Hip hop fans take note. Big K.R.I.T. has been killin with Krit Wuz Here and 4Eva N A Day these past few years, but his first label release hits record stores and DigiDownloads on June 5th. Live from the Underground is available for streaming on NPR right now and well worth the listen. K.R.I.T. (King Remembered in Time) is my favorite artist out right now. Period. His sound reminds me of the Outkast/Goodie Mob/UGK southern rap that provided the soundtrack to my adolescence; with jazz notes and heavy bass, a few ignorant tracks (that I also love), and some reflective lyricism. Frannie Kelley, the writer who profiled K.R.I.T. for NPR, explains more eloquently:
“Live From the Underground” is built over the crisp rimshot now synonymous with ?uestlove and a humming chorus reminiscent of late-’90s neo-soul. In it, K.R.I.T. calls himself “cinematic,” a fair description. Trumpets stab. The piano is high in the mix. Throughout the album, it’s nighttime, it’s hot out and the crickets loom.
K.R.I.T. creates his own beats and speaks the realest of talk. His music should be appreciated as a whole, not song by song. “I Got This” and “Money on the Floor” are to be enjoyed while riding around with the windows down, while “Porchlight” and “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” demonstrate K.R.I.T.’s true writing ability. Featured artists on his album demonstrate his clout and represent the south well: B.B. King, Ludacris, Bun B, Anthony Hamilton, Devin the Dude 8Ball & MJG, 2 Chainz.
Live from the Underground isn’t for everyone. Give the album a listen today and go cop a disc on the 5th to support the man.
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