Checkmate is a story of a misguided young man who had to learn the hard way that the streets are a myth and they love no one. To most, it’s just a game. This young kid developed a knack for the game of chess and maneuvers his way from a pawn with deadly aspirations to someday being crowned king. He views people as mere pieces on the chessboard—part of the game. Seeing that most of the boys his age from his neighborhood are—in some shape, form, or fashion—part of the game, he knew very few understood the rules and even fewer abided by them. The older he got, the more he realized that he had too much to lose—a tough pill to swallow. And as it is said for most, a true player of the game finds it difficult to throw in the towel, but damn sure doesn’t wanna die, captured in someone’s prison. He then realized that his belief in the false narrative of the game and how it’s to be played is a farce, along with its invisible code. Eventually, he was forced to be honest with himself. There has never been—or ever will be—any honor amongst thieves. Like murder, lying, cheating, and stealing, snitching is also part of the game. The street code was—and in his opinion, is still—used to keep the low-level soldiers and underlings in check, allowing the top-tier guys to stay in their position, at the top, as kings! The very moment that things, however they may seem, begin to shift, people start to talk. While not suggesting that all do, it’s fair to say the ones who stay silent due to their strong moral belief in the G code and keeping their street honor intact are in the minority. Rule 1: Don’t get checkmated Rule 2: If you throw bricks at the penitentiary long enough, know eventually that the doors will open to welcome you in. Rule 3: Know that the toughest and baddest killer, robber, gangster, dope dealer in your hood will set you up for the kill or snitch on you. It’s just that simple…CHECKMATE.