Known for his freestyling skills, Navigator appeared on the Oklahoma hip-hop scene in 2005. His first full-length album, “Nasty Nav,” was released in 2007, and provided the rapper with a place on the Midwestern rap scene (It exists. Just ask Kansas City, Mo. rapper Mac Lethal.). Navigator’s new album, “Navigator For Governor,” is scheduled for a Nov. 8 release.

The beats on the two singles you’ve posted on Myspace from “Navigator For Governor” are a lot tighter and fuller than tracks on the previous album. What else can people expect from the new album?

Hip-hop is, essentially, about moving forward. Being innovative and inventive, utilizing your creativity. It always has been. I’ve grown, and so has my message. As far as sound goes, this album is, from a professional standpoint, track for track the best project I’ve released so far. [Producer] Sylvia Massey, [who has worked with Godsmack and Hinder] mastered this entire album. As for surprises, you’ll have to pick it up to hear.

What was the reason for naming your album “Navigator For Governor” and releasing it around election season?

I’m a thinker, man. I’ve been around enough to know that the people of our generation are intrigued by drama. The title of the album and the scheduling of its release are a part of the release campaign. Regarding the politics of it all, I definitely had some things to say lyrically and this album gave me the opportunity to do it.

When the album comes out, where can people pick it up?

My albums have always been available at Eargazum music stores, found only in Oklahoma and Texas. Also, this project will be available online at Bestbuy.com, Rhapsody, iTunes and CDbaby.com. More portals are to be named later.

What other kinds of projects do you have going on?

I just wrapped up the Invasion Tour and am currently on the Hot Import Nights circuit, which is huge! You won’t find another unsigned artist on the tour. I’ve [also] been asked to appear on a slew of projects from local to regional. You can check out my MySpace page for that information.

You have a pretty extensive history in freestyle battling. What’s the worst you’ve ever beaten anybody? Can you make a grown man cry?

[Laughs] Nah, nah, never made a man cry, but most wanna try to fight afterward. It’s kinda funny actually. Every rapper has an innate cockiness, so when they get dealt with in front of their people they tend to get a little upset.

What advice would you give to aspiring freestylers?

My answer is always the same for anyone looking to better themselves at any trade: practice, learn, research. As an artist, never lose your focus or forget your goals or where you’ve come from. These are the things that define you.

Do you have any pre-show rituals? Do you demand certain items from venues, like red M&Ms or something like that?

Actually it’s only the orange M&Ms [laughs]. No seriously man, my rider is pretty easygoing. A case of water, case of Red Bull and maybe a pizza. As for my rituals, I pray for the strongest show possible, thanking God for giving me this talent and for helping me to realize my gift.

What do you think makes Oklahoma hip-hop a welcoming alternative to other college-oriented music? Do you think you’re helping the scene to break out more?

I think that locally, my end of it is I help to put out my sound, my message. I rap for people who feel the way I do. My voice is my people’s thoughts. I just happen to do it well. I have a friend who says that I’m charismatic on stage and honestly, I go hard every time I step out there whether the crowd is two or 2,000. With every show I do, I know that I’m helping out my scene. I rep my city hard when I’m out of town and I make it a point to tell any crowd before I leave the stage to support local music

What music has been on your iPod lately? What’s hot? Anything we may not expect?

I recently picked up Nas’ new project; I feel that he’s one of the best. The new single from Gym Class Heroes. [Gym Class Heroes’ vocalist] Travis [McCoy] is a friend of mine, so of course I’ve gotta show my support. Robin Thicke and The Dream is another. I’ve been listening to a lot of Rick Ross lately — he may be the South’s Biggie Smalls.

Can you play at my birthday party?

Hell yeah, shoot me the date. Let’s make it the best one yet!

— Tyler Branson is an English and history senior.