The alias "k-os" is pronounced "chaos" and is an acronym for "Knowledge of Self," although in a later interview he also said that it stands for "Kheaven's Original Sound." His music incorporates a wide variety of music genres including but not limited to rap, funk, rock, and reggae. The lyrics frequently focus on promoting a "positive message" while at times expressing criticism of mainstream hip hop culture's obsession with money, fame and glorification of violence. A musician as well as a producer, k-os has written and produced a large portion of all four of his albums. k-os usually performs with a live band, something that is uncommon in the hip hop genre. He sometimes plays guitar and keyboard both during live performances and in the studio.
k-os received his first musical exposure with the single "Musical Essence," released in 1993. After the release of his second single "Rise Like The Sun" in 1996 he withdrew from the industry because he was dissatisfied with his musical style. He reappeared briefly in 1999 and released his debut album Exit in 2002. The album received positive reviews but sold relatively few copies. He released his second album Joyful Rebellion in 2004, which received platinum status in Canada. Joyful Rebellion received positive reviews, but at times was criticized for speaking extensively on the state of hip hop. k-os's third album, Atlantis: Hymns for Disco, was released in 2006, and his fourth album entitled Yes! was released in April of 2009.
Valhalla
K-OS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yellow heaven
World is yellow
Freedom, oh yeah
Feel your sorrow
5:35 and I'm living senseless
Just another homie picking on the defenseless
Lookin through the mirror and I'm making a censure
Whoa, black people in the mall grease
Come around the corner and she caused me to freeze up
Ease up, watch how the world could tease us, ease us
But only GOD can please us
Hey, got my ride and my Momma's too
Show me how to roll without breakin the rules
Payin my dues, MC's droppin out choose
Decides to get with lyrical facts, don't stop
Whoa, black people dyin to shine
Everything is fine when you're losing your mind
I'm like a black alley cat, freestyle battle rap
Doesn't get better than that, is that a gat in the back?
Oh, the warrior's blood runs red through the hearts of the dead 3x
And the life you're been lookin for in the world that you live 2x
In the name, we were all born in the flame
Not the same, but under the moon on the desert plane
We roam, home, take the 'coast ghost'
I saw with my naked eye, way to close now
I was the son of a man on a mission
Who worked with his hands and brought him the former land
In the inter-land, swingin the mic like an axe
With a fear in the atmosphere, layin down tracks
"Valhalla" by k-os has a powerful chorus that describes a yellow heaven where freedom is felt, but the verses take a critical look at the world and the struggles of black people. The first verse captures a sense of aimlessness, living senseless and picking on those who are defenseless. The singer's reflection in the mirror leads to condemnation, perhaps of himself or of society. The line "black people in the mall grease" could refer to racial profiling, as the sight of black people causes the singer to freeze up. The verse reflects on the difficulties and teasing that black people face, but ultimately finds solace in only God being able to please.
Line by Line Meaning
Yellow heaven
A sense of peace and contentment
World is yellow
The world is bright and hopeful
Freedom, oh yeah
The desire for freedom and liberation
Feel your sorrow
Acknowledgement of one's own pain and suffering
5:35 and I'm living senseless
Feeling detached and purposeless in life
Just another homie picking on the defenseless
Participating in acts of bullying and violence against weaker individuals
Don't request yet, nothing really to mention
Feeling like there is nothing noteworthy or important to say
Lookin through the mirror and I'm making a censure
Examining oneself and making critical judgments
Whoa, black people in the mall grease
Encountering black individuals in a superficial, commercial environment
Come around the corner and she caused me to freeze up
Feeling intimidated or overwhelmed when encountering a woman
Ease up, watch how the world could tease us, ease us
Being cautious and aware of how the world can manipulate and oppress us
But only GOD can please us
Finding ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment in spirituality
Hey, got my ride and my Momma's too
Having material possessions that represent family and support
Show me how to roll without breakin the rules
Learning how to navigate life and follow societal expectations while still maintaining one's authenticity and individuality
Payin my dues, MC's droppin out choose
Working hard and earning success in the music industry, while other artists give up
Decides to get with lyrical facts, don't stop
Choosing to use intelligent and meaningful lyrics in music
Whoa, black people dyin to shine
Observing black individuals who are striving for success and recognition
Everything is fine when you're losing your mind
Finding temporary relief in chaos and madness
I'm like a black alley cat, freestyle battle rap
Comparing oneself to a smart and agile black cat, skilled in improvised rap battles
Doesn't get better than that, is that a gat in the back?
Feeling confident and fearless, while also acknowledging the grim reality of violence and gun culture in society
Oh, the warrior's blood runs red through the hearts of the dead
Celebrating the bravery and strength of those who have fought and died in battle
And the life you're been lookin for in the world that you live
Finding fulfillment and happiness in one's own life experiences
In the name, we were all born in the flame
Accepting that life is full of challenges and struggles
Not the same, but under the moon on the desert plane
Acknowledging differences among individuals, while also finding commonality under the vastness of the universe
We roam, home, take the 'coast ghost'
Wandering through life in search of a sense of home and belonging
I saw with my naked eye, way to close now
Observing the harsh and painful realities of the world up close, without the protection of illusions or ignorance
I was the son of a man on a mission
Being deeply influenced and shaped by a father figure who was driven and focused
Who worked with his hands and brought him the former land
Respecting and admiring one's father for his hard work and accomplishments
In the inter-land, swingin the mic like an axe
Creating music with power and intensity, as if swinging a weapon
With a fear in the atmosphere, layin down tracks
Feeling a sense of danger or pressure while making music, but still persevering and creating something impactful
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: KEVIN DERON BRERETON, SAM LEWIS ROBERTS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind