Aesop Rock – Black Hole Superette

Review

Black Hole Superette finds Aesop Rock in a reflective, almost domestic groove, a shift from the dense, paranoid abstraction that defined much of his earlier work. Released in 2025, the album turns an observant eye toward the minutiae of daily life — vegetable gardens, Costco trips, Portland birds — and infuses them with his trademark wit, lyrical dexterity, and sharp insight. It’s a quieter, more contemplative Aesop, celebrating the mundane as a form of poetry and finding wonder in moments often overlooked.

Musically, Aesop continues producing his own beats, blending nostalgic 1980s–90s hip-hop influences with stripped-down, atmospheric compositions. Tracks like “Snail Zero”, “Bird School”, and “Black Plums” show how he balances complex rhyme schemes with approachable grooves, creating a sound that’s simultaneously intimate and intellectually engaging. Guest spots from Armand Hammer, Open Mike Eagle, Homeboy Sandman, Lupe Fiasco, and Hanni El Khatib provide additional texture without overshadowing Aesop’s voice.

Overall, Black Hole Superette is a testament to Aesop Rock’s growth — an album that finds profundity in everyday life while retaining the verbal acrobatics and curiosity that make him distinctive. It’s thoughtful, accessible, and quietly brilliant, rewarding listeners who slow down and pay attention. - Evan