Local Hip Hop Artist Goes for the Gold

On Thursday, aspiring MC and Greenport native Mike Check took the stage at the Hip Hop Unplugged Finals music industry showcase at Crash Mansion in New York City. Hundreds of guests gathered, including more than fifty local residents, to support the three finalists in the competition as they showcased their skills for industry professionals.

"It was great," Mike said of the event. "I didn't come out with a win, but it was a great night."

Although he did not win in the final round of the industry showcase series, Mike said it was well worth it.

"My hometown came out to support me, friends from seven different states traveled to see it, I got good feedback from the judges and I made a lot of contacts."

Those judging the show were industry professionals and those contacts may come in handy for Mike in the future.

"I'm just trying to create a buzz and, for now, I want to try and do this independently," said Mike. "It is inevitable that the labels will approach us, but we'd like to take control of our own destiny if we can. But, if we need the major push, then we'll think about that."

Currently, Mike putting the finishing touches on a mix tape due out by the New Year. In 2011, he said that he is going to start a promotion campaign to get his music on all of the major hip hop blogs.

"That is crucial in today's game," he said. "That's where all the hip hop fans get new music from."

Also performing on stage with Mike was his cousin, Erika Cabral, who is no stranger to the music scene. Erika, a former music director at Greenport Public Schools, once had a brief music career of her own.

"When I was just starting to get serious, she featured me on a few of her songs and I did a couple performances with her here and there," Mike said. "I pulled her out of retirement for this."

Erika sang on stage with Mike during the last round of the competition as well, he said.

Many of those that travelled from the East End to the show were part of a bus trip organized by Crystal Anderson, 27, founder of the Forever Young Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating a healthy and fun environment for local youth in memory of her late cousin Corey Freeman, who was killed in a car accident on Route 48 in Southold nearly a year ago. The proceeds from this event will be given to a family in need this holiday season.