By: Benjamin Norman "Trance Pants"

Benjamin Norman "Trance Pants" — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 07:38:31 +0000

Very Impressive I didn’t know what I was getting into when I chose to play this in my store one day. I’m glad I chose to though, because this album is extremely diverse, extremely fun, and K-Os just brims with talent.I can’t name songs specifically, but I can say that K-Os does an amazing job blending different styles of music. This album is truly hard to classify (although we find space for it in our Rap section) and that’s something I like. I like genre-busting music. There’s aspects of rock, hip hop, rap, a little dance, and some singing. This album is a great way to spend an afternoon, and you won’t find yourself bored or disappointed.It lost a star (and again, I wish we could do half stars) because of my inability to pull any specific songs or sounds to mind. I know I like it, but it’s perhaps a tad forgettable.Do yourself a favor and pick this up.

By: Andrew Jacob

Andrew Jacob — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 07:13:36 +0000

“Hip Hop’s not dead; its really the mind of the EMCEE” It isn’t easy being an emcee, let alone, being one from Canada. Most are quick to stamp on a label, but it is their own loss because K-Os’ sophomore album “Joyful Rebellion” although under-appreciated and overlooked, was one of 2004′s best sounding albums. Not that the lyrics were bad, that’s not the case at all. Songs like “EMCEE Murdah”, “Commandante”, “Papercutz”, and “One Blood” showcase maturity and the ability to step out of the mainstream box and not cater to its demands. However, what shines best is the eclectic production; ranging from the reggae-rock of “Crucial”, old school vibe of “B-Boy Stance” & “Clap Ur Handz”, the Latin-flavored “Commandante”, and the “old-mixed-with-new” sound of “The Love Song”. Also notable is K-Os’ versatility; with a sort of “Wyclef Jean”-esque delivery, K-Os can both rap and sing. With that said, there is one thing that tends to bother me; now I’m all for the “rebellion against the superficial materialistic mentality”, but K-Os, despite good intentions, tends to be a little overzealous with this particular message; numerous times its either stated or in subtext, regardless, it can get tedious. But in the end, a socially conscious emcee is better than an ignorant one.

Comments on: Joyful Rebellion

By: Benjamin Norman "Trance Pants"

By: Andrew Jacob