Review Summary: King Remembered In Time captures everyone's attention with a great rap album that brings passion back to the south. Listen closely Paul Wall. You too Young Jeezy.
Big K.R.I.T is a 24-year-old rapper and producer from Missippippi, who was recently signed to Def Jam after gaining critical acclaim with this digitally released album: Big K.R.I.T was here.
Apparently he released five mixtapes before getting this far, but to be honest I had never heard of him, so it was a nice surprise to see someone bring back what southern rap was missing since 3-6 Mafia started recording with DJ Tiesto.
Sounding like a reincarnated Pimp C on triumphant opener Return Of 4eva and second track Country ***, he definitely owes southern pioneers UGK a word of thanks. But that's not to say he's just another carbon copy either. Both of the tracks sound like respectable tributes rather than last minute rip-offs.
K.R.I.T, which stands for King Remembered In Time, produced this entire album himself, a rarity in modern hip-hop where most albums are flooded with A-list producers. As a Wu Tang fan, old movie and soul samples are something I can't get enough of and this album is filled with classic vocals used cleverly on tracks like Something, where K.R.I.T raps and the sample seems to be replying back to his verses. If K.R.I.T doesn't make it as a rapper he definitely has a career as a producer.
Things slow down a bit after the second track with some insight into K.R.I.T's personal struggles. While he can definitely pull off the conscious vibe, and he does it well on some songs with tales of small town struggles and love lost, these are a bit more hit and miss than the upbeat tracks. It does sound a little strange hearing someone from the south rap like J Cole. While there is no doubting this is a solid album, it would have benefited from a little trimming of the fat.
The album reaches another peak at the half-way point, with the stellar Moon and Stars. This track definitely should have been a big hit with a feature from the always stellar and ridiculously underrated Devin the Dude. The dreamy beat and flow used by K.R.I.T is an absolute standout, and I'm surprised he didn't save the track for his major label debut.
Devin's not the only great guest either. Two members of Field Mob make an appearance, which speaks for K.R.I.T's authenticity as a southern rapper, and Curren$y showcases his laid back flow. Even Wiz Khalifa sounds great, which makes me think maybe he should stick to doing features.
Hopefully with Def Jam's input, a little creative control and more of those soulful beats, K.R.I.T will indeed be a name to remember.
