Originally comprising the Harlem duo, with the emerging frontman Vast Aire and partner in crime, Vordul Mega, Cannibal Ox debuted in 2001 on the spotify:search:label%3A%22Def+Jux%22 label with The Cold Vein, produced by El-P. A couple of singles, "Vein" and "The F Word," accompanied the album's release. The Cold Vein was critically adored, with U.K. style magazine The Face calling it the hip-hop album of the year, while spotify:search:label%3A%22The+Wire%22 stated it was the best album of its genre for a long time. Oxtrumentals, an album of El-P's CANNIBAL OX soundscapes, arrived in early 2002, and the live album Return of the Ox: Live at CMJ followed in 2005. While they never officially broke up, it took until 2012 for the duo to reunite and announce the creation of new music. Evidence arrived a year later when the Gotham EP appeared, then the album Blade of the Ronin landed in 2015. It featured production from COSMIQ plus guest appearances from MF DOOM, Elzhi, and U-God. ~ Jason Birchmeier, Rovi