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 Aviator
k-os Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Crown the king, in the name of the father
Let the sermon begin, hail observant again
Watchin my mind spin
Watchin how time can turn enemies into friends
And friends to enemies, why did he envy me?
Is it because i M.C. breakin in social scenes?
How do you mean?
But i had to diss em all, cuz self-hating's not my mission
Nope
CHORUS
I'm just a man
Doin the best he can
Doin the best he can
I'm just a man
I might fall short
But i look a unseen hand
Look a unseen hand
Look a unseen hand
I'm just a man
Doin the best he can
Doin the best he can
I'm just a man
I might fall short
But i look a unseen hand
Yea, sometimes i ask myself
I ask late at night:
Who am i using?
Who is abusing?
Who is he choosing?
Who am i sleeping on that im confusing?
Who is my muse?
She probably plays the guitar
Probably forth dimension, or probably liven large
So many scars, young black boy in my room
Made my style animated call my style cartoon
That cha bump
When your drivin up the coast line
Your closed mine exposed by the sunshine
Designed, by the most hot
CHORUS
I'm just a man
Doin the best he can
Doin the best he can
I'm just a man
I might fall short
But i look a unseen hand
Look a unseen hand
Look a unseen hand
I'm just a man
Doin the best he can
Doin the best he can
I'm just a man
I might fall short
But i look a unseen hand
Do the hustle
Rain down on me
Rain down on me
The Aviator by k-os is a song that explores the struggles of the artist as he navigates the world of fame and success. The song begins with an assertion of his own identity and purpose – he walks a mile in his own shoes and crowns himself king in the name of the father. This seems to be an acknowledgement of the artist’s self-assurance and his ability to claim his place in the world. However, the song quickly moves into a more introspective space where the artist reflects on the challenges and uncertainties that come with fame.
The chorus of the song serves as a reminder to the artist that he is just a man, doing the best he can. The use of the phrase “look a unseen hand” suggests that the artist believes in a higher power that can help guide him through the struggles of life. This is further reinforced by the line “Rain down on me” which seems to ask for divine intervention and guidance.
The second verse of the song explores the artist’s relationships and the people he surrounds himself with. He questions who he is using and who is using him, highlighting the often transactional nature of the music industry. He also acknowledges the importance of his musical influences and the scars they have left on him. The song ends with a call to action – “Do the hustle” – which suggests that the artist must keep moving forward and pushing through the struggles of life.
Overall, The Aviator is a deeply introspective song that explores the complexities of fame and success. It is a reminder that even those who seem to have it all struggle with their own personal demons and that we are all just trying to do the best we can.
Line by Line Meaning
I walk a mile in my own shoes
I am living my own truth and walking my own path.
Crown the king, in the name of the father
I am affirming my own power and honoring my ancestry.
Let the sermon begin, hail observant again
I am calling for reflection and introspection, and recognizing the importance of being aware and present.
Watchin my mind spin
I am observing my own thoughts and feelings as they swirl around in my head.
Watchin how time can turn enemies into friends
I am noticing how time can change relationships and dynamics, often for the better.
And friends to enemies, why did he envy me?
I am reflecting on the complexity of human relationships and how envy can destroy even the closest bonds.
Is it because i M.C. breakin in social scenes?
I am considering the possibility that my success and visibility as an M.C. may have caused jealousy or resentment in others.
How do you mean?
I am seeking clarification and deeper understanding of a situation or statement.
Of course i miss em
I am acknowledging the pain of losing a friend or loved one.
But i had to diss em all, cuz self-hating's not my mission
I am explaining that sometimes it is necessary to distance oneself from people who do not have one's best interests at heart, and that self-love and self-respect are my priorities.
Nope
I am affirming my stance and decision with finality.
I'm just a man
I am acknowledging my humanity and fallibility.
Doin the best he can
I am putting forth effort and doing my utmost to succeed and thrive.
I might fall short
I am admitting that I am not perfect and may make mistakes.
But i look a unseen hand
I trust in a greater power or force to guide and support me.
Yea, sometimes i ask myself
I am acknowledging that introspection and self-reflection are important practices.
I ask late at night:
I am referencing a common time for contemplation and reflection.
Who am i using?
I am questioning whether I am taking advantage of someone or something without fully realizing it.
Who is abusing?
I am wondering if someone is mistreating or taking advantage of me.
Who is he choosing?
I am considering who I am focusing my attention and energy on, and whether or not it is a healthy choice.
Who am i sleeping on that im confusing?
I am questioning whether or not I am overlooking someone or something that could be of value or importance to me.
Who is my muse?
I am contemplating who or what inspires and motivates me creatively.
She probably plays the guitar
I am guessing that my muse is musically talented and possibly plays the guitar.
Probably forth dimension, or probably liven large
I am imagining that my muse is innovative and bold, pushing boundaries and living life to the fullest.
So many scars, young black boy in my room
I am acknowledging the pain and trauma that I have experienced in my life as a Black man.
Made my style animated call my style cartoon
I am using my pain as a source of inspiration for my art, creating a unique and expressive style.
That cha bump
I am referencing a particular musical beat or rhythm.
When your drivin up the coast line
I am setting the scene and describing a specific scenario.
Your closed mine exposed by the sunshine
I am suggesting that there is something revealing or vulnerable about being in the sunlight or exposing oneself to others.
Designed, by the most hot
I am attributing the beauty and wonder of the natural world to a higher power or divine force.
Do the hustle
I am referencing a dance or possibly urging the listener to stay focused and driven in their pursuits.
Rain down on me
I am using rain as a metaphor for blessings or positive energy.
Contributed by Isabella Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.