Big K.R.I.T. (an acronym for “King Remembered In Time”) is one of the most humble rappers around today, and if you don’t know him, you’re losing out. My favorite artist/producer is back with his prime lyricism and 808 drum machine in his latest album, “4eva Is a Mighty Long Time.”
K.R.I.T., a rapper from Meridian, Mississippi, released his self-produced double album on Oct. 27. The first disc is titled “Big K.R.I.T.” and the second disc is titled “Justin Scott,” K.R.I.T.’s real name. This twofold album is K.R.I.T.’s first independent release from his record label Multi Alumni.
The album’s two volumes each contain 11 tracks that present K.R.I.T.’s dichotomy as an artist loving music with prominent bass and soul. Other notable artists featured on this album include T.I., CeeLo Green and Sleepy Brown.
“It’s a blessing to be able to drop a double album in the space that I’m in and how I’ve grown as an artist able to articulate myself,” K.R.I.T. said to NPR.
K.R.I.T. is known for “My Sub,” which has been a continued track since the “Return of 4eva” mixtape in 2011. “My Sub” returned as “My Sub (Pt. 2: The Jackin’)” on the album “Live from the Underground” and “My Sub Pt. 3 (Big Bang)” on the album “Cadillactica.” This time, “Subenstein (My Sub IV)” is the fourth track of disc one, produced by Supah Mario and Mannie Fresh.
Lyrics from “Subenstein (My Sub IV): “It’s ALIVE! / Trunk knocking when I drive, my sub came alive. / Transformer in my ride, my sub came alive.”
A song from disc one that I have on repeat is “1999,” featuring Lloyd on vocals. This is another track produced by Mannie Fresh, and it notably includes a sample of “Back That Thang Up” by Juvenile.
Other disc one tracks I enjoy are “Layup,” “Aux Cord” and “Ride Wit Me.”
Disc one, in my opinion, is more bass-heavy for “the bump in the trunk,” while disc two is the soulful side. Disc two had collaborations with Bilal, Robert Glasper and Jill Scott.
Jill and Justin Scott’s collaboration was something I have been waiting for. Their track, “Higher Calling,” is the most eloquent track from this project, and also produced by Supah Mario.
The tracks from disc two remind me of a reflection journal or finally realizing as a human that you can be hypocritical — you can have “Mixed Messages.”
Some disc two tracks I enjoy are “Everlasting,” “Price of Fame,” “Keep the devil Off,” “Bury Me in Gold” and “The Light.”
Overall, this project is exactly what I needed and much more. Now I have tracks that will have my trunk shaking. K.R.I.T. is the best producer and lyricist in hip hop, period.
Andre Carthen is a graduate student in mass communications writing on behalf of KSDB, Kansas State’s student-run radio station. The views and opinions expressed in this review are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Collegian or KSDB. Please send comments to opinion@kstatecollegian.com and visit ksdbfm.org for more reviews.
