Vast Aire, one half of the Harlem duo Cannibal Ox, celebrates his 37th birthday today, just a few weeks ahead of their highly-anticipated sophomore album, Blade of the Ronin.

Vast Aire was born Theodore Arrington III in Mount Vernon, NY and got heavily into New York's underground music scene after moving to Harlem. It was there where Vast joined forces with Vordul Mega to make the duo Cannibal Ox.

The underground hip-hop twosome have been revered as a figurative pillar of Harlem-hailing rap since the early 2000's when they dropped their first LP, The Cold Vein, back in 2001. Fans of Cannibal Ox feasted on The Cold Vein, but were left starving for nearly fifteen years when they appeared to go dormant. There were even rumors at one point that Vast Aire and Vordul Mega had disbanded. But Cannibal Ox has been performing and working on new music since 2012.

Aside from collaborating with Vordul Mega, Vast Aire has put out solo projects of his own. In 2004, Vast dropped Look Mom...No Hands followed by Dueces Wild in 2008 and OX 2010: A Street Odyssey. He also put out an album with Philadelphia's DJ Mighty Mi in 2005, The Best Damn Rap Show.

Years of work from Vast Aire and Vordul Mega will all come to fruition when their newest album, Blade of Ronin, is released on March 3. They've already let us in on an updated sound and familiar vernacular with their latest single, "Iron Rose." And if its any clue of what's in store, Can Ox is gearing up to come back with a vengeance.

Happy Birthday, Vast Aire!

Related: Cannibal Ox To Put Out Long Awaited Sophomore Album 'Blade of the Ronin'
Vast Aire Talks Relationship With Vordul Mega, New Can Ox Album And Issues With El-P

More From XXL