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.
atom
Cannibal Ox Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Vast Aire]
Yo, I ain't superstisious but these niggaz is nice
[Cryptic]
A lot of cats pop shit, I pop apocalypse
Toppin propaganda force fed to the populace
On top of this I move posteriors
Brother impoverished the +pac shuries+
My process: accomplish through percevierence
Every man's not my brother regardless of appearence
Apprehension clouds the spirit
Tension prepares us for ascension
And at his best is when he breaks conventions
A convenient covenant coveted for conception
We're all from the same mold: spores and bacteria
Those woulda fear me others would thaw hysteria
A claustraphobic nuerosis in this masquerade ball of fake glasses and big noses
Mollasses splashes explosive flows
Two exposed pinnocheos growin nose
Composed of compost compositions
Those clothes are gettin a little close fittin
I stop this shit and I'm over-confident
The script's compliments of my frozen mic dominance
A passively aggressive testament is how I'm reppin shit
[Vast Aire]
Watch Vast murder the track effortless
Like God's on my side and he answered my Christmas list
After the first couple of bars I start to smell fear
That's when I take them there so they can breathe Aire
You're so secure with your insecurity
Perfect world of piety I swat flies when they bother me
Some say I touch hearts like Kano
Now every time you see a mic you just say no
Some write with words, I write with matters
As my soul is brushed free Vast Aire dusty
In the coldest winters we thought husky
They be like, "I don't know his name but he aim like Wayne Gretsky"
That's funny, cause I don't play hockey
I play horse on the mic and watch em all copy
Left hooks left from shookin etch-a-sketching
Give me an entry line I'll take a mile if you let me
I'm not a bum, I'm a nomad, off dome
Thoughts have no home, the page is ours to roam
Cats be on some fantasy shit like Cinderella
Well we'll see if the shoe fits after the accapella
And the nascent's claimin sonnin
What's the penalty for that? He might never come back
And the atomic pressure won't lessin
After you've learned your lesson
Mister sits in a track? Yeah that's a bucket I see
Like a farmhand cuttin a little piggie
From the author I'm also the farmer stupid
I shoot a arrow at you and my name ain't Cupid
[Alaska]
Yo I'm mindless with this art
(?) while this heart gets brave
And a blade that's well polished and sharp
Intending to reinvent two spinning wheels in line
Just to enjoy the bumpy lives and improve upon its design
I take time, every plate circle's complete, love it
I've learned even tardy birds come to eat from it
Early bird gets the worm but that early worm finds a spot
In the early bird's stomach and can't escape from it
Pity the odd jocks of live stock graze amongst our mind crop
Beast of burdon murdered their minds one
Climbin nations leave these regions unexplored
Liberty torch the truth with sandy floors on beach shores
Destroy atomic gracelands def-
Definitine situations a complex edifice
Mother nature broken fucked by offspring's wreckless neglegance
Disruptive corruptive residence of birthin now pessimists
Found willingly bound in the back of yellow (?)
Clearly, pity anti mobius strip theories
Dennis Leary, Miller, and menacing cynicism visions
Would an oppressed bet givin his position on life's mission
[Vordul Megala]
Now listen how sick is these niggaz?
Atoms to illest, (catepillars/ cat pillars), And don't choke guns
Smoke onions crying with no funds no fun trying
To get by still Vordul do it and rap music
Tell death do us wet your noodle
With raps in the pot hard boil the rap gargoyles
Stoned at night on top of buildings Gothic
Like Bruce in the blue suit let's get it poppin
Watch it drop outa the sky in the ridin hampton where some get tackled
Hooks that grapple right on your Adam
Got you chokin off the rhyme potents
Stay focused while you villians stay jokin
Serious on the mic get ignorant
Delivering the rap vocals for the new mellinnium
We're from illeum marchin in atomic garments
Bombin all the nonsense.....
Yo, you cats ain't ready for this, heavy abyss
Thoughts that travel through the tunnels of scripts
My mic holds one in the clip and fo's packed under the dic
Spit rhino acapells gunnin your shit
Your rap plug's stuck in your whips fuckin with this
Over these el-pro percussion hits
We love to rip, love to sip, love to rep Jux to Def
Yeah, Atoms...
The song "Atom" by Cannibal Ox, featuring Alaska and Cryptic of Atoms follows the typically aggressive, off-beat production style and strong lyricism characteristic of the New York underground hip-hop scene. The first verse from Cryptic of Atoms navigates political themes, pointing fingers at propaganda, poverty, and a masquerade ball of "fake glasses and big noses." He raps about the commonalities among humans as "spores and bacteria" while also recognizing individuality and the importance of perseverance. Vast Aire takes over in the second verse, boasting about his abilities as an emcee while tearing down false piety and fantasy, asserting his nomadic and free-thinking nature.
Alaska takes over the third verse and delivers more abstract imagery, touching on themes of humanity's destructive impact on the planet and the need for reinvention, freedom, and exploration, while also questioning the essence of life's mission. Vordul Megala finishes the song with a fast and furious flow, painting the picture of rap as a weapon and embodying the aggressive energy of the beat.
The song is part of the album "The Cold Vein," which is widely regarded as a classic among hip-hop fans and critics alike. It was released in 2001 on independent label Definitive Jux, founded by rapper and producer El-P.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, I ain't superstisious but these niggaz is nice
I don't believe in superstitions, but these guys are talented
A lot of cats pop shit, I pop apocalypse
Many people talk nonsense, but I bring destruction
Toppin propaganda force fed to the populace
Promoting lies that are forced upon the people
My thoughts run the gamut from outstandin to preposterous
My ideas range from extraordinary to ridiculous
On top of this I move posteriors
In addition, I am making things happen
Brother impoverished the +pac shuries+
Brother, I am overcoming poverty
My process: accomplish through percevierence
My method is to achieve through persistence
Every man's not my brother regardless of appearence
Not every person is my ally, despite their looks
Apprehension clouds the spirit
Fear and doubt affect a person's mindset
Tension prepares us for ascension
The pressure we feel motivates us to rise
And at his best is when he breaks conventions
Someone truly shines when they defy norms
A convenient covenant coveted for conception
A mutually beneficial agreement sought for creation
We're all from the same mold: spores and bacteria
We all come from the same origins, like microorganisms
Those woulda fear me others would thaw hysteria
Some would be afraid of me, while others would lose their panic
A claustraphobic nuerosis in this masquerade ball of fake glasses and big noses
A fear-inducing obsession in a gathering of fake personas
Molasses splashes explosive flows
Slow and thick, my rhymes burst with power
Two exposed pinnocheos growin nose
Two liars are being exposed and made to face the truth
Composed of compost compositions
Creating art from decayed and recycled elements
Those clothes are gettin a little close fittin
Those lies are becoming too apparent or uncomfortable
I stop this shit and I'm over-confident
I put an end to false narratives and I'm self-assured
The script's compliments of my frozen mic dominance
I control the script with my commanding presence on the mic
A passively aggressive testament is how I'm reppin shit
I express my power subtly yet assertively
Watch Vast murder the track effortless
Witness Vast effortlessly dominate the song
Like God's on my side and he answered my Christmas list
I feel divinely supported, as if my prayers were answered
After the first couple of bars I start to smell fear
Once I begin rapping, I sense the fear in others
That's when I take them there so they can breathe Aire
I bring them into my world so they can experience my style
You're so secure with your insecurity
You're oddly confident in your lack of confidence
Perfect world of piety I swat flies when they bother me
In my ideal world, I effortlessly deal with annoyances
Some say I touch hearts like Kano
People claim my music has a profound emotional impact
Now every time you see a mic you just say no
You avoid performing or engaging with rap music
Some write with words, I write with matters
Most people write using language, but I write using substance
As my soul is brushed free Vast Aire dusty
As my spirit is liberated, Vast Aire becomes enlightened
In the coldest winters we thought husky
During harsh times, we were resilient and strong
They be like, 'I don't know his name but he aim like Wayne Gretsky'
People may not recognize me, but they acknowledge my skill
That's funny, cause I don't play hockey
Ironically, I'm not even involved in hockey
I play horse on the mic and watch em all copy
I challenge others on the mic and enjoy seeing them imitate me
Left hooks left from shookin etch-a-sketching
I deliver powerful blows that unsettle and disrupt
Give me an entry line I'll take a mile if you let me
If given an opportunity, I will exploit it to the fullest extent
I'm not a bum, I'm a nomad, off dome
I am not a failure, but a wanderer who freestyles
Thoughts have no home, the page is ours to roam
Ideas are limitless, and we have the freedom to explore them
Cats be on some fantasy shit like Cinderella
Some people live in a fantasy world like Cinderella
Well we'll see if the shoe fits after the accapella
Let's test if they're actually talented without any studio effects
And the nascent's claimin sonnin
Young and inexperienced individuals are asserting dominance
What's the penalty for that? He might never come back
What consequences will they face? They may disappear
And the atomic pressure won't lessin
The intense pressure won't decrease
After you've learned your lesson
Once you've understood the consequences of your actions
Mister sits in a track? Yeah, that's a bucket I see
That guy is insignificant in the music industry
Like a farmhand cuttin a little piggie
Similar to a farmer slaughtering a pig
From the author I'm also the farmer stupid
I not only create, but I control my own destiny
I shoot a arrow at you and my name ain't Cupid
I attack you with my words, inflicting damage
Yo I'm mindless with this art
I create art without overthinking
(?) while this heart gets brave
Even though my heart may be fearful, my art remains courageous
And a blade that's well polished and sharp
I possess a skillful and sharp technique
Intending to reinvent two spinning wheels in line
I aim to revolutionize the music industry
Just to enjoy the bumpy lives and improve upon its design
To appreciate the ups and downs of life and find ways to enhance it
I take time, every plate circle's complete, love it
I take my time, ensuring every aspect is in place, and I enjoy it
I've learned even tardy birds come to eat from it
Even those who are late to notice will eventually benefit
Early bird gets the worm but that early worm finds a spot
The first to act may reap rewards, but eventually someone else will take their place
In the early bird's stomach and can't escape from it
The early bird's success may trap them in their own actions
Pity the odd jocks of live stock graze amongst our mind crop
It's unfortunate that the foolish people consume our thoughts
Beast of burdon murdered their minds one
The burden of society has destroyed their intellect
Climbin nations leave these regions unexplored
Focusing on worldly pursuits neglects uncharted areas of growth
Liberty torch the truth with sandy floors on beach shores
Freedom obscures the truth, like sand on the beach
Destroy atomic gracelands def-
Eliminate the false paradise that exists
Definitine situations a complex edifice
Clearly defined circumstances are like a complicated structure
Mother nature broken fucked by offspring's wreckless neglegance
The actions of the younger generation have harmed and neglected nature
Disruptive corruptive residence of birthin now pessimists
The negative influence of our upbringing has resulted in pessimism
Found willingly bound in the back of yellow (?)
Accepting our own imprisonment without resistance
Clearly, pity anti mobius strip theories
Clearly, it's sad to see theories that are nonsensical
Dennis Leary, Miller, and menacing cynicism visions
Influences like Dennis Leary and Miller promote a dark and cynical worldview
Would an oppressed bet givin his position on life's mission
If someone who is oppressed were to speak about their purpose in life
Now listen how sick is these niggaz?
Now pay attention to how talented these individuals are
Atoms to illest, (catepillars/ cat pillars), And don't choke guns
From the smallest particles to the most skilled artists, and we don't hesitate to use weapons
Smoke onions crying with no funds no fun trying
Struggling to afford basic necessities, which is not enjoyable
To get by still Vordul do it and rap music
Despite the hardships, Vordul continues to pursue his passion for rap music
Tell death do us wet your noodle
I will challenge death and leave you in shock
With raps in the pot hard boil the rap gargoyles
Stirring up intense and powerful rap lyrics
Stoned at night on top of buildings Gothic
Feeling high and elevated on Gothic-style buildings at night
Like Bruce in the blue suit let's get it poppin
Like Bruce Wayne in his blue Batman suit, let's start the action
Watch it drop outa the sky in the ridin hampton where some get tackled
Observe it falling from the sky in a luxurious neighborhood, where some people face obstacles
Hooks that grapple right on your Adam
Chorus lines that grip onto your attention
Got you chokin off the rhyme potents
My powerful rhymes leave you breathless
Stay focused while you villians stay jokin
I remain concentrated while the villains try to distract
Serious on the mic get ignorant
When I'm rapping, I'm serious and unapologetic
Delivering the rap vocals for the new mellinnium
Providing rap vocals that are representative of the new millennium
We're from illeum marchin in atomic garments
We come from a place of chaos, dressed in powerful attire
Bombin all the nonsense.....
Destroying all the irrelevant and meaningless things
Yo, you cats ain't ready for this, heavy abyss
You guys aren't prepared for the deep and intense music we create
Thoughts that travel through the tunnels of scripts
Ideas that flow through the depths of our lyrics
My mic holds one in the clip and fo's packed under the dic
My microphone is like a loaded gun, with additional ammunition at hand
Spit rhino acapells gunnin your shit
I deliver powerful acapella performances that attack your music
Your rap plug's stuck in your whips fuckin with this
You're stuck with mediocre rap while dealing with my superior skills
Over these el-pro percussion hits
Dominating over the exceptional and expertly-produced beats
We love to rip, love to sip, love to rep Jux to Def
We enjoy tearing it up on the mic, indulging in drinks, and representing Jux to Def
Yeah, Atoms...
Yes, we are the epitome of artistic energy
Contributed by Elijah L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@tommasoguarducci4619
[Vast Aire]
Yo, I ain't superstitious but these niggas is nice
[Verse 1: Alaska]
A lot of cats pop shit, I pop apocalypse
Topple propaganda force fed to the populace
My thoughts run the gamut from outstanding to preposterous
On top of this I move posteriors
From impoverished to posh areas
My process: accomplish through perseverance
Every man's not my brother regardless of appearance
Apprehension clouds the spirit
Tension prepares us for ascension
Man at his best is when he breaks chains or conventions
A convenient covenant coveted for conception
We're all from the same mold: spores and bacteria
Told we're inferior, others ignore hysteria
A claustrophobic neurosis
In this masquerade ball of fake glasses and big noses
Alaska splashes explosive flows
To expose Pinnochio's growing nose
Composed of compost compositions
Those clothes are getting a little close fitting
I'll stomp this shit, add a over confident
Script's compliments of my frozen mic dominance
A passively aggressive testament that's how I'm repping shit
[Verse 2: Vast Aire]
Watch Vast murder the track effortless
Like God's on my side and he answered my Christmas list
After the first couple of bars I start to smell fear
That's when I take them there so they can breathe air
You're so secure with your insecurity
Perfect world of piety I swat flies when they bother me
Some say I touch hearts like Kano
Now every time you see a mic you just say no
Some write with words, I write with metal
That's my soul is rust free, raps stay dusty
In the coldest winters we thought husky
They be like, "I don't know his name but he aim like Wayne Gretzky"
That's funny, cause I don't play hockey
I play horse on the mic and watch them all copy
Left hooks left them shook like etch-a-sketch
Give me an inch with mine
I'll take a mile if you let me
I'm not a bum, I'm a nomad, off dome
Thoughts have no home, the page is ours to roam
Cats be on some fantasy shit like Cinderella
Well we'll see if the shoe fits after the accapella
Never made sense claiming something you wasn't
What's the penalty for that? He might never come back
And the atomic pressure won't lessen
After you've learned your lesson
? a track? Yeah that's a buck fifty
Like a farmhand cutting a little piggie
If I'm the author I'm also the farmer stupid
I shoot a arrow at you and my name ain't Cupid
[Verse 3: Cryptic One]
Yo I'm honest with this art
With a William Wallace heart and it's brave
And a blade that's well polished and sharp
Intent ain't to reinvent the spinning wheels of time
Just to enjoy the bumpy rides and improve upon its design
I take time, every plate circle's complete, love it
I've learned even tardy birds come to eat from it
Early bird gets the worm but the early worm finds a spot
In early bird's stomach and can't escape from it
Idiot box jocks are live stock
Graze amongst our mind crops
Beast of burden, murdered, their mind squashed
Primate nations leave these regions unexplored
Liberty torch protrudes through sandy floors on beach shores
Tour the atomic wastelands, desolate
Definite situations of complex Oedipus
Mother nature broken, fucked by offspring's reckless negligence
Destructive corrupted residence of earthly bound pessimists
Found willingly bound in the back of yellow cabs confessing it clearly
Fear the anti-Mobius Strip theories
Dennis Leary, Miller, and Menace cynicism visions
With a depressed Beth Gibbons position on life's mission
[Verse 4: Vordul Megalah]
Now listen, how sick is these niggas?
Atoms the illest, cap peelers
And don't tote guns, smoke onions
Crying with no funds no fun trying
To get by but we still do it and rep music
'Til death do us wet your noodle
With raps in the pot hard boil the rap gargoyles
Stoned at night on top of buildings Gothic
Like Bruce in the blue suit let's get it popping
Watch it drop out of the sky in the rotten
Apple, where some get tackled
Hooks that grapple right on your Adam
Got you choking off the rhyme potents
Stay focused while you villains stay joking
We serious on the mic get ignorant
Delivering rap vocals for the new millennium
We're from Harlem marching in atomic garments
Bombing all the nonsense
Yo, you cats ain't ready for this, heavy abyss
Thoughts that travel through the tunnels of crypts
My mic holds one in the clip and fours packed under the dick
Spit rhino acapells gun in your shit
Get rap plug's stuck in your whips fucking with this
@justinoneill2837
"Early bird gets the worm but early worm finds a spot in early birds stomach and can't escape from it."
One of the sickest lines ever
@beepst
I'm not a bum, I'm a nomad, off dome
Thoughts have no home, the page is ours to roam
@evcorporation
album so fire that even the "hiphop distribution" copyright tag turned into something iconic
@nmagwood
Good highschool memories listenin to this classic
@kevinstevenson4326
I was in the 10th grade
@sherrybell3924
Favorite hip hop group ever
@shelr8204
Definitely up there !! You listened to Jedi Mind Tricks? Cut from the same cloth.
@johannsimonot
El P Vast Aire Def Jux Run the juwelz... such a great universe ;)
@User37621
Every verse is 🔥
@AG-sb7pu
These beats are sick!