The Midwest is slowly showing it can hang with the coasts when it comes to making hip hop and making dope music is nothing new to the Chicago scene. But, Common is caught up in Badu-ism and Twista is getting the shaft at the ROC. So, it's up to the underground to hold the city down. The Nacrobats appeared to be one of the most talented groups in the Windy City, but they have now disbanded as well. Through a few emails and phone calls I got the low down from Overflo, formerly of the Nacrobats, on the status of the Bats and we agreed to meet at Scribble Jam for some further conversation. The following is our conversation while admiring the graffiti and other sights Scribble Jam had to offer.

Blake G: How does it feel to be at Scribble, how many times you been?

Overflo: This is actually my third year here. The first year I came was in 2001. I always have a good time. It's good to see people and build.

Sell your product?

Right! In form.

So tell us what you're pushing today.

I just finished up this summer a CD called Unrap. It's a collection of instrumentals and rap beats. I'm working on recording some new stuff with Psalm One, a record with Lord360, some 12 inches, a lot of nice things. We're just trying to keep the music coming.

What about you personally, you've got the EP, now what is the next step?

Well, I did a beat for Diverse for his album which comes out this fall. Basically, I think he's got a lot of talent and I really look forward to working on some more music with him. He's going to be on this compilation I'm working on tentatively titled Albert Jenkins Goes Mad. It's basically going to be a compilation with rappers, with rapper beats. Its pretty much going to be an upbeat album with some bangers that DJs can spin and I hope to also get some nice storytelling out of some guys. Also I'm working with Blueprint, Illogic and Brother Ali.

Brother Ali? Did you do a beat for his new EP coming out?

No, he's going to be on the compilation and he's going to be on Psalm One's album as well. The 12 inch will be out this fall and it's a song with him and Psalm over an ANT beat.

What's your process when it comes to composing a beat?

For me, the beats start from the records, man. I really enjoy listening to records, going into record stores, and really just hearing music. When I hear good music it inspires me, you know what I'm saying. Music to me is letting people hear how I hear the world. What I hear I want other people to hear. Actually, a guy I know, Caural from Chocolate Industries, he said he kind of imagines using a record and making the beat as his imagination to picture what would happen next. So, I really just want to explain to people the shit that I've gone thru in my life. Let'em hear it. I really enjoy listening to jazz, rock n roll, classic rock, psych-rock, funk, soul music, modern shit, and rap that's out now. Just to see what inspires me and going from that and making something into my own piece.

What are some of your standout inspirations?