Eureka Vol.1: "Scream Phoenix" - Cannibal Ox

Cannibal Ox's fully realized debut "The Cold Vein", released in 2001, set the benchmark for all alternative rappers of the Noughts. Backed by the lush, post-modern sampling of El-P, MCs Vast Aire and Vordul Mega's dense flow chronicled the streets of poverty-stricken New York, similar to their immediate predecessors, the Wu-Tang Clan. While the Wu relished in the mafia-led violence of drug deals and gang wars, Aire and Mega strived for a dignified sound or at least a more literate vocab. Originally a hidden track on their debut, "Scream Phoenix" represents the transcendent nature of their material that was nearly unmatched by their peers. Haunted by an ethereal Philip Glass sample, Aire and Mega attempt to grasp the undeniable power of spirituality, a subject rarely broached by the typical street rapper. Through the masterful allusion of a born-again soul to the phoenix, Can Ox craft a seminal track which proves that art and spirituality are merged by unlikely individuals when they are searching for a greater purpose.

Music Stream

Note: The Eureka series will highlight particular songs that are striking a chord with me at the moment, no matter the genre. Ideally this will be updated every one to two weeks.