K-Os Disses Newfoundland-Born Hip-Hop Critic

As a humble medium-sized city blog, Torontoist tends to miss a fair chunk of news and scene coverage. We opt for more selective, special interest stories (sometimes described as 'magaziney') that unfortunately falls way short of comprehensive reporting. One story that we never like miss out on, though, is when eye hip-hop critic and blogger Dave Morris gets called a name. Torontoist prides itself in reporting the various insults thrown at the man, and pays close attention to any reaction/revenge that follows. In this week's eye, Morris received quite a spanking from local hip-hop heartthrob K-Os regarding a blurb on the Getting Up Festival. The conflict arose when Kardinal Offishall put emphasis on the lack of radio airplay that Canadian rap acts get, citing K-Os's guitar as one reason he's become so commercially successful. (Mr Offishall symbollically smashed a guit on stage; Mr Morris reported the incident.) Here's the most damning of insults in the letter to the editor:

Maybe [Dave Morris is] just an asshole, though. [His] writing seems to communicate that.

Hurtful! In this case, much like the last name-calling incident, Torontoist must stand by Mssr Morris. K-Os, a guitar/rap sensation who is becoming more frequently involved with rap beefs, must learn to take criticism - from the press or other rappers - in stride. He characterizes the Morris piece the same way he wishes not to be characterized - as not being part of the local community; as lacking a reverence for the genre; as generally being 'unreal.' K-Os's sensitivity on these subjects probably need to be relaxed if he wishes to keep his spot on top of any hip-hop scene. As for Torontoist, we'll be watching this scenario like a dungeon dragon - so you'll know as soon as we do. Peace!