Big K.R.I.T. Reflects on Recording With UGK

Since emerging onto hip-hop's landscape with his release K.R.I.T. Wuz Here in April 2010, Mississippi native Big K.R.I.T. has been quick to cite UGK as one of his major influences. So, too, have listeners and critics heard this influence, often comparing Krizzle to the late group member, Pimp C, for his ability to successfully rap, produce, and harmonize.

The latest Pimp C album, Still Pimping, dropped last week, and featured the track "Grippin On The Wood," which featured K.R.I.T. alongside his idols, Bun B and Pimp C. The collaboration was a dream come true for the 2011 XXL Freshman.

"I can’t explain it," he told XXLMag.com. "When I was approached with the opportunity, I was like, 'Hell yeah!' And then it dawned upon me, when the record came out and it said UGK featuring Big K.R.I.T.—my folk was like, 'Yo, you have a record with UGK!' I never would have dreamed in a million years—to be influenced by them so much, to actually have a record, an unheard Pimp C verse, and to be able to be on it? It’s crazy, man."

Though this was the Third Coast representer's first time appearing alongside the late Pimp C on wax, Bun is featured on K.R.I.T.'s current single, "Country Shit (Remix)." The track, which also features Ludacris, hit No. 55 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart this week.

The Def Jam signee's major label debut, Live From The Underground, is slated for a September 27 release. —Adam Fleischer