Big K.R.I.T.

Last updated

Big K.R.I.T.
BIG KRIT Jahret Rainey (cropped).jpg
K.R.I.T. performing in 2015
Background information
Birth nameJustin Lewis Scott
Born (1986-08-26) August 26, 1986 (age 37)
Meridian, Mississippi, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Discography
Years active2005–present
Labels
Website bigkrit.com

Justin Lewis Scott (born August 26, 1986), better known by his stage name Big K.R.I.T. (a backronym for King Remembered in Time), [1] is an American rapper and record producer. Born in Meridian, Mississippi, he began his musical career in 2005. He was signed to Def Jam Recordings by Sha Money XL in 2010, and first gained recognition following the release of his single "Country Shit" (remixed featuring Ludacris and Bun B). The following year, he guest appeared on T.I.'s promotional single "I'm Flexin'", which became Scott's first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

Contents

Scott's debut studio album, Live from the Underground (2012) debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, likewise with his second album, Cadillactica (2014). In 2017, he launched the record label Multi Alumni to release his subsequent albums: 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time (2017), K.R.I.T. Wuz Here (2019), and Digital Roses Don't Die (2022). Each met with critical praise or acclaim, [2] Cadillactica was listed by Billboard and Complex as among the best albums of that year. [3] [4] Furthermore, Scott is a noted record producer for other artists, with credits for artists including Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, T.I., Slim Thug, ASAP Ferg, Freddie Gibbs, E-40, and Berner, among others. [5]

Career

2005–2010: Beginnings

Scott previously released several mixtapes, including Hood Fame, with DJ Wally Sparks and The Last King, with DJ Breakem Off. He also made guest appearances on Pilot Talk , the third studio album and major label debut from Louisiana rapper Currensy, as well as Kush & Orange Juice , the critically acclaimed mixtape by rapper Wiz Khalifa. When he started branding himself, he went by the name of Kritikal, before shortening it to Scott [6]

In May 2010, Scott released his mixtape, K.R.I.T. Wuz Here , digitally, garnering critical acclaim. [7] That same month, former president of G-Unit Records and current Senior VP of A&R at Def Jam Records, Sha Money XL, signed him to the label as one of his first priorities in his new position. [8] [9]

In October 2010, Scott co-headlined The Smoker's Club Tour 2010 alongside fellow rappers Curren$y and Smoke DZA. [10] In November 2010, Scott opened for Wiz Khalifa in Baltimore, Maryland Sayreville, New Jersey Winston-Salem, North Carolina and in Ashland, Virginia during the Waken Baken Tour.

2011–2015: Live from the Underground and Cadillactica

Scott at Clark Atlanta's Homecoming in 2011. Big KRIT CAU Homecoming 2011.jpg
Scott at Clark Atlanta's Homecoming in 2011.

In early 2011, he was featured on the cover of XXL as part of their annual Top Freshmen of the year, along with the likes of other rappers including Meek Mill, Cyhi the Prynce, Lil Twist, Yelawolf, Fred the Godson, Mac Miller, YG, Lil B, Kendrick Lamar and Diggy Simmons. [11]

In March 2011, Scott released his highly anticipated and entirely self-produced mixtape, Return of 4Eva , featuring guests David Banner, Joi, Big Sant, Chamillionaire, Raheem DeVaughn, Ludacris, and Bun B. The mixtape has been acclaimed by rap critics, with William Ketchum of HipHopDX calling it "emotive, conceptual music" and saying that Scott had given fans a "free album" – the magazine's highest praise for a mixtape. [12] Meanwhile, Matthew Cole of Slant Magazine highlighted Return of 4Eva in his mixtape review column as "the best mixtape of the month," going on in a separate review to call it "the rap album to beat in 2011 ". [13] [14] Both critics praised Scott's production skills as much as his lyrics and flow, and both named Scott as a likely successor to Southern rap legends UGK, Scarface, and Outkast. On April 20, 2011, Tom Breihan reviewed the mixtape for Pitchfork, giving an 8.2 out of 10 and awarding it the site's coveted "Best New Music" tag. [15]

On July 1, 2011, Scott announced the title of his debut studio album, Live from the Underground . It was originally set to be released on September 27, 2011. [16] From October 12, 2011, until November 24, 2011, Scott co-headlined The Smoker's Club Tour 2011 with Curren$y and Method Man. [10] Scott released Live from the Underground June 5, 2012, to tremendous expectancy. It debuted at number one on the Hip Hop, R&B, and Rap Charts. He released his first single off the album titled, "I Got This" on May 7, 2012. He went on the "Live from the Underground" tour, which he headlined along with Slim Thug. In an interview on Bootleg Kev's radio show, on August 10, 2012, he confirmed that he and fellow Southern rapper Yelawolf were working on a collaborative album entitled Country Cousins. During the same interview, he was also asked about his favorite rappers, to which he responded, "Scarface. Man, I need these people in groups. Can I put the rest as a group? Outkast, UGK and 8Ball & MJG. That's what my iTunes consists of." [17] Scott along with singer Ashthon Jones collaborated with Lecrae for his single "Mayday" from Gravity . [18]

Scott in 2014 BIG KRIT 2014.jpg
Scott in 2014

On January 10, 2013, Scott announced his next mixtape as King Remembered In Time . Also naming Mike WiLL Made It as a producer on both the mixtape and his next album. He went on to indicate this mixtape and his next album would not be entirely produced by himself like his previous works, with his album not being produced by himself at all. [19] [20] The first single off the mixtape was released on February 27, 2013, titled, "Shine On". The song features rapper Bun B and was produced by Scott [21] He has also put out songs produced by 9th Wonder. Scott (King Remembered In Time) would be released on April 10, 2013. The mixtape features primary production handled by Scott himself and guest appearances by Wiz Khalifa, Future, Smoke DZA and Trinidad James among others. [22]

On June 13, 2013, in an interview with Dead End Hip Hop, Scott hinted towards the title of his upcoming second studio album, stating that the title is featured in the opening seconds of the Intro from his debut album "Live from the Underground". [23] In August 2013, he told HipHopDX that Chad Hugo of The Neptunes, DJ Dahi and Terrace Martin will provide some of the album's soulful production. Scott also said he has refocused his energy on his rhymes and delivery, as he allows producers to craft some of the beats for him. [24] On September 30, 2013, Scott announced that his second album would be called Cadillactica. In October 2013, he told XXL that Jim Jonsin, Rico Love, DJ Toomp, and himself would also provide production on the album. [25] On April 28, 2014, he released the first single off his second album, titled "Mt. Olympus". [26] The second single from Cadillatica, "Pay Attention" released July 25, 2014. [27]

2016–present: 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time and K.R.I.T. iz Here

After releasing twelve freestyles in twelve hours, Scott announced through Twitter that he and Def Jam had parted ways on July 6, 2016. [28]

On October 27, 2017, Scott released his third studio album, 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time . The album marks Scott's first independent release under his Multi Alumni label, following a departure from Def Jam. It debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200. [29] The album was supported by four singles: "Confetti", "Keep the Devil Off", "Aux Cord" and "1999".

On July 12, 2019, Scott released his fourth studio album, K.R.I.T. Iz Here . [30]

On February 18, 2022, Scott released his fifth studio album, Digital Roses Don't Die .

Artistry

I thank God I was able to come up with the acronym King Remembered In Time. It's something that I will never be able to live up to as an artist, but it allows me to keep grinding and not get complacent.

—K.R.I.T. talks his stage name in an interview with Respect. [31]

Scott's musical training began in elementary school up through junior high school playing the cello, and having the ability to read music helped him out tremendously as an artist. [31] While talking about how he started producing music, Scott said: "At the time, I was young and I didn't have no job. It wasn't like I could really afford to pay for beats. At the same time, there was this program that came out for PlayStation, MTV Music Generator, where you could make your own beats. So I started making my own beats right around that time because I just couldn't afford to pay for the other ones." [32] Scott has cited UGK, Outkast, 8Ball & MJG, Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., David Banner and CeeLo Green as his influences. [33] [34] [35]

Scott is known in Birmingham, Alabama as being one of the favorite artists of the current Birmingham Mayor, Randall L. Woodfin. [36] "Mt. Olympus (Reprise)" and "Energy" were featured on Mayor Woodfin's Mayoral Mixtape, which was released on Spotify in the summer of 2021. [37]

Discography

Studio albums
Collaboration albums

Awards and nominations

YearAwardsCategoryNominated workResult
2011 BET Hip Hop Awards [38] Rookie of the YearHimselfNominated
Reese's Perfect Combo Award (Best Collab)"Country Shit" (Remix)Nominated
Best Mixtape Return of 4Eva Nominated

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juelz Santana</span> American rapper

LaRon Louis James, better known by his stage name Juelz Santana, is an American rapper and member of East Coast hip hop group the Diplomats. He is best known for his appearances on Cam'ron's 2002 singles "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma," which peaked at numbers four and three on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively. His guest appearance on Chris Brown's 2005 single, "Run It!" peaked atop the chart for five weeks and received triple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). As a lead artist, he is also known for his 2005 single "There It Go ," which peaked at number six on the chart and received platinum certification by the RIAA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bun B</span> American rapper

Bernard James Freeman, known professionally as Bun B, is an American rapper. He is best known as one half of the southern rap duo UGK, a group he formed in 1987 alongside Pimp C. Aside from his work with UGK, Bun B has released five solo albums, including 2010's Trill OG, which received the rare 5-mic rating from The Source.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Budden</span> American rapper and media personality

Joseph Anthony Budden II is an American media personality, broadcaster, cultural critic, and retired rapper. He first gained recognition in the latter occupation with his 2003 single "Pump It Up", which peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and preceded the release of his eponymous debut studio album (2003). Met with critical and commercial success, the album peaked within the top ten of the Billboard 200, although it served as his only major label release for Def Jam Recordings; he thereafter released seven albums independently to continued critical praise. While doing so, he performed as a member of the hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse, which were signed to Eminem's Shady Records in 2012; the group released two studio albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wiz Khalifa</span> American rapper (born 1987)

Cameron Jibril Thomaz, better known by his stage name Wiz Khalifa, is an American rapper, singer and actor from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He signed with local independent label Rostrum Records to release his debut studio album, Show and Prove (2006). His contract entered a short-lived joint venture with Warner Bros. Records the following year. His Eurodance-influenced single, "Say Yeah" was released in 2008 and received urban radio airplay; it entered the Rhythmic Top 40 and Hot Rap Songs charts, becoming his first minor hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yelawolf</span> American rapper

Michael Wayne Atha, better known by his stage name Yelawolf, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. Born in Gadsden, Alabama, and raised in Antioch, Tennessee, he embarked on his recording career in 2005, releasing four mixtapes to positive local reception. His debut extended play (EP), Trunk Muzik gained Yelawolf mainstream recognition, leading him to sign a recording contract with Interscope Records. He re-worked the EP as his first major label release, Trunk Muzik 0-60 (2010).

This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip hop music for the year 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Currensy</span> American rapper (born 1981)

Shante Scott Franklin, better known by his stage name Currensy, is an American rapper. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was signed to hip hop labels such as Cash Money and Young Money before founding his own label Jet Life Recordings, in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big K.R.I.T. discography</span> Hip hop recording artist discography

American hip hop recording artist and music producer Big K.R.I.T. has released five studio albums, five extended plays (EP), fourteen mixtapes and 45 singles and three promotional singles.

<i>4eva N a Day</i> 2012 mixtape by Big K.R.I.T.

4eva N a Day is a mixtape by Mississippi rapper and producer Big K.R.I.T. It was released for free digital download on March 5, 2012 under independent record label Cinematic Music Group. The mixtape was released in anticipation of K.R.I.T.'s debut studio album Live from the Underground (2012). It was entirely produced, arranged and mixed by Big K.R.I.T., with assistance from Ralph Cacciurri, and contains 17 tracks with no vocal guest appearances. An extended play containing three songs from the mixtape, including two new songs, was released on iTunes on April 10, 2012. Upon its release, 4EvaNaDay received critical acclaim from music critics. The mixtape has been downloaded over 236,000 times on professional mixtape site Datpiff.

<i>Live from the Underground</i> 2012 studio album by Big K.R.I.T.

Live from the Underground is the debut studio album by American rapper and record producer Big K.R.I.T. It was released on June 5, 2012, by Cinematic Music Group and Def Jam Recordings. As one of the executive producers on the album, Big K.R.I.T. did the production work for the entirety of the project. The album was supported by four singles: "Money on the Floor", "I Got This", "Yeah Dat's Me" and "What U Mean".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Logic (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1990)

Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, known professionally as Logic, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer from Gaithersburg, Maryland. He released his debut mixtape, Psychological: The Mixtape in December 2009 under the name Psychological, thereafter shortening his name to Logic. He gained popularity following his Young Sinatra (2011) mixtape series; its third installment, Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever (2013) received critical acclaim and led him to secure a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings. Logic's first two studio albums—Under Pressure (2014) and The Incredible True Story (2015)—both peaked within the top five of the U.S. Billboard 200, while the former received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joey Badass</span> American rapper and actor from New York (born 1995)

Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, known by his stage name as Joey Badass, is an American rapper and actor. Born in Brooklyn, New York City, he formed the regional hip-hop group Pro Era in 2011, with whom he has released three mixtapes and formed the larger collective, Beast Coast the following year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trinidad James</span> Trinidadian-American rapper

Nicholaus Joseph Williams, better known by his stage name Trinidad James, is a Trinidadian-American rapper and songwriter. In December 2012, he signed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings and released his debut single, "All Gold Everything". The song reached number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100, received platinum certification by the RIAA, and spawned a remix featuring fellow Georgia-based rappers T.I., Jeezy and 2 Chainz. He was dropped from the label in 2014 after failing to promptly record a debut album.

<i>King Remembered in Time</i> 2013 mixtape by Big K.R.I.T.

King Remembered In Time is the tenth mixtape by American rapper Big K.R.I.T., released on April 10, 2013, through Cinematic Music Group. The mixtape has guest appearances from fellow rappers Bun B, Future, Trinidad James, Wiz Khalifa, Smoke DZA, and Big Sant. The production was handled almost entirely by Big K.R.I.T. himself, with producer 9th Wonder being the only other contributor.

<i>Cadillactica</i> 2014 studio album by Big K.R.I.T.

Cadillactica is the second studio album by American rapper Big K.R.I.T. It was released on November 10, 2014, by Cinematic Music Group and Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from Raphael Saadiq, E-40, Wiz Khalifa, Kenneth Whalum III, Mara Hruby, Rico Love, Bun B, Devin the Dude, Big Sant, Jamie N Commons, Lupe Fiasco and ASAP Ferg.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jon Connor</span> American rapper

Jon Kevin Freeman Jr., better known by his stage name Jon Connor, is an American rapper and record producer. Connor has released various mixtapes and an album effort during his career including the Jay-Z inspired The Blue Album, and the Eminem inspired The People's Rapper LP. His debut studio album, Unconscious State was released in 2013. Shortly thereafter, he was signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment from 2013 to 2019, where he did not release an album. In 2015, he garnered notoriety for being featured on Dr. Dre's album Compton (2015) as well as The Game's album The Documentary 2.5 (2015).

<i>Boss Life</i> 2013 studio album by Slim Thug

Boss Life is the fourth studio album by American rapper Slim Thug. The album was released on November 19, 2013. The album features guest appearances from Big Sant, Big K.R.I.T., Paul Wall, Chamillionaire, Kirko Bangz, Z-Ro, BeatKing, Boston George, Bun B, Yo Gotti, Kevin Gates, Muggs, JustBrittany, Lil Keke and Nipsey Hussle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cinematic Music Group</span>

Cinematic Music Group is an American record label, management, publishing & touring company distributed by Geffen Records founded in 2007 by Jonny Shipes. Their roster as of 2020 consists of Joey Bada$$, Pro Era, T-Pain, Smoke DZA, Va$htie, Mick Jenkins, G Herbo, Caveman, Public Access TV, Flipp Dinero, and others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyhi the Prynce</span> American rapper, singer, and songwriter

Cydel Charles Young, known professionally as CyHi the Prynce, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Stone Mountain, Georgia. He signed his first major-label recording contract with Akon's Konvict Muzik, in a joint venture with Def Jam Recordings in 2009. The following year, he gained mainstream attention for his guest appearance on Kanye West's 2010 song "So Appalled" from his fifth album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). Young was thereafter credited with extensive songwriting work for West's following releases, resulting in five Grammy Award nominations for Best Rap Song, as well as one further nomination for his work on Travis Scott's 2018 single "Sicko Mode."

<i>4eva Is a Mighty Long Time</i> 2017 studio album by Big K.R.I.T.

4eva Is a Mighty Long Time is the third studio album by American rapper Big K.R.I.T., released on October 27, 2017, through Multi Alumni and BMG Rights Management. A double album, it is his first full-length release since his departure from Def Jam in 2016. The album features guest appearances from T.I., Lloyd, Bun B, Pimp C, CeeLo Green, Sleepy Brown, Joi, Jill Scott, Keyon Harrold, Bilal, Robert Glasper, Kenneth Whalum and Burniss Earl Travis II.

References

  1. "We Tried to Get Big K.R.I.T. to Diss an MC". Vice. March 30, 2012. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  2. "4eva is a Mighty Long Time by Big K.R.I.T." Metacritic .
  3. Rosenthal, Eric and Jeff (December 11, 2014). "The 10 Best Rap Albums of 2014". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 21, 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2015.
  4. "The 50 Best Albums of 2014". Complex. December 18, 2014. Archived from the original on December 27, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2015.
  5. "Big K.R.I.T. Talks Parting Ways with Def Jam & His New Independent Venture, Multi". Billboard .
  6. Simmons, Jon (January 15, 2015). "Interview: Big K.R.I.T." Sound of Boston. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  7. Album Review: Big K.R.I.T. Pitchfork (May 27, 2010). Retrieved on July 9, 2011.
  8. XXL – Mississippi Rapper Big K.R.I.T. Signs With Def Jam Archived June 8, 2010, at the Wayback Machine . Xxlmag.com. Retrieved on July 9, 2011.
  9. Rookie Watch: Big K.R.I.T. Just Wants To Be Himself Archived July 9, 2010, at the Wayback Machine . Vibe. Retrieved on July 9, 2011.
  10. 1 2 The Smoker's Club Tour. Thesmokersclub.com. Retrieved on July 9, 2011.
  11. "XXL Presents 2011′s Freshman Class". XXL. February 22, 2011. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
  12. Ketchum, William. "Returnof4eva (Mixtape Review". Hiphopdx.com. Retrieved October 27, 2017.
  13. Cole, Matthew (April 5, 2011). "The Blender: March Mixtape Madness". Slantmagazine.com. Retrieved October 27, 2017.
  14. Cole, Matthew (April 4, 2011). "Big K.R.I.T.: Returnof4eva". Slantmagazine.com. Retrieved October 27, 2017.
  15. Breihan, Tom. "Album Review: Big K.R.I.T.: Returnof4eva". Pitchfork.com/. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
  16. Big K.R.I.T. Announces Debut "Live from the Underground" Due September 27th Archived July 3, 2011, at the Library of Congress Web Archives. HipHopDX. July 2, 2011
  17. Horowitz, Steven (August 10, 2012). "Big K.R.I.T. Confirms "Country Cousins" Project With Yelawolf, Names Favorite Rappers". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
  18. Nessif, Bruna (December 5, 2012). "55th Annual Grammy Awards: Complete List of Nominees" (Web). E! . NBCUniversal . Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  19. "Big K.R.I.T. Announces New Mixtape "K.R.I.T. (King Remembered In Time)"". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on October 12, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  20. "Big K.R.I.T. Prepping K.R.I.T. Mixtape, With Help From Mike Will Made". RapFix. Archived from the original on October 11, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  21. Sam Weiss (February 25, 2013). "Artwork: Big K.R.I.T. f/ Bun B "Shine On"". Complex. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  22. "Big K.R.I.T. Releases New Mixtape "King Remembered In Time" [Download Now] - XXL". XXL. April 10, 2013. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  23. "Big K.R.I.T." HotNewHipHop. June 13, 2013. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  24. "Big K.R.I.T. Describes Upcoming Work With Chad Hugo, Terrace Martin & DJ Dahi". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  25. "Big K.R.I.T. Is Creating A Planet Called 'Cadillactica' For His New Album - XXL". XXL. October 11, 2013. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  26. "Big K.R.I.T., 'Mt Olympus': Exclusive Song Premiere". Billboard. April 29, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  27. "Official Single: Big K.R.I.T. "Pay Attention" ft. Rico Love [Produced By: Jim Jonsin] - Big K.R.I.T." Big K.R.I.T. July 25, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  28. "Big K.R.I.T. Off Def Jam". HipHopDX . July 5, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
  29. Caulfield, Keith (November 5, 2017). "Kenny Chesney's 'Live in No Shoes Nation' Is No. 1 on Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
  30. "Big KRIT Announces 'KRIT IZ HERE' Album". The Source . June 7, 2019. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  31. 1 2 "The Re-Introduction of Big K.R.I.T." Respect. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  32. "Big K.R.I.T." Pitchfork . June 4, 2010. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  33. "Big K.R.I.T's All-Time Hugest Rap Influences". Pilerats. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  34. "INTERVIEW: Big K.R.I.T. on Mississippi, his influences, and stage diving". The Couch Sessions. November 1, 2011. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  35. "Big K.R.I.T. Talks Mississippi Hip-Hop & Breakthrough Mixtape Success". Complex. May 28, 2010. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  36. magazine, Birmingham (July 9, 2018). "Get to know Birmingham's millennial mayor". al. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  37. "THE MAYORAL MIXTAPE: SUMMER 2021". Spotify. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  38. "Lil Wayne Leads 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards With 19 Nominations". XXL . September 7, 2011. Retrieved February 10, 2018.