Jackson Free Press

Big K.R.I.T. is on tour promoting his newest album "Cadillactica." Since its release late last year, "Cadillactica" has racked up accolades: It was included in Billboard's "Ten Best Rap Albums of 2014," Spin magazine's "40 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2014," Complex magazine's "50 Best Albums of 2014," and the list goes on.

"The project maintains a warm southern feel without the pinches of hokiness," Kahron Spearman wrote in The Austin Chronicle. "The country boy remains the country boy, but he knows he's got a city game—and you believe it."

Big K.R.I.T. (born Justin Scott) is a Meridian native. Though his rap career began in 2005, he didn't get critical acclaim until his May 2010 mixtape release, "K.R.I.T. Wuz Here." That same month, he signed on with G-Unit Records.

In March 2011, he released self-produced mixtape "Return of 4Eva." Rap critic William Ketchum of HipHopDX called it "emotive, conceptual music." In June 2012, the rapper released his debut album, "Live from the Underground." In that album, K.R.I.T. made a forceful debut selling 41,000 copies in the first week. Although they lack lyrical subtlety, tracks like "Hydroplaning" and "Praying Man" showcase K.R.I.T.'s refreshing attention to layering sounds in his music.

The rapper is making a bid for the crown of southern hip hop. Don't miss seeing soon-to-be royalty right here in Jackson.

Big K.R.I.T. performs at Hal & Mal's (200 S. Commerce St., 601-948-0888) Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. The show is for those 18 and up only. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased from ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit halandmals.com or bigkrit.com.