Columbia hip-hop artist Markos Hurtt is changing his tune to pursue his big dreams – to become a Billboard Top 40 artist.

The University of South Carolina graduate, who goes by the stage name KOS, last released hip-hop “Yall Know KOS” in 2020. But with his upcoming album “Seasons, Phrases, and Everything in Between”, the show of released singles Hurtt experiments with its sound.

Hurtt was a visible name in the local music scene prior to this 2020 record. Recently, he hosted events like Soda City Pop and The WECO Hip-Hop Chronicles at New Brookland Tavern in 2021. Prior to that, he hosted shows as as a student, often featuring local rappers and hip-hop artists.

“I think ‘Yall Know KOS’ was an album that was looking for a way to introduce myself – people knew me as a promoter and less as an artist,” Hurtt said. “I wasn’t really as focused on harnessing Billboard’s sound as I was on the music I loved.”

While every song on the 18-track album contains at least one hip-hop verse, Hurtt applied the rap and hip-hop verses to other genres like country, alt-rock and R&B.

“With ‘Seasons, Phases, and Everything in Between,’ I’m taking the sounds I love and the experiences I’ve had and integrating them on a level that hopefully prepares me for a record deal. “, said Hurtt.

The album also has plenty of outside help, with 16 featured artists. He postulated that this gives the album a wide variety of sounds.

“As I approached an eight or nine song compilation, I realized there had been no real definitive sound to what I had – quite the opposite, in fact,” said Hurtt. “So I decided to run with ‘diversity’ as the process continued – diversity with instrumentals, topics and lyrics, but with each one I had this goal” Billboard/Top40 “deep inside me.”

Hurtt suggested his new album shows bolder, more meticulous growth for both him and his music.

“It’s my ‘audition’ at the next level of the industry, if you will,” Hurtt said. “I know there’s still a lot to learn, but hopefully it shows I can excel in the basics.”

New Brookland Tavern will host an album release party for “Seasons, Phases, and Everything In Between” on May 27. While Hurtt will perform tracks from his new album, there will also be 11 guest performances.

“Seasons, Phases and Everything in Between” will be available on all streaming platforms on May 27. Tickets for his show at New Brookland Tavern are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information, visit newbrooklandtavern.com.

KOS Album Release Show

May 27. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $10 at the door, $8 in advance. New Brookland Tavern. 122 State Street.