ALBUM REVIEW: Big K.R.I.T. - 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time
As we go in to the New Year thinking of all the memories we wish we could undo and redo, one thing goes without saying: hip hop/ R&B most definitely had its way this year! From Kendrick's DAMN., Sza's Ctrl, Cardi B's headfirst jump into the industry with "Bodak Yellow," 4:44, Flower Boy, Take Me Apart, and so many others, accolades have been passed all around and with only a couple days until 2018, a girl can only sense more greatness in her midst - for music, too!
Every new year comes the shift, some things we let go, some things we tweak, and then there's good old faithful - y'all know what I'm talking about, that thing that just works, no matter the time or place. And although my New Year’s resolution is still in draft mode, there are two things I know for certain are coming with me: flammin' hot Cheetos and 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time.
The crown jewel of the south, Big K.R.I.T., dropped an album early November entitled 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time, and don't we know it! After three years of rumored projects and a few mixtapes to keep us holding on for dear life, we've been granted TWO ALBUMS IN ONE, and in the K.R.I.T.-est fashion, both are true to his southern Mississippi roots and hip hop culture overall. As one of the most undervalued yet well-respected rappers in the game, K.R.I.T. is the epitome of “doing it for the culture.” From his significant wordplay and delivery to conscious content, he's shown just how candid music should be! And after recently going independent, he can finally fire away at will! 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time encompasses the duality of the artist: Big K.R.I.T., the rapper, and Justin Scott, the man behind his persona. On this album, both are considered separate entities or arguably the same, but you'd have to listen for yourself to make the distinction. The first eleven tracks introduce Big K.R.I.T., the ballsy OG with a whole lot of 808 and enough southern twang to sweeten the blandest ice tea. K.R.I.T. starts off the album with a spoken word rap reminiscent of a eulogy that recalls the past, present, and hypothetical future of the artist we know and love - only this time, in commemoration of his evolution. A big part of K.R.I.T.'s agenda is pushed through his sound. Both explicit and homegrown, K.R.I.T. consistently refers to influences that gave him grit. Songs like “Subenstein,” “Ride Wit Me,” and many more resonate with the Dirty South appeal. It's the candy-painted, wood grain whippin' effect. The chopped and filtered snare and a hard bassline can be felt through subwoofers, passed down from iconic gurus in the game, from UGK to Outkast. It's about the sound and the feel as he puts it in “Aux Cord,” classic and heavy hitting. The album progresses from past through present in “Get Away.” Sampling Bettye Crutcher's “Sleepy People,” Justin Scott (Big K.R.I.T.) analyzes America's current social climate through his lens, and if you ask me, it's what he does best! Questioning social norms, societal standards, the music industry, media, and culture from the African-American perspective has been at times risky among opposing views, but Scott's ability to find the right words, as he's done on “Price of Fame” and “The Light,” is what separates him from other rappers. He simply says what needs to be said; there is no gimmick.
If at some point while listening to the album you get confused, hopefully “Mixed Messages” makes it all make sense. Justin Scott versus Big K.R.I.T. is the overall sentiment of internal conflict. It's relatable, inevitable, and something we all must go through before entering the next healthy phase in our lives. While most of us deal with it silently or amongst a few trusted loved ones, K.R.I.T. works it all out on this album. Whether it's finding love in “Everlasting” and “Higher Calling” or confronting depression and loss in “Drinking Sessions,” 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time is the ideal self-care album. It's good music; nostalgic, thirst-quenching, and just what you need for the new year!
Be sure to add this to your playlist.
Until next year.
-Dey Stegall
