Preservation

Aesop Rock's song "Preservation," featuring Del tha Funky Homosapien, is a complex and layered piece that delves into themes of authenticity, resilience, and the preservation of true hip-hop culture. The song opens with Aesop Rock's signature dense and metaphor-laden lyrics, setting the stage for a narrative that critiques the superficiality and commercialism that often plague the music industry. His references to "riff raff" and "venom with a new twang" suggest a disdain for those who compromise their artistic integrity for mainstream success. The imagery of a "shark attack" and "dark wing" further emphasizes the aggressive stance he takes against these forces, portraying himself as a vigilant guardian of the art form.

Del tha Funky Homosapien's verse complements Aesop Rock's sentiments, reinforcing the idea of preservation as a form of resistance. Del's lines about being part of the "national guard" and stopping "any operations against the fence" metaphorically position him and Aesop as protectors of the hip-hop culture. His mention of being "vegetarian and aware of it" adds another layer, suggesting a conscious and deliberate approach to their craft, free from the 'meat' of commercial exploitation. Del's playful yet pointed wordplay, such as "capture fools with lasso loops," underscores the skill and dedication required to maintain authenticity in a rapidly changing industry.

The song's chorus and subsequent verses continue to build on these themes, with Aesop Rock describing his creative process as a form of rebellion. His line about making "rap music during commercial breaks" serves as a metaphor for creating art in the margins, away from the influence of corporate interests. The imagery of "shaking leaches off his Puma's" and "chiseling the missile gently" further illustrates the painstaking effort involved in staying true to oneself. Del's closing lines about striking it rich only to "keep the flow" encapsulate the ultimate goal: to preserve the essence of hip-hop, not for fame or fortune, but for the love of the art itself.