Check'd is a politically charged hip-hop trio that operates primarily out of Portland, Oregon. Their first release - titled "The Non-Violent Fist EP" - is an impressive mix of very musical, intricate, and synthesizer heavy beats with the inspired political word play of MC’s Onegin Offegan, Jon the Rappist, and King Oliver. Producer Christopher Joseph Uehlein (Fat Jack, Julius’ Circular Petition, Eugene Symphony) brings an interesting new dynamic to the hip-hop genre with influences in all styles ranging from classical, to jazz to world music. Trumpet player Cory “Your Funk” Palacious (White Fang, Your Funk) is heard playing trumpet on four of the five tracks on the EP and provides a stable contrast to the otherwise synthesizer heavy beats. His work ranges from fiery and up-tempo to thoughtful and gentle. This EP is an excellent alternative to popular hip-hop and will ignite a powerful amount of thought, as well as dancing, during it’s listening. Introduction First of all, thank you for supporting Check’d. Without the tireless efforts of our friends, family, and fans - the three Fs - none of this could have been possible. Check’d is committed to social reform and to the concept that our ideals – politically, spiritually, socially – can be achieved through self empowerment and unity. By purchasing our CD and referring our CD to others you are supporting local music as well as freedom, social justice, unity and peace. The following is a short introduction to each of the songs on our most recent EP – Non-Violent Fist. Rocket Ship: This song’s political undertone – though subtle – focuses on three young musicians being sent into isolation in accordance with the Military Commissions Act of 2006. This bill, signed by President George W. Bush, grants him permission to do what he sees fit to anyone – non-citizen or citizen, guilty or innocent – so long as an appointed tribunal of officers declares him or her an “enemy combatant.” Rocket Ship criticizes the ludicrous bill by making light of its purposefully ambiguous clauses regarding the detainment of enemy combatants when Check’d is shot into outer space with no regard to due process. Wal-Mart on Fire: A bit less passive than Rocket Ship, Wal-Mart on Fire criticizes the shady and often evil business practices of Wal-Mart. Furthermore, the lyrics act as a constant reminder that change must come not only from inside Wal-Mart, but from inside the hearts of the people who oppose it as well. “My point is this; you can’t Google search ‘self-change.’ I mean, the words themselves you can, but the results will not be the same as if you bear through the process; the help you desire cannot always be as easy as lighting a Wal-Mart on fire.” How the Grinch Stole Democracy: Written in the style of a traditional Dr. Seuss children’s story, How the Grinch Stole Democracy highlights the Bush administration’s constant disregard towards the democratic process, specifically the scandal committed during the 2000 elections. The song narrates the Grinch’s ill-achieved rise to power from the night of his election to the pseudo-autocracy ran by the Grinch in the not-so-distant future. Imaginary Riot: This song is a farcical glimpse of our future. In it, Check’d is called by “The Professor,” who explains to them that in the future a large riot has broken out in response to the practices of a now fascist municipality. In response to the riot, the government administers a mind-control device that mutates the future Check’d into monsters. Ultimately, the heroes use music to defeat the monsters. Although this song is often humorous, it is also meant to remind us that if we continue to acquiesce to mediocrity in our social, environmental, and economic values, the future we find for ourselves may be quite similar to the one depicted in Imaginary Riot. Non-Violent Fist: As the title track of this EP, Non-Violent Fist may very well hold the most important message. In this song, many of today’s issues – including the Coca-Cola boycott, immigration, Wal-Mart, and climate adaptation – are described and called into question. Many people are indicted for their neglect to these issues and the listener is called upon to fight back. Still, the message of the song is that although the state of the world looks bleak and violence dictates much of our actions, we can rise above that and act as a vehicle for social reform without using violence.