The music industry continues to 360 with major labels signing artists that are more established and have a base. These artists have a following, a brand, and do everything themselves. That's exactly what Mississippian Big K.R.I.T. is all about. He's created everything for himself. “They let me do me. I’m country and I’m always gonna be country. They [Def Jam] is behind what we’ve already branded and they believe in the movement. They are providing a platform for people to hear it.”
He’s taken advantage of that platform fusing 19th century soul and ghetto lyricism on his critically acclaimed compilation of true southern hip hop K.R.I.T. Wuz Here. The mixtape and his NY performance was praised by a publication that tends to shy away from anything below D.C. “Being from where I’m from and to be recognized for music in New York is a blessing. For people to write about my music, whether it’s negative or positive, it’s still a blessing,” K.R.I.T. exclaims.
His comparisons lead many to believe he will be the next to takeover the southern hip hop-sphere, putting intellectual back into what the south started more than a decade ago. Since he considers himself a student of hip hop, there may be some truth to that. “I listen to the dynamics, storytelling, hook patterning. Really being a student has to do with the type of artist I am now. From UGK and Outkast to Tupac and Biggie, all of these artists influence me. They molded who I am as an emcee.”
The producer and emcee expressed being a southern artist is not everything society thinks it is. There is a lot more to country folk than non existent dirt roads and an accent. “We’re educated, down to earth, soulful people. I wanna break down the stereotypes. It ain’t no dirt roads and we ain’t on horseback. We go through the same thing the rest of the country goes through. We’re more open-minded musically and academically. I really want to express that in my music.” His country cousins do the same. “Wiz Khalifa, J Cole, Freddie Gibbs, Yelawolf. All these artists put out music that reflects them as an individual and where their from. Be yourself and rap about what you know about and people will respect it.”
Interestingly enough, early in the game K.R.I.T. is already familiar with the hustle that goes on with making music that does not reflect that individual. He hopes that artists remain true to themselves but to those that are on hard times he's been there and done that. “Artists that compromise their creative mind frame, I can understand when you’re trying to get the label’s attention and you sacrifice, but it’s a new day and age. Def Jam invested in who I am as a human being. A major label will still invest in you being yourself. Make sure it’s quality and go all out when investing in yourself so when the labels do call you can call the shots.”
This is good advice coming from a major label rookie and as things become overwhelming for new artists he stays focus by remembering his ultimate goals. When newly signed artists are thinking about their first car or piece of flashy jewelry, K.R.I.T. has more important things to care for. Making music is not just for him. “My ultimate goal is to make quality music and become financially free. I want to be able to help my loved ones, give inspiration and hope to those who listen to my music.”
Motivated by his colleagues and his competition, he moved to Georgia for a better sense of the industry. “I moved from Mississippi in 2006 to come to Atlanta because it is the southern hip hop Mecca. My main goals are branding now. Also working with other artists and going platinum. Producing the best music I can. I like all genres and I’m indulging myself in all of it.” He made it out here like many do and now he’s ready to celebrate with us. We should expect similar hospitality because it goes across the board. “It’s going down on the 10th of July. It’s a celebration of everything!
He signed the dotted line but things don’t change for the worse, they only get better. K.R.I.T. favorites majority of the current release and keeping around those who have been with him since the beginning. “Hometown Hero” is one of my favorites. “Return of Foreva” and “Country Shit” I really like. “I Gotta Stay” which is dedicated to my grandmother is on there because I wanted it on there. It’s just one of those things. Everything isn’t so much about shock value.” Make her proud.
I Gotta Stay
Viktorius
As Small As A Giant
