Collectively known as Mighty Joseph, underground MCs Vast Aire, one-half of Cannibal Ox, and Karniege knew each other since they went to high school in Manhattan, NY. They forged a professional partnership in 2003 as Vast Aire was embarking on a solo career during Cannibal Ox's hiatus. Karniege accompanied Vast Aire while he toured around the world both as a hype man and as an equal-partner MC. However, the Mighty Joseph collaboration (their name is a reference to the 1949 film Mighty Joe Young) first came to fruition in 2005 when they decided to explore their chemistry in the studio, and so, began recording that year. After committing to several more tour dates over the next few years, the duo inked an album deal with Urchin Studios to release their first full-length, Empire State, in 2008. The Madlib-produced "Legend" from the album garnered the two a significant buzz via the Internet. ~ Cyril Cordor, All Music Guide
