For a while, the group was rumored to have disbanded. In 2003 however, 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."
In addition to El-P, legendary producers Pete Rock and The RZA have reportedly signed on to contribute to the project. DJ Mighty Mi, who collaborated with Vast Aire in 2005, would be a likely producer as well.
Cannibal Ox is once again reportedly broken up for good, however; as of 2008 El-P commented that the two emcee's from the group have been unable to put anything together either in music or in their personal lives. Both artists have been pursuing successful solo careers, with two albums each under their respective belts.
Psalm 82
Cannibal Ox Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or do not
There is no try
I said Allah is seen and heard
Like Ibrahim
When he came to lead the herd
Hey, hey, hey
Like Elijah
When he came to spread the word
Thinking what’s most plausible
Kickin’ that digital audible
Gettin’ through periods transitional
Beggin’ you to move, consider it truth
Especially through the fixation of elusion
How could we take it when moving on
Is the only way to escape when the pressure seems close
Feeling luke warm
From heating and having it
Streaming in and carrying
Noticing the clouds gathering gaze, the preparation for storm
When everything comes to a halt
Visualize travelling as vivid memories comes together
Like pixels on plasma screens
Tryin’ for a chance to settle in
Life is fast paced
As new ideas start to gravitate
Havin’ a way is a disapproval
The best way is to move through
I said Allah is seen and heard
Like Ibrahim
When he came to lead the herd
Hey, hey, hey
I said Allah is seen and heard
Like Elijah
When he came to spread the word
Jesus on a crucifix
This is why the devil is trapped on six
And to get yourself outta hell
You gotta say my name backwards like Mxyzptlk
Hold up, did I mention
I like to fight imps from the fifth dimension
It’s like the clash of Gods and Titans
IGC's are crimsing
I taught Caesar how to crush a grape
I’m like Musa; civilizing a planet of apes
You will never ever rap better than me
I’m where the politicians eat rats like V
Plus I’m thrice as mean, nahmean
I'm Dimethyltryptamine
So don’t ever think of crushing me
Cause it’s olley olley oxen free
I said Allah is seen and heard
Like Ibrahim
When he came to lead the herd
Hey, hey, hey
I said Allah is seen and heard
Like Elijah
When he came to spread the word
The lyrics to Cannibal Ox's song Psalm 82 are cryptic and thought-provoking. The opening lines, "Do or do not, there is no try," echo the famous words of Yoda from Star Wars and suggest a call to action. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the "action" being called for is spiritual enlightenment, as the artists proclaim the power of Allah and name-check biblical figures like Ibrahim and Elijah. The verses describe the struggle to find truth in a world filled with distractions and illusions, urging the listener to keep moving forward and seeking answers.
The second half of the song takes a more confrontational tone, with references to fighting demons and crushing grapes like Caesar. The lyrics remain enigmatic, but suggest a fierce pride in the artists' abilities and a belief in their superiority over other rappers.
Overall, Psalm 82 is a dense and challenging song that rewards multiple listens and careful consideration. Its themes of spiritual awakening, personal strength, and societal deception are timely and universal, making the song a powerful meditation on the human condition.
Line by Line Meaning
Do
Take action
Or do not
There is no middle ground
There is no try
Make a decision and follow through
I said Allah is seen and heard
Acknowledging the presence and power of Allah
Like Ibrahim
Comparing Allah's presence to Ibrahim's leadership
When he came to lead the herd
Guiding people towards their destiny
Hey, hey, hey
An exclamation of affirmation
Thinking what’s most plausible
Deliberating practical solutions
Kickin’ that digital audible
Listening to music as a form of expression
Gettin’ through periods transitional
Navigating through changing times
Beggin’ you to move, consider it truth
Encouraging others to take action based on facts
Especially through the fixation of elusion
Not getting caught up in illusions
How could we take it when moving on
Why stay stagnant when progress is possible?
Is the only way to escape when the pressure seems close
Continuing forward when facing obstacles
Feeling luke warm
Underwhelmed
From heating and having it
Over-exerting oneself
Streaming in and carrying
Feeling weighed down by responsibilities
Noticing the clouds gathering gaze, the preparation for storm
Recognizing impending danger and taking action
When everything comes to a halt
When life stands still
Visualize travelling as vivid memories come together
Reflecting on the past and how it shapes the future
Like pixels on plasma screens
The way memories are formed in the mind
Tryin’ for a chance to settle in
Looking for stability and comfort
Life is fast paced
Time moves quickly
As new ideas start to gravitate
As new concepts gain momentum
Havin’ a way is a disapproval
Having a different perspective can be unpopular
The best way is to move through
The most effective way is to keep going
Jesus on a crucifix
Referencing a symbol of Christianity
This is why the devil is trapped on six
Explaining the role of the devil in the world
And to get yourself outta hell
Escaping a difficult situation
You gotta say my name backwards like Mxyzptlk
Using a metaphor to describe an unusual solution
Hold up, did I mention
Asking for attention
I like to fight imps from the fifth dimension
Expressing a love of science fiction
It’s like the clash of Gods and Titans
Using mythology to describe a conflict
IGC's are crimsing
Possibly referencing a group or organization
I taught Caesar how to crush a grape
Using humor to describe an accomplishment
I’m like Musa; civilizing a planet of apes
Comparing oneself to a Biblical figure
You will never ever rap better than me
Confidence in one's abilities
I’m where the politicians eat rats like V
Describing a harsh reality
Plus I’m thrice as mean, nahmean
Emphasizing one's toughness
I'm Dimethyltryptamine
Referencing a hallucinogenic drug
So don’t ever think of crushing me
Warning others of one's strength
Cause it’s olley olley oxen free
Ending on a playful, childlike phrase
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ase Alpha
still banging...is all I can say
bug guy
cannibal spits that holiness and still makes it gangster
Arcilios
CAN OX DON'T STOP
The Loop of Sound
0:18
ShiatulAliKarbalathe313
Allah the Omniscient Creator can't be seen, he does speak thru prophets though
Christy Dunn
Maybe you can see him on dmt and that's why he mentioned it
lAbel AttAx
Sure...