Cannibal Ox

Members of the Def Jux family, which includes Mr. Lif, the Weathermen, Aseop Rock, and others, Cannibal Ox comprise two emcees - Vast and Vordul - with El-P (Company Flow) on production. First appearing in late 2000 on a double 12" with Co Flow, Can Ox unleashed their ridiculously sick debut LP The Cold Vein in early 2001. On what's easily one of the best albums of the year, the Ox flex ultra-tight rhyme schemes over El-P's super original, post-apocalyptic soundscapes. Moody, distorted beats, otherworldly keyboards, and thick layers of sludgy samples suit their next-level lyrics perfectly. The two sound off about twisted love tales, stark drug episodes, and life in the city. Innovative, advanced, and most of all fresh, Cannibal Ox are at the forefront of a brave new world in hip-hop.