I listen to a very wide variety of music; I'd say everyone from Jay Dee to Radiohead. Haha. I really like a lot of the stuff that is coming out these days. I like MF Doom a lot, Madlib, Galapagos4. I love the new Radiohead album, Massive Attack; I can't wait for a new Portishead record. Zero 7, Quantic, Dabrye. Shit who else? Break Reform, Attica Blues, and Nirvana haha. I'm inspired by all types of shit and Lord 360 and Psalm definitely give me all types of inspiration. Thai-One, Memo?. I could go on for days. I love coming to a place like Scribble and seeing everybody has this music they want to just let people hear. That's what I feel a lot, building with people on some music.

What are you thoughts on Common? Would you say he's caught up in Badu-ism? Because for me, I've got Resurrection and that keeps me satisfied.

I think common is one of the greatest rappers of all time. I like every album he has released. I think he has grown as an individual and isn't scared to let that illuminate his work.

Give me a view of what the scene is like in Chicago.

The Chicago scene is incredible. There are several stores that support independent rap. There are venues that will let you play. There is many outlets; a hundred colleges in the area, 9 million people. There are not a lot of huge acts from Chicago. The independent scene is awesome and I really feel that. The labels are putting in a lot of work and a lot of petty things in the past; people are really looking through those and really starting to build with each other and collaborate on some shit for the better cause to make a living out of it.

Is it competitive?

I'd say yes, due to the fact there is 6 independent labels with 10 releases or more. So there is some competition, but in the past year seeing people put things behind them like "ohh this record is not that style and that sound "or "that's not some shit I would make." But, realizing there is 9 million people there, we can all find people that will like our music, lets do that and do what is beneficial for all of us. It narrows down to people just being cool with each other, having a conversation and being professional. Which is cool.

I remember reading on your website of you possibly doing a soundtrack for a movie. What is the status on that?

Yeah, I was working on a soundtrack for this film called Blind. I didn't get to do it, but some of the pieces will go towards my instrumental stuff. Not my rap stuff, but its something I really feel in the next year or two as it comes out people will enjoy it. It's more soundtrack shit. Basically its mood music. My number one goal is to be original. It's not the same old thing, its looking for people to have an open mind. A closed mind is a terrible thing. A mind is a terrible thing to waste; a closed mind is a terrible thing. Ok. I really want to open people's minds and ears to what I'm doing. I've been trying to work with some films and skateboard videos. I'm actually working on a full-length DVD to go with my album.

What is the album called?

The album is called Down. There is going to be a prequel to it called Brown Skin Solo. It's a reflection on African American life and Down is more of a down-tempo album with some really cool sounds and there is not going to be any vocal appearances on those albums.

Earlier you were talking with an old friend, you used to skate with. So do you get into the skating scene?