Like any Aesop Rock assisted project, Hail Mary Mallon’s Are You Going to Eat That? is smart from the album’s title to its execution. Hail Mary Mallon – consisting of Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic, and DJ Big Wiz – is named after Mary Mallon aka “Typhoid Mary” the infamous carrier of typhoid fever. Are You Going to Eat That? is a tribute to her return to the kitchen despite her disease, and acts as a metaphor for the trio’s perseverance to continue making the type of music that they love.
Aesop and Rob Sonic play off each other wonderfully throughout the entire project. The differences in their vocal intensity and delivery make for an exciting adventure that features uber-lyrical back forth verses that discuss both the serious and the fun. The duo never slips up lyrically and demonstrate their regard for content driven verses even if they often wonder in the world of abstract. Look no further than the first track of the album, “Church Pants” to see the duo in their element. The upbeat production contrasts with serious lyricism but it somehow works as a fitting introduction to the group and album.
The album’s first single “Smock” is one of the highlights of the project. Its synths and muffled drums capture the best in both artists. Production that teeters on the edge of feel good or dark, alongside artists that pride themselves on being serious writers, adds to the complexity that you would see in any Rob Sonic or Aesop Rock project. The very next track, “Pocono’s” continues to highlight the duo’s chemistry. Dope vocal samples, a perfectly used cymbal, a killer hook, and superb verses from both artist’s brings what will surely be one of the most revered independent hip hop tracks of the year. “Table Talk” sees the artist over the hardest production on the album. Aesop Rock spits some of his best work of his career, while Rob Sonic’s flow is just a thing of beauty. It’s tracks like these, which made the two-year wait worth it for fans, that show why Hail Mary Mallon isn’t just a couple of emcees bullshitting, but creating art.
At times the album wanders into the realm of obscurity. While clearly diehard fans of both artists will appreciate this about the project, it takes away from its overall appeal. Tracks like the annoyingly catchy “Breakdance Beach” feature the artist riding the beat perfectly, but a Nickelodeon Junior-esque hook kills the track. “Knievel” sees Hail Mary Mallon spit arguably their most forgettable verses of the album, while “Garfield’s” silliness makes it an afterthought.
Hail Mary Mallon gives us one of the better independent albums released of the year. The artists’ ability to have fun, while weaving a complex and serious narrative is the thing that only seasoned lyricists could pull off. Clearly Aesop Rock and Rob Sonic have chemistry. Veteran duos would envy the back and forth that Rob Sonic and Aesop Rock possess, and fans can only patiently wait for the next go around for Hail Mary Mallon. Regardless of whether or not you’re going to eat the styles they’re cooking, they’re going to continue to do what they love just like Mary Mallon.
smock is my shit
Great album.
C’mon man… These three motherfuckers making an album together??? That’s just asking for pure Hip-Hop Freshness. 5 stars all the way…. oh and 3 1/2 stars from HHDX??? Are they sure that they listened to the same Album I did??
Awesome album
You want this. Trust me, you do.
Dope!
Big Aes Rock
oh yeaaa
This album is amazing, just fucking incredible. I’ve been bumping this ever since it came out. 5/5
HHDX’s 3.5 is some BULLSHIT.
took a minute for this one to grow on me, but every track had me noddin my head. been waitin for this since ‘dark heart news’ & it was worth it
This is Underground Supergroup….not fuckin corny boring Slaughterhouse…
Aesop is so COOL!!! 5/5 one of the best LP of second quarter of 2011
Fuck that, the only real underground supergroup is AOTP !
AOTP = average at best.
This site loses credibility everyday with these whack ratings. 5 stars easy. Fuck a DX review.
i aint get this yet but ima hit the stores 2morrow an cop it.. 5/5 from what i’ve heard so far
p.s never pay no attention to DX reviews! they always got some whack shit to say!
4.5 at least!! How is “Garfield” forgettable? How about “Grubstake” taking one rhyme scheme from “Licensed to Ill” and making a whole song out of it? This shit is right on par with Ace’s recent works (“None Shall Pass,” Felt 3, etc.).
Originality
A lot of DX hate in the comments. I don’t think Aesop Rock has EVER made a 5/5 album, or even 4.5/5. Some nerve you all have.
labour days is a 5/5 album, if u havent heard it then save your breath and
dont bother commenting
14 people gave this a five? I really like this album but a 5 rating means classic which it isnt. A perfect rating should only go to a select few. 3/5
obviously 14 people have a different opinion from you, shitbird.
ok if your gonna be like that you can eat a dick. I just dont think in anyway shape or form this is one of the greatest albums ever made.
No one gives a fuck what you think.
who said 5=classic? But it deserves way more than a 3.5. bump it up to a 4.5 at least. Goblin should not have ahigher rating than this. i’m now seriously doubting DX’s views, but they are opinions. Shitty ones. and that’s my opinion, and yeah it’s a shitty one too
The real rating of an album comes down to whether you can get your fuck on to it.
Can I put this shit in the CD player when I get some chick around to my place and will it make her wanna fuck? Probably not. In fact, I’ve had very little luck getting my fuck on with any Aesop Rock CD. Bitches usually too busy trying to listen to him than taking any interest in my ugly ass…
sooooo good one
I think most of people didnt really mean that is 5 stars album (classic) me neither, but for me that album is 4,5 for me…. i ranked that album 4.5 on sputnik music but how i can rank that LP 4.5 on that website? i cn choose only with 4 or 5 which is really stupid…I thin, no I know if that website has system ranking from 1 to 10 almost nobody gave to that perfect 10… in that ranking system is that album 9 for me. But ranking on that website is pretty retarded most of reviewing LPs got so many 5’s…AMEN
Shit is tight!! Hip Hop needs albums like this!
This album and Fareign Friday EP are the two albums I bump daily. Aesop and Rob Sonic go in
Lovin It, great set of artists this is on HIGH rotation , top two this year. Aesop rates very highly for my ears and as for Rob his Telicatessen is a classic
nearly perfect 4.8
Been an Aesop fan for a while and I support the Rhymesayers movement plus Rob is dope they are great together
WTF IS WITH THESE BULLSHIT RATINGS FROM THE EDITORS? I see a perfectly worded article about how great they are (aside from the fact that Gibson completely overlooked how fucking insane Garfield is) and then I see this bullshit 3.5 rating? WTF? 4 stars AT LEAST. Imo its 4.5 out of 5.
This album is a bomb and I don’t even usually listen to Aesop or (former) Def Jukies! 3.5 is very low, don’t know what these hip hop journalists are listening to. My top 2 of the year too, if you liked this check Freebass 808 (Suede from Camp Lo and The Apple Juice Kid).
#section80
dont listen to this fag,hail mary is way better than section 80
aiet.. nothing too special
I love Aesop and i love this album. My love for Hail Mary Mallon was only solidified when i saw them perform in Bozeman Montana not too long ago. I am a ridiculous fan and i can’t wait for more!
This albums is Fire! Love it, such a relief to have real artists doing their thing aside from all the fakes. I like talent, N Aesop definately has it. Can’t wait for another serving.
good album best tracks for me 2,4,6,8
love it!!!