A$AP Rocky and Aesop Rock might share similar names, but the two rappers are polar opposites. A$AP Rocky is black, from Harlem, signed to a major label, and has catapulted to mainstream success within three years of first emerging onto the scene. Aesop Rock is white, from Long Island, a longtime signee of the independent Definitive Jux label, and a veteran in the underground hip-hop community.
Rocky was often confused for Aesop Rock by underground hip-hop fans when he started to make noise. While there is no confusing the two artists, it is great to see the Harlem native embrace the often overlooked underground rapper.
This picture of A$AP Rocky and Aesop Rock was taken at Rock The Bells today in San Francisco. A$AP Rocky was a performer today, along with his A$AP Mob. Aesop Rock was not a performer this year, but as a Bay Area resident, he came out to the festival at the invitation of his Rhymesayers' labelmate Brother Ali. Rocky's caption on his Instagram page sums things up best: "AESOP ROCKY X A$VP ROCKY.......TOO RARE BRUH BRUH."
Big shout to the kid @BrotherAli . Go check him in his current tour dates although Immortal Technique and I. Self Divine
UPDATE: Video footage has surfaced of the awesome encounter between A$AP Rocky and Aesop Rock, courtesy of Peter Rosenberg. Watch below.
