YaKnow?Check! is a Czech Rapping, Vinyl DJing and passionate MC, carving his own path in the Australian Hip-Hop world. We sat down to talk to the focused and driven Musician about the local Hip-Hop scene, his part in the international Beat Around The World project and his involvement in Sydney’s underground label Rah! Records and one of our sponsors, the amazing people at Alchemy Clothing Company.

For those that haven’t heard your music before, how do you describe your sound?

First of all, I am Hip Hop. Thanks to that, I love a wide variety of music. The style of my rap is organic and playful but it can be sharp and hard hitting too. I use the flow and tone as a universal language and play a lot with the vibes. Sometimes little things like adlibs make you understand what is actually up. My heart beats Boom Bap but I love all styles of beats and what I love the most is experimenting. And yo! No matter where I am - it’s all in Czech.

“I am a vinyl DJ”

— YaKnow?Check!

You are a Vinyl only DJ and MC, can you explain the difference in this compared to other DJ’s on the scene?

YES, I am vinyl only DJ. I decided to go the old-fashioned way and keep the craft alive. Sometimes I feel like I am the only one that doesn’t lie about this. So many cats out there are saying “I am a vinyl DJ” but then when you come over to their gig you see them using computers and looking cool that’s all. I do understand the pros and cons of this but still…why pretend?. I also think that part of me being vinyl only and having this Hip Hop background is that I mix proper and make sure that it is all nice and smooth and uninterrupted.

As an MC, at this stage I am doing more collabs than my stuff but I must say I am busier than ever before plus it all leads to the wax as well. It all happened in Sydney where my dream came true and my verse and art appeared on vinyl. So far, I have my verse on 7” and 12” plus I did artwork for both of them.

Participation in digitally streamed events during the Covid/Lockdown period was the way to connect with fans and share music, what was that like compared to playing in front of a live audience? Was different preparation needed?

First of all, nothing compares to DJing in front of an audience. Doesn’t really matter if it’s at the beach café, cool cocktail bar or on the stage if the crowd is enjoying it and paying attention to it. In my case I am always trying to be me and bring something new, fresh and unexpected. I leave that cheesy known stuff to the other DJs and radios. My mission is to open ears and educate in a sense of what other good music is out there. I help the listener to discover other waters.

To be honest I did not do many of these online streams. I did try them but most of the time ended up fighting the copyrights and when your set is ended because of that it’s not fun at all. I asked for tips around and my friend, legendary DJ Shan Frenzie told me: “why don’t you just pre-record your set and upload it afterwards?”. I was like hell yeah, makes sense, let’s do this. So, I started pumping set after set, different themes, styles and occasions too. I did NZ music sets, Black Lives Matter Set, Hip Hop sets, 45 only sets and a jazz set as well.

Are you glad to be getting back to performing in front of real crowds?

I love performing live as a DJ or MC. I appreciate every shot, every gig, every invite. Doing this live is the best way to share the art, vibes and the energy. For me it is joy, excitement and such a good feeling when I see people enjoying what I do or coming to me and asking me questions like: “What was that record you just played? What is the language you rap in?”. If there is any chance to do this again – I am here – hit me.

“I don’t like to talk about these “mashed potato” times, but I do like to look back and see what we achieved as an artist, crew, label and friends.”

— YaKnow?Check!

2020/21 was full of uncertainty and change. For some the year came as a blessing for some a curse. How do you rate your Covid years?

Look, I don’t like to talk about these “mashed potato” times, but I do like to look back and see what we achieved as an artist, crew, label and friends. For me personally it was a big one and a good one too. I became to be a member of Rah!Records (Sydney, Australia) (the only one rapping in Czech), I became a member of Backdrop Records (Czech Republic) and yo! I connected these two antipodean labels and that is where it started to have real crazy momentum.

I released a couple of singles in a fortnight Rah! series, “One the Run” with my men Supaadry (beatmaker) and Masta Marx (MC), both young and super talented Hip Hop artists from Sydney. The other one was a big honour because I appeared to be on the track “the M.C.” with another 8 artists – Izzy, Deadbeats, Masta Marx, B.C., Branded Moore, Mighty Ash and GhostAttack. It was a big challenge because we all are rapping about emceeing, we all had 8 bars only but we all killed it, everyone went the original way. And yo, don’t tell anyone, this joint is being remixed by Stray Side as we speak and it’s going to be heavy & DOPE.

One of the most exciting projects that happened in that time was the release of the album Mighty Ash x Bugsy Ocampo – Escape from the City of Steel. I got asked to feature on the track called “Alchemists” and was given the trust to do inner art for a vinyl release. I must say that both became to be very popular which is awesome and kind and unexpected. I so appreciate the shot.

My connection with Stray Side (producer) from Backdrop Records lead to the international album Beat Around the World, that took most of the year to organise, put together and complete. It is not out yet but it will see the light of the day by the end of this year. Lots of Rah!tists on it too.

Connection between Backdrop Records and Rah!Records is getting stronger. We all are Hip Hop and nothing can stop us from confirming this with every collaboration there is. Stray Side remix for “Alchemists” is dope, “Legend Element” collaboration with Mighty Ash, Transform the MC produced by Stray Side is cool and there is heaps more to come.

YaKnow?Check! is one of the original creators of the Beat Around The World project which sees 26 MCs and 8 DJs from 7 countries, join forces under the direction of the Czech born STRAY SIDE, where did this project idea come from?

The very first idea of such a project came to my mind on Halloween 2020 and that is when the first communication started. It all happened because first of all, my friends are dope and because I couldn’t do it all even if I wanted, hah. I got beats and beats from Stray Side every day which I loved but couldn’t catch up with the speed of his production. I knew there are lots of talented MCs that need to be seen and heard on a larger scale plus I knew that Stray’s beats would inspire most of them. So, I decided to join the dots and by asking everyone to contribute with a verse or two we ended up with 26 MCs, 8DJs representing 7 countries. The idea was to bring together this talent and see what we can create together by having the underground and the known names with different languages. For me personally it was kind of research how many of these artists can do it for the love of Hip Hop culture. At this stage everything is finished, sent to the legendary vinyl press Loděnice in the Czech Republic and we are waiting. The release of the Beat Around the World album is going to be digital, physical and on vinyl with a board game.

At this stage there is the first single out( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrpEfV2YDMc ) , two music videos, number of vlogs and one more single and video on the way. Keep an eye on Backdrop Records channels.

“Maybe the biggest benefit is the more countries I have gone through, the more friends I made, so bigger the army.”

— YaKnow?Check!

What are the challenges and benefits of collaborating on a global level?

Hmmm, everything is a challenge and everything has its benefits. Maybe the biggest benefit is the more countries I have gone through, the more friends I made, so bigger the army. Having the online tools makes anything possible and it is easy to get in touch, exchange ideas, music, videos and that is what helped us the most. Funny enough, I prefer collaborating with people I meet in person but tell you what…in this case, I know most of the artists involved personally and I shook their hand or better shared track or stage with most of them. The rest are just extended connections of friend’s friends type a relationship, basically family only.

You came up with the concept and story for the album with the result being organic and fresh. How do you think the album is going to be received by the Hip Hop community worldwide?

Yeah, that’s right. I thought once we do something like this it has to be more than just a compilation album full of tracks with many artists on it. I wanted to make it more than that and I knew it is possible with Stray Side being the main man. What I did is I sat down, I walked around, I brainstormed everywhere I went and boom!

The idea was there. I came up with the story (Journey of a Hip Hop artist) and started sending artists tracks and themes. I basically put the pieces of this complex puzzle together. I knew I wanted to hear some of the artists on the same track, I know their styles plus I designed it the way that English and foreign language got mixed up and underground name was right next to some known name etc. Myself and Stray we also designed it the way that it’s got a flow: Opening –Boom Bap – hits – chill – atmo - another set of bangers with chilled ending.

There’s nearly everything on this complex album…I swear.

I am hoping that having such cool cats on the tracks will help each of the artists to be seen and heard by more Hip Hop headz from other parts of the globe. I never did it for myself but for Stray Side and the MC and DJs that contributed. The only conditions I had were: I want to take care of the artworks and have a couple of verses on it too. It did happen and I must say some of them are my dreams came true. So grateful for that.

RAH Records is an underground hip hop label based out of Sydney, which you are a member of, can you tell us about this home-grown label and how did your association come about?

It all started years ago at the Hustle & Flow Bar in Redfern in Sydney. It must have been a Rock the Block night where GhostAttack and Mighty Ash released their 7” vinyl “The Realness” the very first Rah! release. We got together and talked, I showed my respect they showed theirs and me and Ash we swapped records my one for his and that was the very first beginning of a long fun run. Then we met here and there, shared the stage and also a couple of tracks and now we all are labelmates which is awesome if you ask me. It means a lot to me and I am grateful for such a company of talented people. Since we started recording/working we have never stopped and have plans for months ahead. Stay tuned.

Rah Records work exclusively with Newcastle based Alchemy Clothing for all the labels Merchandise and they have also created a YaKnow?Check! range. How much input do you have in the designs and styles of what your pseudonym will feature on?

Alchemy? Who’s Alchemy? Oh, Alchemy Clothing Company!!! Oh man, this is such a support and love from them. They do everything! All of the Rah! artists merch and put my merch up as well, they started doing slipmats for turntables, record bags, cool keyrings and many more. There are rumours that Alchemy Clothing Company might help with the Beat Around the World official merch for Australia but it is not confirmed yet so you better keep an eye on them and #YASSBATW.

About the design for my Tee. It’s based on my idea but this time (which is unusual to me) is done by someone else. My idea was putting all of the countries I have some attachment to through my Hip Hop/Vinyl adventures, together. This awesome WORLDWIDE design is done by my best mate who’s trying to make living by hand writing – Teo from Platform A.T. from Slovakia. I usually design everything myself but this time I was just too busy and thought I might help out in tough times and I see the reason why now. The design is DOPE and I couldn’t do it any better. It’s WORLDWIDE baby!

You’re a producer in your own right and have worked with Artists and Producers here and internationally, is there a difference in approach or method in Australia to the rest of the world?

Well, I am executive producer of the album Beat Around the World but I don’t do beats myself. I am mostly vinyl DJ and MC and yes, I did work with cats all over the world. I did lots of live shows and some recording back in the Czech Republic, some recordings and radio shows in London (UK), freestyles in Vancouver (Canada), writing and performing in New Zealand, recording, performing, radio shows and live shows in Australia and happened to writing and recording one track in Samoa which was amazing experience, right on the island of Savai’I

The approach is no different, I always go to places, clubs, gigs and observe first, then I talk to someone and that leads me to the right person and then we are talking business, hahah, DJ set or some mic check. That all usually ends up by me making new friends and when the overall constellation is right, we end up recording or sharing the stage in the future. The only thing in my case is my language but if you listen to my style and flow you feel the energy and understand that Hip Hop is a universal language.

What has been your favourite event to perform at, or person you have performed with? What's been the highlight in your career so far personally? And why?

The highlight of my Hip Hop life as an artist is having my verses pressed on wax that’s for sure. That was a dream come true and it happened twice already and some more is prepping as we speak, but shhhh. Favourite event? There’s been quite a few of them…stage diving back in my hometown, performing Alchemists with ma man Mighty Ash at Sounds Espresso in Marrickville, Sydney was cool and as a DJ it did feel so good to have my set up right on Martin Place. Last time I went back home I got invited to this cool spot overlooking Prague right by this world known metronome and did my 45 set. I had some plans but when the B-Boys showed up it took different direction and I just couldn’t stop keeping it pumping for them…there was the essence of Hip Hop in the air…the force was with us that day. Also doing vinyl only tribute to one and only J-Dilla live on legendary Hardcore Classic on 2SER Radio In Sydney in presence of one of the most original and humble Hip Hop headz – Tom Rock, that was something!!! No mistakes allowed; you know what I mean?

Who would be your dream or ultimate collab be with?

Oh, this one is a difficult one also because some of my dreams came true in the past. Beat from DJ Fatte – tick, Vinyl – tick, Mighty Ash – tick, Izzy and The Profit – tick, PIO Squad member - tick, 3ck – tick, etc. I am not too crazy about these, but there is this collab I’d love to do with Czech cats because lots of people say I sound like them, I mean my voice and I’d like to hear it all on one track. These guys are Kato from Prago Union and Late from De Fuck To. Just out of curiosity and because I respect them since day one.

I think my dream in Australia came true by doing tracks with Mighty Ash – ma favourite Aussie emcee and this legendary duo Izzy and The Profit. Actually doing track with L.Fresh or Sampa the Great would be something but man they might be just to fat to hear me calling their names, hah. I am not that pushy type of guy; I only like to put the idea on the table and see if they take it or leave it. If they do, I am happy If they, don’t I am not sad.

Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?

The very first one took place in Jihlava in the Czech Republic. I believe it was year 2000 or around that time. Yeah, it was a fun one, the instro’s were pretty bad due to us having not much experience and also rushing it for the gig. Lots of good memories from that night. Freestyling with one of the legendary crew Index (shout out to the whole south) outside in the park.

Also stealing mics in between acts or after the main act was my specialty. I always sneaked up on the stage asked the DJ for some instrumental. After the reaction “what? who are you kid?” they usually did it and I performed some of my written’s with some freestyle and made the crowd scream. That must have been what kept me going all the way till now. The good vibes.

“I’ve experienced what it means to be Hip Hop and felt the power of its universal force and unity”

— YaKnow?Check!

In your journey as a performer/ musician have you changed? Is life much different for you from when you started out?

Oh yeah, that’s hundred percent. From observing the whole Hip Hop culture and being there when it sneaked into our lives and took over streets and TV all the way to fully confident Hip Hop head – MC, vinyl DJ and everything in between. I had the opportunity to see how Hip Hop culture is doing in different parts of the world, I’ve experienced what it means to be Hip Hop and felt the power of its universal force and unity as well as I saw how the battle mentality took a wrong turn and got misunderstood for fights and violence. It’s ok, it all has its part in our lives even though some of the aspects of it are not nice…that’s life…Hip Hop is life.

For me it all started with writing about the troubles and struggles we were going through as a teenager, then it transformed in to the party type of themes and because of my travels and being on the run I made it to the point where I got influenced by the distance from my family, my travels and cultures I see on the way plus trying to avoid most of the negativity that is so easy to write about. I do it, but occasionally and in a different way with different choice of words. And yes! It is possible.

Also, the values changed over the years and all of that wild life style and looking for some action transformed in to creating good vibes, using the power of being emcee to do some good. It is not the easiest way but it is fulfilling.

Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?

My friends are DOPE and they all deserve a shout out…the whole Rah! crew and the whole Backdrop crew too. Who definitely deserves heaps more spotlight is Stray Side (that is why #YASSBATW), Mighty Ash (check EFTCOS and you know why), Supaadry, Threatinque, Masta Marx, Branded Moore, Džonass sa Re, AzBest…don’t forget about the DJs Flux, Mirror, Mathmatics holding it down…dedication and style of these Hip Hop artists is unbelievable and the vibes they create are FRESH. Headz should show some love to them and those they collab with. Remember the good old days? Checking artists on the featuring that lead to another crew and labels.

I also would love to show my respect and love to Scratches Records (Australia) for keeping it real and RECORDINACE (Czech) for staying true and humble. Also, YaKnow?VELMEZ is a secret code but you know who you are!!!

Where to from here for YaKnow?Check!? What can we expect in 2022 and beyond?

Hahah, 2022 is just too far for me right now, hahah. You can expect big things in 2021 with the drop of Stray Side – Beat Around the World on Backdrop Records and some other projects that are cooking on Rah! Records but are kept secret right now. 2022? If you ask me there are many ideas and plans but what is going to happen only the universe knows. The best you can do is keep an eye on things. Support true Hip Hop.

Big thank you to everyone who supported me on my journey, who’s keeping ear and eye on what I do, shares or spreads the word.

Peace & Respect

WORLDWIDE

YaKnow?

YaKnow?Check!