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.
THE ANTHEM
k-os Lyrics
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Just let it go, there's some things you'll never know x3
This right here...this will last forever. plausible of god...this is a beat down
So all my peoples, if you've had enough. you wanna bring it back.
Sing the anthem...sing it with me
[Chorus:]
Cause it took our love away
Now she's come back to stay
I feel sorry for emcees cees
Who sold out so easily ly
But the truth shall set them free free
Have no fear no no fear, oh no
It's the return of original man from outer space
The human race, is like eyes without a face
I pull ya car, I saw you try to fool God
And now you wanna switch up the game it's rather odd
Damn, I thought that they were down for mine
But alas a good woman is hard to find
So I get up, I'm really fed up with infidelity
This is my penalty for infiltrating with the melody
At times, I look at my face in the mirror
And wonder if the picture is clearer to me than to them
But then again, they sell crack to kids
That's what is, so I just attack the biz
And it's just my sole obligation
To unite this whole Hip-Hop nation
Face it, we're taking over your radio station
Hey Sid, this is the time for jubilation
[Chorus]
Now we can break it down like this
Or we can break it down like that
They stole Hip-Hop, come on let's take it back
To east coast stompin, rompin
Over the rhythm and then I hit 'em with the
Most beautiful jewels that shine through the darkness
Spark this, some are concerned with who's the hardest
Artist, call me the fluid MC
Slippin' through the cracks bring it back definitely
Now, who is the man that's forgotten his name
Living in shame but can't recall the place where he came from
The same one, dancing on your video screen
Hideous dreams, I can't believe we do it from cream, yo
But it's the anthem to turn back the tables, fables
Wack emcees working for labels
I'll see you all in the next life time
It's not Kevin, just a message from serious seven
[Chorus]
Don't ask me why when they're coming from the sky
Just let it go, there's some things you'll never know X4
Yeah...uh...You wanna rap with me I'm a rap hater
You wanna rap against me I'm a rap terminator
I'm getting mad props like on a movie set
And if the time runs out then ???
Take it to the end and...def with the record, def with the record
A universe without life is lifeless
Easy on the motion not equals locomotion
In the song "The Anthem," k-os speaks about his frustrations with the current state of hip-hop and his mission to bring it back to its roots. He acknowledges that there are some things in life that we will never understand, so it's best to just let them go. He then proceeds to call on his fans, referring to them as "peoples," to join him in singing the anthem and bringing hip-hop back.
The chorus expresses k-os's relief that hip-hop is finally back, after being "taken away" for some time. He expresses some empathy for emcees who sold out for money but acknowledges that eventually, the truth will set them free. He encourages his fans to have no fear and rejoice in the fact that hip-hop has returned.
In the second verse, k-os declares that he is the "original man from outer space," comparing himself to something out of this world. He reflects on the corruption in the music industry, especially the rampant infidelity, and how it has affected him. K-os also recognizes that he has a responsibility to bring everyone in hip-hop together and unite the industry. He is determined to take over the radio waves with his message and bring hip-hop back to its roots.
Overall, "The Anthem" is a call to action for fans of hip-hop to unite and bring back the genre to its original form – authentic, raw, and true to its roots. K-os recognizes the challenges that come with taking on such a task, but he also understands the power in numbers and the importance of having a community behind him.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't ask me why when they're coming from the sky,
Stop questioning the inexplicable phenomena in this world and just accept them.
Just let it go, there's some things you'll never know X3
Sometimes, it's better not to understand the things that are out of our reach.
I won't fear anymore more, hip-hop is back for sure sure
Hip-hop is making a comeback, and I am no longer afraid to embrace it.
Cause it took our love away
The disappearance of hip-hop has taken away our love for music.
Now she's come back to stay
But now it has returned, and we should be grateful for its presence.
I feel sorry for emcees cees
I pity the rappers who have sold out and abandoned their true selves.
Who sold out so easily ly
They gave up their authenticity too quickly and without hesitation.
But the truth shall set them free free
However, the truth will ultimately pardon them and remove their guilt and shame.
Have no fear no no fear, oh no
We should not fear, as it is time to celebrate and cherish hip-hop's return.
It's the return of original man from outer space
This marks a significant comeback for the true essence of hip-hop.
The human race, is like eyes without a face
The absence of hip-hop made us incomplete and dull as a society.
I pull ya car, I saw you try to fool God
I can see through your lies and your attempts to deceive God and others.
And now you wanna switch up the game it's rather odd
It's strange how you want to change the game now after selling out so easily before.
Face it, we're taking over your radio station
Hip-hop is taking over the airwaves and making its presence known.
They stole Hip-Hop, come on let's take it back
Hip-hop was stolen from us, and now it is time to reclaim it.
Now, who is the man that's forgotten his name
We should question our true identity and purpose before it's too late.
Living in shame but can't recall the place where he came from
We may feel lost and ashamed of ourselves, but we should remember where we came from.
A universe without life is lifeless
A world without music or hip-hop is simply dull and lifeless.
Easy on the motion not equals locomotion
We should be careful and reflective in life, as motion doesn't necessarily equate with progress.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KEVIN DERON BRERETON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind