“Live From the Underground” by Big K.R.I.T.

What’s the last album you bought where an artist produced and wrote every record? Well, now there’s an artist who knows how to spread his creativity thick without wearing himself thin. Big K.R.I.T. has been making his way into the underground hip-hop world since 2005 and made his presence known by dropping three album-worthy mixtapes, “krit wuz here”, “Return of 4eva”, and “4evaNaDay”, all produced by the ‘King Remembered In Time’ himself. After releasing three mixtapes, it can make listeners wonder if the album will be just as bumpin’ as tracks like “Country Sh*t” or a watered-down version of this Mississippi native’s talent. Well, all the hype surrounding Live from the Underground was well worth it! Tracks like “Don’t Let Me Down”, “If I Fall” featuring Melanie Fiona, and “Praying Man” featuring the legendary B.B. King let you connect with the artist on an emotional level with personal and troubled lyrics, reminiscent of songs from his previous mixtapes like “Red Eye” and “Good Enough”.

What’s a southern album without songs that make the bass in your car beg for mercy? Live from the Underground includes club bangers “I Got This” and “Yeah That’s Me”, with amped up lyrics and a bass guitar so flavorful that you’ll be hoping for a stop light just so you can have a chance to act a fool to the beat (I’m speaking from experience). And with every record K.R.I.T. drops, he never forgets to add a track for the dancers and “Money on the Floor” with 8Ball, MJG and 2 Chainzz will surely have every strip club floor from Miami to New York covered with dollar bills.

As if producing his own music isn’t enough, K.R.I.T. also made sure the album kept an underground music feel, with an intro that sounds as if the album is crash-landing into mainstream music without losing its identity, which is exactly how his fans expect him to stay – underground. The album ends with “Live from the Underground (Reprise)” feat. Ms. Linnie, a track that reflects the roots of Mississippi during times of slavery and racism. Multiple tracks include the Meridian born rapper representing his home state and Live from the Underground is just an added appreciation and recognition of his ancestors that carved the path for the humble entertainer.

If being signed to Island Def Jam and claiming the #1 spot on the Billboard Hip-Hop/ R&B charts for his debut album isn’t enough to spread the word on the southern gentleman Big K.R.I.T., then you might want to adjust your speakers and listen closer. I’m giving Live from the Underground an ‘A’ for reviving hip-hip with lyrics that are backed with meaning and substance and beats that could make every producer in the game reevaluate themselves. K.R.I.T is definitely making sure his presence is being felt all the way from the underground.

By Ashley Bailey