Rich Homie Quan, who tragically passed away, was once outspoken about the practice of “checking in” with influential figures like Eugene “Big U” Henley during his visits to Los Angeles. In a 2022 appearance on Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion podcast, he shared his experience with checking in, emphasizing the importance of being on point in a city like L.A. “First time I ever went to L.A. […] They knew what time I landed, they knew what hotel I was at before I landed. ‘Man, we got to go pull up on Big U,’” he recalled. Quan described the experience as one rooted in community, saying, “I ain’t never had no problems,” and noting that all Big U asked for was a simple gesture—taking pictures with local kids. For Quan, checking in represented tradition and the building of connections, not paying money or engaging in street politics.
However, not all rappers shared Quan’s view of checking in. ScHoolboy Q has been particularly critical of the practice, offering a starkly different perspective on Drink Champs. “Check in with somebody that’s going to rob your stupid a**,” he remarked. “The guy that got beef with other hoods, you’re checking in with that dude?” He argued that rappers should avoid street politics and simply enjoy their time without getting caught up in potentially dangerous situations.
Now, following Quan’s death, the debate surrounding “checking in” has resurfaced, especially in light of Big U’s ongoing RICO case. Accusations of extortion and criminal activity have been linked to the practice. Prosecutors suggest it could be used to take advantage of people. Some, like the late Rich Homie Quan, saw it as a tradition of respect and community. However, others view it as a practice that could lead to harmful consequences. This conversation continues to spark debate about street dynamics in hip-hop culture.
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