Music’s Sistine Chapel: Big KRIT – “Cadillactica” (Album Review) by @niksofly

With a clear mind and only a cup of Grandmother’s tea, I found myself sitting Indian style on my bed waiting for K.R.I.T.’s latest release to upload to the 6. Prior, I only allowed myself to hear snippets of his singles so that my anticipation as an admirer of his music would not be clouded. Almost 24 hours since it’s release, “Cadillactica” has dissevered K.R.I.T. from his peers. Sheathed in the theme of life on his planet, created by the Big Bang /808 of his sub, K.R.I.T. takes listeners on a galactic ride through life as he knows it. The single“ Cadillactica” makes for great travelling music.

Rooted deeply in the rich art form of southern rap, K.R.I.T. managed to remain true to his fans while continuously evolving as an artist. His music is crafted on textured production with diverse instruments and clear influences of the soulful music of our parents’ era. With 2014 approaching its finale, his release brought life into a diminishing culture. He is the Michelangelo of today’s generation and “Cadillactica” is his Sistine Chapel. With each track, it is clear that K.R.I.T. took his time in the creative process. Any sample used is delicately added protecting the integrity of the original ballad. With each bar, it is as though love was being made to the beat.

“Cadillactica” challenges the state of music. It is a cohesive and conscious body of work. “Saturday=Celebration” is a record of solidarity for those who have endured struggle. Its beautiful cadence flirts with the authority of the bass giving way to the organic lyrics. It creates a moving piece of art. The horns and layered vocals in “Angels” are comforting for those moments of deep thought. “Mind Control”(feat. E-40 and Wiz Khalifa) exquisitely weaves southern charm with varying coasts flavor, birthing the angelic images of the chapel’s ceiling. If any songs represents the mass for Feast of Assumption,“Lost Generation”(feat. Lupe Fiasco) & “Soul Food” (feat. Raphael Saadiq) fit the mold. The songs are decadently adorned with the richness of substance that will feed your mind as well as your spiritual palette.“Do You Love Me” is a feel good song that metaphorically narrates the relationship of a man and his anthropomorphic car. The chapel’s architectural boldness can be found in nominating tracks “King of the South” and “Mt Olympus [Reprise]” where his grievance with the musical climate and its inability to acknowledge quality is confidently spewed.“Now they wanna here a country n*gga rap/ Five albums in I swear a country n*gga snap/Thought they wanted trap/ Thought they wanted bass/ Thought they wanted molly/Thought they wanted drank/ F*ck them niggas [Mt Olympus Reprise)].

The fluid tracks “Third Eye” & “Pay Attention”(feat.Rico Love) incorporate a sexy current that K.R.I.T rides as a dedication to his female listeners.“Mo Better Cool” is a balanced acknowledgement to the grind and it’s “perks”. Partnering with legendary artists Bun B and Devin the Dude, the Cross- Key Motif and Mosaic inlays of the chapel are laid. “My Sub Pt. 3 ( Big Bang)” in conjunction with “Lac Lac” (feat. A$AP Ferg) will reside as two of my favorites as they chronicle a special time for me. They act as the massive doors to the Sistine Chapel of music, that is “Cadillactica”.

K.R.I.T.’s music has never been burdened with the commercialization and instable climate of today’s music. It has always remained authentic, forgiving those before and after him who tainted their music with gimmicks. Gain musical clemency and get K.R.I.T.’s latest masterpiece.

Cop that “ Cadillactica” now on iTunes (Click Here).

-Niko Rose