Big K.R.I.T. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big K.R.I.T.
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K.R.I.T. performing in 2015
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Justin Lewis Scott |
| Born | August 26, 1986 Meridian, Mississippi, U.S. |
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| Years active | 2005–present |
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| Producer(s) | Sha Money XL |
Justin Lewis Scott (born August 26, 1986) is a talented American rapper and music producer. He is better known by his stage name Big K.R.I.T. This name is a special kind of acronym, meaning King Remembered in Time. He was born in Meridian, Mississippi, and started his music journey in 2005.
Big K.R.I.T. signed with Def Jam Recordings in 2010. He became well-known after releasing his song "Country ..." that same year. This song was later remixed with famous rappers Ludacris and Bun B. The next year, he was featured on T.I.'s song "I'm Flexin'", which was his first song to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
His first two studio albums, Live from the Underground (2012) and Cadillactica (2014), were very successful. Both albums reached number five on the Billboard 200 chart. After leaving Def Jam, he started his own record label called Multi Alumni in 2017. Through his own label, he released more popular albums like 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time (2017), K.R.I.T. Iz Here (2019), and Digital Roses Don't Die (2022). Many critics praised these albums, with Cadillactica being named one of the best albums of its year by Billboard and Complex magazines. Besides rapping, Big K.R.I.T. has also produced music for many other artists. These include Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, T.I., and ASAP Ferg.
Contents
His Music Journey
Starting Out: 2005–2010
Before becoming famous, Big K.R.I.T. released several mixtapes. These are like free albums shared online. Some of his early mixtapes included Hood Fame and The Last King. He also appeared on songs by other rappers. He was featured on Pilot Talk by Curren$y and Kush & Orange Juice by Wiz Khalifa. When he first started, he used the name Kritikal, but later shortened it to K.R.I.T.
In May 2010, K.R.I.T. released his mixtape, K.R.I.T. Wuz Here. This mixtape was released online and received great reviews. That same month, Sha Money XL, a music executive, signed him to Def Jam Recordings. This was a big step for his career.
In late 2010, K.R.I.T. went on tour with other rappers. He co-headlined The Smoker's Club Tour with Curren$y and Smoke DZA. He also opened shows for Wiz Khalifa during the Waken Baken Tour.
Big Albums: 2011–2015
In early 2011, Big K.R.I.T. was featured on the cover of XXL magazine. This was part of their annual "Top Freshmen" list. This list highlights new and rising hip-hop artists. Other artists on the list included Kendrick Lamar and Mac Miller.
In March 2011, K.R.I.T. released another highly anticipated mixtape called Return of 4Eva. He produced this entire mixtape himself. It featured guest artists like David Banner, Ludacris, and Bun B. Music critics loved Return of 4Eva. They praised K.R.I.T.'s production skills and his rapping. Many saw him as a future star in Southern hip hop.
On July 1, 2011, K.R.I.T. announced his first official studio album. It was titled Live from the Underground. The album was released on June 5, 2012. It quickly reached number one on the Hip Hop, R&B, and Rap charts. He then went on a tour for the album. In an interview, he also mentioned working on a joint album with rapper Yelawolf.
In 2013, K.R.I.T. announced his next mixtape, King Remembered In Time. He also shared that other producers would help with this mixtape and his next album. This was a change, as he usually produced all his own music. The mixtape was released on April 10, 2013. It included songs produced by K.R.I.T. and 9th Wonder. It also featured guest artists like Wiz Khalifa and Future.
On September 30, 2013, K.R.I.T. announced his second studio album. It was named Cadillactica. He worked with producers like Chad Hugo and DJ Dahi on this album. He focused more on his rapping and delivery. The album's first single, "Mt. Olympus," came out in April 2014. Cadillactica was released on November 11, 2014.
Recent Years: 2016–Present
On July 6, 2016, Big K.R.I.T. announced that he had left Def Jam Recordings. He shared this news on Twitter.
On October 27, 2017, he released his third studio album, 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time. This was his first album released independently. It came out under his own label, Multi Alumni. The album reached number seven on the Billboard 200 chart. It featured popular songs like "Confetti" and "Aux Cord".
His fourth studio album, K.R.I.T. Iz Here, was released on July 12, 2019. Then, on February 18, 2022, he released his fifth studio album, Digital Roses Don't Die.
His Artistic Style
Big K.R.I.T.'s musical training started early. He played the cello in elementary and junior high school. Learning to read music helped him a lot as an artist. He began producing his own music because he couldn't afford to pay for beats. He used a program on PlayStation called MTV Music Generator to make his first beats.
He has mentioned several famous artists who influenced his music. These include UGK, Outkast, Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and CeeLo Green.
Big K.R.I.T. is also a favorite artist of Randall Woodfin, the current Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama. Some of K.R.I.T.'s songs were even featured on Mayor Woodfin's special playlist.
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
| Year | Awards | Category | Nominated work | Result |
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| 2011 | BET Hip Hop Awards | Rookie of the Year | Himself | Nominated |
| Reese's Perfect Combo Award (Best Collab) | "Country ..." (Remix) | Nominated | ||
| Best Mixtape | Return of 4Eva | Nominated |
