K.R.I.T. previously released several mixtapes, including Hood Fame, with DJ Wally Sparks and The Last King, with DJ Breakem Off. He's also made guest appearances on Pilot Talk, the third studio album and major label debut from rapper, Curren$y as well as Kush and Orange Juice, the critically acclaimed mixtape by rapper Wiz Khalifa, that was the No. 1 search and trending topics on Google and Twitter following its release. He is a frequent collaborator with both artists.
K.R.I.T. is an acronym, meaning King Remembered In Time.
In October 2010, K.R.I.T. co-headlined The Smoker's Club Tour with Curren$y and Smoke DZA.[4] He performed in Little Rock, AR with Curren$y and Mac Miller.
In November 2010, K.R.I.T. opened for Wiz Khalifa in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and in Ashland, Virginia during the Waken Baken tour.
He is one of the featured XXL Top Eleven Freshmen of 2011, along side of Meek Mill, Cyhi Da Prynce, Lil Twist, Yelawolf, Fred The Godson, Mac Miller, YG, Lil B, Kendrick Lamar & Diggy Simmons.
In March 2011, Big K.R.I.T released his highly anticipated and entirely self-produced mixtape,Returnof4eva, featuring guests David Banner, Joi, Big Sant, Chamillionaire, Raheem Devaughn, Ludacris, and Bun B. The mixtape has been acclaimed by rap critics, with William Ketchum of HipHopDX calling it "emotive, conceptual music" and saying that Big K.R.I.T. had given fans a "free album" - the magazine's highest praise for a mixtape.[5] Meanwhile, Matthew Cole of Slant Magazine highlighted Returnof4eva in his mixtape review column as "the best mixtape of the month," going on in a separate review to call it "the rap album to beat in 2011 ".[6][7] Both critics praised Big K.R.I.T.'s production skills as much as his lyrics and flow, and both named K.R.I.T. as a likely successor to Southern rap legends UGK, Scarface, and Outkast. On April 20, 2011, Tom Breihan reviewed the mixtape for Pitchfork, giving an 8.2 out of 10 and awarding it the site's coveted "Best New Music" tag.[8]
On July 1, 2011 Big K.R.I.T. announced his debut studio album titled "Live From The Underground". It is set to be released on September 27, 2011.[9]
Dreamin'
Big K.R.I.T Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo, yo, yo, yo
They used to say
They used to say
This rap shit
They used to say (He's dreamin)
They used to say (He's dreamin)
This rap shit (is not for real)
They used to say (He's dreamin)
They used to say (He's dreamin)
This rap shit (is not for real)
This rap shit (is not for real)
[Verse 1: Big K.R.I.T]
Yeah I remember it so clearly
Rappin' to my pop about the cars and the clothes
Shrimp and the lobster that I heard about
Like word of mouth
The UGK tape and Scarface will turn ya out
I was like 13 thirsting for a good beat
Scoping for a studio talkin' bout I spit heat
Like Ball & G, on that pimp type shit
36 had me crunk on that late night tip
[Hook:]
They say (He's dreamin)
They used to say (He's dreamin)
This rap shit (is not for real)
This rap shit (is not for real)
They used to say (He's dreamin)
They used to say (He's dreamin)
This rap shit (is not for real)
This rap shit (is not for real)
[Verse 2: Big K.R.I.T]
I played ball for a minute, did I mention wasn't in it
Writing rhymes on my glove so I will never forget em
Had to quit it, didn't feel it back in high school
Rather write poems, known for flowing, that's what I do
Couldn't be little Zac forever, peace to my big brother
Follow ya dreams baby, that's word to my grandmother
When I hear the streets tappin', my beats kickin' my
Flow
I overhear the same shit they always say before (he's
Dreaming)
[Hook]
[Verse 3: Big K.R.I.T]
I told them call me KRIT, they told me change my name
Don't be alarmed if you don't make it, that's just part
Of the game
Besides I ain't rapping about dope nor did I sell it
I guess the story of a country boy just ain't
Compelling
A&R's searching for a hit, I just need a meal
Couldn't afford to pay the rent, but passed up on the
Deal
Cause, it wasn't right sometimes you gotta wade the
Storm
In a class of my own, but I was scared to raise my arm
Like, this my dream, this my life, I sacrificed it all
Except my soul in the firm belief there is a God
Watching out, when all the others used to doubt
Felt my pain and pointed down and said "Son, your time
Is now"
I think my grandma pulled some strings on the low
That's between her and the lord I'll ever know
For those that caught me in the Spin, in Complex
Magazine, XXL, the Vibe and whatever inbetween
It's safe to say that dreams come true I guess
Don't let nobody tell ya, try for yourself
Just know that I was once considered just a dreamer
But I paid my dues and turned so many doubters to
Believers
They used to say
They used to say
They used to say
They used to say
He's dreamin, he's dreamin, it's not for real, it's not
For real
He's dreamin, he's dreamin, it's not for real, it's not
For real
I don't care if it is a dream, I've got to believe in
Something I love
What can I do, what have I got to lose
You know sometimes dreams do come true
Might as well be a dream, dream, dream
The song Dreamin’ by Big K.R.I.T. inherently expresses a theme of hope and determination. The lyrics describe K.R.I.T’s journey from facing doubt about his dream in the music industry to being able to showcase his talent as a rapper. The opening lines of the song are repetitions of “They used to say, this rap shit is not for real,” which emphasizes the doubt many people had about his aspirations. The rapper reminisces about the early days of his music journey, from his early love of southern rap music to writing rhymes on his glove when playing basketball. However, K.R.I.T. realized early on that rapping was his true calling and ultimately chose to be true to himself rather than selling out to make a quick profit.
The second verse talks about how people of authority [like A&R’s] didn’t believe his story would make for a successful career, K.R.I.T. knew he had to keep his head high and believe in himself. He was persistent and ultimately caught the attention of publications such as Complex Magazine and XXL. K.R.I.T. makes it clear that he doesn’t care if it is a dream; he needed to believe in something he loved. He advises listeners not to let anybody tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Old school flow, Yo, yo, yo, yo
The style of rap that I am about to perform is reminiscent of old-school rap and I am hyping up the crowd.
They used to say
People in the industry used to hold certain negative beliefs.
This rap shit
The genre of music known as hip-hop.
is not for real
Some believe that there is no real future or career potential in the rap industry.
Yeah I remember it so clearly
I have vivid memories of a time when I was just starting out in the rap game.
Rappin' to my pop about the cars and the clothes
I used to talk to my dad about the materialistic things I wanted as a rapper.
Shrimp and the lobster that I heard about
I was attracted to the luxury lifestyle that I heard about in rap music.
Like word of mouth
I learned about the high life of a rapper through hearsay from others.
The UGK tape and Scarface will turn ya out
These rappers were known to have a big influence on listeners and fans.
I was like 13 thirsting for a good beat
As a teenager, I was eager to find good rap beats to rap over.
Scoping for a studio talkin' 'bout I spit heat
I was on the lookout for a studio where I could record my raps and showcase my skills.
Like Ball & G, on that pimp type shit
I was heavily influenced by the rap group Ball & G who rapped about the pimp lifestyle.
36 had me crunk on that late-night tip
I was energized and excited by the music of 36 Mafia and enjoyed listening to them late at night.
I played ball for a minute, did I mention wasn't in it
I briefly played basketball but didn't have a real passion for it.
Writing rhymes on my glove so I will never forget em
As a reminder to myself, I wrote my rap lyrics on my baseball glove.
Had to quit it, didn't feel it back in high school
I realized that basketball wasn't my true passion and decided to quit.
Rather write poems, known for flowing, that's what I do
I found my true passion in writing rap lyrics and was known for my smooth flow as a rapper.
Couldn't be little Zac forever, peace to my big brother
I couldn't stay a kid forever and I give a shout-out to my older brother.
Follow ya dreams baby, that's word to my grandmother
My grandmother encouraged me to chase my dreams and I took her advice to heart.
When I hear the streets tappin', my beats kickin' my flow
When I hear my music being played in the streets, it motivates me to work harder and perfect my flow.
I overhear the same shit they always say before (he's Dreaming)
People doubt my potential as a rapper and dismiss my dreams as mere fantasies.
I told them call me KRIT, they told me change my name
I chose the name KRIT as my stage name but others suggested that I change it.
Don't be alarmed if you don't make it, that's just part Of the game
It's normal to experience setbacks and failures in the rap industry.
Besides I ain't rapping about dope nor did I sell it
I don't rap about drugs and I've never sold them.
I guess the story of a country boy just ain't Compelling
My story as a country boy isn't seen as interesting or captivating by some in the industry.
A&R's searching for a hit, I just need a meal
Music producers are focused on finding popular songs that will make money, while I just want to earn a living.
Couldn't afford to pay the rent, but passed up on the Deal
Despite my financial struggles, I turned down a record deal that I didn't feel was right for me.
Cause it wasn't right sometimes you gotta wade The storm
Sometimes you have to make difficult decisions in order to protect your integrity and follow your own path.
In a class of my own, but I was scared to raise my arm
I knew that I had unique skills and abilities but was hesitant to draw attention to myself.
Like, this my dream, this my life, I sacrificed it all Except my soul
I have put everything I have into pursuing my dream of being a rapper, but I haven't compromised my morals or beliefs.
In the firm belief there is a God watching out
I have faith in a higher power that is guiding me and protecting me.
When all the others used to doubt
Despite others doubting me, I still had faith and belief in myself and my abilities.
Felt my pain and pointed down and said 'Son, your time Is now'
I felt a spiritual sign from God that it was my time to shine and succeed.
I think my grandma pulled some strings on the low That's between her and the lord I'll ever know
I believe that my grandmother had a hand in my success, but it's something that is beyond my understanding.
For those that caught me in the Spin, in Complex Magazine, XXL, the Vibe and whatever in between
I've been featured in numerous music publications and I'm grateful for the recognition.
It's safe to say that dreams come true I guess
I've achieved my dream of becoming a successful rapper and it's proof that dreams can come true.
Don't let nobody tell ya, try for yourself
Don't let anyone discourage you from pursuing your dreams; you won't know what's possible until you try.
Just know that I was once considered just a dreamer But I paid my dues and turned so many doubters to Believers
I was once seen as someone with unrealistic dreams, but through hard work and persistence I proved my doubters wrong and gained many supporters.
He's dreamin, he's dreamin, it's not for real, it's not For real
People in the industry still doubt the potential of rap music and see it as a fleeting trend.
I don't care if it is a dream, I've got to believe in Something I love
Even if my dreams remain unrealized, I will always believe in pursuing what I love.
What can I do, what have I got to lose
I am willing to take risks and face challenges to achieve my dreams.
You know sometimes dreams do come true
Despite the odds against it, sometimes dreams can actually turn into reality.
Might as well be a dream, dream, dream
Even if it seems like a far-fetched dream, it's still worth striving for.
Contributed by Kaitlyn C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@vincentbryan1962
Used to listen to this on repeat. Mopping floors at 3am. I had two jobs 9-5 and My second job was cleaning up after weddings 11-3am. I just wanted to not struggle anymore. Today I’m making this comment on a Friday night. I’m off work and I’m doing a lot better than I was 5 years ago. Thank you Krit.
Thank you everyone for the likes! I don’t have to work a second job anymore and slave away just to get by! Thanks Krit for giving me hope and getting me thru the struggles of poverty. I’m Doing much better today from no cars to 3 cars, one being my Lowrider my dream car. From struggling to pay rent to I have enough to cover nexts months. See me on top
@froheschwanz
Good job king 🫡👑
@ReptilianAnusWizzard
Love it👍🏻💪🏻 hope you doing good
@jatindersingh9771
Respect bro
@keithanthony9388
❤
@alexgretzky2247
Beautiful my man
@paulpineda294
K.R.I.T. is a breath of fresh air, I've been listening to him since i was 18, I'm 30 now, and his songs still hit hard to this day.
@dannyjohns1795
Same. From 2012 til now
@TheLazzardman
This was the song that turned me into a fan.
@umarbaskins6470
rich dad poor dad was mine