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Big K.R.I.T. is here. On Friday (July 12), the Mississippi rapper released his fourth studio album, K.R.I.T. Iz Here. The 17-track offering features guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Saweetie, J. Cole, and many more. The LP serves as the follow-up to his 2017 project, 4eva is a Mighty Long Time, and a sequel to his 2010 project, K.R.I.T. Wuz Here.

“‘K.R.I.T. Iz Here’ is more confidence in where I am now,” Krit exclusively explains to REVOLT TV. “I’ve always been the type of person who believes in quality, not quantity. It’s full circle. Ten years later, I’m able to state my claim.”

For this project, the 32-year-old spitter is focused on growth. Ten years later, he has mastered his sound and knows exactly what his fans want to hear. On this project, Krit emphasized the importance of being authentic and addressing issues that are happening in today’s society.

Understandably, Krit uses his platform to inspire those around him. “I can show people that you can follow your dreams and make it,” Krit relays. “It’s a road less traveled and it takes a little more time, but you can do exactly what you want to do. You have to stay diligent and things will work out for you.”

Coming up this fall, Krit will hit the road for his “From the South With Love Tour.” The 41-date trek will visit cities such as Tampa, Atlanta and more. REVOLT had the chance to speak with Krit about his latest album, working with J. Cole, his inspiration and so much more. Check out the interview below.

What were some of your initial thoughts while working on the album?

It was about challenging myself. Shoutout to Rico Love and my manager. I worked with a lot of amazing artists and producers. I wanted to make sure that I was conveying my independence, my growth and my freedom while stepping out of my comfort zone.

Where does your love of music stem from?

Life, experiences and conversations with people all play a part in my love for music. When I was younger, I found out that a lot of Tupac’s songs were poetry at first, which changed my narrative on how I write songs. I played the cello when I was in fifth grade, so musical instruments played a part in my love for music. Being from Mississippi, I wanted to have a voice for my family and friends.

While narrowing down the tracklist, what track made you say, ‘This is it. I need my fans to hear this because of how much it resonates with me’?

Wow, that’s a great question. It would be the entire album. I would say “High Beams” and “Addiction.” I knew that it was a different kind of growth. A lot of people that support me want to see me at a certain level and a certain height. They want me to have those conversations that go down in a barbershop. ‘K.R.I.T. Here’ is another one. It’s just me because of the freedom in it. Of course, the record with me and J. Cole (‘Prove It’) because people have been asking for that and we were able to accomplish it. In this climate and what’s going on in society, that record makes a lot of sense. It would be those records, but that might change because I love my entire album.

Speaking of the album title, do you feel more aware of your position in the industry in comparison to your 2010 project, K.R.I.T. Wuz Here?

Definitely. K.R.I.T. Wuz Here was so many songs and it expands from east coast to west coast beats. I went across the board sonically because I was trying to give people every aspect of myself at one time. K.R.I.T. Iz Here is more confidence in where I am now. I’ve always been the type of person who believes in quality, not quantity. It’s full circle. Ten years later, I’m able to state my claim.

You’ve sampled Adele, Jill Scott and Al Green. Are those musical influences to you?

Definitely. Jill Scott is amazing. There have been times where I’ve been able to talk to her. She gave me a lot of solid advice throughout my career during times that I might’ve doubted myself. It’s great, even when she jumped on ‘Higher Calling’ and how everything worked out. I truly found someone in my corner.

I know that Virgos are very protective of their energy. Does this ring true to yourself?

Haha, you know that I’m a Virgo? I’m very protective, but you can also learn a lot from negative energy. I try not to shut myself off from the interactions that I have. I know when someone is being genuine and when someone is trying to knock you off your feet. Life is about sharing energy. It’s important to take time out to enjoy the moment. I appreciate everyone that walks into my life, understands the grind and wants to see me keep going.

I see that you tend to shoutout your family and friends a lot. What role does family play in the creation of your music ?

They are everything. It’s bigger than me. My family consists of a lot of people. Being able to share a meal with people that genuinely want to see you happy is amazing. I’m able to take all of that back home and be able to help my parents and siblings out. I can show people that you can follow your dreams and make it. It’s a road less traveled and it takes a little more time, but you can do exactly what you want to do. You have to stay diligent and things will work out for you.

The #AddictionChallenge is blowing up on social media. What has been your reaction to some of the videos?

They snappin’ (laughs). They heard my verse and Wayne’s verse, so they (fans) have the upperhand when they are doing the challenge. I’m not gonna front. I’m watching some of them like, ‘Oh snap, I could’ve said something like that. This metaphor is hard.’

What cities are you looking forward to visiting on the ‘From the South With Love Tour’?

All of them. I can’t front. I’m super excited for this tour. It’s been a minute since I’ve been on the road. The last tour, I performed every song off the album. For this tour, I can tell you I’m not going to do that. I want to tell people to get their cardio together and their energy right because they are going to turn up at every show to the maximum.

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