4 out of 5 sneakers
I’ve been looking forward to the release of Big K.R.I.T.’s first album for quite some time. I am pleased with it, as a whole, and find it is a solid album. I am slightly jaded because his last two mix tapes, particularly Return of 4eva, were so phenomenal that I feel like I am listening to his sophomore album rather than his debut album.
I Got This – first time I heard it I was walking into work and I had to refrain from yelling, “F*ck these n!ggas; f*ck these hoes” - then I remembered a) I’m not K.R.I.T. and b) I do love my job so I probably shouldn't get fired. I always love a good anthem to get hype by. Other similar feelings were invoked by Pull Up (which had great verses by both Big Sant and Bun B), What You Mean and Yeah Dats Me.
K.R.I.T. also delivered an incredible mixture of thought provoking tracks such as Rich Dad, Poor Dad – which EVERY man should listen to and understand how important they are in their child(ren)’s life. Like K.R.I.T. said, “Lead by example.” Also, Praying Man ft. B.B. King – simply wow. I mean an absolutely amazing song with a legend, truly a legend! It’s a song that tugs at all of our conscious and hearts because we have all been at a crossroads before. If I Fall is also another song that does it for me. K.R.I.T.’s buttery flow and Melanie Fiona’s sultry voice created the perfect blend on this track, which allows us to remember our family/fortunes/struggles and how we came to appreciate them.
K.R.I.T.’s southern style resonates throughout each track -- the entire album has specific songs that remind me of various friends of mine who are from the south, but he also does something a lot of artists fall short of; tie in everyday life, regardless of where you come from, that we all relate to, see, feel and understand. K.R.I.T. is not just a beautiful representation of talent out of the ‘Sip, but he represents us, the words we can’t say, admit, dream or speak out about. His influence is valuable; he brings real life lyricism to us, using his creative genius and musicality, which flow so effortlessly from each track and his production of such.
peAce,
Network Chic
Photo Chic gives it 5 out of 5 sneaks
I only give albums a 5 if I can listen and enjoy every song. Big K.R.I.T. made that happen with his first album release (although if you’ve followed his career, you know this isn’t exactly his first album). His prior mixtapes definitely deserve the “album” title.
Out of all of the “new” major players in the hip hop game (J. Cole, Wale, Big Sean, etc.), I feel like K.R.I.T. did the best job of successfully transitioning to the mainstream without compromising the sound he is known for. He single-handedly brought southern hip hop back to the forefront with this album. He definitely makes it “Cool 2 Be Southern,” one of my favorite tracks on the album.
Other stand outs for me, that blew me away, come at the end of the album. “If I Fall,” “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” and “Praying Man” are tied for my #1 favorite tracks. Even if you know nothing about Big K.R.I.T. and his music, you should know that he is a big deal if he has a feature from the legendary B.B. King.
K.R.I.T. has a great balance of features on this album that only compliment his sound, rather than overshadow it. Southern hip hop and rhythm and blues blend together to make a unique sound missing in hip hop today. He’s filled that southern void.
I was also happy to hear “My Sub, Pt. 2.” Just when I thought that song couldn’t get much better, Big K.R.I.T. gives us a part 2 to let our trunks knock all the way into the middle of next week! I love it! It’s that “country sh*t” that I love and KRIT has revitalized and given it a new life.
I definitely recommend that you buy this album right now, if you haven’t already. This is easily in my top 3 favorite albums of 2012 so far. Thank you Big K.R.I.T. Now we have to share you with the world, but at least you sound the same and stayed true to the underground. Live From the Underground is a very appropriate title!
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