Big K.R.I.T. – Return Of 4eva (returnof4eva.com)
There are certain mix tapes that will always remain classics to me. In high school, I use to cruise with a cup of coffee and listen to my favorite new tapes before my morning Psychology class. Somehow, despite my morning daze and sporadic attendance, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs resonated as an important topic to remember from that class. At the top of Maslow’s Triangle came the point of Self-Actualization, or realizing the purpose of one’s life. The theory of self-actualization can clearly be applied to Hip-Hop, and Big K.R.I.T.’s Return of 4Eva is a prime example.
Big K.R.I.T. – Return Of 4eva (returnof4eva.com)
There are certain mix tapes that will always remain classics to me. In high school, I use to cruise with a cup of coffee and listen to my favorite new tapes before my morning Psychology class. Somehow, despite my morning daze and sporadic attendance, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs resonated as an important topic to remember from that class. At the top of Maslow’s Triangle came the point of Self-Actualization, or realizing the purpose of one’s life. The theory of self-actualization can clearly be applied to Hip-Hop, and Big K.R.I.T.’s Return of 4Eva is a prime example.
The Gulf Coast native provides thoughtful lyricism through the technique of traditional southern drawl. He creates a perfect balance between introspective, intelligent lyrics and trunk-knocking bangers to make one of the more complete tapes I’ve heard this year. K.R.I.T.’s lyricism covers an array of self-reflective topics. A main topic is his dreams of making it in hip-hop, with criticisms of the industry’s money-first, artist’s-happiness-later system. Although this topic is depicted by almost every up and coming artist, on “Dreamin,” K.R.I.T gives an honest description of having his dreams shot down by anyone not brave enough to follow their own. Even tracks like “American Rapstar” depict the industry as nearly equivalent to modern day slavery, with the artist constantly under pressure to churn out a hit, or hit the curb. Metaphorical pieces like “Highs and Lows” and “Made Alot,” although reflecting the ups and down of a modern day rap star, are also able to resonate with my typical college life. Interesting.
The tape also delivers some subwoofer specials. Of course, “My Sub” makes my 97 Subaru Outback speakers knock like Jehovah’s Witnesses on a Sunday. I still have no idea what the word “Sookie” means [Urban dictionary is here to help! -ed.], but teaming up with fellow southern all-star David Banner on “Sookie Now” makes it my new favorite slang. The Mississippi MC is not shy of word play either. Featuring legendary heavyweights Bun-B and Ludacris, “Country Shit” is probably my favorite track on the album, and K.R.I.T. delivers a verse that competes with the best of the South. His wordplay exhibits traditional Southern ad lib and flows, but sheds an original light on the style. Consistency is key to creating a classic, and this tape delivers in all facets.
Return of 4Eva might be the mixtape of the summer, if not the year. The XXL Freshman might be swinging for valedictorian of the class with this piece, but don’t be surprised if he rises to the top of the new school. 4Eva is, like any other fine work of art, reflective to everyone. Fun yet intelligent, energetic yet relaxed, the Mississippian’s seventh tape could very easily have been a suitable major label debut. Return of 4Eva breathes life into traditional hip-hop. Self-actualization is difficult to obtain, but it basically means the acceptance of the all-encompassing traits that make us human. K.R.I.T. doesn’t say he’s fun or smart, he shows you. Some MC’s strictly label themselves as “conscious” or “crunk” or whatever, but as one of my good friends from my Psychology class pointed out, they’re all one and the same. Return of 4Eva represents this opinion well, and the consistency of relatable content makes it the definition of classic, based quite simply on how much you can listen to it, and how much it can relate to your day to day. Big K.R.I.T.’s big tape sets a bar that, if kept at a consistent level, will truly make Return of 4Eva (and K.R.I.T.) forever relevant.
