Many music critics are starting to agree with Nas's new album title: Hip Hop is Dead. There are artists on the rise trying to dispel this clichéd notion. Gnarls Barkley and the Roots are some of the big names in this category, but one that will surely stand out soon will be k-os.
Born Kevin Brereton from North York, Toronto, Canada, k-os (which stands for "knowledge of self") released the critically acclaimed Exit in 2002, with its catchy single and video "Superstarr pt. 0." He then put out Joyful Rebellion in 2004, which went platinum in Canada and won loads of Canadian music awards.
k-os is now on the brink of huge success with Atlantis: Hymns for Disco. When the album was released in Canada last October, it debuted at number one on the Canadian digital album charts. This album, in my opinion, will be the catalyst that propels k-os from mildly known MC to international superstardom.
One of the best attributes of Atlantis: Hymns for Disco is its variety. Calling the album eclectic would be an understatement. A term like intergalactic trip-jam-hop-rock might be able to encompass the MC's style. k-os combines hip-hop, rock, jazz, waltz, reggae, soul and rockabilly -- and that's only in the first four songs of Atlantis.
His lyrics are more introspective on this album, as opposed to his general "This is what's wrong with hip hop" attitude of his last two albums. He attributes this to the fact that he is feeling more comfortable with his singing voice."The Rain" showcases this especially. The song channels a Sam Cooke, '60s-soul vibe, with k-os both singing and playing piano. Now tell me how many hip-hop artists today can do that?
"Flypaper" is a fun romp through swinging Jam-rock reggae. The sound is similar to that of Gnarls Barkley's "Smiley Faces" with an upbeat Jamaican feel. "Sunday Morning" has the potential to be K-os's breakout hit. Trust me you're going to want this song on your iPod before everyone else gets it. "Valhalla" is another great, upbeat tune. It sounds like a garage rock band where The Who's harmonies meet blues and rap.
Lyrically, k-os is a breath of fresh air in a sea of mediocre hip-hop. Instead of rhyming about bling, Bentleys, beefs and booty, k-os spits the truth without getting bogged down by the Benjamins. In Atlantis, he shifts from commenting on the state of hip-hop to introspective confessions, all the while maintaining his flow.
In "Electrik Heat -- The Seekwill," his flow is undeniable, with rhymes like, "And every single word in the verb wildstyle / Its not a mission its a riddle lifestyle / I'm still in the struggle and I see the light guile." It shows that k-os can easily juggle talent, flow and a message with an ease most rappers would kill for, literally -- or at least they say they would.
Another thing worth noting about the style of k-os is the presence of actual instruments in his music. He is one in a growing number of hip-hop artists who have started taking advantage of using a band to create their beats instead of two turntables. This makes both their sound and live shows much more original. k-os also plays keyboard and guitar on a number of his songs. He even straps on a six-string guitar during live shows to spice up the performance.
In short, no matter what genre of music tickles your fancy, Atlantis: Hymns for Disco will most likely be a treasure in your album collection.
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