Cannibal Ox showcases cutting-edge imagination on their conceptual masterpiece, The Cold Vein. Vast Aire and Vordul Mega deliver complex vocabulary, wordplay, imagery and description, packed into the most well-written hip hop project to date. They are extremely diligent and intentful about every breath they take, exhibiting hieroglyphic-like lyricism for the audience to decipher.
There is no rap movement more adventurous than the unstoppable Cannibal Ox. Forming in the final years of the 90s decade, the duo worked on their debut alongside legendary hip hop producer, EL-P, who not only produced the entire record, but helped bring the group together. The Cold Vein is lightning in a bottle, encapsulating every rare element of a perfect rap album; excellent songwriting, rhymes, flows, delivery, production… the list goes on.
This group is an underdog story, where they emerged out of the shadows and disrupted the typical perception of hip hop in the most exciting way. That's very one of a kind. The Cold Vein is like Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, only if it was made on acid. The loud dusty drums, low-fidelity samples, and extraterrestrial feel to the project’s atmosphere leads me to believe it came from another planet. As you listen, you find more about its origin in Harlem, NYC.
Alright, no more beating around the bush. I’d like to get into some of my favorite moments on this LP, and there is a lot to choose from. Pigeon details the perspective of a fragile upbringing, demonstrating the traits that resemble many species of birds.
“Eskimo medal doctrine locked in oxygen shell
Words shot plated metal lung which spun kids' carousel…
Detached Christ's Word
But freeze-frame gold chain swing Son of God
Iceberg gem shines on the neck, ghetto flight bird…”
Vordul Mega displays mind-bending and tactical delivery, presented in an abstract way. The dark delivery from both Vast and Vordul chills my body down to the core, and properly suits the project’s title, The Cold Vein.
Straight Off the D.I.C is another classic example of the duo’s expert lyricism and chemistry, exchanging verses over an outer space instrumental. They detail their violent environment while they overcome their hardships in a very confident attitude. New York is sick, still they walk and spit rich descriptions, all off the dome. They are great shit talkers, and they do it in the 4th dimension.
I adore the unorthodox nature of this record, from EL-P’s forward thinking production, to the imaginative verses and rhythms from Vordul Mega and Vast Aire. The Cold Vein is one of the most visual stories told in hip hop, and Cannibal Ox’s talent shines through to the fullest. One more thought, Vordul Mega’s verse on Painkillers is deeply traumatic, and I admire the personal artistic approach he took on that track.
Final Verdict: Innovative, warped, aggressive, and unapologetically talented. Perfect 10.