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All About Toronto:
Best rapper...
Dear k-os,
I know that girls don't necessarily do this, but I don't think that I can keep my feelings for you to myself any longer.Ever since you blew up the spot two years ago, I have been smitten by your passionate lyrics and your poetic delivery. True, you did come on the Toronto hip-hop scene in '92 with your single "Musical Essence," but it wasn't until you released "Heaven Only Knows" from your CD Exit, that I took notice of you. That song displayed your creativity and depth as an artist. I was immediately drawn to your spirit.
But just as I thought my crush would fade away, you released "Superstarr Part Zero" and my desire for you grew. The song was impressive and the accompanying video was mad cool! The break dancing, the shots of downtown Toronto, the cinematography - everything worked.
Well, it is now the fall of 2004 and you just released your latest album, Joyful Rebellion. I wasn't sure what to expect, but true to form, you wowed me yet again.
I love everything old school, so your single "B-Boy Stance" was an instant hit for me. It conjures up images of graffiti-stained walls, b-boys battling it out in the schoolyard, and of course, those bigass ghettoblasters.
Do you want to know what you did to make me fall totally head over heels in love with you? You released the song, "Crabbuckit."
The very first time that I heard it on the radio, I unfortunately only caught the last part of this song. I thought that I accidentally tuned into a jazz station because of the heavy jazz beats on this track. Once I realized that I was locked into my favourite radio station, I needed to hear the song again. After a few listens to the song in its entirety, I was overcome by your boldness. I love that you put out a song that is, first and foremost, deep, but it also has a funky beat that is so infectious! You truly are hip-hop's reigning king.
But besides your musical expertise, I love how you dismiss the material trappings of hip-hop and simply rap about your love for hip-hop. You, along with other down artists (Missy Elliot, Kanye West, Mos Def, Common, etc.), challenge not only hip-hop audiences to reject the pathetic trends in this genre, but you also challenge hip-hop artists to be real, and produce real music, instead of the "hip-pop" that currently rules the charts.
Lastly, k-os, though we may never meet, I felt I needed to tell you how much I admire you. I know that you will not remain the best T. Dot rapper, but become the best rapper period. Keep doing you!! ¤ Michelle