K.O is back with a new album titled SR2 and who would we be if we didn’t take a listen and give our thoughts on the project right? The album is a full body of work consisting of 12 tracks. It is supposed to be the finest body of work from the rapper so far and we may agree.
He keeps the features to a minimum with the appearances of only 3 artists- Black Coffee, Shekhinah and Runtown. It’s quite ill that he doesn’t feature any other rappers on this and we must say that the musical element of the album is entirely credited to K.O and the producers.
Above The Water is a reflective and introspection joint which sees K.O bare it all, what a great start to the album. He features the talented Shekhinah who compliments the beat and does it justice. K.O is a little off beat at times but the entire message of the song is carried well in this.
MS2 and 7evnUp showcases the lyrical side of the rapper. I must have forgotten how skilled K.O is with the pen and how he holds these joint down is amazing! He switches between being thoughtful and reflective to being a beast on these beats.
Who would K.O be without the influences on Kwaito and dance music in his body of work right? Runtown helps him add that afro-beat flavour to this album on the joint Call Me. He sings about a past love who he wishes would call him because he misses her. Pretty Young Thing is along these lines and gives us a glimpse into the “mushy” K.O.
We can definitely see who he has been influenced by- directly or indirectly- on this album; the nuances are evident. On Swagganova’s hook he channels a young Kwesta with the deep voice and the style; the verse is something else though. He does switch it up and I have never heard K.O go a full 8 bars in Afrikaans.
On joints like Legacy and No Feelings he speeds it up with Trap influenced flows but K.O can’t really do it like these kids are doing it. Honestly, we are glad because he kills it nonetheless; he brings those grootman bars. He pulls through with great storytelling on Ghetto Episode, is socially conscious and patriotic on SA Rising featuring Black Coffee and his drums and he is melodic on The Warning.
This entire album is a great listen- no gimmicks, no weird beats just pure talent and skill. It is obvious to see that plenty of time went into making this an expressive and well balanced project.
SR2 is different from Skhanda Republic in that K.O is not pioneering a new sound but he is introducing us to who has grown to become. K.O is shedding the old persona and gives us an opportunity to get to know him a little better.
Cop it on iTunes.
