Justin Lewis Scott (born August 26, 1986), better known by his stage name Big K.R.I.T. (a

backronym A backronym is an acronym formed from an already existing word by expanding its letters into the words of a phrase. Backronyms may be invented with either serious or humorous intent, or they may be a type of false etymology or folk etymology. The ...

for King Remembered in Time), is an American rapper and record producer. Born in

Meridian, Mississippi Meridian is the seventh largest city in the U.S. state of Mississippi, with a population of 41,148 at the 2010 census and an estimated population in 2018 of 36,347. It is the county seat of Lauderdale County and the principal city of the Merid ...

, he started his musical career in 2005. After signing with

Def Jam Recordings Def Jam Recordings (also simply known as Def Jam) is an American multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group. It is based in Manhattan, New York City, specializing predominantly in hip hop, contemporary R&B, soul and pop. The l ...

, K.R.I.T. gained notable recognition following the release of his single, " Country Shit", which featured

Ludacris Christopher Brian Bridges (born September 11, 1977), known professionally as Ludacris (, homophonous with 'ludicrous' in American English), is an American rapper, actor, record producer and record executive. Born in Champaign, Illinois, Ludac ...

and

Bun B Bernard James Freeman (born March 19, 1973), known professionally as Bun B, is an American rapper. He is best known as one half of the southern rap duo UGK (UnderGround Kingz), a group he formed in 1987 alongside Pimp C. Aside from his work wit ...

on the remix. In June 2012, he released his debut studio album, '' Live from the Underground'', which debuted at number five on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart. K.R.I.T.'s second album, '' Cadillactica'', released in November 2014, also peaked at number five on the ''Billboard'' 200. In 2016, he announced that he is no longer signed to Def Jam, and the next year launched his own record label Multi Alumni. He released his third album, '' 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time,'' under his label Multi Alumni in October 2017.

Career

2005–2010: Beginnings

K.R.I.T. 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 rapper

Curren$y Shante Scott Franklin (born April 4, 1981), better known by his stage name Currensy (often stylized as Curren$y), is an American rapper. In 2011, he founded the label Jet Life Recordings. Music career 2002–2008: No Limit and Young Money ...

, as well as ''

Kush & Orange Juice ''Kush & Orange Juice'' (stylzed as ''Kush and OJ'') is the eighth mixtape by American rapper Wiz Khalifa. It was released on April 14, 2010, by Taylor Gang Records and Rostrum Records. ''Kush & Orange Juice'' gained notoriety after its official ...

'', the critically acclaimed mixtape by rapper

Wiz Khalifa Cameron Jibril Thomaz (born September 8, 1987), better known by his stage name Wiz Khalifa, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. He released his debut album, ''Show and Prove'', in 2006 and signed to Warner Bros. Records in 20 ...

. When he started branding himself, he went by the name of Kritikal, before shortening it to K.R.I.T. In May 2010, K.R.I.T. released his mixtape, '' K.R.I.T. Wuz Here'', digitally, garnering critical acclaim.Album Review: Big K.R.I.T
Pitchfork (May 27, 2010). Retrieved on July 9, 2011. That same month, former president of

G-Unit Records G-Unit Records is an American record label, owned by Universal Music Group. Founded in 2002 by rapper 50 Cent, for the first eleven years of operation, G-Unit ran in conjunction with, and was distributed by, Interscope Records. In February 2014, ...

and current Senior VP of A&R at

Def Jam Def Jam Recordings (also simply known as Def Jam) is an American multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group. It is based in Manhattan, New York City, specializing predominantly in hip hop, contemporary R&B, soul and pop. The l ...

Records,

Sha Money XL Sha or SHA may refer to: Places * Sha County, Fujian, China * Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, (IATA code) * Sia, Cyprus, also spelled ''Sha'' * Sagamihara Housing Area, an army installation in Japan * Vehicle registration plates in t ...

, signed him to the label as one of his first priorities in his new position.XXL – Mississippi Rapper Big K.R.I.T. Signs With Def Jam
. Xxlmag.com. Retrieved on July 9, 2011.Rookie Watch: Big K.R.I.T. Just Wants To Be Himself
. Vibe. Retrieved on July 9, 2011. In October 2010, K.R.I.T. co-headlined The Smoker's Club Tour 2010 alongside fellow rappers

and Smoke DZA.The Smoker's Club Tour
Thesmokersclub.com. Retrieved on July 9, 2011. In November 2010, K.R.I.T. opened for

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''

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 Robert Rihmeek Williams (born May 6, 1987), known professionally as Meek Mill, is an American rapper. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he embarked on his music career as a battle rapper, and later formed a short-lived rap group, ...

Cyhi the Prynce Cydel Charles Young (born September 15, 1984), known professionally as CyHi the Prynce, is an American rapper and singer. In 2009, Young signed his first major-label contract with Konvict Muzik, with the backing of Def Jam Recordings. In 2010, h ...

Lil Twist Christopher Lynn Moore (born January 11, 1993), better known by his stage name Lil Twist, is an American rapper from Dallas, Texas. He is signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment.Yelawolf Michael Wayne Atha (born December 30, 1979), better known by his stage name Yelawolf, is an American rapper. Born in Alabama and raised in Tennessee, he embarked on his career independently in 2005, releasing one extended play (EP) and four mixta ...

Fred the Godson Frederick Thomas (February 22, 1985 – April 23, 2020), known as Fred the Godson, was an rapper from The Bronx, New York. At his death in April 2020, he became one of the most notable New Yorkers to have died of COVID-19 complications early in ...

Mac Miller Malcolm James McCormick (January 19, 1992 – September 7, 2018), known professionally as Mac Miller, was an American rapper and record producer. Miller began his career in Pittsburgh's hip hop scene in 2007, at the age of fifteen. In 2010, h ...

, YG,

Lil B Brandon Christopher McCartney (born August 17, 1989), professionally known as Lil B and as his alter ego The BasedGod, is an American rapper. Lil B has recorded both solo and with Bay Area group The Pack. His solo work spans several genres, i ...

Kendrick Lamar Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987) is an American rapper and songwriter. Known for his progressive musical styles and socially conscious songwriting, he is often considered one of the most influential hip hop artists of his generat ...

and Diggy Simmons. In March 2011, K.R.I.T. released his highly anticipated and entirely self-produced mixtape, '' Return of 4Eva'', featuring guests

David Banner Lavell William Crump (born April 11, 1974), better known by his stage name David Banner, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, Banner's family moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where he was raised. Ba ...

, Joi, Big Sant,

Chamillionaire Hakeem Temidayo Seriki (born November 28, 1979), better known by his stage name Chamillionaire (), is an American rapper. He was the founder and an original member of The Color Changin' Click from 2001 until the group split in 2005. He began his ...

, Raheem DeVaughn,

, and

. The mixtape has been acclaimed by rap critics, with William Ketchum of ''HipHopDX'' calling it "emotive, conceptual music" and saying that K.R.I.T. had given fans a "free album" – the magazine's highest praise for a mixtape. Meanwhile, Matthew Cole of ''

Slant Magazine ''Slant Magazine'' is an American online publication that features reviews of movies, music, TV, DVDs, theater, and video games, as well as interviews with actors, directors, and musicians. The site covers various film festivals like the New Yo ...

'' 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 ". Both critics praised K.R.I.T.'s production skills as much as his lyrics and flow, and both named K.R.I.T. 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. On July 1, 2011, K.R.I.T. announced the title of his debut studio album to be, '' Live from the Underground''. It was originally set to be released on September 27, 2011. From October 12, 2011, until November 24, 2011, K.R.I.T. co-headlined The Smoker's Club Tour 2011 with

and

Method Man Clifford Smith, Jr. (born March 2, 1971), better known by his stage name Method Man, is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is known as a member of the East Coast hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. He is also half o ...

. K.R.I.T. 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 "I Got This" is a song performed by American R&B singer and songwriter Jennifer Hudson. It was released as the third and final single in the United States from her second studio album, '' I Remember Me'' (2011). It was written by Tor Erik Herman ...

" on May 7, 2012. He went on the "Live from the Underground" tour, which he headlined along with

Slim Thug Stayve Jerome Thomas (born September 8, 1980), better known by his stage name Slim Thug, is an American rapper. He initially gained mainstream attention for his contribution to the hit single by rapper Mike Jones, " Still Tippin'". In July 2005, ...

. In an interview on Bootleg Kev's radio show, on August 10, 2012, he confirmed that he and fellow Southern rapper

Yelawolf Michael Wayne Atha (born December 30, 1979), better known by his stage name Yelawolf, is an American rapper. Born in Alabama and raised in Tennessee, he embarked on his career independently in 2005, releasing one extended play (EP) and four mixta ...

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 8Ball & MJG is an American hip hop duo from Memphis, Tennessee. They met at Ridgeway Middle School (Memphis, Tennessee) in 1984. In 1993, the duo released their debut album ''Comin' Out Hard''. They went on to release ''On the Outside Looking I ...

. That's what my

iTunes iTunes () is a software program that acts as a media player, media library, mobile device management utility, and the client app for the iTunes Store. Developed by Apple Inc., it is used to purchase, play, download, and organize digital mu ...

consists of." K.R.I.T. along with singer

Ashthon Jones Ashthon Jones (born February 27, 1986) is an American singer from Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Jones finished as the 13th place finalist on the tenth season of ''American Idol''. Early life Jones was born in 1986 to Michelle Anderson. She grew up ...

collaborated with

Lecrae Lecrae Devaughn Moore (born October 9, 1979), mononymously known as Lecrae, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record and film producer, record executive, actor, and entrepreneur. He is the president, co-owner and co-founder of the ...

for his single "

Mayday Mayday is an emergency procedure word used internationally as a distress signal in voice-procedure radio communications. It is used to signal a life-threatening emergency primarily by aviators and mariners, but in some countries local organiz ...

" from ''

Gravity In physics, gravity () is a fundamental interaction which causes mutual attraction between all things with mass or energy. Gravity is, by far, the weakest of the four fundamental interactions, approximately 1038 times weaker than the stro ...

''.

On January 10, 2013, K.R.I.T. 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. The first single off the mixtape was released on February 27, 2013, titled, "Shine On". The song features rapper

and was produced by K.R.I.T. He has also put out songs produced by

9th Wonder Patrick Denard Douthit (born January 15, 1975),
better known as 9th Wonder, is a Wiz Khalifa Cameron Jibril Thomaz (born September 8, 1987), better known by his stage name Wiz Khalifa, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. He released his debut album, ''Show and Prove'', in 2006 and signed to Warner Bros. Records in 20 ...

, Future (rapper), Future, Smoke DZA and Trinidad James among others. On June 13, 2013, in an interview with Dead End Hip Hop, K.R.I.T. 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". In August 2013, he told HipHopDX that Chad Hugo of

The Neptunes The Neptunes are an American songwriting and production duo composed of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, formed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1992. Williams often provides additional vocals on records and appears in the duo's music video ...

, DJ Dahi and Terrace Martin will provide some of the album's soulful production. K.R.I.T. also said he has refocused his energy on his rhymes and delivery, as he allows producers to craft some of the beats for him. On September 30, 2013, K.R.I.T. announced that his second album would be called ''Cadillactica''. In October 2013, he told ''XXL'' that

Jim Jonsin James Gregory Scheffer (born June 8, 1970), professionally known as Jim Jonsin, is an American record producer, songwriter, businessman and DJ from South Florida. Jonsin has collaborated with numerous artists, including Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, ...

, Rico Love,

DJ Toomp Aldrin Davis (born August 2, 1969), professionally known as DJ Toomp, is an American record producer, songwriter, and DJ. DJ Toomp received his start in 1985, with Atlanta MC Raheem the Dream, producing Raheem’s self-titled record when he was ...

, and himself would also provide production on the album. On April 28, 2014, he released the first single off his second album, titled "Mt. Olympus". The second single from Cadillatica, "Pay Attention" released July 25, 2014. In an interview with HipHopSince1987, Big K.R.I.T. revealed a November 11 release date for ''Cadillactica''.

2016–present: ''4eva Is a Mighty Long Time'' and ''K.R.I.T. iz Here''

After releasing twelve freestyles in twelve hours, K.R.I.T. announced through

Twitter Twitter is an online social media and social networking service owned and operated by American company Twitter, Inc., on which users post and interact with 280-character-long messages known as "tweets". Registered users can post, like, and ...

that he and Def Jam had parted ways on July 6, 2016. On October 27, 2017, K.R.I.T. released his third studio album, '' 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time''. The album marks K.R.I.T.'s first independent release under his Multi Alumni label, following a departure from Def Jam. It debuted at number seven on the ''Billboard'' 200. The album was supported by four singles: "Confetti", "Keep the Devil Off", "Aux Cord" and "1999". On July 12, 2019, K.R.I.T. released his fourth studio album, '' K.R.I.T. Iz Here''. On February 18, 2022, K.R.I.T. released his fifth studio album, '' Digital Roses Don't Die''.

Artistry

Big K.R.I.T.'s musical training began in elementary school up through junior high school playing the

cello The cello ( ; plural ''celli'' or ''cellos'') or violoncello ( ; ) is a bowed (sometimes plucked and occasionally hit) string instrument of the violin family. Its four strings are usually tuned in perfect fifths: from low to high, C2, G2, ...

, and having the ability to read music helped him out tremendously as an artist. While talking about how he started producing music, K.R.I.T. 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 is a video gaming brand that consists of five home video game consoles, two handhelds, a media center, and a smartphone, as well as an online service and multiple magazines. The brand is produced by Sony Interactive Entertainment, a di ...

, 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." K.R.I.T. has cited UGK, Outkast,

Tupac Shakur Tupac Amaru Shakur ( ; born Lesane Parish Crooks, June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), also known as 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper. He is widely considered one of the most influential rappers of all time. Shakur is among the b ...

The Notorious B.I.G. Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997), better known by his stage names the Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls, or simply Biggie, was an American rapper. Rooted in East Coast hip hop and particularly gangsta ...

and

CeeLo Green Thomas DeCarlo Callaway - Burton (born May 30, 1975), known professionally as CeeLo Green (or Cee Lo Green), is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer and actor. He is known for his work in hip hop and R&B, including the Gnarls ...

as his influences. Big K.R.I.T. is known in Birmingham, Alabama as being one of the favorite artists of the current Birmingham Mayor, Randall L. Woodfin. "Mt. Olympus (Reprise)" and "Energy" were featured on Mayor Woodfin's Mayoral Mixtape, which was released on Spotify in the summer of 2021.

Discography

*'' Live from the Underground'' (2012) *'' Cadillactica'' (2014) *'' 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time'' (2017) *'' K.R.I.T. Iz Here'' (2019) *'' Digital Roses Don't Die'' (2022)

Awards and nominations

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Big K.R.I.T. 1986 births African-American male rappers African-American record producers American hip hop record producers Def Jam Recordings artists Living people Musicians from Meridian, Mississippi Rappers from Mississippi Southern hip hop musicians 21st-century American rappers 21st-century American male musicians 21st-century African-American musicians 20th-century African-American people