Photos: A checker who’s also a rapper gets his break with ‘Afro Samurai 2’

Rapper Roberto “Visualeyes” McCoy listens to a track he just recorded for “Afro Samurai 2” at David Robinson’s home studio. McCoy had delivered an album in the same style as the one he’d first dropped in Robinson’s grocery bag -- aggressive rhymes, broken up by melodic vocals.   (Peter DaSilva / For The Times)

David Robinson stands by the door as rappers Terry “Tarantikno” Benjormen and Noah “Nay Steez” Stein and recording engineer Daniel Fouché record a track by Roberto “Visualeyes” McCoy (not shown) for “Afro Samurai 2” at Robinson’s home studio in Oakland.  (Peter DaSilva / For The Times)

David Robinson listen in as Oakland rappers record tracks for “Afro Samurai 2” at his home studio. To him, McCoy had the “hotness” factor.  (Peter DaSilva / For The Times)

David Robinson jokes with engineer Daniel Fouché while taking a break from recording tracks for “Afro Samurai 2” with Oakland rappers Roberto “Visualeyes” McCoy (right) and Noah “Nay Steez” Stein (rear) outside Robinson’s home studio.  (Peter DaSilva / For The Times)

Terry “Tarantikno” Benjormen, an Oakland rapper, records tracks for “Afro Samurai 2.” He was fast and energetic, often rapping with such speed he sounded like a tape on fast-forward.   (Peter DaSilva / For The Times)

Noah “Nay Steez” Stein, an Oakland rapper, records tracks for “Afro Samurai 2” at David Robinson’s home. When he, Benjormen and McCoy rapped in succession, it felt like a three-part act, each rapper telling a different story through rhythm, sound and feel.   (Peter DaSilva / For The Times)

Roberto “Visualeyes” McCoy pauses between recording tracks for “Afro Samurai 2.” He still works at the Safeway where he first gave a CD of his work to David Robinson.  (Peter DaSilva / For The Times)