Chicago-based rapper better known as has an affinity for bold soundscapes that are redefining the city’s airwaves — and now, he’s getting the “Check” he so rightfully deserves.
Brother to fellow Chi-Town lyricist Lemonxde80s, better known as’ latest offering sees his “Mr. Nice Guy” persona vanish in the blink of an eye. Not only enticing you with an energy and presence reminiscent of Texas wordsmith Mike Dimes, but possesses a star power all his own — riding “Check’s” eerily bombastic beat with both prowess and potency.
“Couple of bands / already got me a plan,” he opens with echoed ad-libs, as the track’s triumphant, bouncy production sparks head-bobbing mosh pits as soon as play is pressed. Simply put, this is the best offering yet from better known as — bringing forth an off-the-charts energy and demanding “he still wants his Check,” especially when his opps are “talking out of line with disrespect.”
Look me in my eyes, we ain’t friends
Why I gotta tell them all again
Practice what you preach, boy, don’t pretend
But this practice makes me perfect once again
better known as — “Check”
While still positioning himself in the city’s reinvented rap scene, better known as’ last full-length project WE MET IN 2025 (2020) is a passionate escapade of differing perspectives — following up his 10-track effort with two singles (“BIG POCKETS” and “THE ORIGINATOR”) in 2021. With help from lemonxde80s, the album had reignited a competitive fire between both brothers (who also form the collective Planet Brother), as their dynamic not only pushes them become better people, but better artists in the process.
“I was so proud of him,” lemonxde80s said of better known as. “Through him, I started to see what I could do now as an artist… I was proud of him for taking this journey with me because for a long time, I would have to convince him to make music. I had to literally force him when we were younger. We pushed each other. I always thought he was a better rapper than me — I always knew he was better.”
As he lays the foundation for a new project in the near future — revealing on Instagram that he’s been “working OT… got a lot more coming for y’all” — better known as’ sound is poised to set the city’s underground ablaze in due time.
Watch the new visual for “Check” below!
