LIVE: Big K.R.I.T., 4evaNaDay Mixtape Release, Highline Ballroom, NYC

I think it is safe to say that this has been a week for Big K.R.I.T.. He released his highly anticipated mixtape, 4evaNaDay, destroyed twitter and the Live Mixtapes website within hours of the project dropping, AND interviews and radio shows were popping up everywhere.  I can imagine that through all of this, the humble emcee from Meridian,MS, sat back and watched with a smile on his face and warmed heart. Why? This is a different space. People are finally catching on to movement.  Having to wrap your mind around how far you have come, I presume, can still be shocking. Nevertheless, K.R.I.T. manages to stay modest and focused. Flashing his beautiful smile and greeting an eager Highline Ballroom audience, a new wave was brought into NYC with force. One that anyone who attended would never forget.

The show started with Harlem based rapper, Skotch Davis. An excellent opener to an already promising performance, Davis staked his claim for his city. With Jasmine Solano as his deejay, Davis took the stage asking the crowd “Are you hearing me clearly?” With an adequate call and response from the audience, he set the tone for the show. This is how a set is supposed to be opened. High energy, dope lyricism, and engagement with the audience are a sure fire way to gain fans and their respect. Although his was only on for four songs short, Davis did an excellent job of preparing the stage and scene for what was about to come.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jowfweiwlQ[/youtube]

DJ Wally Sparks, friend and deejay for K.R.I.T. took the stage. Rocking his City High tee and setting the mood for who everyone came to see proved to be quite easy for the already energized venue. Stage dimmed, lights flashed, and the intro for the first single from the recently released mixtape began to play.  “Boobie Miles” did not play for ten seconds before folks started to sing the hook. He steps on the stage. Big Sant (one of his best friends and fellow musician/producer) comes up next to him. At that point, you could have considered the stage demolished. K.R.I.T. was able to, once again, showcase his talent and showmanship to NYC. Performing tracks from 4evaNaDay, and crowd favorites from Return of 4eva, and K.R.I.T. Wuz Here, supporters of the country rapper became completely relished in his comfort on the stage. Some of the tracks included: “Return of 4eva”, “1986”, “Time Machine”, “Rotation”, “Glass House”, “Me and My Old School”, “Made A lot” featuring Big Sant, Smoke DZA (who was a surprise guest), came and rocked “Gotta Get Paid”, and “Hometown Hero”.  To show his appreciation for the welcoming the crowd, and how excited he was to share himself, it was only right for him to get a little up close and personal. For the performance of “Country Shit”, in true K.R.I.T. fashion, he jumped into the middle on to the floor and bounced with everyone around him. Between the hyped fans, and ladies trying to cop feels, this became the highlight of an already highly rocked night.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo9IduVgYQ8&feature=channel[/youtube]

Speaking of ladies, let us not forget the love the southern gentleman showed for them. Rocking tracks such as “My Sub”, “Moon and Stars”, “Money On the Floor”,  “Red Eye” and ‘Temptation”, K.R.I.T. took the hands of some of the ladies in the front row, looked them in the eye, and made splash waterfalls (take that how you want…). The southern charm, coupled with his country drawl, and desirable stage presence, made every woman in the audience a little short of a stan.

The show closing proved to be as spectacular as the opening. After singing his heart out with “The Vent”, K.R.I.T. showcased his soon to be released next single from Live From The Underground, “I Got This”. Leading the crowd in another call and response, the hyped fans chanted with him as he exited the stage. Highline Ballroom had a different energy by the end of the night. Folks left excited about the emcee that had just blessed the stage.

Big K.R.I.T. deserves everything that he’s receiving now. In fact, one could make an argument that he should be much further. Its okay, though. At least folks are finally catching on. Keep your ears to the ground for this guy. He’s going to take over everything.

Special thanks to Joann Gomez from Music Looks Like This for the amazing photos of the event, and to Cinematic Media Group for promoting such an amazing artist.