Big K.R.I.T is a Mississippi rapper and producer gaining traction in the rap game by discussing social issues and Southern life through his Southern Fried beats.

Big K.R.I.T. released his sixth mixtape King Remembered in Time last week to critical acclaim in the rap community. Big K.R.I.T.’s career is similar to the trajectory of Killer Mike: an underground legend who is beginning to receive some mainstream attention.

However unlike Killer Mike, Big K.R.I.T. has garnered much more commercial success. His debut album Live from the Underground debuted at number one in the hip hop charts, selling 41,000 copies.

On his latest self-produced mixtape he has features from Future, Trinidad Jame$ and Wiz Khalifa, highlighting an ability to crossover into the mainstream. Despite this, Big K.R.I.T. is clearly continuing to discuss social issues in his music.

Perhaps the most interesting song on this release in terms of subject matter is “Banana Clip Theory”. It discusses the issues surrounding carrying a gun for protection, and the revenge culture that we live in. In the song his little cousin is killed in a drive-by, and Big K.R.I.T follows up with his most profound line “It’s an eye for an eye till it’s jet black”.

Big K.R.I.T. take on a variety of issues in his music from race relations, gun violence and the desire to move up in society. Another thoughful song from K.R.I.T. is “Another Naive Individual Glorifying Greed and Encouraging Racism” off of his Return Of 4Eva mixtape. Big K.R.I.T challenges the rap industry with this acronym and proclaims that he wants to do something different with his music.

That goal of doing something distinctly different with his music is being realized. It’s hard to find another rap artist with so much underground appeal, thoughtful subject matter and commercial success as Big K.R.I.T, and to top it all of he produces most of his tracks.

Big K.R.I.T.’s message can be very critical, but his production and overall message remains positive and upbeat. He often makes songs about determination and being true to yourself.

As Big K.R.I.T. continues his rise in fame, he will stick to who he is, and this fact is clear in interviews he has done. His critical yet positive message will hopefully find more listeners as he continues his career.