Album Review: Aesop Rock & Blockhead - ‘Trouble Mountain’

Photo Credit: Noah Smith

I am so excited for the return of Aesop Rock and Blockhead’s collaborative relationship that first was forged thirty years ago. With Trouble Mountain, one of hip-hop’s most dynamic duos reunite to the delight of the faithful. The record tangles with issues of escape, survival and the issues of everyday struggle. Trouble Mountain spans seventeen tracks, and was aesthetically inspired by vintage Poconos ads that Aesop Rock and Blockhead nostalgically remember from their childhood in New York.

Trouble Mountain represents Aesop Rock’s thirteenth studio LP and his first collaboration with longtime partner, Blockhead since 2021’s Garbology. Again, I’m so stoked for this record and for good reason. Aesop Rock’s flow is smooth as ever and Blockhead production work is simply stunning. The beats the duo drop on this one are absolutely killer and feature some great piano, guitar, and percussion work.

There are some great features on Trouble Mountain, especially on “Coyote Summer” (Hanni El Khatib) and “One Thing” (Open Mike Eagle). There are some pretty cool harmonies vocally between Aesop Rock and Open Mike Eagle. I also absolutely loved “Mom One”, the strings were such a dynamic complement to Aesop Rock who was just dropping bars! While the entire record is absolutely next level, I think my favorite track is between “Swedish Death Cleaning” and “One Thing”.

If you’re a fan of hip-hop, you absolutely need to get this one asap. I know I’m already putting in my preorder! No notes…

Rating - 10/10