It would be an understatement simply to refer to KRIT as a fan of the soulful sounds that dominated the era just before his birth; he’s now much a purveyor of it. Through carefully selected samples, KRIT isolates the blue note in hip-hop while amplifying it in his own soul, loud enough for all of us to hear. It’s an art of improvisation, and it’s one that keeps culture and tradition alive like throwing candy paint on an old school. This is why it’s more than just a car, “it’s a time machine.”

But before 4eva N A Day’s “Me And My Old School” was bumping out of subwoofers across the country, there was Hood Fame’s “Take Care Of Mama.” And of all the soul soothers that KRIT has sampled, there’s Willie Hutch. The connection? Hutch’s “Mother’s Theme”, which can conspicuously be spotted on various other hip-hop productions, as well.

The interesting piece here, however, is to witness how KRIT has grown as an artist; one who produces all of his tracks. Note the evolution in the way that KRIT uses this sample in 2006, and how he uses the same one now in 2012. His own identity is much more apparent now. His ability to pinpoint the sounds he wants us to feel is more refined. His comfort and creativity is audibly refreshing. And lastly, it’s every bit as soulful as it first was in 1973. 

Here’s to more Willie Hutch. Here’s to more soul.

2000 & Beyond -MW