Atlantis: Hymns for Disco

This is an impressive record. k-os is a rapper from Trinidad, who was raised in Toronto. His name stands for “Knowledge of Self.” The songs on this album steer clear of typical commercial hip-hop posturing. There is no talk of guns, gang violence or misogyny. In fact, on "The Rain," he openly reveals his pain over lost love.

k-os' honesty and workmanship shine through on every number. One of my favorites is "Sunday Morning." Here, k-os deals with the lonely quiet that is often the aftermath of a Saturday night at the club. His rhymes are clever, original and versatile. k-os is currently touring the United States after selling several platinum records in Canada.

I hope Atlantis: Hymns for Disco will give him the commercial and critical success he deserves. I will be interested to see how popular k-os becomes in the States. His refusal to make a quick buck pandering to hip-hop stereotypes is admirable. Overall, Atlantis: Hymns for Disco is a sign of change in the hip-hop game.

•