Album Reviews
K-Os
Joyful Rebellion
Astralwerks, 2004
8 Anuses Out Of 10
Review By: Eliminator
Canada's Kheaven Brereton (yes, he legally had his first name changed to be spelled with the word 'heaven' in it), better known as K-Os, is the latest in what is becoming a long line of Hip Hop Renaissance Artists. K-Os, like most people over the age of 16, is fed up with the "bling bling" culture and the overt materialism in hip hop. His views are reflected all over his second album, Joyful Rebellion.
What does K-Os sound like? Well, the first influence that comes to mind is Fugees alum Wyclef Jean. Like Wyclef his music is quite eclectic. K-Os also embodies a lot of the same spirit of Andre 3000's The Love Below as well. Make no mistake, K-Os has few contemporaries; OutKast, Wyclef, Kanye West, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli are the only ones that come to mind at the moment.
Back to the album. On Joyful Rebellion K-Os seems to be on a quest. It can be considered a loose concept album in that sense. It seems like Kheaven is in a tough spot. He's trying to find himself, while trying not to forget who he is, while trying to have a successful career in music, yet he doesn't want to compromise who he is but still reach his goals. Got all that?
So basically, the central themes are: Preserving the four elements of hip hop culture; Keeping it real (not in that, "I kill 30 people" sense, but in a more realistic sense); Moving forward towards a goal; "Moving on up"; Self-improvement; Being original, Being true to one's self; Not changing for the purpose of record sales or approval.
Kool Moe Dee, take note. It's time to hand out another 'A' for sticking to themes to Mr. Brereton.
On the album K-Os isn't afraid to push the boundaries of hip hop just a bit. He's not doing anything groundbreaking that hasn't been done before (see the contemporaries listed above), but he is bringing authentic creativity to hip hop. He's definitely not trying to sound pop, nor is he going for the "wacko bizarre" sound that Kool Keith is famous for. However, he's not afraid to pick up an acoustic guitar, he's not afraid to add some jazz to his hip hop (a 'mash up' sorely missed in hip hop lately). This makes for great soundbeds for K-Os' rhymes and vocals (he also sings quite well).
The beats are funky. The melding of jazz and acoustic rock on some tracks are considered as rewards for tolerating the last five years of rap songs filled with clichés about money, hoes, and rims. Real hip hop is a rare find these days. Making K-Os a definite treasure for the times.
When it comes to lyrics, K-Os isn't the most prolific or breath-taking lyricist but what he is saying is authentic and from the heart. He's just Kheaven and he's just making a hip hop record because that is what he wants to do.
On "Man I Used To Be" and "The Love Song" you get the most introspective and self-critical K-Os. These are both songs about not forgetting who you are and staying true to your needs and desires. It seems as though K-Os writes these songs to assure himself that he is making the right decisions in staying true to himself and not 'selling out.' On "The Love Song" he also calls out for audience input: "If I fall off, let me know people" That's a first! Admitting possible imperfection. There aren't too many MC's that would believe they 'fell off', their egos wouldn't allow it.
"Crabbuckit" has a strange jazzy appeal. Complete with saxophone and deep bass and some nonsensical lyrics. Although, the hook of the song can be an inspiring part of anybody's personal soundtrack, "No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up/Ahh, haa... Check out the crabs in the bucket"
On "B-Boy Stance" K-Os expresses his love for break dancing and the hip hop culture as a whole. It could be possible that in times past K-Os himself was a breakdancer. Breakdancers have appeared in every one of his music videos.
Other highlights include the soft, acoustic, "Hallelujah." The closest thing to a Wyclef Song on the album. The strange, jazzy "Papercutz" is the last track on the disc. Another interesting avant-garde ditty.
So, in conclusion, if you are looking for some real hip hop or at least a snapshot of what real hip hop is all about. K-Os' Joyful Rebellion is a pretty decent representation of what hip hop should be about.
Track Listing:
1. Emcee Murdah
2. Crucial
3. Man I Used To Be
4. Crabbuckit
5. B-Boy Stance
6. Commandante
7. The Love Song
8. Hallelujah
9. Clap Ur Handz
10. Dirty Water (featuring Sam Roberts)
11. One Hood (Jissy Homicide)
12. Papercutz
©2010 The Elimination Dept.
