Big K.R.I.T.

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‏Named a member of XXL’s “2011 Freshman Class”, Big K.R.I.T. is undoubtedly one of hip-hop’s most promising up-and-comers. With some of the most interesting sounds to come out of the South in quite a while, his mixtape The Return of 4Eva easily topped many 2011 year-end “best of” lists. And his follow-up and “official” debut album Live From the Underground will likely follow in much the same vein. Known for his use of soulful instrumentals paired with thick Southern-styled beats, Big K.R.I.T. is among the latest crop of socially conscious rappers to make headlines, though his tracks rank near the top as far as pure creativity and imagination go. Featuring vocals and guitar from B.B. King himself, the song “Praying Man” speaks about one slave on his journey to freedom. Respecting the past while looking to the future, K.R.I.T. is an artist unafraid to talk about some seriously heavy shit. (Friday, 6:25-7:20, Green Stage) –text: Christi Warren