K-OS
Joyful Rebellion
EMI

K-OS's first album, 2002's Exit was widely regarded as one of the most organic hip-hop albums to come out in recent years. Avoiding cliched rap lyrics about the money he's making, the girls he's getting and cars he's driving, K-OS instead took heed to the subjects of spirituality, the record industry, and love. The only downside to Exit was K-OS's claims that it was to be his first and last effort.

Luckily for the public, he changed his mind.

August 2004 saw the release of K-OS's second record, Joyful Rebellion. While the lyrical themes are much the same as it's predecessor, his attacks on the industry have gotten more visceral. The opening track, Emcee Murdah is a vicous attack on both MCs who sell out, and those who give them record deals. This sets the stage for the rest of the album which yet again preaches the values of spirituality, love and the positive effects that come from not following everything the label tells you to do.

While Exit was made with a close group of musicians, K-OS has brought friends to the table for Joyful Rebellion. The players list is a veritable imalgimation of the Canadian independent scene, with major names like Sam Roberts and Sarah Slean also popping up. This approach definately worked, as the album is very tight and put together with a stron vision.

You can watch the video for his first single, B-Boy Stance, here:

HI LO

Keep an eye, and ear out for his latest single, Crabbuckit. You can find the video on this page.

Mr. Gast rates this album 9.5/10