Credit: Moo Download Press Photo Here
February 21, 2025 — Canadian hip-hop pioneer k-os unveils the 2025 anniversary reissue of his 2013 BLack on BLonde, a groundbreaking double album. BLack on BLonde remains a unique fusion of rock anthems and classic hip-hop beats, and its title—a nod to Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde—reflects the album’s diverse and genre-defying essence.
“5th album forced me into the 5th dimension. Feels like the first 4 records were just the research I needed to invoke BLack On BLonde. Dimension 5 is an echelon of measure that’s curved in on itself ever so tightly. Somewhere in the midst of making the album I felt that internal curve happen to me. When I discovered due to a meta error that BLack On BLonde was not released anywhere else in the world aside from Canada and the U.S. I listened to it again, like for the first time, like a first time listener. It held up real good, and the sonic journey was a mind bending experience! So here it is, just ICYMI it, BLack On BLonde + an unearthed, ambiguous, meta error” – k-os
The reissue not only honors the original album, but also introduces a brand-new track, “Pocket Dial,” adding an exciting new dimension to this already disruptive work. It unveils fresh insights, such as the iconic influence of Neil Young, whose sound is sampled on the track “Play This Game.”
Stream BLack on BLonde here.
Originally recorded at Hayden Christensen’s deserted Laurel Canyon mansion, BLack on BLonde holds an important place in Canadian music history as k-os became the first Canadian hip-hop artist to release a double album. With its fusion of rock and old-school hip-hop, this project shattered expectations and set the stage for future genre-blending artists, including Drake, who has cited k-os as a key inspiration for his Scorpion album.
BLack on BLonde features exciting collaborations from a varied array of guests, including Black Thought (The Roots), Travie McCoy(Gym Class Heroes), Emily Haines (Metric), Sebastien Grainger(Death From Above 1979), Juno Award-winning Canadian rock singer/songwriter Sam Roberts and many others. Always innovative, provocative, and fearless, k-os showcases said versatility by singing and playing drums, guitar and bass throughout the album.
About k-os:
k-os (“chaos”) is the stage name for Canadian alternative rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer Kevin Brereton. k-os debut album, Exit released in 2002 and received positive reviews and critical acclaim. He has never been afraid to shake things up and experiment with different genres. In 2003, k-os collaborated with The Chemical Brothers on their single “Get Yourself High,” which was nominated for ‘Best Dance Recording’ at the 2005 Grammy Awards. Joyful Rebellion, the Platinum-certified second album that won three Juno Awards, was released in 2004 and featured a total of six singles, including the international hit “Crabbuckit”, which won ‘Best Pop Video’ at the annual MuchMusic Video Awards, along with ‘Best Songwriter’ and ‘Fan Choice Award’ at the 2005 Canadian Urban Music Awards. His follow-up album, Atlantis, shipped Platinum, making k-os the first Black hip-hop artist ever to do so. From 1996 to 2016, k-os was the third best-selling Canadian hip-hop artist in Canada. He went on to release Yes! (2009), Black on Blonde(2013), and Can’t Fly Without Gravity (2015), and is currently working on a new studio album, Everyone In Your Dream Is You, executive produced by GRAMMY-winning artist Drake, due out later this year.
