Over the next few weeks Refined Hype will be taking you across the world on a journey of epic proportions. From Canada to Asia, “Radio St. Elsewhere” is a series dedicated to introducing American audiences to foreign arts – rap, hip-hop, and R&B. We begin our journey at America’s hat, a country otherwise known as Canada.
When the average hip-hop head turns their attention to our neighbors to the north, two names often come to mind: Drake and (maybe) Kardinall Offishall. What that fan may not realize, however, is that the country is home to some of the most talented rap artists on the planet. Allow me to introduce you to Kevin Brereton – more popularly known as k-os - platinum recording artist, producer extraordinaire, and quite possibly one of the most lyrical hip-hop artists on Earth.
k-os is the rarest form of rapper – a person of moderate intelligence. Never wasting time to talk about nonsense, Brereton lifts every beat he produces (himself I might add) with his signature delivery, positive moral, and well-spoken social commentary.
How many rappers would cite The Beatles as a primary inspiration? Not many. What makes k-os such a fascinating listen is his ability to avoid rap stereotypes by seamlessly transcending musical genres. He sings, he raps, he plays the guitar, he produces, he writes – he’s a one-man band man, seriously.
k-os has released four critically acclaimed studio albums, all of which can be just as easily recommended to general music lovers as they could be to hip-hop fans. In particular, 2009’s “Yes!” is one of the great rap albums of the past decade. If you have a few dollars to spare, I highly recommend you pick it up.
Next week, we travel to the UK to meet a young entertainer who toured the US with Immortal Technique and received enormous praise courtesy of hip-hop legend Chuck D.
