Hail Mary Mallon “Smock” Stream

Typhoid Mary, the first person identified as a healthy carrier of typhoid fever, lived a rather burdened life, continually under accusation that she was the source of illness (and death) before being exiled to an isolated clinic where she eventually died. How her story relates to the relationship between Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz is unknown, but it could be that after having spent so much time together, they now feel the incubation period of their association has passed and they’re ready to unleash their pathogen onto the world. Or it could simply be that Hail Mary Mallon is a catchy name that stuck among friends, who knows. Regardless, the trio have a lengthy history of recording and performing together (Big Wiz and Sonic usually accompany Aesop on tour), but the forthcoming Rhymesayers album stands as their first release as a formal collective. With its ominous production “Smock” lands as the first taste from the new project; throughout the song Aesop and Sonic’s smoggy lyrical banter showcases the chemistry they’ve developed over the years. Are You Gonna Eat That? will be released digitally May 3, followed by a hard copy release June 7.