A INTRODUCTION INTO THE MIDWEST'S. FUTURE

A INTRODUCTION INTO THE MIDWEST FUTURE : CHECKMATE THE GREAT

In generation where hip-hop is as popular as its ever been EVERYONE WANTS TO RAP! And with today's technology & internet anyone CAN! You set-up a studio literally anywhere, upload music and start a rap career. But In this ever changing music industry where the hottest artist today can be tomorrow's nobody. Every once in awhile you come across a artist that is fully polished, with their own identity to their music and off back makes you think about longevity. Whether its their voice or how their lyrics touched you or how it made you feel. Its just something about their music that sounds refreshing but feels like your listening to your favorite artist...Meet hip-hop artist Checkmate The Great. 

Bio
He fell in love with hip-hop at the age of 8 and started rapping at the age of 16. Taking his influences, like Trick Daddy, UGK, Jay-Z, Scarface and Master P, and using them to shape his own style. "My music is all about capturing the moments of our time the good and bad so if you listen it...it'll put you in that time period." says Checkmate. His new mixtape, Ape Shit 2 to be released summer of 2014 is a refreshing and moving project that heralds the arrival of a gifted and polished new talent, whose music feels familiar in the best possible way while controlling & paving his own lane.

Q: Can you give GOOD KORNER MUSIQ a little introduction to you as a artist

A: Wats gr8 world? I go by the name of Checkmate some called me Checkmate The Gr8. I'm a Hip-Hop artist that makes music for the people.

Q: Can you tell the readers about your new project and the background and inspirations behind it

A: My new project "Ape Shit II" or #AS2 is scheduled to be released this summer. It's a dope project it's very versatile far as sounds & subject matter. What really inspired this project was my F.A.M.S (Friends And Music Supporters). I work on music DAILY because it is therapy to my life and with my F.A.M.S being so connected with me thru social media they know I've been thru alot since the last project. Experienced allot, seen allot I lost allot of family & friends to the streets which I speak on this project. I think what really connects me to them is my sense realness and honesty I believe the people is interested to see how I can transition these real life into good music.

Q: Can you recite a few bars that inspired you to start doing music

A: Sure...Armed and dangerous / Ain't too many can bang with us/ Straight up weed no angel dust, label us notorious/ Thug ass niggas that love to bust, it's strange to us/ You all niggas be scrambling, gambling up in restaurants with mandolins and violins/We just sittin' here trying to win, try not to sin - Notorious B.I.G "Notorious Thugs"

Q: What was the first album you bought?

A: Ruff Ryders Ride Or Die Vol.1...Do y'all niggas bust ya guns? Hell yeah we bust our guns (starts rapping Down Bottom)

Q: To you what is your definition of a wack emcee? And what makes a great emcee?

A: My definition of a wack emcee is a emcee who lacks creativity, lyrics, delivery, and most importantly connecting to the audience. For example If your a emcee that's rapping about the streets...your lyrics and music should touch the streets.
My definition of a great emcee is a emcee who's creative from lyrics, to delivery, and vocal presence. Or a emcee that has the ability to bring the audience into their world without changing their style or stepping out of their element. For example Nas + One Mic = Great Emcee 

Q: What is your dream collaboration track for a future album? Producer and feature artist

A: My dream collaboration track production wise I'll say Rapheal Saadiq. I love everything about his beats and my style of lyricism will compliment his production perfect. I know we would make some dope ass music together. For the feature artist...I would need Aaliyah. Her voice is just so amazing. So Rapheal Saadiq on the beat with Aaliyah on the hook.

Q: How do you feel about the up and coming hip-hop/rap movement at the moment do things need to change 

A: I love it! There's a lane for everybody from mainstream to indie. From the backpackers to the trappers it's something for everyone. Nothing needs to change. If you don't like what a artist is saying...don't listen to them. Listen to someone who fits what you like. It's so many outlets to access music. Its perfect I like it how it is. 

Q: At GOOD KORNER MUSIQ I specialize in uplifting many underground and underappreciated artist as I  can you name a few artist i should check out

A: It's too many too name but I'll give you a few that's in rotation on my playlist right now...Follow dem on IG
Willie Waters
Beadz (@beadz1st)
Delafaye (@delafayemusic)
No Face Logo (@nofacelogo)
Mr. Swagga (@butlergotswag)
Chize (@chizeofficial)

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add

A: 1st I wanna thank you for the time & opporunity for this interview. I truly appreciate it. Be sure to be on the lookout for my new project "Ape Shit 2" COMING THIS SUMMER!!! Check out my new video "Kush Gang" on YouTube right now. If you not in tune wit you should be follow me on either one or all of my social media sites

Contact Info:
Phone Number: (708) 200-3811
Manager (SPADE) Phone Number: (708) 227-2535
E-Mail Address: gr8muzick@gmail.com

Follow Checkmate On Instagram & Twitter @CheckmateTheGr8