Big K.R.I.T.: 23 Songs for New LP, Industry Needs to 'Step Up'

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Big K.R.I.T. seems like he's been a part of the hip-hop scene for much longer than he has. His attention to detail has given him the edge over a long list of up-and-coming artists who believe in quantity over quality. The producer-rapper has never been one to "drop a mixtape" anyway. His first, 2009's 'K.R.I.T. Wuz Here,' and the 2011 sophomore effort, 'ReturnOf4Eva,' are projects in his eyes. Yet, neither was quite a mixtape nor official album. But both showcased his effort in crafting classic material.

Signed to Def Jam for two years now, the Mississippi native has been plugging away, working on tracks with everyone from Freddie Gibbs to T.I. 'ReturnOf4Eva' was his first release after being signed and it's been helmed as one of 2011's best mixtapes. He's primed to repeat that success as he readies his '4EvaNADay' project for release next month. K.R.I.T.'s debut LP, 'Live From the Underground,' is next up for release in June and though he sounds confident about what he has planned, the rapper remains tight-lipped about the specifics. He does, however, promise that we'll be getting more of what made us fall in love with his music in the first place.

The BoomBox sat down with the man born Justin Scott about producing for his hip-hop colleagues, playing the tuba and his appreciation for Waka Flocka Flame.