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01/21/2003 9:00 PM, Yahoo! Music
Dan Leroy

If this Canadian MC follows through with his threat to quit the music biz after just one album, it won't just be a loss for hip hop. On his debut, K-Os displays an unusual blend of hardcore mic skills and neosoul crooning; he's more musically versatile than Stateside kindred spirits like Talib Kweli, and has the street cred that spiritual ancestors such as Speech and Spearhead’s Michael Franti (who share his love of '70s R&B, reggae and deep thoughts) lack. Those gifts don't always translate into memorable listening--a couple of flamenco-flavored tracks come uncomfortably close to Wyclef Jean territory--but the ambitious and beautiful Britpop balladry of "Superstarr Part 2" is reason enough to hope K-Os won't exit anytime soon.