The Canadian Wyclef is back. This self-proclaimed B-boy K-OS, continues to push the boundaries of what hip-hop music is, firmly entrenching himself in the comparable company of such visionaries as Andre 3000, Cee-Lo, and the aforementioned ‘Clef.
Where his first album Exit was the introduction of a great talent, and the sophomore release Joyful Rebellion was the angst and reflection period, his latest, Atlantis: Hymns for Disco is talent unbound.
This is an album that can be listened to from front-to-back, top-to-bottom, without a pause or skip.
Obviously there are songs here that are better than others. The blues-influenced “The Rain” is one. As is the catchy, danceable, reggae-inspired “Fly Paper.” But there isn’t a bad song among them.
The feel good first single “Sunday Morning” is a simple pleasure; while the soul laden “Black Ice” is simply poetic.
For guest spots, fellow Canadian mic fiends Buck 65 and Kamau lend their distinctive vibes to the wonderful “Ballad of Noah,” and Kevin Drew (of Broken Social Scene) and Sam Roberts help flesh out the lovely “Valhalla.”
With two previously classic albums under his belt, the man known for his “knowledge of self” (K-os), is right on track to continue his streak. Trinidadian hip hop by way of Toronto’s suburbs is the new hot. And just like Wyclef’s classic Carnivale, anything can happen here—rock, rap, singing—and most assuredly does. But it’s all good, and well worth the listen.
