Ass Check

The term "high-tone" - problematic?  Been over a couple of dictionaries and not running into any immediate warning signs, but it feels like it could have some unfortunate connotations (I have some quarter remembered notion of a place where it was used with obvious racist overtones, but I could be thinking of a different phrase).  At the same time, it feels like the right word to use in the place where I used it, so I don't want to just drop it without checking.  The only place I reliably remember seeing it used is on Randall Flagg's t-shirt in The Stand.  Which, really, doesn't mean anything.
If it does have some racist or colorist connotations, rest assured, I will find another way to communicate the thought.