Raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York, Theodore Arrington got into MCing during his early years. By about age 16, he had relocated to Harlem and was already playing shows on a regular basis at some of the most known and loved local venues, gaining a popular following. He would soon quickly come to be known as Vast Aire, and would go on to become one of the most recognizable named in underground hip hop, even to this day. Not long after, he hooked up with and starting a group with another local MC who went by the soon-to-be notorious name of Vordul Mega. Vast and Vordul fully joined forces, and came together to form what would go on to be one of underground hip hop’s most legendary duos, Cannibal Ox. The two battled many local MC’s at nights around town and quickly gained a reputable name and an even bigger following around the Tri-State and New England area.

Not long after, in about circa 1997, the pair were taken under the wing of the scene’s already legendary artist, El-P. El-P was a beat mastermind and one third of the lyrical geniuses that were Company Flow, who were at the time, fully blowing up the underground scene and blazing the trails of their highly popularized Funcrusher EP released one year prior on El-P’s Definitive Jux imprint. Cannibal Ox were quickly taken under the wing of the Def Jux camp, touring with fellow members and also were some of the founding members of the group, The Weathermen. This group originally consisted of a handful of Definitive Jux MC’s, including Cannibal Ox, as well as Camu Tao, who recently passed away.

Vast and Vordul were becoming more popular than ever at a fast rate, as were the rest of the Def Jux crew. Things remained on the rise for a few years until El-P’s beloved group, Company Flow, decided to split up and he started working with Cannibal Ox on their (as well as his label’s) first full length album. This album was entitled The Cold Vein and was a massive success in the underground scene. It had such raw lyrical content (which went on to be highly praised), mixed with the deep, dark and luminous beats that only El Producto could have provided; together, they were the perfect blend. The album contained a slew of guest appearances and pumped out a few huge break-out singles, such as “The F-Word”.

The two enjoyed a few years of post success until 2004, when Vast parted ways with Vordul Mega, to go on the solo tip and showcase different aspects of his craft. He went on to release a moderately popular solo album called “Look Mom… No Hands”. The well-rounded album featured guest MC’s such as former partner in crime Vordul, Aesop Rock and MF Doom, amongst others. The production on the album had just as impressive a lineup, featuring beats laid down by talented and sought after producers such as Blueprint, RJD2, Madlib and more. Shortly after this LP, Vast released a compilation of previously unreleased material. Just one year after releasing “Look Mom…”, Vast also released a successful EP, entitled “The Best Damn Rap Show”, with DJ Mighty Mi, in 2005. In 2007, he started working together with Karniege, under the name Mighty Joseph. They released an album, “Empire State”, the same year and have gained quite a buzz since then. The album featured fellow MC Murs, as well as production by New York’s J-Zone and Madlib.

Currently, Vast has just released his second solo LP called “Deuces Wild” as of the end of June. This album was long awaited by fans and features a hefty guest lineup as well. Artists such as former fellow Weatherman, Copywrite, Camp Lo’s Geechi Suede and even former partner Vordul Mega for a Cannibal Ox reunion track. Production on “Deuces Wild” this time around is on a slightly different tip and was brought forth by reputable melody-makers Pete Rock, Melodious Monk, Oh No and others.

There is an apparent growth in Vast’s vocal work as an MC on this album, yet he manages to maintain his ever-so humorous undertones and raw sensibilities. The beats on “Dueces Wild” are a bit smoother than expected, in a mature sort of way, and his delivery is as amusing and smooth as ever. However, his metaphorical ability seems to have expanded for this second solo effort, not that it was ever something to shake a stick at to begin with. The production on the album is clean, well-mixed and easy on the ears, and Vast is right where he needs to be throughout the entire album. It’s not a case of the MC overpowering the production, or vice versa, as is the case all too much in hip hop, but rather a great blend of catchy tunes and Vast’s unmistakable wizardry of words. All together, the album is definitely worth picking up and giving a good listen to; by everyone from former fans of Cannibal Ox to people who just plain like good hip hop.

The album Dueces Wild is in stores,
listen to tracks from it on Myspace