“Why the fuck do you care how much I’m rapping? Why is it so important that Hip Hop is not an attitude and just about how much you rap?”
Back in 2007, k-os spoke to HipHopDX’s J-23 about the response to his genre-bending style from various critics, but it didn’t end there. “Otis Redding was Hip Hop. The Sex Pistols were Hip Hop. Why can’t people just get off of it and realize that there are cats who’ve never rapped a day in their life and are more Hip Hop than everyone on MTV?”
It’s natural for k-os to feel this way. After all, fans and critics have tried to define the artist’s style for about a decade now, one that defies boundaries and fuses genres. His approach, influenced by an array of musical inspiration, may be perplexing to some but it’s compelling enough that he’s still releasing music to fans around the world.
k-os has been said to be an acronym for Knowledge of Self, which explains his introspective lyrical inclinations. “I’m just a man, doing the best I can,” he says on “The Aviator” before revealing bed-time ruminations about whom he is abusing and who his muse is. That muse, as genre bending as the album and the artist might be, often happens to be Hip Hop. On “4, 3, 2, 1,” he adds, “The truth is, long as I keep rhyming, eyes keep shining, soul stays divine.” Later, this is even more apparent as he melodically sings that his “girlfriend is Hip Hop.” A student of the game, he grasps the lost art of the flow, something fluid and inspired. It’s also favorable that the flow doesn’t hide lyrical imperfections; it amplifies his thoughts.
Those thoughts mesh with his production, something that is highlighted throughout the disc. His knack for deriving inspiration from varied styles shows up, as expected. Here, k-os’s production is inspired by Rock, Reggae, Funk and classic Hip Hop. He rhymes over electric and acoustic guitars, piano keys, strings, horns and even telephone noises. There are times when the listener may not think they are listening to a Rap album, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s what allows the album to breathe. However, there are also moments when some songs deviate too far from the rest of the album and are not as strong, like “Eye Know Something,” for instance.
But, that’s the gift and the curse. Being this versatile has many advantages and disadvantages. He can, as he has in the past, craft commercially viable yet outstanding records, like this album’s “Burning Bridges.” Plus, the other aforementioned tracks showcase his skills as an emcee, singer and producer go beyond what many Pop acts can do. Praise he’s received since his debut comes with merit and he doesn’t lose any of it on Yes! This album solidifies that he can do it all, though not always with the same results, always with some flare. He’s unique in many aspects, which may be why folks are trying to box him in, as the opening quote suggests. Where’s the curse? It’s small, but though he has something for most, this versatility can also create a lack of cohesion at times. No matter, whether rapping, singing or producing, k-on shines on Yes! Sure, it’s got no dividing lines but that shouldn’t surprise those who read that article back in ’07. When asked what he had plans for in the future, he replied earnestly. “Honestly dude, no boundaries.” Yes, indeed. No boundaries found here.
Takes a few listens
Thanks for a review of a cd that came out 2 years ago. And i see hiphodx is using it’s coded safe 3.5 stars for every cd they review. If people can’t throw this in the cd player and know that this is hiphop, then its a sad state of hiphop. Critically acclaimed cd from a critically acclaimed artist, expand your mind folks, for the love of god, expand your minds
take 5 and relaxxxxx,,,
the album was released 2 yrs ago in canada,,,,
this is a revamped, with two new songs american market release,,,,
Yes! was release last april, theres no new songs on the US version its just the advance copy was leaked on purpose by K-os in 2008 cuz he had a contest to remix his album BEFORE it was release, crazy concept but it worked well. Dunno if that remix album is available in the states though.
this album has been out for over a year for sure, its been hot for a minute and only now receiving the acclaim that it deserves. k-os is the most innovative artist canada has, lets keep his name alive and appreciate the direction he is taking our genre. props for recognizing a true artist
I don’t know what people are saying 2 years for, it came out last April in Canada. But anyways, best Canadian hip hop cd of 09. Saw him live, got it autographed at a free concert he did.
its cause it just recently got released in the states….
sick songs, very different, maybe too different for some people but it’s a dope album baced on the clips i’ve heard of all the tracks. good job to my fellow Canadiann
oh ye, the single is soo sick too, real genuine shit, he always has those bangersss
oh ye, the single is soo sick too, real genuine shit, he always has those bangersss
oh ye, the single is soo sick too, real genuine shit, he always has those bangersss
oh ye, the single is soo sick too, real genuine shit, he always has those bangersss
oh ye, the single is soo sick too, real genuine shit, he always has those bangersss
oh ye, the single is soo sick too, real genuine shit, he always has those bangersss
I’ll probably buy this based on review. I bought first and another album.
great album, can listen to it anyday
K-os is canadian talent. He can flow like crazy. I wonder how guys like Plies even exist when this talent is out. The album has many influences, but crazy awesome. Takes a few listens, yeah thats true. Burning Bridges is amazinn.
Only 3.5?? Wow that’s BS…I bought this last year (when it came out in Canada) and I think it’s his best yet.
isn’t every review on this site a 3.5..lol
kos is like a canadian Mos Def,, except he produces most of his own stuff,,,,,
I thought K-os was will-I-am. lol
Thats so jokes. they look the damn same
dope dope album. zambony is absolutely bananas. A++ canadian hip-hop.
I remember getting this album a while back and being shocked at the various types of music styles on here. Then I saw a K-Os video on MTVU one day. There is some really good music on tihs LP. I’m not sure what took DX so long to review this album but I’m glad they gave it a decent rating.
its because it just released in US,before today its only been out in canada
beautifully put album, love every track.
wack as
another 3.5 review from HHDX while it deserves at least 4 stars. Imma rate it 5 stars to raise the average rating. this album ‘s been out for a year in Canada, and is very eclectic.That’s not 100% HH as there are many kind of music in it but I liked it anyway. Glad HHDX finally review this album even if it’s worth more than 3.5….
A little out thier but still hot
Fine men’s and woman’s diamond jewelry at affordable prices
http://www.212diamondcity.com
Rating 5 because it deserves better than a 3.5 rating.
I can rock to this. Glad I decided to check this out.
This guy comes across as a real faggot.
Dont hate… Its good music
Classic… all his albums are. Eye Know Something is a sick track, as well as Zambony, Uptown GirL, 1234, Burning Bridges… pretty much every track except Astronaut. Not a high point of the album.
Most of these people wouldn’t know good hip hop if it slapped them in the face while they were playing Modern Warfare II.
Much less GREAT hip hop like K-OS produces…
really good album. i’d give it a 4.5 but since there’s no half stars i’ll bump it to 5 for it’s originality. more people need to check this guy out. with so much garbage on the radio, it’s nice to hear true talent
Did this just drop in the states or something? Cuz it’s been out in Canada for almost a year.
Anyways great album. Probably the best hip-hop album of 09 i really didn’t listen to anything else as much as Yes!.
http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_videos/659615?sel_song_id=3407393&autoplay=1
borinh
Jesus, you must have extremely poor taste in music.
this is a good effort from K-OS, not for everyone but people who have an open mind and like hiphop that reaches back from the essense of hiphop, that grass roots feel, this won’t disaapoint
One of the best albums of last year. don’t really understand the 3.5 rating. this album is a classic just like his last one.