Big K.R.I.T. is southern hip-hop's soul man. Raised in Mississippi, he spent part of the '00s grinding away on the mixtape circuit, until 2010's K.R.I.T. Wuz Here project caught the attention of industry insiders. Impressed by his ability to drop heartfelt lyrics over earthy self-produced beats, he was snapped up by the Def Jam family. 2012's studio debut, the introspective Live From The Underground, confirmed K.R.I.T.'s talent, while collaborations with down south icons like Bun B and Ludacris speak to his status in the scene.