RapReviews | Review: Big K.R.I.T. – 4evaNaDay
Andre 3000 once famously quipped, “forever never seems that long, until you’re grown.” Well, for Meridian, Mississippi’s own Big K.R.I.T. it seems like it’s going to take forever for his major label debut album to see the light of day. It could be label politics over at Def Jam, it could be sample clearance issues. It’s hard to say. I don’t really know if it’s bothering Big K.R.I.T. that much though, as he continues to do what he does best, gaining fans in the process of it all. Just shy of one year ago, Krizzle released “Return of 4Eva,” the follow up to the critically (no pun intended) acclaimed “K.R.I.T. Wuz Here.” The project did well and I even listed it in my top five releases of the year. It came in at number two, behind Killer Mike’s “Pl3dge.” Having the past as a reminder of what K.R.I.T. is capable of, the question becomes whether or not he can continue to display the talent that got him selected as one of XXL’s Top 10 Freshmen in 2011.
I’m pleased to report that Justin Scott doesn’t appear to have lost a step with this project. Personal, heartfelt lyrics and soulful production have been key factors in K.R.I.T. building the following that he has amassed up to this point in his career, and this time around he’s coming with much of the same. After the brief intro on “8:04AM,” things kick off with “Wake Up.” The track features Willie B on saxophone and hits on the oft-discussed topic by K.R.I.T. of waking up and actually making things happen…even if it’s at the expense of missing a few phone calls because “being broke ain’t fun” and the pity party he’s thrown for himself starts to get a bit dull after awhile. “Yesterday” is another ode to K.R.I.T.’s dearly departed grandmother, who he often points to as his greatest inspiration. He reflects on several things including her kindness, her cooking and her lectures, among many other things.
The project’s first single, “Boobie Miles” was released about a month ago and to some, can be seen as an extension of “Hometown Hero” which featured audio from Derek Luke’s portrayal of the cocky, ill-fated Boobie Miles from the film “Friday Night Lights.” K.R.I.T. reminds the listener to give their all, but also be leery of those who won’t be around after a major injury or setback. In the case of Miles, it was a torn ACL. “4EvaNaDay (Theme)” is right on par with the “R4 Theme” from “Return of 4Eva” leading into the slow rolling “Me and My Old School.” And if you didn’t already know, it’s much more than a car…it’s a time machine, a spaceship and basically something quite precious. You have to take your time when you maneuver it, doing your best not to rub the curb or hit any potholes. It’s that serious.
