Big K.R.I.T has always been this vivacious southern rapper to me, but I feel like he has added yet another layer of vivaciousness to his overall presentation as of late. Based off a few of his singles, I hear this guy that is a little more laid back in his approach, focusing more on the vibes of a song than the heavy-hitting bars he’s more than capable of delivering. With ‘4 Eva Is a Mighty Long Time’, I look forward to hearing this revamped version of K.R.I.T., with hopes that he can finally get the recognition that he deserves.

---

TOP 5

 

5. 1999

‘1999’ is a solid record by K.R.I.T. in which he wants listeners to vibe out to the smooth tone of both the production and Lloyd’s vocals. It’s the perfect radio hit, and one that would be impossible to dislike.

Big K.R.I.T. gets his playboy on in this song, dropping slick ass bars galore. I’ve always thought that K.R.I.T. was one of those rappers that couldn’t tone down their aggression, but on this song he proves me wrong by rapping with this easygoing style.

How many times do I gotta tell you guys that Lloyd is a legend?

 

4. BIG BANK

I talk so much about Big K.R.I.T.’s new style, but on this song, the Mississippian gives you that hardcore/forklift/fried Hamhocks southern rap music that absolutely slaps!

I can tell Big K.R.I.T. is having lots of fun on this track, as he raps with this energetic style that pokes out like a strippers booty. In his raps, he shows off this ability to flow with the best of them, as he lets his bars go wild.

T.I. also has some really good energy on his verse, but I think it’s his wise words that stand out the most to me. Being the veteran that he is, the rapper no longer has to prove anything to anybody, yet he still shows this hunger in his persona that is certainly humbling.

Big K.R.I.T. and T.I. have tremendous chemistry!

 

3. SUBENSTEIN (SUB IV)

Between ‘Aux Cord’ and ‘Subenstein (Sub IV)’, Big K.R.I.T. has an unhealthy infatuation with his cars radio.

Initially, ‘Subenstein (Sub IV)’ sounds like your ordinary trunk knocking rap song, as you get this menacing instrumental combined with these ridin’ out lyrics from K.R.I.T. on the verses. The song knocks for sure, but towards the end of it, it turns into something special! Much like his subs coming alive, the musicality of this song follows suit, blooming into this beautiful track that reminds you of a sunny day in the great state of Mississippi. The switch up is a bit unexpected, but hella sweet!

2. CONFETTI

‘Confetti’ has everything you want from a rap song: A wicked instrumental, wise bars from K.R.I.T., and this emotional tone to it overall.

I bopped my head for majority of this song, as K.R.I.T. rode the beat like an absolute pro (Especially on the first verse). When the beat changes on the second verse, K.R.I.T. raps in a more unorthodox way, opting to focus on his powerful words more than actually flowing.

I feel like this song needed an assertive rapper to spit over it, and K.R.I.T. definitely brought that demeanor to the track.

 

1. KEEP THE DEVIL OFF

Big K.R.I.T. takes us all to church with this one!

With so many comparisons to Outkast since exploding onto the scene, Big K.R.I.T. shows us why those that compare him to the duo might be on to something.

On ‘Keep The Devil Off’, K.R.I.T. created this explosive record that has him playing this pastor-like character that wants to make sure he’s following nothing less than a righteous path. His verses are electrifying, giving listeners the inspiration they need. What solidifies the gospel-like sound of this song is the choir he is accompanied by, as they pretty much play his support system throughout the song.

I was taken to church with this one! A shady church, but still a church though.

---

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. BIG K.R.I.T. (4.5/5)

2. CONFETTI (5/5)

3. BIG BANK (5/5)

4. SUBENSTEIN (SUB IV) (5/5)

5. 1999 (5/5)

6. RIDE WITH ME (4.2/5)

7. GET UP 2 COME DOWN (4/5)

8. LAY UP (3.9/5)

9. CLASSIC INTERLUDE (N/A)

10. AUX CORD (4.7/5)

11. GET AWAY (4/5)

1. JUSTIN SCOTT (4/5)

2. MIXED MESSAGES (4.3/5)

3. KEEP THE DEVIL OFF (5/5)

4. MISS GEORGIA FORNIA (4.5/5)

5. EVERLASTING (4.7/5)

6. HIGHER CALLING (3.9/5)

7. WEEKEND INTERLUDE (N/A)

8. PRICE OF FAME (5/5)

9. DRINKING SESSION (4/5)

10. THE LIGHT (4.4/5)

11. BURY ME GOLD (4.9/5)

---

OVERALL RATING

(8.7/10)

I can tell Big K.R.I.T. has this love for music that goes back many years, and that influence shows in majority of the tracks on this album. His focus on his lyrical content is vintage to me, but I think its his ability to take full command of whatever record he’s on that is most impressive.

K.R.I.T. doesn’t do it all by himself on this album, he does get some help from some of his southern friends (T.I., Bun-B and more), and lots of soulful contributions from uncredited singers that are either helping him solo dolo or in a choir. Everyone adds to the completeness of the record they are on, which makes you feel like you got your money’s worth when you hear the album from start to finish.

Big K.R.I.T. will never get the props that he deserves, and I think that’s why his sound has pretty much been consistent. After all these years, the Southern artist still raps hungrier than everyone else, finding ways to represent both himself and his city in this prideful way. K.R.I.T. is an artist that invigorates his listeners in a variety of ways, meaning albums like ‘4 Eva is a Long Time’ could be a listeners sermon for many years to come.