Green’s Dictionary of Slang

check n.²

(US black) power, influence.

1970

G. Scott-Heron Vulture (1996) 91: I didn’t care about controlling the Juniors, because they didn’t really hold a lot of check.

In phrases

in check

(US teen) under control.

1977		N.C. Heard When Shadows Fall 222: ‘Just remember what I said. Keep your ass in check or I’m gonna ram a hot poker up it!’.
1999		Guardian G2 16 July 8: He’s not only got you all in check.
2000		Ebonics Primer at www.dolemite.com 🌐 in check Definition: when a male obeys his female (or female obeys her male too much) Example: Damn gurl, he be pagin you bout erey 10 minis. You got dat nigga in check.
2003		Eble Campus Sl. Nov.