A clip of SchoolBoy Q discussing “checking in” in Los Angeles has resurfaced following Eugene “Big U” Henley’s surrender on charges of running a “mafia-like” organization.
Henley was recently taken into custody, facing accusations of extortion, kidnapping, fraud, embezzlement, prostitution, and murder. His case highlights the concept of “checking in” – described in the complaint as when out-of-towners visit a city and meet with local street representatives to pay a “tax” or “fee” for freedom of movement and business operations.
SchoolBoy Q’s comments from a Drink Champs appearance last year are now circulating on social media. In the clip, Q criticizes Los Angeles’ dangerous environment for rappers due to this “checking in” practice.
“Everybody be checking in. That’s y’all favorite thing to do. Check in with somebody that’s going to rob your stupid ass,” Q stated. “You think the guy that you don’t know motherfucker in California got your back? The guy that got beef with other hoods, you’re checking in with that dude? Go to the hotel, get you something to eat, go back to the hotel, go have some fun where shit is fun. Why do you want to go over there? For what?”
He added, “Don’t call me. Motherfuckers have the nerve to call me sometimes. Like what are you talking about bro? I’m playing video games, my daughter got a soccer game tomorrow, bro. I’m not about to drive over there.”
Henley has openly discussed the “checking in” practice in the 2021 docuseries Hip Hop Uncovered. Federal authorities referenced the show multiple times in their case against him, citing statements like, “If I don’t pick up the phone, that can mean death for somebody.”
