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.
I AM
k-os Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now I'm breaking down this wall that separates me
From what's really in me and these old beginnings
Claiming those things you said, flipping them on their head
And letting them lead me
You say
I'm too loud, too proud, always got something to say
Too problematic, feisty, living in my own way
Too much not what you say
Yes, I am
Yes, I am
Yes, I am
Yes, I am
Yes, I am
My different makes you feel uncomfortable and nervous
No need defending truth that leads me in my purpose
I'm already carrying my weight
Don't wanna carry your suitcase
You say
I'm too loud, too proud, always got something to say
Too busy feeling real things, audacious and risque
Too problematic, feisty, living in my own way
Too much not what you say
Yes, I am
Yes, I am
Yes, I am
Yes, I am
Turn down the volume of the noise
Turn down the toxic outside voice
Sing loud and proud the song
Living in me all along
All the weaknesses you see
Are the greatest strengths in me
I am who I was before you told me who to be
Turn down the volume of the noise
Turn down the toxic outside voice
Sing loud and proud the song
Living in me all along
All the weaknesses you see
Are the greatest strengths in me
I am who I was before you told me who to be
Yes, I am
Yes, I am
Yes, I am
Yes, I am
Yes, I, yes, I
You say
I'm too loud, too proud, always got something to say
Too busy feeling real things, audacious and risque
Too problematic, feisty, living in my own way
Too much not what you say
Yes, I am
At its core, "i am" by K-OS is a self-affirmation anthem about embracing one's unique identity and resisting the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The lyrics describe the singer's journey of breaking down the wall that separates them from their true self by dismantling the lies that have been fed to them by others. The song asserts that despite being labeled as too loud, too problematic, or too different, the singer embraces their authentic self, recognizing that their weaknesses are actually their greatest strengths.
The song encourages the listener to turn down the volume on the toxic outside voices that attempt to shape and mold them and instead, amplify the song that has been living inside them all along. The lyrics challenge the listener to embrace their audaciousness and risque qualities that make them standout, refusing to dull their individuality for the sake of fitting in.
The high energy of the song, paired with the empowering lyrics and catchy chorus, make it an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't fit in or were made to feel small. Through "i am," K-OS invites listeners to reject the falsehoods they have been fed by external forces and embrace their true selves unapologetically.
Line by Line Meaning
You laid it brick by brick, with the lies that you gave me
You built a wall of deceit by gradually feeding me lies
Now I'm breaking down this wall that separates me
I'm tearing down this barrier to reveal my true self
From what's really in me and these old beginnings
I'm freeing myself from past insecurities and false perceptions
Claiming those things you said, flipping them on their head
I'm turning your negative words into positive affirmations
And letting them lead me
I'm using these affirmations to guide me towards self-acceptance
My different makes you feel uncomfortable and nervous
Your discomfort with my individuality shows your own insecurity
No need defending truth that leads me in my purpose
I don't need to justify my authenticity that guides me towards my goals
I'm already carrying my weight
I'm already fulfilling my responsibilities and carrying my own weight
Don't wanna carry your suitcase
I don't want to carry your emotional baggage or burden
Turn down the volume of the noise
Ignore the negative influences and distractions around you
Turn down the toxic outside voice
Block out the negative opinions and judgments of others
Sing loud and proud the song
Express yourself boldly and confidently
Living in me all along
Embrace the true self that has always been inside of you
All the weaknesses you see
The flaws and imperfections that you perceive
Are the greatest strengths in me
Are actually my greatest strengths and assets
I am who I was before you told me who to be
I am true to myself, regardless of your attempts to mold me
Yes, I am
I fully embrace and own my authentic self
Yes, I, yes, I
I strongly affirm my identity and individuality
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kelly Boek, Kristina Kuzmic, Tom Crouch
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PuthSardaraDha
11 years later, still listening to this gem.
@merricksanborn1794
Been my favorite song since I was in elementary school
@edgecitysilverdesign506
Ditto. My fav k-os track
@puggybear1539
Same .
Love this
@Phig_Newton
3am in 2024 here vibin
@shatober9272
Still listening in 2024
@edwarduzimaki
real music is timeless....
@GodAwfulUsername
Still true homie.
@fulltimebomber954
That last 40 seconds is definitely timable though
@axlewavey4144
Truth