A strong case could be made that Big K.R.I.T. is the most criminally underrated and overlooked MCs in the game today. Despite putting out solid project after solid project full of everything listeners usually look for, he’s never gotten the same acknowledgement or adulation as some of his peers. This may be because he’s never had that major radio smash hit, or because of his unapologetic countrified rap despite today’s soundscape, or because of other unknown reasons. But whatever the reason might be, Big K.R.I.T has taken his time to deliver his most ambitious project yet and it may just be the definitive album that, in my eyes, he needed.
“I said on beat what I wrote in pen
I gave my all without giving in
But it’s a thin line between heavenly divine and a living a life of sin
Speak in codes to my worthy friends
Greenroom full, I pray we ain’t let the devil in”
Although 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time is a double-discer, it’s still constructed in a similar fashion to his past projects with the heavy, hard knocking stuff up front and the more thoughtful, introspective aspects holding up the rear. However, the tonal shift is more prominent this go around due to the separation and it allows him to really dig into each aspect of his music, from bravado to contemplative. His past projects have always had a lull for me where it didn’t keep me invested, and while 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time does have a couple tracks I’m not crazy about, it does a much better job of maintaining its momentum and for me, is his most listenable album from front to back. Big K.R.I.T. doesn’t reinvent the wheel, sound or content wise, but he’s razor sharp and focused here and everything feels like it’s there for a purpose — even his more radio friendly fare (“1999” may just be his first big crossover success). He really digs deep here and shows a shocking amount of vulnerability and openness as he mules over success, fame, and discontent. This is Big K.R.I.T. at his absolute best and if this doesn’t prove that he belongs in the conversation with the Kendricks and J. Coles of the world, then nothing will.
Have you heard 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time? What’d you think about it? Do you think this is the definitive album he’s been searching for? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to leave your own ratings and reactions for the album.
