Following a five-year hiatus, San Francisco-via-NYC hip-hop artist Aesop Rock recently returned with his first solo album since None Shall Pass. Released by the Rhymesayers label, Skelethon is the rapper’s effort to come to terms with the death of a close friend, as well as the deterioration of several friendships and close relationships. “Death has become commonplace in my life,” he says. “The past few years was an endless period of skeletons. But, hopefully, Skelethon will help put all of this behind me. It’s like a giant purging—like finishing a chapter and preparing to jump into the next one.” Aesop will also be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our recent feature on him.
Aesop: I used to catch frogs in my backyard in Long Island. I don’t know, maybe they were toads. It doesn’t matter. Find some grass, or some wetlands, a pond, a lake, a stream, etc. Move some rocks, some branches, some vines, some leaves. It’s easier to spot them when they hop, otherwise they just blend into their habitat, so a little disturbance goes a long way.
Recently I’ve been traveling to the Northwest to visit friends in a house with a great yard. On a good day when the plumage is full it’s pretty easy to find a Pacific Tree Frog nestled in the grape vines in the yard. I also caught a beautiful Northern Leopard Frog earlier this year in a friend’s flower garden. I’d advise looking into what types of frogs are native to your area so you know what to expect and when the best time to look is.
I always find that just after dinner, when it’s still light out but beginning to get dark is a great time to find them. They are fun to play with, and you can place them in a jar with some holes in the top for closer inspection. Also a night time hunt is always fun, flashlights, etc. I find the act of searching for, catching and releasing frogs to be awesomely rewarding, and really one of my favorite activities to do since I was young, scouring my backyard with my brothers. They make for fascinating creatures, and I think catching frogs will always be something I find relaxing.
Video after the jump.
2 replies on “From The Desk Of Aesop Rock: Catching Frogs”
I enjoyed reading this story and I especially like how (in Gopher Guts) you catch and tell these little creatures how special they are. Am curious of what frogs are in my area now!
Today I pulled three green frogs out of leaf and bark where the grape vines climb a convenient barn;
I told them “you will grow to be something tenacious and exalted; you are mighty, you are gracious, you are lauded.” then I let them go
– Gopher Guts