K-os facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
k-os
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k-os 2011 publicity photo
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Kevin Brereton |
| Born | February 20, 1972 Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
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| Years active | 1995–present |
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Kevin Brereton (born February 20, 1972), known as k-os (pronounced "chaos"), is a Canadian musician. He is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. His music mixes different styles like hip hop, funk, rock, and reggae.
The name "k-os" is spelled with a small "k" to sound less aggressive than other rappers' names. It stands for "Knowledge of Self." However, k-os later said it first meant "Kevin's Original Sound." His songs often share positive messages. They also sometimes talk about how mainstream hip hop focuses too much on money or fame. k-os writes and produces almost all of his music. He often performs with a live band, which is special for a hip hop artist. He also plays guitar and keyboard.
k-os first shared his music with the song "Musical Essence" in 1995. He released "Rise Like the Sun" in 1996 but then took a break. He came back in 1999 and released his first album, Exit, in 2002. His second album, Joyful Rebellion, came out in 2004 and became very popular in Canada. His third album, Atlantis: Hymns for Disco, was released in 2006 and also sold very well. He released Yes! in 2009, Black on Blonde in 2013, and Can't Fly Without Gravity in 2015.
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Early life and musical journey
k-os was born in Toronto, Canada. He and his two younger brothers grew up with parents from Trinidad and Tobago. His father was a minister. When k-os was in third grade, his family moved to Trinidad. Being away from Canada, he found comfort in music.
He returned to Canada as a teenager and lived in Whitby, Ontario. His father worked as a computer engineer. His mother owned a cosmetics company. Growing up, k-os enjoyed many different artists. These included Michael Jackson, A Tribe Called Quest, and The Beatles. He felt shy in high school. But after performing at a school assembly, he realized music made him feel strong and confident. In 1992, he briefly attended Carleton University. He then went to York University in Toronto. Friends encouraged him to keep making music.
Music career highlights
Starting out in music
While at York University, k-os released his first song, "Musical Essence," in 1995. He soon left university to focus on music. The song's music video won an award. This helped him get noticed by NBA player John Salley, who became his manager. k-os performed on the 1995 Hip-Hop Explosion Tour. He released his second song, "Rise Like the Sun," in 1996.
After getting a record deal offer, k-os decided to step away from music for a while. He felt his music wasn't quite right yet. He later said he had made several albums but wasn't happy with them. He described his music as "pretentious." He wanted to find his own unique sound.
He later moved to Vancouver, British Columbia. There, he worked with the group Rascalz on their 1999 album Global Warning. He also performed at the North by Northeast music festival in 1999. Inspired by artists like Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, k-os started working on a new album. He wanted to make music that was truly his own. He signed with Capitol Records, which later moved his deal to Astralwerks.
First albums and success
On March 26, 2002, k-os released his first album, Exit, in Canada. It was praised by critics. The album mixed many styles, like hip hop, soul, rock, and reggae. Billboard Magazine called it one of the best hip hop albums from Canada. The first song from the album was "Heaven Only Knows." The second song, "Superstarr Pt. Zero," won "Best Music Video" in 2003.
After Exit came out, k-os toured with India Arie in the United States. The album won several awards, including "Album Design of the Year" at the Juno Awards of 2003. k-os also won "Best International Hip Hop Artist" at the Source Awards. In 2003, he worked with The Chemical Brothers on their song "Get Yourself High." This song was nominated for a Grammy Award. His song "Freeze" was also featured in the video game SSX 3.
Even though he once hinted Exit might be his only album, k-os released his second album, Joyful Rebellion, on August 24, 2004. This album was very popular and became platinum in Canada by February 2005. It was also the most downloaded hip hop album on iTunes in Canada. Rolling Stone magazine listed it as one of the top albums of 2004. Joyful Rebellion had six songs released as singles, including "B-Boy Stance" and "Crabbuckit."
k-os won several awards for Joyful Rebellion. He received three Juno Awards in 2005. His song "Crabbuckit" won "Best Pop Video" at the MuchMusic Video Awards. He also won "Best Songwriter" and "Fan Choice Award" at the 2005 Canadian Urban Music Awards. In November 2005, k-os released the Publicity Stunt DVD. It showed his music videos and concert footage. This DVD also became platinum in Canada.
New sounds and albums
In 2006, k-os worked with the CBC Radio Orchestra to create "Burning to Shine." He then traveled across Canada to record his third album. The first song from this album, "ELEctrick Heat – the seekwiLL," became the most downloaded single on iTunes. k-os also recorded a version of John Lennon's song "Jealous Guy" for Amnesty International.
On October 10, 2006, Atlantis: Hymns For Disco was released in Canada. It became platinum by December of that year. k-os wrote and produced this album himself. It included collaborations with artists like Sam Roberts and Buck 65. The album mixed many music styles. k-os said he felt more comfortable singing on this album. Songs like "Sunday Morning" and "Flypaper" were released from Atlantis.
His fourth album, Yes!, came out on April 14, 2009. It featured songs like "4, 3, 2, 1" and "Burning Bridges." k-os also held an online contest where fans could remix songs from Yes!. The best remixes were put on a special album called Yes It's Yours (Fan Remix Album). In April 2009, k-os went on the Karma Tour across Canada. Fans could pay what they thought the show was worth.
In October 2009, k-os worked with the Stephen Lewis Foundation to help families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. He even worked at The Bay to help customers choose toys. His song "Fun" was also featured in the video game Need for Speed Nitro. On February 28, 2010, k-os performed at the 2010 Winter Olympics closing ceremony in Vancouver. In August 2010, he released a mixtape called The Anchorman Mixtape.
Recent works
On October 4, 2011, Much Music released his live concert recordings as "MuchMusic presents K-OS LIVE." This included songs like "Catch 22" and "Faith Part 2" with Drake.
On January 29, 2013, k-os released his double album Black on Blonde. The first song from the album was "The Dog Is Mine." The next song, "Nyce 2 Know Ya," became popular on Canadian music charts.
k-os's most recent album, Can't Fly Without Gravity, was released in September 2015. He then released a mixtape called Views From the Stix in May 2016. This mixtape was made when he visited his family's home outside Toronto. In 2018, k-os released a new song and music video called "No Bucks." On May 29, 2020, k-os released an EP called Boshido, which was a collaboration with producer Kaytranada.
Activism
k-os is a vegetarian. He has supported PETA and promoted animal rights.
Discography
Studio albums
- Exit (2002)
- Joyful Rebellion (2004)
- Atlantis: Hymns for Disco (2006)
- Yes! (2009)
- BLack on BLonde (2013)
- Can't Fly Without Gravity (2015)
Compilation albums
- Collected (2007)
- The Trill: A Journey so Far (2009)
- MuchMusic presents K-OS LIVE (2011)
EPs
- Boshido (2020)
Mixtapes
- The Anchorman Mixtape (2010)
- Views from the Stix (2016)
See also
- Canadian hip hop
- Music of Canada
- Need for Speed: Nitro
