Big K.R.I.T. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Big K.R.I.T.
K.R.I.T. performing in 2015
Background information
Birth name	Justin Lewis Scott
Born	(1986-08-26) August 26, 1986 (age 38) Meridian, Mississippi, U.S.
Genres	Southern hip hop conscious hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper songwriter record producer
Years active	2005–present
Labels	Multi Alumni BMG Cinematic Def Jam Nature Sounds RBC
Producer(s)	Sha Money XL
Signature

Justin Lewis Scott (born August 26, 1986), who is known by his stage name Big K.R.I.T., is an American rapper and music producer. His stage name stands for King Remembered in Time.

Born in Meridian, Mississippi, K.R.I.T. started his music career in 2005. He signed with the famous record label Def Jam Recordings in 2010. He first became well-known after his single "Country..." was released. The song was later remixed with popular rappers Ludacris and Bun B. The next year, he was a guest artist on the song "I'm Flexin'" by T.I.. This was his first song to appear on the Billboard Hot 100, a list of the most popular songs in the U.S.

K.R.I.T.'s first two albums, Live from the Underground (2012) and Cadillactica (2014), were very successful. Both albums started at number five on the Billboard 200 album chart. After leaving Def Jam, he started his own record label called Multi Alumni. Through his own label, he released more albums, including 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time (2017) and K.R.I.T. Iz Here (2019). Critics loved his music, and magazines like Billboard and Complex named Cadillactica one of the best albums of the year.

Besides his own music, K.R.I.T. has also produced songs for many other famous artists. These include Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, T.I., and Freddie Gibbs.

Music Career

2005–2010: Getting Started

In his early years, Big K.R.I.T. released several collections of songs called mixtapes. He also appeared as a guest on albums by other rappers, like Currensy and Wiz Khalifa. At first, he used the stage name Kritikal, but later shortened it to K.R.I.T.

In May 2010, he released a mixtape called K.R.I.T. Wuz Here online. It received great reviews from music critics. Because of this success, an executive at Def Jam Records named Sha Money XL signed him to the label.

Later that year, K.R.I.T. toured with rappers Curren$y and Smoke DZA. He also performed as the opening act for Wiz Khalifa on his Waken Baken Tour.

2011–2015: Rise to Fame

Scott at Clark Atlanta's Homecoming in 2011.

In 2011, XXL magazine featured Big K.R.I.T. on its cover. He was part of their yearly "Top Freshmen" list, which highlights new and exciting rappers. Other rappers on the list included Kendrick Lamar and Mac Miller.

In March 2011, K.R.I.T. released another popular mixtape called Return of 4Eva. He produced all the music on it himself. The mixtape featured guest artists like Ludacris, Bun B, and David Banner. Critics praised the mixtape. They liked his production skills, his lyrics, and his style. Many said he was following in the footsteps of Southern rap legends like UGK and Outkast.

On July 1, 2011, K.R.I.T. announced his first official album would be titled Live from the Underground. It was released on June 5, 2012, and was a big success. It reached number one on the Hip Hop, R&B, and Rap charts. He then went on a tour to support the album.

During this time, he also worked with other artists. He and rapper Yelawolf planned to make an album together. When asked about his favorite rappers, K.R.I.T. named Scarface, Outkast, UGK, and 8Ball & MJG.

2013–2015: More Successful Albums

Scott in 2014

In 2013, K.R.I.T. released another mixtape called King Remembered In Time. For this project, he worked with other producers like Mike WiLL Made It instead of making all the beats himself.

On September 30, 2013, he announced that his second album would be called Cadillactica. He worked with several well-known producers for the album, including Chad Hugo of The Neptunes. The album was released in 2014 and received very positive reviews. The first single from the album was called "Mt. Olympus."

2016–Present: Independent Music

On July 6, 2016, Big K.R.I.T. announced that he was no longer with the Def Jam record label. He decided to release music on his own.

In 2017, he released his third album, 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time. It was the first album on his own label, Multi Alumni. The album was a double-album, meaning it had two parts. It reached number seven on the Billboard 200 chart.

He released his fourth album, K.R.I.T. Iz Here, on July 12, 2019. His fifth album, Digital Roses Don't Die, came out on February 18, 2022.

Musical Style

Big K.R.I.T.'s interest in music started when he was young. He played the cello in school, which helped him learn to read music. This skill was very useful when he started making his own songs.

He began producing music because he couldn't afford to buy beats from other people. He used a program for the PlayStation called MTV Music Generator to create his own beats.

His biggest musical influences are other Southern artists like UGK, Outkast, and 8Ball & MJG. He is also influenced by famous rappers like Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G..

Discography

Studio albums

• 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)

Collaboration albums

• Full Court Press (with Girl Talk, Wiz Khalifa, and Smoke DZA) (2022)

Awards and nominations