Widely regarded as the project that preserved Southern lyricism from the era of snap and ringtone music, K.R.I.T.’s mixtape, “K.R.I.T Wuz Here,” was released on May 4, 2010. It showcased his dual prowess as a top-tier producer and an elite lyricist. The 19 tracks were meticulously crafted in his grandmother’s kitchen in Meridian, Mississippi, and while he was living out of his car in Atlanta. The mixtape’s production quality was so impressive that it was often mistaken for a high-budget studio album. This recognition led to his inclusion on the 2011 XXL Freshman Cover and a lucrative deal with Def Jam Records. Half of the songs are energetic and perfect for driving, while the other half delve into deep emotional and philosophical themes. Tracks like “Hometown Hero” capture the essence of the album, “Country Shit” unapologetically celebrates Southern culture, and “Glass House,” featuring Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y, effectively bridges the gap between Southern sound and the “Cool Kids/Jet Life” stoner-rap movement. Produced entirely by K.R.I.T., the mixtape incorporates soul and blues samples, creating a distinctive Organized Noize feel. It also masterfully incorporates the “Mississippi Sound” of heavy sub-bass, complemented by soulful and organic melodies. This mixtape demonstrated that a rapper from Mississippi could compete with the best in New York and Los Angeles by staying true to his Southern roots. With our new series, Class Mixtape Run, we are here to bring that feel back like it was 2004 all over again! On behalf of Live Mixtapes listen to it below!
