Big K.R.I.T.---King Remembered In Time

Big K.R.I.T-Hotel California-Cinematic Music Group/Def Jam-(2013)

Artist: Big K.R.I.T.

Album: K.R.I.T (King Remembered in Time)

Label: Cinematic Music Group/Def Jam

Producers: artist, 9^th Wonder   

Being a rapper/producer has been very common these days. Although not an easy task, many artists take the risk and made household names. The list is longer than anyone’s arm and it make sense to take artistry to the next level. This includes Mississippi’s artist Big K.R.I.T. who entered the game solo. This reminds me of another southern rapper/producer David Banner who branded his own name on his terms. Big K.R.I.T. makes the same strides with consistency. With the critically acclaimed debut album “Live From the Underground” reviewed positively by many critics, he returns with the mixtape “K.R.I.T. (King Remembered in Time).

            This mixtape is the same formula from his debut album: very few guest appearances produced majority of the album except one track and a southern flow. Big K.R.I.T. production fits his style and it shows. The drum patterns are well played on “REM” when he spits about his dreams: I’m a spiritual and lyrical/produced by own album is nothing short of a miracle. He didn’t spit lyrically but his delivery blends really well on this track. “Meditate” and “Serve this Royalty” complement his style to the tee and the thought provoking “Bigger Picture” keeps you second guessing under a smooth southern beat. As you can see, some of the tracks on the album bring out the beats and lyrical compatibility.

            His lyrical content has improved on other tracks of this mixtape. His preachy delivery is best described on “Talking about Nothing” and “Only”. One thing about Big K.R.I.T is that his production does expand and experiments; sort of like the Organized Noise and Outkast days. However, a few tracks became very distractible. “Good 2getha” featuring Ashton Jones sounds a little different which an annoying hook that loses steam; maybe it would sound better if Andre 3000 jumped on it while “My Trunk” featuring Trinidad James and “King Without a Crown” experiments with way too much confusion of instrumentation. The bright spots are the 9^th Wonder soulful track “Life Is A Gamble” where K.R.I.T preachy lyricism added the punch lines that makes it a banger while “WTF” relates to the life struggles as Big K.R.I.T. asks what the fvck are we gonna do now.

             This album is really a see-saw album in which some of the songs went over the top while others didn’t met their expectations. He has paid his dues so it’s not a disappointment by any means. King Remembered in Time took the risks that not too many mixtapes can do: remember his underground while catering to a wider audience. Most of the production and guest appearances are top notch but a few tracks will press the fast forward button. This album is very different so if you’re into the hardcore 90’s sound, this album isn’t for you but if you have a universal ear then it is a sure fit. Big K.R.I.T. is still not established with the current rappers in the game; it’s a good attempt but this will take its time. This mixtape is a warm up for the second album which he promised will be more diverse production wise; meanwhile this album is remembered in time but the question is how long.

            Strong Tracks: “Talking About Nothing”, “REM”, “Meditate”, “Serve this Royalty”, “Life Is A Gamble”, “Bigger Picture”

            Average Tracks: “Bigger Picture”, “Only One”, “Banana Clip Theory”

            Weak Tracks:  “Good 2getha”, “My Trunk”, “King Without a Crown”, “Dope”,

            Rating: out of