New Hip-Hop Release: Check This Guy Out!

The party, on Thursday, February 7, is hosted by one of the biggest websites in hip-hop—HipHopWired.com—and sponsored by KillerHipHop.com, SiriusXM and others.

Check has been busy since he released Check Me Out, his first mixtape, in 2010. Along with performing, competing and writing over the past two years, he’s recorded various tracks for Stars, Dreams and Elbow Grease and released several videos.

He filmed a video for his song “Pluggin’ Away” in Greenport and New York City and it received excellent reviews from KillerHipHop.com, YouTube, ThatsEnuff.com and DansHamptons after its December release. Check had shared a video for “Beastly,” another track from Stars, Dreams and Elbow Grease, just a few months before.

Mike Check is based on the artist’s real name, Mike Checklick. Growing up on the North Fork, he began playing drums at a young age and eventually took up songwriting. He quickly proved to have a knack with wordplay and creating melodic and catchy hooks, which is clearly demonstrated in Check’s musical output.

He won Season 2 of New York City showcase Hip Hop Unplugged and went on to win other competitions, including his most recent victory on DJ Absolut of HOT97’s Roc the Mic Showcase. Check also started The Kinetic Music Group (TKMG) to help other independent artists navigate the music industry.

The young hip-hop artist still makes it out to Greenport about one weekend a month, more often in the summer. “The great thing about it is, even though the community isn’t predominantly made up of a hip-hop crowd, they still support me 100%,” Check said. “I also take satisfaction knowing that I’m inspiring a lot of young people out that way, and they love to see me come back home.”

Check’s music always maintains a common theme, but he believes Stars, Dreams and Elbow Grease is on another level of quality. “This project is way more cohesive [than Check Me Out] and I think it has a few hit singles scattered throughout it.”

Quality differences aside, both of Check’s records share his vision and overall theme. “I went into this project with a mindset of carving out my own lane and creating a lifestyle for individuals who aren’t afraid of going against the grain. I hope it reaches the dreamers who need a little motivation to brush aside the doubters and go for it all,” he said of Stars, Dreams and Elbow Grease. “I’m always challenging people to dream and have persistence. I might not be saying that directly in my lyrics, but that’s the underlying message,” Check explained. “Find a passion, go against the grain, and don’t let anyone hold you back.”

On Monday, Check was pumped for his upcoming debut. “The release party is going to be epic, with industry insiders waiting to see what I’ve cooked up in the past year. I’ll be performing new cuts with my live band, showing videos and previewing songs off the project,” he said, noting that there would be giveaways from sponsors, numerous music blogs filming the spectacle, and special guests in attendance. “My team and I are making sure that it’ll be an innovative and amazing show that sets the bar at a new level for up and comers!”

Check’s release party begins at 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.) at Sullivan Hall (214 Sullivan Street) in Manhattan and it’s free for anyone 18 years and older.

To learn more and to download Stars, Dreams and Elbow Grease, Check Me Out or his latest songs for free, visit Mike Check’s website, MikeCheck1212.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter. Help support Mike Check’s career by buying apparel, physical CDs or downloading his songs off iTunes.