Cannibal Ox

Cannibal Ox (or CanOx) is an abstract hip hop music duo from Harlem, New York City. Its members include Vast Aire and Vordul Mega (also known as Vordul Megallah). They are generally accompanied by DJ Cip-One. The name Cannibal Ox derives from the term cannibal (one who eats its own kind), and ox (street slang for a razor blade, OX can also be an abbreviation of Cypher Unknown). As such, their name points towards the metaphorical cutting up and devouring of other rappers. It is also probably a play on words referring to Umberto Lenzi's 1981 exploitation movie Cannibal Ferox. In 2001, they released their debut album, The Cold Vein, which received wide critical acclaim and drew comparisons to the 36 Chambers-era Wu-Tang Clan. Cannibal Ox is a part of the Definitive Jux record label.

The group was rumored to have disbanded, but in 2003 fellow Definitive Jux rapper Murs said "By the way, Can Ox is not broken up, it's just a rumor" between tracks on fellow Definitive Jux rapper Aesop Rock's album Bazooka Tooth. November 2005 brought the release of a live album, Return of the Ox: Live at CMJ, in the liner notes of which is the statement "Look out for the new full length LP by Cannibal Ox Summer of 06." Supposedly, RZA, Pete Rock and El-P were set to contribute.

In March 2007 El-P answered "I really doubt it" when asked if a new Cannibal Ox album was coming out any time soon, lending credence to rumors of the group having disbanded.^[1]

In a post on his MySpace Blog, Vast confirmed that he was no longer working with Definitive Jux, left the Weathermen, and that the plans for a new Cannibal Ox LP were scrapped. He cited creative and financial differences with El-P and Definitive Jux as well as Vordul's alleged clinical depression.^[2]

In January 2008, in an internet interview titled "Heading for the top of NY" on Basement Flavor, Vast plugged his Mighty Joseph project with rapper Karniege and spoke about future projects in the works. When asked about his relationship with Vordul, "is Cannibal Ox really over?", he answered "Can Ox is here." He expanded further and confirmed Vordul is featured on his upcoming solo LP Deuces Wild and the Mighty Joseph project. Vast Aire was later featured on Vordul's album Megagraphitti.^[3]

Discography

Albums

• The Cold Vein (Definitive Jux - 2001)
• Return of the Ox: Live at CMJ (Fragmented Music - 2005)
• Speakerboxxx /The Ox Below (2004)

Singles/EPs

• "DPA" / "Simian Drugs" / "Simple" b/w "Iron Galaxy", "Straight Off The D.I.C." - Company Flow/Cannibal Ox Double 12" (Definitive Jux - 2000)
• "Vein" b/w "A B-Boy's Alpha" (Definitive Jux - 2001)
• "The F Word" CD/12" (Definitive Jux - 2001)

References

External links

• Cannibal Ox webpage