with the same company dude, thats the point I’m making. anyways, I’m talking about aesop rock working with a company with questionable work ethics, not the moral fibre of the people on this forum (which is obviously place of minor piffling comments, holding nowhere near as much as sway or reach as Aesop Rock). things aren’t always so black and white. and sure – he’s got to eat, and this has afforded him some decent scope for artistic expression as he says above. but I reckon it’s healthy and valid activity for people to question what he’s doing thats all.
good that we agree on something so – but there is a difference between purchasing a pair of nike runners (if anybody here even has) and entering into a promotion with the same company dude, thats the point I’m making. anyways, I’m talking about aesop rock working with a company with questionable work ethics, not the moral fibre of the people on this forum (which is obviously place of minor piffling comments, holding nowhere near as much as sway or reach as Aesop Rock). things aren’t always so black and white. and sure – he’s got to eat, and this has afforded him some decent scope for artistic expression as he says above. but I reckon it’s healthy and valid activity for people to question what he’s doing thats all.
I’m a sneaker junkie who appreciates a lot of Nike’s “street” inspired shoes (minus the goofy shox, and other over the top styles). I’ve also been an Aesop Rock fan for years and noticed he was wearing a pair of dunks in his photos in the Fast Cars Danger Fire and Knives special edition booklet (I’m guessing he got some free kicks and maybe some $ from Nike out of that alone) so this move doesn’t really suprise me much. Anyway, I’m no hippie or music/culture snob so I give Aes big points for making this move, it’s good for his career and for underground hip hop in general. Hate if you want but I would have done the same thing if I were in his shoes (no pun intended).
I’m a sneaker junkie who appreciates a lot of Nike’s “street” inspired shoes (minus the goofy shox, and other over the top styles). I’ve also been an Aesop Rock fan for years and noticed he was wearing a pair of dunks in his photos in the Fast Cars Danger Fire and Knives special edition booklet (I’m guessing he got some free kicks and maybe some $ from Nike out of that alone) so this move doesn’t really suprise me much. Anyway, I’m no hippie or music/culture snob so I give Aes big points for making this move, it’s good for his career and for underground hip hop in general. Hate if you want but I would have done the same thing if I were in his shoes (no pun intended).
I’m a sneaker junkie who appreciates a lot of Nike’s “street” inspired shoes (minus the goofy shox, and other over the top styles). I’ve also been an Aesop Rock fan for years and noticed he was wearing a pair of dunks in his photos in the Fast Cars Danger Fire and Knives special edition booklet (I’m guessing he got some free kicks and maybe some $ from Nike out of that alone) so this move doesn’t really suprise me much. Anyway, I’m no hippie or music/culture snob so I give Aes big points for making this move, it’s good for his career and for underground hip hop in general. Hate if you want but I would have done the same thing if I were in his shoes (no pun intended).
I’m a sneaker junkie who appreciates a lot of Nike’s “street” inspired shoes (minus the goofy shox, and other over the top styles). I’ve also been an Aesop Rock fan for years and noticed he was wearing a pair of dunks in his photos in the Fast Cars Danger Fire and Knives special edition booklet (I’m guessing he got some free kicks and maybe some $ from Nike out of that alone) so this move doesn’t really suprise me much. Anyway, I’m no hippie or music/culture snob so I give Aes big points for making this move, it’s good for his career and for underground hip hop in general. Hate if you want but I would have done the same thing if I were in his shoes (no pun intended).
I’ll admit, it’s always a let down when our favorite “indie heroes” decide to “sell out”. Right? Cus that’s what it is to most people, selling out. Even though when they made the first dollar off of their product, they were a part of the economic mechanism?
As Douglas Rushkoff would say, why don’t we think of it as we won. They are practically throwing money at us, saying we want to be like you, because money is their LANGUAGE. Yeah, I mean, Nike isn’t a saint of a company, but in the end, nike goes hand in hand with hip hop (ask any shoe afficianado). It’s about getting into the system, being a part of it, and changing it, from the inside out. I think that is the ultimate getting up right there. That’s how viral media works, RIGHT? And didnt us so called “counter culture” kids, INVENT THAT? Why can’t this artist simply execute the tactics independant artists have patented for decades now?
I’ll admit, it’s always a let down when our favorite “indie heroes” decide to “sell out”. Right? Cus that’s what it is to most people, selling out. Even though when they made the first dollar off of their product, they were a part of the economic mechanism?
As Douglas Rushkoff would say, why don’t we think of it as we won. They are practically throwing money at us, saying we want to be like you, because money is their LANGUAGE. Yeah, I mean, Nike isn’t a saint of a company, but in the end, nike goes hand in hand with hip hop (ask any shoe afficianado). It’s about getting into the system, being a part of it, and changing it, from the inside out. I think that is the ultimate getting up right there. That’s how viral media works, RIGHT? And didnt us so called “counter culture” kids, INVENT THAT? Why can’t this artist simply execute the tactics independant artists have patented for decades now?
I’ll admit, it’s always a let down when our favorite “indie heroes” decide to “sell out”. Right? Cus that’s what it is to most people, selling out. Even though when they made the first dollar off of their product, they were a part of the economic mechanism?
As Douglas Rushkoff would say, why don’t we think of it as we won. They are practically throwing money at us, saying we want to be like you, because money is their LANGUAGE. Yeah, I mean, Nike isn’t a saint of a company, but in the end, nike goes hand in hand with hip hop (ask any shoe afficianado). It’s about getting into the system, being a part of it, and changing it, from the inside out. I think that is the ultimate getting up right there. That’s how viral media works, RIGHT? And didnt us so called “counter culture” kids, INVENT THAT? Why can’t this artist simply execute the tactics independant artists have patented for decades now?
I’ll admit, it’s always a let down when our favorite “indie heroes” decide to “sell out”. Right? Cus that’s what it is to most people, selling out. Even though when they made the first dollar off of their product, they were a part of the economic mechanism?
As Douglas Rushkoff would say, why don’t we think of it as we won. They are practically throwing money at us, saying we want to be like you, because money is their LANGUAGE. Yeah, I mean, Nike isn’t a saint of a company, but in the end, nike goes hand in hand with hip hop (ask any shoe afficianado). It’s about getting into the system, being a part of it, and changing it, from the inside out. I think that is the ultimate getting up right there. That’s how viral media works, RIGHT? And didnt us so called “counter culture” kids, INVENT THAT? Why can’t this artist simply execute the tactics independant artists have patented for decades now?
Maybe Mr. Rock figured out that most of us would find a way to bypass Nike/Apple to get hold of this mix anyway (torrents etc).
Aside from any moral question and more importantly – this mix is extremely well-designed and makes running long distances (10k+) that little bit easier and a lot more pleasurable. I hope more artists with Aesop’s skills follow his lead (cos’ that LCD Soundsystem mix sucks royally… definitely does not help while running…).
Cheers…
Maybe Mr. Rock figured out that most of us would find a way to bypass Nike/Apple to get hold of this mix anyway (torrents etc).
Aside from any moral question and more importantly – this mix is extremely well-designed and makes running long distances (10k+) that little bit easier and a lot more pleasurable. I hope more artists with Aesop’s skills follow his lead (cos’ that LCD Soundsystem mix sucks royally… definitely does not help while running…).
Cheers…
yea, pretty weak stuff alright. wouldn’t have expected that from aesop rock
the mix > http://rapidshare.com/files/17471840/Aesop_Rock_-_2007_-_All_Day_Nike__Original_Run__Continuous_Mix_.zip
yea, pretty weak stuff alright. wouldn’t have expected that from aesop rock
the mix > http://rapidshare.com/files/17471840/Aesop_Rock_-_2007_-_All_Day_Nike__Original_Run__Continuous_Mix_.zip
yea, pretty weak stuff alright. wouldn’t have expected that from aesop rock
the mix > http://rapidshare.com/files/17471840/Aesop_Rock_-_2007_-_All_Day_Nike__Original_Run__Continuous_Mix_.zip
yea, pretty weak stuff alright. wouldn’t have expected that from aesop rock
the mix > http://rapidshare.com/files/17471840/Aesop_Rock_-_2007_-_All_Day_Nike__Original_Run__Continuous_Mix_.zip
you’re all fuckin idiots. have you ever listened to an aesop song? nike is a part of him and his raps along with el-p. they both love dunks and af1’s. so it just seems right that he would do this. plus if you listen to the whole mix it’s pretty fuckin amazing. you fags need to quit hating!
you’re all fuckin idiots. have you ever listened to an aesop song? nike is a part of him and his raps along with el-p. they both love dunks and af1’s. so it just seems right that he would do this. plus if you listen to the whole mix it’s pretty fuckin amazing. you fags need to quit hating!
you’re all fuckin idiots. have you ever listened to an aesop song? nike is a part of him and his raps along with el-p. they both love dunks and af1’s. so it just seems right that he would do this. plus if you listen to the whole mix it’s pretty fuckin amazing. you fags need to quit hating!
You guys should checkout the shoes that came out from Nike with Ipod applications. Nike and Apple coming together is a perfect combination and if this can motivate a healthier lifestyle than more power to them.
You guys should checkout the shoes that came out from Nike with Ipod applications. Nike and Apple coming together is a perfect combination and if this can motivate a healthier lifestyle than more power to them.
You guys should checkout the shoes that came out from Nike with Ipod applications. Nike and Apple coming together is a perfect combination and if this can motivate a healthier lifestyle than more power to them.
Nike + is cool, but id prefer if adidas had made it.
Nike + is cool, but id prefer if adidas had made it.
aes is aes. he got a good opportunity to make something. be proud he got to paint his colors on nike. of course he’s an emcee, but experimenting is all he can do at his level. plus, he’s a fucking great producer.
aes is aes. he got a good opportunity to make something. be proud he got to paint his colors on nike. of course he’s an emcee, but experimenting is all he can do at his level. plus, he’s a fucking great producer.
aes is aes. he got a good opportunity to make something. be proud he got to paint his colors on nike. of course he’s an emcee, but experimenting is all he can do at his level. plus, he’s a fucking great producer.
Do you take donations via paypal?
Do you take donations via paypal?
Do you take donations via paypal?
Do you take donations via paypal?
me?
me?
me?
Do you know what is the meaning for ?
Do you know what is the meaning for ?
Do you know what is the meaning for ?
lol… am i really reading people discrediting aesop for working with nike??
unreal
lol… am i really reading people discrediting aesop for working with nike??
unreal
Good ole Aesop
Good ole Aesop
lololololololololololollolololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololollolololololololololo hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lol
crazy is all i can say… i need a pair for the next P.R praide
crazy is all i can say… i need a pair for the next P.R praide
crazy is all i can say… i need a pair for the next P.R praide
i find it difficult to believe you all live your lives with out having to purchase the products of such a company.
i find it difficult to believe you all live your lives with out having to purchase the products of such a company.
“NO ONE can live their lives entirely free of dealing with MNCs now, so your other argument is completely null and void – this is the era of globalization in case you hadn’t noticed”
ummm…that was my point if you actually read it.
Nike is a great shoe company and have made the successful transition to other sports, but I question their decision to go into the rock music field.
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yeah AEs kinda let me down with this work, left wing artist 4 multinational company #2…i’m starting to feel that nothing is real no more, what’s with you AEs?
yeah Aes kinda let me down with this work, left wing artist 4 multinational company #2…i’m starting to feel that nothing is real no more…what’s with you AEs?