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ALBUM REVIEW: Big K.R.I.T.’s Live From the Underground

4/5 Stars

For the last few years Mississippi producer/rapper Big K.R.I.T. has been working diligently. The artist has been critically acclaimed after his last two big projects “K.R.I.T. Was Here” and “Return of 4 Eva.” After signing to Def Jam in 2010, Big K.R.I.T. has kept a promise in numerous interviews (even me) that he will keep the same sound that listeners loved him for. Recently, the rapper released his debut album under Def Jam “Live From The Underground” and I’m glad to say that he hasn’t lost his sound, and K.R.I.T. even shows versatility in the album.

The first half of the album consists mostly of the energized southern songs that K.R.I.T. is known for. From rapping about cars to exotic dancers, K.R.I.T. engulfs listeners and places them deeply into southern culture. From the start, Big K.R.I.T.’s “LFU300MA” is a beautifully composed trip into to a music culture full of funk, heavy kicking bass, and 808’s. From there, you’ll definitely be on an energized ride for the next couple of songs; one of those hype songs being one of the most popular singles on the album “I Got This.” K.R.I.T.’s other single “Money on the Floor” (feat. southern legends 8 Ball and MJG and other newly signed Def Jam artist 2 Chainz) is also one of the best the first half has to offer. This rapper also brought in numerous southern MC’s for his album (i.e. Bun B, Ludacris and even Devin The Dude). K.R.I.T. has also made a great part 2 to single from Return of 4 Eva “My Sub” which was a great addition for his followers from “Return of 4 Eva.”

The second half of the “Live From the Underground” still has a plethora of songs to get hype to, but it soon mellows down. It’s songs like “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” and “If I Fall” that shows Big K.R.I.T.’s versatility as an artist more of just being a rapper. The most interesting addition to “Live From the Underground” was blues legend BB King performing in “Praying Man.” It’s difficult for any hip hop artist to include a  any big name from a completely different genre on their single, but Big K.R.I.T. was able to keep the amazing sounds of BB King along with his style. The album ends well with the final track “Live From The Underground (Reprise).” The final track brings listeners out of the album with an honor to The rapper’s grandmother (observed from the harmonies reminiscing old southern blues and recordings of the K.R.I.T.’s grandmother).

In conclusion, “Live From The Underground” is a near flawless album needed to revitalize the sound of modern southern hip hop. Although the tempo is a little thrown off in the middle of the album (moving from “My Sub Pt 2” to songs as depressing as “Don’t Let Me Down” and “Porchlight” all of a sudden and back to “Pull Up”), it does have a sound that brings back the sounds of UGK and Outkast, which paved the way for southern hip hop and made it prominent. Instead of making just a completely energizing album talking about cars and women or a mellowed out jazzy album with positive messages, Big K.R.I.T. was able to put both sub-genres together in order to bring his fans what that sound they love about, and also bring new listeners in by creating a melody not heard on the radio anymore. K.R.I.T kept his promise about going completely mainstream, and he has “Live From The Underground” as proof. 

If you have any questions about my review for this album, follow me on twitter @Getemlifted09.

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    4/5 Stars For the last few years Mississippi producer/rapper Big K.R.I.T. has been working diligently. The artist has...
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