Big K.R.I.T.'s tenth mixtape, "King Remembered In Time," released on April 10, 2013, through Cinematic Music Group, stands as a pivotal project in the discography of the Mississippi-born artist. Recorded between 2012 and 2013, this 59-minute hip-hop offering showcases Big K.R.I.T.'s evolving artistry, blending his signature Southern rap sensibilities with a willingness to explore new sonic territories. The mixtape features a notable roster of guest artists, including Bun B, Future, Trinidad James, Wiz Khalifa, Smoke DZA, and Big Sant, all contributing to the rich tapestry of sound. While Big K.R.I.T. handled the majority of the production, the inclusion of 9th Wonder on the track "Reign On" signaled a deliberate expansion of his collaborative efforts. The physical version of "King Remembered In Time" was later released on October 21, 2014, as part of "The Underground Edition" collection, which also encompassed his earlier mixtapes.
Genesis and Anticipation of "King Remembered In Time"
The journey to "King Remembered In Time" began to unfold on January 10, 2013, when Big K.R.I.T. first announced the project, hinting at a departure from his previous works by incorporating producers other than himself. This announcement generated significant anticipation among fans eager to hear how these external influences would shape his sound. To build momentum, Big K.R.I.T. strategically released three advance singles. The first, "Reign On," produced by the acclaimed 9th Wonder, dropped on February 14, 2013, offering a glimpse into the mixtape's diverse production landscape. Following the mixtape's official release, Big K.R.I.T. embarked on an eight-stop "King Remembered In Time Tour," spanning from May 24 to June 1, with support from fellow artists Smoke DZA and Clyde Carson. This tour served as a vital platform to connect with his audience and amplify the impact of the new project.
Big KRIT Speaks on King Remembered in Time, Pt. 1
Critical Reception: A Spectrum of Perspectives
Upon its release, "King Remembered In Time" garnered a range of critical responses, reflecting the mixtape's ambitious scope and Big K.R.I.T.'s artistic growth. Edwin Ortiz of HipHopDX lauded the project, stating, "With 'King Remembered In Time,' Big K.R.I.T. takes on the title of his bold namesake and gives a performance that strengthens his core following." Ortiz highlighted K.R.I.T.'s progression as a lyricist, citing tracks like "R.E.M." and "Meditate" for their memorizing licks and the "haunting visuals on 'Banana Clip Theory.'" He further commended K.R.I.T.'s lyrical dexterity in addressing social issues, quoting, "I heard a gun the other day, it spoke to me and told me power / Was the only thing that we could lose, so don't be afraid to let it shower," a poignant reflection on the devastation brought on by gun violence.
However, Ortiz also noted a perceived "slight dip in execution from its predecessors," observing that the smooth flow between tracks found in "Return of 4Eva" and "4eva N a Day" was occasionally disrupted by "an unsettling snippet like the Future-assisted 'Just Last Week' or his staggered cadence on 'WTF'." He also pointed out that K.R.I.T.'s "hook game hasn’t developed much."
Reed Jackson of XXL recognized a significant evolution in Big K.R.I.T.'s production style. He observed, "A noticeable change here is K.R.I.T.’s willingness to expand his production style. His beats have always been appealing - warm and organic, similar to those produced by Organized Noize in the mid 90s during Dungeon Family’s reign." This expansion indicated K.R.I.T.'s deliberate effort to move beyond his established sonic identity.
Jon Hadusek of Consequence of Sound awarded the mixtape a 3.5/5, emphasizing K.R.I.T.'s strengths in sincerity. "Big K.R.I.T.’s finest moments, however, come when he’s at his most sincere," Hadusek wrote, pointing to "Meditate" as a profound exploration of self-isolation and the accompanying feelings of shame.
Mike Madden of Pitchfork Media assigned the album a 6.8/10 rating. He acknowledged the mixtape's strong features, including Bun B, Wiz Khalifa, and Future, as well as its "interesting risk-taking," referencing the James Blake sample on "REM." Madden also complimented the "spit-shined mastering job that recalls Rick Ross’s triumphant Rich Forever." Despite these positive aspects, he felt that "King Remembered in Time" did not fully capitalize on its potential, describing it as "a checkpoint halfway between where he’s been and where he wants to go," rather than a definitive statement of his current artistic position.
Sonic Exploration and Thematic Depth
"King Remembered In Time" distinguishes itself through its bold sonic palette and thematic richness. The production on the tape is characterized by its adventurousness, incorporating samples that range from James Blake's "The Wilhelm Scream" to Cody ChesnuTT's "Serve This Royalty." The mixtape boasts an impressive array of instrumentation, both live and sampled, creating a soundscape that is both intricate and expansive.
A key characteristic of "King Remembered In Time," as noted by critics, is its departure from the more overtly aggressive, trunk-rattling beats found in K.R.I.T.'s earlier work, such as "Country Shit" or "Money on the Floor." While many tracks on this mixtape feature less prominent drum patterns, those that do possess a distinct, albeit less overpowering, impact. The production on "Talkin Bout Nothing" draws inspiration from the contemporary "California ratchet sound," while the piano melody underpinning "REM" creates a compelling synergy with Blake's ethereal vocals. Tracks like "Banana Clip Theory" and "Meditate" are enhanced by subtle drips of horns and guitars, contributing to a perfectly sensual atmosphere. This deliberate shift signifies K.R.I.T.'s pursuit of creating hook-laden, immediately gratifying music without relying solely on aggressive bangers, a commendable aspiration that he was still refining.
The lyrical content of "King Remembered In Time" delves into various introspective and socially conscious themes. The track "Meditate" offers a raw and honest portrayal of retreating from loved ones and seeking solitude, exploring the complex emotions associated with such an act. The mixtape also confronts the harsh realities of gun violence, as exemplified by the powerful lines quoted earlier, demonstrating K.R.I.T.'s ability to weave potent narratives through his rhymes.
Big K.R.I.T.'s Evolving Persona and Skillset
While "King Remembered In Time" showcases Big K.R.I.T.'s growth, some analyses suggest that his persona as an MC remained consistent. Critics noted that while his "humble-hedonist persona is an appealing one," no significant new facets of his temperament were presented. This led to the implication that his abilities as an MC might be perceived as lagging behind his considerable production talents, a dynamic observed in some of his previous projects. The potential for K.R.I.T. to fully realize his "still-immense potential" was seen to hinge on his ability to achieve a greater equilibrium between his rapping and production skillsets.
Despite these observations, "King Remembered In Time" is widely recognized as a vital installment in Big K.R.I.T.'s career. It represents a period of active exploration and refinement, where the artist pushed the boundaries of his sound and lyrical expression. The mixtape's enduring legacy lies in its demonstration of K.R.I.T.'s commitment to artistic evolution and his continued impact on the Southern hip-hop landscape. It serves as a testament to his journey, marking a significant point in his development as both a producer and a rapper, even as he continued to navigate the path toward an undisputed classic.
