In the spring of 2010, Big K.R.I.T. was out of money and close to giving up on music. 15 months, two acclaimed mixtapes and one deal with Def Jam later, the 24-year-old MC/producer (real name: Justin Scott) is the toast of the indie rap world. After gracing the cover of XXL's 2011 Freshman Class issue and releasing his "Return of 4eva" tape in March, the Mississippi native has heavily toured behind the soulful mixtape while focusing on his debut full-length.

In an interview with Billboard.com's The Juice, Big K.R.I.T talks about his work process, his plans for the rest of 2011 and his desire to work with Kanye West, Al Green, and rock acts like Coldplay and Death Cab for Cutie.