Southern hip-hop hasn’t always been associated with surf rock. But Southern heat is taking on California dreaming this summer. Both The Beach Boys and rapper Big K.R.I.T. are dropping new albums Tuesday, so here’s a quick guide on what to jam out to while soaking up the sun.

ieinyang@syr.edu

Big K.R.I.T.
‘Live from the Underground’
Release date: June 5
Record label: Island Def Jam Records
2.5 out of 5 Decibels
Top Track: ‘I Got This’
Sounds Like: The Dirty South

The only thing hotter than the southern summer sun is chart-climbing rapper Big K.R.I.T. With the release of his debut album, ‘Live from the Underground,’ he is bringing his signature sound to the masses.

Justin Scott, known by his stage-name acronym K.R.I.T., hails from Mississippi and rose to fame with the 2010 release of his mix tape, ‘K.R.I.T. Wuz Here.’ Island Def Jam Records executive Sha Money XL noticed the rapper and quickly signed him to the label. Since then, K.R.I.T. has performed with top acts like Meek Mill, Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa.

Southern rap has a tendency to be plagued by corny dances and flashy grills. Although K.R.I.T. is guilty for doing the same, he makes up for it by offering a style that sets him apart with his laid-back vibe and smooth delivery.

The album’s lead track, ‘I Got This,’ is a repetitive, egoistic tune that doesn’t have much depth, but it is a perfect example of his relaxed yet confident persona. Spitting about a million bars per minute is a staple of the South, but his delivery in the tune is effortless and smooth, just as always.

In ‘Cool 2 Be Southern,’ he says, ‘Debonair, never scared / Fred Astaire when I carry a cadence,’ comparing his carefree flow to the legendary dancer’s moves. He might not be light on his feet, but he has shown effortless technique. In songs like this and ‘Money on the Floor,’ he combines a strong beat with an aggressive flow.

Though his Southern twang is invading the mainstream, it’s doubtful he’ll make a big splash. ‘Live From the Underground’ lacks a catchy enough single for K.R.I.T. to be noticed, but it’s light enough to jam to. This summer, think about sampling the sounds of the South.

The Beach Boys
‘That’s Why God Made the Radio’
Release date: June 5
Record label: Capitol Records
1.5 out of 5 Decibels
Top Track: ‘That’s Why God Made the Radio’
Sounds Like: Your grandma’s favorite band

The boys are back in town.

After 50 years, The Beach Boys are back with a not-so-new album. ‘That’s Why God Made the Radio’ may be new, but the nostalgic feel of its tunes have been played out.

Everyone knows The Beach Boys. They rose to fame in the ‘60s with hits like ‘California Girls,’ ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ and ‘Good Vibrations.’ The surf rock craze they brought to America combined a carefree vibe with even happier lyrics.

Traces of the Boys’ influence and mellow sound are evident in Best Coast, Sublime and Colbie Caillat’s music in a modern way. The Boys, who probably shouldn’t call themselves Boys anymore, have put together a collection of tunes that are so laid-back they might put you to sleep. What is more disappointing is that they don’t have the timeless appeal of their legendary songs. Instead, they are just a little too passe.

The group sounds like it’s stuck in the ‘60s. The Boys’ lack of innovation most likely stems from the fact that some songs, like ‘Daybreak Over the Ocean,’ were originally recorded in 1978 and most of the other songs, like the too-breezy ‘Think About the Days’ and ‘Isn’t It Time,’ sound like they were, too.

It’s nice to see the gang back together again, but it’s 2012, and unfortunately, I’m not sure the radio was made  for outdated tunes.

Published on June 5, 2012 at 12:00 pm

Contact Ibet: ieinyang@syr.edu