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Exit
(Explicit, Album)
2003
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Exit
(Explicit, Album)
2002
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k-os
Official Biography (SEPTEMBER 2001)
Listening to k-os is the greatest way to understand him. Kevin Brereton, aka k-os (pronounced: chaos), is the answer to the repetitive and monotonous urban drivel that plagues today's music because he doesn't hide behind a fabricated image or over-produced beats.
His music is raw and minimalistic, often embracing the concept of musical space (check the second single "Heaven Only Knows"). And while apparently sparse, the organic beats still ring with a boom-bap quality, capable of bringing words to life.
k-os is truly a triple threat - rapper, singer and producer. He offers a unique style of acoustic hip-hop and soul that takes listeners on a spiritual journey.
"I pull out the mic and shock emcees for spite. Whatever I write magnifies heavenly sights. You say you're shining, but that really means you reflect. I absorb the light within my pores and then connect
With the righteous ones, he told me 'Son, forget it. Live your life for the truth though many will never let it." -- "Follow Me"
K-os' music is deliberately contrasted by his clever and complex lyrics. He's a thinking person's emcee, challenging listeners to absorb his words and seek out truth. He shares life lessons acquired from living in Toronto, Trinidad, Vancouver and L.A., and the wisdom that comes with exploring religions such as Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism and the Islamic and Rastafari schools of thought.
Enveloped by the intimacy of his voice, words pass easily between song and rap, as on the stunning first single "Exit (Call Me)," while maintaining provocative and enlightening content. And his singing voice, never classically trained, is so stirring it soars even when accompanied by only an acoustic guitar.
Strength is always more beautiful when it comes from struggle. k-os gained strength while attempting to resolve inner conflicts. After releasing two acclaimed songs/videos in '93 and '96 ("Musical Essence" and "Rise Like the Sun" respectively) and growing up as a part of Canadian hip-hop, he began to question his mission. "I realized that the music industry is not conducive to just doing music for love. I had to figure out who I was, through the process of failures, and a certain amount of pain."
A period of soul-searching took place during his 3-year hiatus from the industry's glare, during which he chose to create music oblivious to commercial boundaries. "I started doing stuff really obscure and making music for myself," k-os reveals. "Finding out what kind of songs I would do if I didn't care about radio." He drew on his love of hip-hop, rock, soul and reggae, finding particular inspiration from artists such as Michael Jackson, A Tribe Called Quest, The Beatles, The Roots and Stevie Wonder. He also spent this time finding knowledge of self, embracing reality and preparing himself to be able to go back into the industry with a purpose.
"Now I have a platform to say what I want to say," k-os explains, eagerly anticipating the future. "My parents are Jehovah's witnesses so they go door-to-door with their messages. But for me, I've made a CD that has a chance to get into people's homes and I don't have to knock on doors. People are taking me into their homes simply because they want to."
Experience all that is k-os on his debut album EXIT, coming this Winter.
SEPTEMBER 2001