Queens (2021) s01e10 Episode Script
Nasty Girl Records
1
Life can be so bitter and sweet
- It's more than just lyrics and beats
- Who's this?
- I'm Thomas.
- My husband.
Crazy, I know.
But life is short.
I'm sure your religious upbringing didn't help with your sexuality.
I'm also the daughter of a deacon who literally prayed over kids he thought might be gay.
Lady Z I mean, one of the coldest female emcees in hip-hop history.
I mean, she was a real rival.
I was driven out of the business - because I assaulted Frank Black.
- Right.
That's not the whole story.
There's not a label that's for artists, run by women, supporting other women that isn't out just for the money.
The hell is Nasty Girl Records? Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! What up, L.
A.
?! You know what it is.
We got a legend in the buildiiing! - You got this.
- Steppin' up to massacre the mic for the first time in 20 years, make some noise for the silver-tongued assassin, Lady Z! Let's go, baby.
What's goin' on, L.
A.
? Yo, I still have dreams of be in' on top But I'm from where the bottom is I'm really the mother of this and I ain't even got a kid Yeah, I bag groceries and I ain't really proud of it But I chose silence over violence And that was the consequence Ain't wanna get into it, that's why I got out of it Got a pile of talent but the game is all politics It's Hype 109.
I'm Justin Credible.
We have the Queens on the show today.
How y'all feeling? Thank you, Justin, for having us.
We're so happy to be here.
- Thank you so much for having us.
- It's the vibe.
What are What are we hyping up? What are we talking about today? The launch of our new venture, Nasty Girl Records.
We are the first full-service record label for women by women.
But the world ain't ready.
Now, are are you going by just Muffin now? Yeah, my new steeze is a little Lauren, a Lil Lil Muffin.
- Same flavor, just more baked.
- Baked, I heard that.
Okay, now I got to ask y'all We've got bitter rivals on the same label.
Xplicit, Lady Z.
How the hell are we gonna make this happen? 'Cause I don't give a damn what they say 'Cause I see you for who you are Takin' your place upon the throne I need you see it because I believe it 'Cause if they only knew All of the things that we've been through They don't want you to win But they can't stop you from winning I'm doing a warm-up show tonight.
Then we have the official Nasty Girl Records launch event - at Staples Center.
- That's big.
So, will all the Queens be performing? Nah.
The Queens without Professor Sex is not a thing.
We're pouring our heart and our soul - And money.
- into Nasty Girl Records.
They, they can't stop me Nah, nah They, they can't stop me - Nah, nah - They, they can't stop But they can't stop you from winnin' - Nah, nah - Now, now, now Now, there's some issues with the industry It's official, it isn't me I seen the lies and realized how they depicted me Lady Z, I got to put you on the spot.
The last we heard from you, you were throwin' hands with Frank Black.
Look, Frank Black is the past.
That's right, and Nasty Girl Records is the future.
Over charge for the Cold Crush and what they did to me Was livin' in infamy, I'm a woman of dignity Hold the torch for all my girls, Lady Frank Black should get slapped for showing up at Zadie's performance.
- Yo, you okay? - I'm annoyed.
After 20 years, this asshole still affects me.
- We got to do something.
- What can we do? - Press charges! - It was 20 years ago.
The statute of limitations been gone.
I should've never come back.
Look, Frank and every other man in this business, in this world, who uses their power and privilege to take advantage of people are the problem, not you.
And they won't stop until they get checked.
We're about to launch an indie record label.
You want to take on one of the biggest producers in the game? - Hell yeah.
- We can't change the system if we don't get this label off the ground.
Listen, I'm disgusted by what Frank did to Zadie, but I But you don't want to do anything about it? There's nothing to do.
Listen, I signed with NGR.
I want this comeback.
You think you're the only one he did it to? He's probably still doing it.
Frank found me.
He produced my first mixtape.
I never saw anything like that.
But I also didn't put myself in positions where he could do something to me.
Don't do that.
Don't blame me! You don't know me! You a damn child! - We're good.
- Okay.
Look, if we if we can't go to the cops, we go to the press.
If we sway public opinion, - it might inspire other women to come - No.
I'm not gonna be the face of the crusade.
I froze.
I messed up.
It won't happen again.
I need some sleep.
How do I know you're not a serial killer? You don't, I guess.
How do I know you're not a serial killer? Because I'm a woman and I'm not white.
Good point.
Afraid to ask, but where's this coming from? Trying to write this song about you, but it's not coming to me.
Because I might be a serial killer? Because we don't know each other.
Most marriages end in divorce.
I'm pretty sure most of those people thought they knew who they were marrying.
Serial killers don't usually go around advertising that they want to kill serially.
I can't even remember the first time you told me you loved me.
I can't either.
When did I say it? Did you say it? This is weird.
It's charming.
It's weird.
How have we not said it to each other? Don't say it now.
Because you're not sure that I'm not a serial killer.
Because it's weird.
You're right.
We skipped the whole "getting to know you" phase.
Fortunately, we're in luck.
"Fall in Love in 50 Questions: A Quiz for You and Your Soulmate.
" Okay, let's find out which one of us is a serial killer.
Describe your ideal date.
Camping in Big Sur, slow dancing by the fire, sleeping under the stars.
Renting out the spa at the Peninsula, a trip to Jacob the Jeweler, making love sans PJs on a PJ.
Private jet, duh.
Go-to comfort food.
Flan de queso because duh.
Most embarrassing moment.
I got stage fright during my valedictorian speech and vomited on Principal Thorpe's shoes.
My love language is gifts.
Words of affirmation.
"Gone Girl.
" Serial killer.
- "Harry Potter.
" - Serial killer? My biggest fear is failure and koalas.
I'm scared of dying alone.
Hey, last question.
What's your most prized possession? I would say my engagement ring if I had one.
But, um It's actually this.
I haven't showed it to anybody yet.
The P.
I.
gave it to me about a week before I met you.
It's the only photo he could find of my mother.
That's me in her arms.
You look just like her.
Beautiful.
It almost looks like she loved me.
Of course she loved you.
How could anyone not? Because nobody loves me.
I love you.
I liked that quiz.
It wasn't as dumb as I expected.
Yeah.
Thanks for being game.
Show of hands Who here has done something you consider unforgivable? Mm-hmm.
That good ol' Catholic guilt.
Many have a harder time forgiving themselves than forgiving others.
When we say, "Love thy neighbor as thyself," we don't focus nearly enough on the second part.
According to that famous verse, self-love is the standard by which we should measure all, and the ultimate form of love is mercy.
If we're all worthy of God's grace no matter how we've sinned, then we must extend that same grace inward.
To forgive ourselves is power.
To forgive ourselves is to know eternal life.
How can we ask others to forgive us if we are incapable of forgiving ourselves? And since we are all made in His image, to forgive ourselves is to love God.
Amen.
Amen.
That was incredible.
Truly moving.
Your delivery, the message.
It really spoke to me, and I just want to Apologize to your father.
Sorry, Daddy.
E, I'm worried about Zadie.
I'm worried about her.
I'm worried about the label.
Every dime all of us have is into this thing.
I'm not sure our first artist is ready for all this.
Supporting artists like Zadie is the reason Nasty Girl Records exists.
We'll make it work.
You are the most resilient woman I've ever met.
Mr.
Black.
Mm.
E-Roc? What up, my boy? Frank Black.
Ah! Long time, my guy.
Yes, sir.
Yeah.
Ms.
Naomi.
Please, don't get up.
I wasn't planning on it.
Good to see you, too.
This is my new heat right here.
Oh, yeah, this, she gonna be the new Flo Milli, you know? We know how you operate.
Everything you touch turns to gold.
Absolutely.
Hey, congratulations on Nasty Girl Records, man.
It was a great move signing Zadie.
You know, she's one of the illest lyricists I've ever worked with.
Too bad she let that damn temper go to her head.
Do me a favor, man.
When you see her, tell her I said I'm rootin' for her.
Bet.
Yeah.
Hey, wait.
I'mma come to the Staples Center and come check out that showcase.
You know I wouldn't miss that for the world.
Yes, sir.
How can you dap that monster up? - Just being polite.
- To a rapist.
That's cool.
I'm on your side.
I'm on Zadie's side.
Look, none of this is ever gonna change until people stop trying to save face and stand up for what's right.
Should we order? I done lost my appetite.
Since when do they have Trini food in Los Angeles? Well, I researched this place when Aunt Vasta told me you were visiting L.
A.
Mm.
It's mediocre.
Definitely not up to your mom's level.
How could it be? How long are you here? A few days.
I'm officiating a wedding.
Oh.
It's good to see you.
- You look healthy.
- I am.
Surprising, since you've been behaving so erratically.
I've been through a lot.
So I've seen on the news.
Have you stopped to reflect? It's kind of all I've been doing.
On how your actions affect those around you? I know you don't agree with my lifestyle Let's not turn this into me being a gay-hating religious bigot, okay? That's too easy.
Being gay is one thing.
How you handle it is another.
What did you expect from your husband who found out his wife was a lesbian at an awards show? That didn't just impact Darren.
It impacted our entire family.
Did you ever pause to think about that? I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, too, for having to put my hands on you.
But it's my job to protect my child.
I've had a hard time going back to Queens since Mom's funeral.
How are you holding up? All is fine when you walk in the path of Jesus.
Amen.
Oh, man, I'll tell you, the coldest MCs are always the women.
That's why I always work with the ladies, you know? I create a space and I let their voices shine.
Now, this right here, this is Hood Honey.
She spits fire, she looks like fire.
I discovered her in a show in Compton.
She about to be a superstar.
Yeah, I'm about to go from Hood Honey to hood rich thanks to my mentor Frank.
Jojo has class tonight? She said she wanted to go to the movies.
Yo, you heard me? You think you can get me a contact on Hood Honey? Flan de queso.
Oh.
I thought the Louis bag was a funny twist.
Oh.
You know, flan de queso isn't easy to find.
Then Eric told me about a place the two of you went to.
You know I'm on a pre-show diet.
Promise I won't tell your trainer.
You had to go to Eric to find something special for me? - The name of a restaurant.
- Whatever.
You're serious? You're seriously mad? Would you be mad if it were actually a purse? - Don't insult me.
- That seems impossible at the moment.
Look, look, I'm sorry.
I tried to do something nice.
- Clearly, I missed the mark.
- I'm not hungry.
I'm tired, I'm stressed about the performance.
Let's chill then.
Reset.
Let's not talk about work or flan or any food of any kind and just chill.
I appreciate it, but I'm gonna need a little time.
I love you.
Thanks.
Hey.
Leah.
Naomi.
Thank you for coming.
I always wondered when someone would call to ask about Frank.
I didn't expect it to be you.
Come in.
One second.
Let's talk.
I was 16 doing a talent show in Compton.
My phone rings the next morning, and my mom is like, "Frank Black wants to meet you.
" Frank Black, Frank Black? I grew up listening to that man's records.
He was the first person to tell me I could make money from my music.
He helped me with my demo.
He was my manager, mentor, father figure.
I thought he was my friend.
It happened slowly.
And you can't really tell where it begins or what it really is.
And he makes you so dependent on him that questioning whether it's right or wrong feels like you're being ungrateful.
I don't know if I ever said no.
I let it happen.
And then I thought it was what I wanted, so how could I tell anyone? You were a child.
I found out I was pregnant the week my album flopped.
Then he disappeared, wouldn't return my calls.
Finally I-I rolled up on him at a party mascara pouring down my face from the tears.
I told him I was pregnant.
For a second, he stopped, and he looked at me like I was a person.
I just knew I had gotten through to him, you know? Then he just reached in his pocket, and he handed me $2,000 and said "Go take care of whoever's it was.
" I never saw him again.
Have you ever thought about coming forward? What's the point? It's done.
Naomi says to start without her.
Something came up with the Frank Black situation, so she's meeting with Zadie.
Why can't people just let the past go? I thought Gen Zs were supposed to be mad woke.
You have been insanely unsympathetic to Zadie.
Life is full of these gray areas, and either you do something about it or you put it behind you and let it go.
Can I crash at your place tonight? Thomas and I got into it, and I could use the space.
You know I live at Naomi's with Muffin and Eric.
Like a hostel? I'm sure there's a room in the Ritz.
So you're, what, two weeks into marriage and you're already trying to get out? Something's not clicking with Thomas.
He brought me my favorite carbs hidden inside a Louis Vuitton shopping bag.
- The bastard.
- Ouch.
And then we realized we never said "I love you" to each other, so then he said it.
I didn't like the way he said it, so I didn't say it back So this marriage is basically doomed.
- Basically.
- I think she was kidding.
- I was.
- Oh.
Look, I know you, and I know what you're doing.
You're trying to sabotage something that could be good.
Or maybe everyone was right all along and I did something impulsive and dumb and I should turn back before I can't.
But you got to try hard.
That's all I'm saying.
I got to go soon.
My dad's in town.
I told him I'd join him for Bible study.
Hold up.
Your mean-ass deacon daddy is in town? Chill, he's my dad.
You said he prays the gayness out of gay babies.
I'd say that's pretty mean.
Parents are complicated.
This man raised me.
You're 40, not 14.
Blood is not a good enough reason to have someone in your life who doesn't treat you with respect.
- I can't tell him that.
- Yes, you can.
My mom passed about two years ago, and it's not like I've been around very much to help.
So your mom died and he gets to be an asshole? When is the world gonna stop making excuses for terrible men? Says the woman who's running away from a man who isn't an asshole.
Leah was 16 in that photo.
That's when Frank started abusing her.
Why are you riding me like this? Because I was onstage with you when you saw Frank.
I saw what happened to you.
And I don't think you should have to give up on music just because you stood up for yourself.
We like to think that the world is a different place today than it was in 1999, but it's not.
Money wins, power wins.
Men win.
How can you guarantee that if I tell my story, other women'll come forward? I can't.
But the only thing I know for sure is that if nobody comes forward, then Frank gets to do this to all of his protégés.
Zadie, I found a journalist that wants to talk to you.
She's good.
She's one of us, and she will have your back.
What do you say? Frank and I were in the studio late one night.
I got tired, so I told him I was gonna sleep on the couch before I got back in the booth.
He said he'd wake me up in 30.
I remember waking up because I was cold.
I thought maybe my blanket had fallen off, but when I opened my eyes, I saw that my shirt had been unbuttoned and he was trying to undo my jeans.
I was like, "Yo, what are you doing?" And he looked at me so calmly and asked, "Why would you fall asleep here if you didn't want this to happen?" He was so cool and matter of fact about it that it threw me off.
I was in shock.
How could it be wrong if he was so okay about it? I feel like I blacked out for a few minutes, but then the feeling came back to me when he did more.
I knew it was wrong, and I reacted again and again.
It felt like he was just waiting for me to run out of gas.
He was just so damn calm.
That's the thing that haunts me the most.
But I kept hitting him until I had enough space to run.
It wasn't until the cops showed up at my place that I even found out that I broke his jaw.
They were so damn aggressive that I thought I'd done something wrong.
I got raped and arrested on the same night.
After a few hours in jail, my lawyer came and he said he could get the charges dropped as long as the story stayed with me, so that's what I did.
But after I got out, no producer would give me a track 'cause I was the hood chick that breaks producers' jaws.
You know who hired my attorney? Frank.
That's the game.
That's what Frank Black did to me.
I am so sorry that this happened to you.
I don't even have the words.
I don't need sympathy.
I don't need an apology.
I need Frank Black to be held accountable.
I promise to do my part.
What a glorious morning to topple the patriarchy.
Right.
Zadie's story on Frank is supposed to run today.
It's already out.
I told you I didn't want to do this.
I knew this is how it would go.
"It would be impossible not to be moved by Lady Z's account of the events nearly 20 years ago, but we'd also be foolish not to question the timing and what she stands to gain from spinning a different narrative than the one we've previously known.
" Frank's people must've gotten to them.
I never should've listened to you.
You did the right thing, no matter what this article says.
It's so easy to lead the charge when it costs you nothing.
I'm sorry.
You dragged me back into this! And now all your lame, self-serving ass is offering is a weak apology? You are obsessed with fixing problems that ain't got nothing to do with you.
This is never gonna change.
This is the world we live in.
The only thing that people like me, the victims, can do is bury it inside and move on, because the result is the same.
Now I have to live with the pain again.
I will not shed another tear over this.
Frank Black doesn't get anything else from me.
Done with you and Nasty Girl Records.
No, wait.
"In an effort to salvage the shambles of her career, Zadie capitalizes on the Me Too movement by reinventing herself as a victim, coincidentally, just in time to debut new music.
" I mean, not only have I ruined a woman's life, I might've just tanked Nasty Girl Records.
Naomi.
Okay.
Hey, Daddy.
It's me.
Daddy? What? Daddy! Daddy.
Come on.
Jill, baby, you're home.
I'm so glad you're home.
Come on, let's get you in bed.
Come on, come on.
Hey.
Are you gonna cancel the showcase now that Zadie's out? I'm not sure it matters.
I mean, we can't put on the showcase when our number-one draft pick just quit, and Muffin, with her new flow, is gonna have to build a fan base again.
You should go home and do something fun with your, uh husband? I'm sorry, I I'm still getting used to it.
I'm still getting used to you being a dad.
We grown now.
Are we? Do we really change? We say we do, but is that really real? It's too early for the deep stuff.
Thomas told me he loved me, and, uh, instead of saying it back, I ran away.
I found issues.
You know, usually brides get cold feet before the wedding.
I've only said it to two people.
Do you? Love him? I don't know him.
That summer "Nasty Girl" dropped was wild.
I went from being homeless, living in my car to flying private to St.
Barts with you.
We had fun.
The other person I said "I love you" to was a woman impersonating my mom.
The only love I know is wrong.
It's crazy, it's angry.
It's confusing.
It hurts.
But it's the only love I know.
I don't know if I see that with Thomas.
I want to hurt.
I want to be confused.
I want to want it.
I can't let you do this.
I've known you for a long time, and it hurts my heart to hear you sound like someone who doesn't deserve to be loved.
You shouldn't hurt, V.
You shouldn't be confused.
And you shouldn't want anyone or anything that doesn't want you.
From what I see, Thomas wants you.
No dramatics, no games.
He is ready to take on all the extra you got.
And you got plenty.
Don't turn your back on it for something that was real, but it wasn't right.
Come on.
People do change.
What's up, guys? I, um I got to take off.
You ready to talk? It really is good to see you, baby.
Hmm.
Dad, did did you drink all these bottles? 62 years, I never touched the stuff.
Now she's not there.
Why would He let her leave? It was just her time, Daddy.
The hell does that mean? He spit in my face after I gave Him all of the glory, all that I have.
Okay.
You should come home like this more often.
I told you, it's hard for me.
And What? Say it.
You want to say it.
It just feels like who I am disappoints you.
I talk to her every Sunday after church.
We watched your performance at the BET Awards.
I didn't fully understand what you were saying, but you looked happy.
That's what I told your mom.
You were a happy little girl.
And then, I don't know, you weren't.
Did I Was I the reason you were unhappy? You did the best with what you knew.
All right, let's lay you down.
Come on.
I'm proud of you.
I love you.
Wade in the water Wade I love you, too, Daddy.
in the water, children Wade in the water God's gonna trouble the water Wade in the water Wade in the water Wade in the water, children Wade in the water, children Wade in the water God's gonna trouble the water You're really not gonna perform? What do you care? See that whole star dressed in white Frank assaulted me, too.
God's gonna trouble the water And I have proof that can bring him down.
Ohh, wade in the water Lil Lauren, what's up? I left you a couple messages.
I hope you're not feelin' some kind of way about the other night.
I had a few drinks.
Maybe you were sending the wrong messages.
I don't know.
I just want to make sure we're all good.
I also sent the single out to Interscope this morning.
They're into it.
Hit me back.
That's the voicemail he left me the night after.
That's the first night I ever had a drink.
I had about 10.
I never told anyone what he did because I-I felt like I owed him.
I still feel that way, messed up as it is.
Every song on that mixtape reminds me of that night.
I never called Frank back.
I started over.
I found Eric.
And I don't know.
I-I'm just trying my best to act like it never happened.
Why'd you say he never touched you? I don't know.
I felt alone.
That's kinda the worst part.
No one knows.
You're alone.
I know.
I know.
But we're not.
We're not.
These men only win when we give up.
Don't give up.
Don't give up.
And I'll I'll speak up.
Let's make sure he never makes another woman feel like this.
Yes.
I think you think I'm some kind of pushover, a sound engineer who can't possibly understand how complicated your life and your past is.
You're wrong.
That quiz gave you 50 reasons to fall in love with me, but there are 150 reasons why you shouldn't.
I am a vain, selfish, materialistic high-school dropout who clawed her way to the top by screwing over the only people who've ever loved her.
I am so scared of abandonment, I have a panic attack if the Uber driver cancels on me.
"Do they hate me? Does he think I'm ugly? Do they think I won't tip well because I'm Puerto Rican?" And when they do pick me up, I'm mad because they don't recognize me.
And I just tried to kiss my ex because I thought it would make me feel good.
That's me.
That's your wife.
And there are 143 more reasons why you should run.
What the hell is wrong with you? - I just told you.
- No, not that.
That is insanely immature.
But I'm learning that's who you are sometimes.
What I don't get is how someone as deep as you are, who's accomplished so much when they had no business making it out of Queens, tries so hard to convince people that they're too superficial and vain to be loved.
Does that not exhaust you? - It does.
- So stop! What we did was incredibly stupid.
I have doubts.
I have a brain.
I wonder.
We jumped off a cliff.
We did that.
Now we just keep jumping.
Why do you fight so hard for something you don't really know anything about? It makes absolutely no sense to fall in love with someone in 12 hours, but I've fallen in love enough times to know what it really feels like, and that's what I felt.
I'm not giving that up.
I love you.
Even if you're too scared to tell me that you love me.
I love you.
Then can we stop the crap and start getting to know one another? Okay.
Okay.
You're hot.
You're my husband.
And I want to make out.
You're really just determined to make out with someone in the studio today.
I guess so.
I'm sure you're hungry.
Who let you in here? The door was open.
So you just walked in and moved my belongings? Your liquor.
What business of yours is that? Let's just sit down and eat.
I'm sure you're hungover.
I'm not hungry, I'm not hungover.
Look, I've had my issues with addiction.
Now, I called around to a few places back home that could help you.
I walk in the path of Jesus.
As always, I encourage you to join me.
I know you're going through a lot.
And you don't help! Constantly flaunting your lifestyle in my face.
All your mother and I did our entire lives was to try to teach you morals and discipline and a Godly work ethic, and all we got in return was rebellion and disgrace and ungratefulness.
I'm sorry.
I should go.
I think that's best.
You don't love me because you can't.
Because you don't love yourself.
I'm not sure that you even love God, or if you just love the fact that you can use the Bible to justify the hate in your heart.
I love God.
I have that in my heart, which is why I keep coming back to you, hoping you'll be different! Hoping that you will finally accept me for who I am.
That's love.
That is God.
You know, I have been fighting for your approval my whole life, but after 40 years, I don't even want it.
I'm done.
I'm proud of who I am.
I'm Jill Da Thrill, the rapping lesbian who is worthy of unconditional love, and if you won't give it to me, then you can go to hell! And if you ever, ever put your hands on me again, I swear to God, I will have your old, drunk ass arrested.
You know, I wish I had realized this sooner, but I don't need you.
I want back in the show.
The world needs to hear what I have to say.
From my mouth.
Not from lawyers, not from press.
It has to come from me.
Are you sure, Zadie? I don't want to So sure.
Help me write something.
I'd be honored.
Let's get him.
Let's launch this record label.
All right, all right! If you're a nasty girl livin' in a nasty world, say, "Hell yeah!" - Hell yeah! - Hell yeah! That's what I want to hear, L.
A.
And shout-out to the 300,000 of you live-streaming from home.
300,000? - We got you.
- Yes.
No matter what happens after this, no matter who tries to come for you, we got your back, as a label and as a family.
- You got this.
- Okay, hands in.
You got this.
Nasty Girl Records! Let's go! Frank just arrived.
- We good? - We're good.
Let's welcome to the stage Lady Z! Lady Z! Lady Z! - Get 'em, girl! - Get 'em, Z.
What's up, L.
A.
? I wrote a song so that you would hear it straight from my mouth.
It's called "Best of Me," and it goes out to survivors everywhere.
Unh Lady Zadie Yeah Lady Z Me and my girls, we run it Us forever, we run it Said we can't, but we done it Best of me and you love it We forever and ever, ever Nobody is better We together forever, ever Nobody is better Me and my girls, we run it Us forever, we run it Said we can't, but we done it Best of me and you love it We forever and ever, ever Nobody is better We together forever, ever Nobody is better Look, it's not me, it was you Saying that wasn't easy I lied about the truth Cuz I thought they wouldn't believe me Thought I did something wrong Yeah, I thought I was the reason Looked like a nice guy I guess looks are deceiving You used a knife called trust My cuts was bleeding With every unwanted touch Those cuts was deepened I wasn't never sleeping And I was barely eating It's like all my mistreatment Became my biggest weakness And then I told my girls Together they helped me defeat it And now we all stronger cuz it's no longer a secret No apology needed Your "sorry," you can keep it Now you're exposed for who you really are Hip-hop mega producer Frank Black has been arrested and held without bail on multiple charges of rape and sexual battery.
It don't matter your age, if you're old or a youth There is nothing to fear about telling your truth If it's killing you inside, let me be living proof I walked around with that baggage Yeah, I was in your shoes My girls gave me courage And it was hard to choose But I had so much to gain And just the pain to lose If you ever was scared or ain't know what to do You're not the only one and it's not only you I said if you ever was scared and ain't know what to do You're not the only one and it's not only you Yo, yo I'm not a victim, I'm a victor Say I'm not a victim, I'm a victor Again I'm not a victim, I'm a victor This what a survivor looks like Now take a picture Me and my girls, we run it Us forever, we run it Said we can't, but we done it Best of me and you love it We forever The arrest comes off the heels of a viral performance of one of his accusers, rapper Lady Z, as well as multi-platinum artist Lauren Rice, better known as Lil Muffin.
Shortly before taking the stage at Staples Center, Lil Muffin gave an exclusive interview to ABC News, sharing the harrowing story of how she was assaulted by Black.
Now take a picture Me and my girls, we run it Us forever, we run it Said we can't, but we done it Best of me and you love it Lady Z and Muffin's public disclosures prompted four more accusers to come forward on social media.
Me and my girls, we run it Us forever, we run it Said we can't, but we done it Best of me and you love it We forever and ever, ever Nobody is better We together forever, ever Nobody is better If convicted, Frank Black could face up to 40 years in federal prison.
- My husband.
Crazy, I know.
But life is short.
I'm sure your religious upbringing didn't help with your sexuality.
I'm also the daughter of a deacon who literally prayed over kids he thought might be gay.
Lady Z I mean, one of the coldest female emcees in hip-hop history.
I mean, she was a real rival.
I was driven out of the business - because I assaulted Frank Black.
- Right.
That's not the whole story.
There's not a label that's for artists, run by women, supporting other women that isn't out just for the money.
The hell is Nasty Girl Records? Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! What up, L.
A.
?! You know what it is.
We got a legend in the buildiiing! - You got this.
- Steppin' up to massacre the mic for the first time in 20 years, make some noise for the silver-tongued assassin, Lady Z! Let's go, baby.
What's goin' on, L.
A.
? Yo, I still have dreams of be in' on top But I'm from where the bottom is I'm really the mother of this and I ain't even got a kid Yeah, I bag groceries and I ain't really proud of it But I chose silence over violence And that was the consequence Ain't wanna get into it, that's why I got out of it Got a pile of talent but the game is all politics It's Hype 109.
I'm Justin Credible.
We have the Queens on the show today.
How y'all feeling? Thank you, Justin, for having us.
We're so happy to be here.
- Thank you so much for having us.
- It's the vibe.
What are What are we hyping up? What are we talking about today? The launch of our new venture, Nasty Girl Records.
We are the first full-service record label for women by women.
But the world ain't ready.
Now, are are you going by just Muffin now? Yeah, my new steeze is a little Lauren, a Lil Lil Muffin.
- Same flavor, just more baked.
- Baked, I heard that.
Okay, now I got to ask y'all We've got bitter rivals on the same label.
Xplicit, Lady Z.
How the hell are we gonna make this happen? 'Cause I don't give a damn what they say 'Cause I see you for who you are Takin' your place upon the throne I need you see it because I believe it 'Cause if they only knew All of the things that we've been through They don't want you to win But they can't stop you from winning I'm doing a warm-up show tonight.
Then we have the official Nasty Girl Records launch event - at Staples Center.
- That's big.
So, will all the Queens be performing? Nah.
The Queens without Professor Sex is not a thing.
We're pouring our heart and our soul - And money.
- into Nasty Girl Records.
They, they can't stop me Nah, nah They, they can't stop me - Nah, nah - They, they can't stop But they can't stop you from winnin' - Nah, nah - Now, now, now Now, there's some issues with the industry It's official, it isn't me I seen the lies and realized how they depicted me Lady Z, I got to put you on the spot.
The last we heard from you, you were throwin' hands with Frank Black.
Look, Frank Black is the past.
That's right, and Nasty Girl Records is the future.
Over charge for the Cold Crush and what they did to me Was livin' in infamy, I'm a woman of dignity Hold the torch for all my girls, Lady Frank Black should get slapped for showing up at Zadie's performance.
- Yo, you okay? - I'm annoyed.
After 20 years, this asshole still affects me.
- We got to do something.
- What can we do? - Press charges! - It was 20 years ago.
The statute of limitations been gone.
I should've never come back.
Look, Frank and every other man in this business, in this world, who uses their power and privilege to take advantage of people are the problem, not you.
And they won't stop until they get checked.
We're about to launch an indie record label.
You want to take on one of the biggest producers in the game? - Hell yeah.
- We can't change the system if we don't get this label off the ground.
Listen, I'm disgusted by what Frank did to Zadie, but I But you don't want to do anything about it? There's nothing to do.
Listen, I signed with NGR.
I want this comeback.
You think you're the only one he did it to? He's probably still doing it.
Frank found me.
He produced my first mixtape.
I never saw anything like that.
But I also didn't put myself in positions where he could do something to me.
Don't do that.
Don't blame me! You don't know me! You a damn child! - We're good.
- Okay.
Look, if we if we can't go to the cops, we go to the press.
If we sway public opinion, - it might inspire other women to come - No.
I'm not gonna be the face of the crusade.
I froze.
I messed up.
It won't happen again.
I need some sleep.
How do I know you're not a serial killer? You don't, I guess.
How do I know you're not a serial killer? Because I'm a woman and I'm not white.
Good point.
Afraid to ask, but where's this coming from? Trying to write this song about you, but it's not coming to me.
Because I might be a serial killer? Because we don't know each other.
Most marriages end in divorce.
I'm pretty sure most of those people thought they knew who they were marrying.
Serial killers don't usually go around advertising that they want to kill serially.
I can't even remember the first time you told me you loved me.
I can't either.
When did I say it? Did you say it? This is weird.
It's charming.
It's weird.
How have we not said it to each other? Don't say it now.
Because you're not sure that I'm not a serial killer.
Because it's weird.
You're right.
We skipped the whole "getting to know you" phase.
Fortunately, we're in luck.
"Fall in Love in 50 Questions: A Quiz for You and Your Soulmate.
" Okay, let's find out which one of us is a serial killer.
Describe your ideal date.
Camping in Big Sur, slow dancing by the fire, sleeping under the stars.
Renting out the spa at the Peninsula, a trip to Jacob the Jeweler, making love sans PJs on a PJ.
Private jet, duh.
Go-to comfort food.
Flan de queso because duh.
Most embarrassing moment.
I got stage fright during my valedictorian speech and vomited on Principal Thorpe's shoes.
My love language is gifts.
Words of affirmation.
"Gone Girl.
" Serial killer.
- "Harry Potter.
" - Serial killer? My biggest fear is failure and koalas.
I'm scared of dying alone.
Hey, last question.
What's your most prized possession? I would say my engagement ring if I had one.
But, um It's actually this.
I haven't showed it to anybody yet.
The P.
I.
gave it to me about a week before I met you.
It's the only photo he could find of my mother.
That's me in her arms.
You look just like her.
Beautiful.
It almost looks like she loved me.
Of course she loved you.
How could anyone not? Because nobody loves me.
I love you.
I liked that quiz.
It wasn't as dumb as I expected.
Yeah.
Thanks for being game.
Show of hands Who here has done something you consider unforgivable? Mm-hmm.
That good ol' Catholic guilt.
Many have a harder time forgiving themselves than forgiving others.
When we say, "Love thy neighbor as thyself," we don't focus nearly enough on the second part.
According to that famous verse, self-love is the standard by which we should measure all, and the ultimate form of love is mercy.
If we're all worthy of God's grace no matter how we've sinned, then we must extend that same grace inward.
To forgive ourselves is power.
To forgive ourselves is to know eternal life.
How can we ask others to forgive us if we are incapable of forgiving ourselves? And since we are all made in His image, to forgive ourselves is to love God.
Amen.
Amen.
That was incredible.
Truly moving.
Your delivery, the message.
It really spoke to me, and I just want to Apologize to your father.
Sorry, Daddy.
E, I'm worried about Zadie.
I'm worried about her.
I'm worried about the label.
Every dime all of us have is into this thing.
I'm not sure our first artist is ready for all this.
Supporting artists like Zadie is the reason Nasty Girl Records exists.
We'll make it work.
You are the most resilient woman I've ever met.
Mr.
Black.
Mm.
E-Roc? What up, my boy? Frank Black.
Ah! Long time, my guy.
Yes, sir.
Yeah.
Ms.
Naomi.
Please, don't get up.
I wasn't planning on it.
Good to see you, too.
This is my new heat right here.
Oh, yeah, this, she gonna be the new Flo Milli, you know? We know how you operate.
Everything you touch turns to gold.
Absolutely.
Hey, congratulations on Nasty Girl Records, man.
It was a great move signing Zadie.
You know, she's one of the illest lyricists I've ever worked with.
Too bad she let that damn temper go to her head.
Do me a favor, man.
When you see her, tell her I said I'm rootin' for her.
Bet.
Yeah.
Hey, wait.
I'mma come to the Staples Center and come check out that showcase.
You know I wouldn't miss that for the world.
Yes, sir.
How can you dap that monster up? - Just being polite.
- To a rapist.
That's cool.
I'm on your side.
I'm on Zadie's side.
Look, none of this is ever gonna change until people stop trying to save face and stand up for what's right.
Should we order? I done lost my appetite.
Since when do they have Trini food in Los Angeles? Well, I researched this place when Aunt Vasta told me you were visiting L.
A.
Mm.
It's mediocre.
Definitely not up to your mom's level.
How could it be? How long are you here? A few days.
I'm officiating a wedding.
Oh.
It's good to see you.
- You look healthy.
- I am.
Surprising, since you've been behaving so erratically.
I've been through a lot.
So I've seen on the news.
Have you stopped to reflect? It's kind of all I've been doing.
On how your actions affect those around you? I know you don't agree with my lifestyle Let's not turn this into me being a gay-hating religious bigot, okay? That's too easy.
Being gay is one thing.
How you handle it is another.
What did you expect from your husband who found out his wife was a lesbian at an awards show? That didn't just impact Darren.
It impacted our entire family.
Did you ever pause to think about that? I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, too, for having to put my hands on you.
But it's my job to protect my child.
I've had a hard time going back to Queens since Mom's funeral.
How are you holding up? All is fine when you walk in the path of Jesus.
Amen.
Oh, man, I'll tell you, the coldest MCs are always the women.
That's why I always work with the ladies, you know? I create a space and I let their voices shine.
Now, this right here, this is Hood Honey.
She spits fire, she looks like fire.
I discovered her in a show in Compton.
She about to be a superstar.
Yeah, I'm about to go from Hood Honey to hood rich thanks to my mentor Frank.
Jojo has class tonight? She said she wanted to go to the movies.
Yo, you heard me? You think you can get me a contact on Hood Honey? Flan de queso.
Oh.
I thought the Louis bag was a funny twist.
Oh.
You know, flan de queso isn't easy to find.
Then Eric told me about a place the two of you went to.
You know I'm on a pre-show diet.
Promise I won't tell your trainer.
You had to go to Eric to find something special for me? - The name of a restaurant.
- Whatever.
You're serious? You're seriously mad? Would you be mad if it were actually a purse? - Don't insult me.
- That seems impossible at the moment.
Look, look, I'm sorry.
I tried to do something nice.
- Clearly, I missed the mark.
- I'm not hungry.
I'm tired, I'm stressed about the performance.
Let's chill then.
Reset.
Let's not talk about work or flan or any food of any kind and just chill.
I appreciate it, but I'm gonna need a little time.
I love you.
Thanks.
Hey.
Leah.
Naomi.
Thank you for coming.
I always wondered when someone would call to ask about Frank.
I didn't expect it to be you.
Come in.
One second.
Let's talk.
I was 16 doing a talent show in Compton.
My phone rings the next morning, and my mom is like, "Frank Black wants to meet you.
" Frank Black, Frank Black? I grew up listening to that man's records.
He was the first person to tell me I could make money from my music.
He helped me with my demo.
He was my manager, mentor, father figure.
I thought he was my friend.
It happened slowly.
And you can't really tell where it begins or what it really is.
And he makes you so dependent on him that questioning whether it's right or wrong feels like you're being ungrateful.
I don't know if I ever said no.
I let it happen.
And then I thought it was what I wanted, so how could I tell anyone? You were a child.
I found out I was pregnant the week my album flopped.
Then he disappeared, wouldn't return my calls.
Finally I-I rolled up on him at a party mascara pouring down my face from the tears.
I told him I was pregnant.
For a second, he stopped, and he looked at me like I was a person.
I just knew I had gotten through to him, you know? Then he just reached in his pocket, and he handed me $2,000 and said "Go take care of whoever's it was.
" I never saw him again.
Have you ever thought about coming forward? What's the point? It's done.
Naomi says to start without her.
Something came up with the Frank Black situation, so she's meeting with Zadie.
Why can't people just let the past go? I thought Gen Zs were supposed to be mad woke.
You have been insanely unsympathetic to Zadie.
Life is full of these gray areas, and either you do something about it or you put it behind you and let it go.
Can I crash at your place tonight? Thomas and I got into it, and I could use the space.
You know I live at Naomi's with Muffin and Eric.
Like a hostel? I'm sure there's a room in the Ritz.
So you're, what, two weeks into marriage and you're already trying to get out? Something's not clicking with Thomas.
He brought me my favorite carbs hidden inside a Louis Vuitton shopping bag.
- The bastard.
- Ouch.
And then we realized we never said "I love you" to each other, so then he said it.
I didn't like the way he said it, so I didn't say it back So this marriage is basically doomed.
- Basically.
- I think she was kidding.
- I was.
- Oh.
Look, I know you, and I know what you're doing.
You're trying to sabotage something that could be good.
Or maybe everyone was right all along and I did something impulsive and dumb and I should turn back before I can't.
But you got to try hard.
That's all I'm saying.
I got to go soon.
My dad's in town.
I told him I'd join him for Bible study.
Hold up.
Your mean-ass deacon daddy is in town? Chill, he's my dad.
You said he prays the gayness out of gay babies.
I'd say that's pretty mean.
Parents are complicated.
This man raised me.
You're 40, not 14.
Blood is not a good enough reason to have someone in your life who doesn't treat you with respect.
- I can't tell him that.
- Yes, you can.
My mom passed about two years ago, and it's not like I've been around very much to help.
So your mom died and he gets to be an asshole? When is the world gonna stop making excuses for terrible men? Says the woman who's running away from a man who isn't an asshole.
Leah was 16 in that photo.
That's when Frank started abusing her.
Why are you riding me like this? Because I was onstage with you when you saw Frank.
I saw what happened to you.
And I don't think you should have to give up on music just because you stood up for yourself.
We like to think that the world is a different place today than it was in 1999, but it's not.
Money wins, power wins.
Men win.
How can you guarantee that if I tell my story, other women'll come forward? I can't.
But the only thing I know for sure is that if nobody comes forward, then Frank gets to do this to all of his protégés.
Zadie, I found a journalist that wants to talk to you.
She's good.
She's one of us, and she will have your back.
What do you say? Frank and I were in the studio late one night.
I got tired, so I told him I was gonna sleep on the couch before I got back in the booth.
He said he'd wake me up in 30.
I remember waking up because I was cold.
I thought maybe my blanket had fallen off, but when I opened my eyes, I saw that my shirt had been unbuttoned and he was trying to undo my jeans.
I was like, "Yo, what are you doing?" And he looked at me so calmly and asked, "Why would you fall asleep here if you didn't want this to happen?" He was so cool and matter of fact about it that it threw me off.
I was in shock.
How could it be wrong if he was so okay about it? I feel like I blacked out for a few minutes, but then the feeling came back to me when he did more.
I knew it was wrong, and I reacted again and again.
It felt like he was just waiting for me to run out of gas.
He was just so damn calm.
That's the thing that haunts me the most.
But I kept hitting him until I had enough space to run.
It wasn't until the cops showed up at my place that I even found out that I broke his jaw.
They were so damn aggressive that I thought I'd done something wrong.
I got raped and arrested on the same night.
After a few hours in jail, my lawyer came and he said he could get the charges dropped as long as the story stayed with me, so that's what I did.
But after I got out, no producer would give me a track 'cause I was the hood chick that breaks producers' jaws.
You know who hired my attorney? Frank.
That's the game.
That's what Frank Black did to me.
I am so sorry that this happened to you.
I don't even have the words.
I don't need sympathy.
I don't need an apology.
I need Frank Black to be held accountable.
I promise to do my part.
What a glorious morning to topple the patriarchy.
Right.
Zadie's story on Frank is supposed to run today.
It's already out.
I told you I didn't want to do this.
I knew this is how it would go.
"It would be impossible not to be moved by Lady Z's account of the events nearly 20 years ago, but we'd also be foolish not to question the timing and what she stands to gain from spinning a different narrative than the one we've previously known.
" Frank's people must've gotten to them.
I never should've listened to you.
You did the right thing, no matter what this article says.
It's so easy to lead the charge when it costs you nothing.
I'm sorry.
You dragged me back into this! And now all your lame, self-serving ass is offering is a weak apology? You are obsessed with fixing problems that ain't got nothing to do with you.
This is never gonna change.
This is the world we live in.
The only thing that people like me, the victims, can do is bury it inside and move on, because the result is the same.
Now I have to live with the pain again.
I will not shed another tear over this.
Frank Black doesn't get anything else from me.
Done with you and Nasty Girl Records.
No, wait.
"In an effort to salvage the shambles of her career, Zadie capitalizes on the Me Too movement by reinventing herself as a victim, coincidentally, just in time to debut new music.
" I mean, not only have I ruined a woman's life, I might've just tanked Nasty Girl Records.
Naomi.
Okay.
Hey, Daddy.
It's me.
Daddy? What? Daddy! Daddy.
Come on.
Jill, baby, you're home.
I'm so glad you're home.
Come on, let's get you in bed.
Come on, come on.
Hey.
Are you gonna cancel the showcase now that Zadie's out? I'm not sure it matters.
I mean, we can't put on the showcase when our number-one draft pick just quit, and Muffin, with her new flow, is gonna have to build a fan base again.
You should go home and do something fun with your, uh husband? I'm sorry, I I'm still getting used to it.
I'm still getting used to you being a dad.
We grown now.
Are we? Do we really change? We say we do, but is that really real? It's too early for the deep stuff.
Thomas told me he loved me, and, uh, instead of saying it back, I ran away.
I found issues.
You know, usually brides get cold feet before the wedding.
I've only said it to two people.
Do you? Love him? I don't know him.
That summer "Nasty Girl" dropped was wild.
I went from being homeless, living in my car to flying private to St.
Barts with you.
We had fun.
The other person I said "I love you" to was a woman impersonating my mom.
The only love I know is wrong.
It's crazy, it's angry.
It's confusing.
It hurts.
But it's the only love I know.
I don't know if I see that with Thomas.
I want to hurt.
I want to be confused.
I want to want it.
I can't let you do this.
I've known you for a long time, and it hurts my heart to hear you sound like someone who doesn't deserve to be loved.
You shouldn't hurt, V.
You shouldn't be confused.
And you shouldn't want anyone or anything that doesn't want you.
From what I see, Thomas wants you.
No dramatics, no games.
He is ready to take on all the extra you got.
And you got plenty.
Don't turn your back on it for something that was real, but it wasn't right.
Come on.
People do change.
What's up, guys? I, um I got to take off.
You ready to talk? It really is good to see you, baby.
Hmm.
Dad, did did you drink all these bottles? 62 years, I never touched the stuff.
Now she's not there.
Why would He let her leave? It was just her time, Daddy.
The hell does that mean? He spit in my face after I gave Him all of the glory, all that I have.
Okay.
You should come home like this more often.
I told you, it's hard for me.
And What? Say it.
You want to say it.
It just feels like who I am disappoints you.
I talk to her every Sunday after church.
We watched your performance at the BET Awards.
I didn't fully understand what you were saying, but you looked happy.
That's what I told your mom.
You were a happy little girl.
And then, I don't know, you weren't.
Did I Was I the reason you were unhappy? You did the best with what you knew.
All right, let's lay you down.
Come on.
I'm proud of you.
I love you.
Wade in the water Wade I love you, too, Daddy.
in the water, children Wade in the water God's gonna trouble the water Wade in the water Wade in the water Wade in the water, children Wade in the water, children Wade in the water God's gonna trouble the water You're really not gonna perform? What do you care? See that whole star dressed in white Frank assaulted me, too.
God's gonna trouble the water And I have proof that can bring him down.
Ohh, wade in the water Lil Lauren, what's up? I left you a couple messages.
I hope you're not feelin' some kind of way about the other night.
I had a few drinks.
Maybe you were sending the wrong messages.
I don't know.
I just want to make sure we're all good.
I also sent the single out to Interscope this morning.
They're into it.
Hit me back.
That's the voicemail he left me the night after.
That's the first night I ever had a drink.
I had about 10.
I never told anyone what he did because I-I felt like I owed him.
I still feel that way, messed up as it is.
Every song on that mixtape reminds me of that night.
I never called Frank back.
I started over.
I found Eric.
And I don't know.
I-I'm just trying my best to act like it never happened.
Why'd you say he never touched you? I don't know.
I felt alone.
That's kinda the worst part.
No one knows.
You're alone.
I know.
I know.
But we're not.
We're not.
These men only win when we give up.
Don't give up.
Don't give up.
And I'll I'll speak up.
Let's make sure he never makes another woman feel like this.
Yes.
I think you think I'm some kind of pushover, a sound engineer who can't possibly understand how complicated your life and your past is.
You're wrong.
That quiz gave you 50 reasons to fall in love with me, but there are 150 reasons why you shouldn't.
I am a vain, selfish, materialistic high-school dropout who clawed her way to the top by screwing over the only people who've ever loved her.
I am so scared of abandonment, I have a panic attack if the Uber driver cancels on me.
"Do they hate me? Does he think I'm ugly? Do they think I won't tip well because I'm Puerto Rican?" And when they do pick me up, I'm mad because they don't recognize me.
And I just tried to kiss my ex because I thought it would make me feel good.
That's me.
That's your wife.
And there are 143 more reasons why you should run.
What the hell is wrong with you? - I just told you.
- No, not that.
That is insanely immature.
But I'm learning that's who you are sometimes.
What I don't get is how someone as deep as you are, who's accomplished so much when they had no business making it out of Queens, tries so hard to convince people that they're too superficial and vain to be loved.
Does that not exhaust you? - It does.
- So stop! What we did was incredibly stupid.
I have doubts.
I have a brain.
I wonder.
We jumped off a cliff.
We did that.
Now we just keep jumping.
Why do you fight so hard for something you don't really know anything about? It makes absolutely no sense to fall in love with someone in 12 hours, but I've fallen in love enough times to know what it really feels like, and that's what I felt.
I'm not giving that up.
I love you.
Even if you're too scared to tell me that you love me.
I love you.
Then can we stop the crap and start getting to know one another? Okay.
Okay.
You're hot.
You're my husband.
And I want to make out.
You're really just determined to make out with someone in the studio today.
I guess so.
I'm sure you're hungry.
Who let you in here? The door was open.
So you just walked in and moved my belongings? Your liquor.
What business of yours is that? Let's just sit down and eat.
I'm sure you're hungover.
I'm not hungry, I'm not hungover.
Look, I've had my issues with addiction.
Now, I called around to a few places back home that could help you.
I walk in the path of Jesus.
As always, I encourage you to join me.
I know you're going through a lot.
And you don't help! Constantly flaunting your lifestyle in my face.
All your mother and I did our entire lives was to try to teach you morals and discipline and a Godly work ethic, and all we got in return was rebellion and disgrace and ungratefulness.
I'm sorry.
I should go.
I think that's best.
You don't love me because you can't.
Because you don't love yourself.
I'm not sure that you even love God, or if you just love the fact that you can use the Bible to justify the hate in your heart.
I love God.
I have that in my heart, which is why I keep coming back to you, hoping you'll be different! Hoping that you will finally accept me for who I am.
That's love.
That is God.
You know, I have been fighting for your approval my whole life, but after 40 years, I don't even want it.
I'm done.
I'm proud of who I am.
I'm Jill Da Thrill, the rapping lesbian who is worthy of unconditional love, and if you won't give it to me, then you can go to hell! And if you ever, ever put your hands on me again, I swear to God, I will have your old, drunk ass arrested.
You know, I wish I had realized this sooner, but I don't need you.
I want back in the show.
The world needs to hear what I have to say.
From my mouth.
Not from lawyers, not from press.
It has to come from me.
Are you sure, Zadie? I don't want to So sure.
Help me write something.
I'd be honored.
Let's get him.
Let's launch this record label.
All right, all right! If you're a nasty girl livin' in a nasty world, say, "Hell yeah!" - Hell yeah! - Hell yeah! That's what I want to hear, L.
A.
And shout-out to the 300,000 of you live-streaming from home.
300,000? - We got you.
- Yes.
No matter what happens after this, no matter who tries to come for you, we got your back, as a label and as a family.
- You got this.
- Okay, hands in.
You got this.
Nasty Girl Records! Let's go! Frank just arrived.
- We good? - We're good.
Let's welcome to the stage Lady Z! Lady Z! Lady Z! - Get 'em, girl! - Get 'em, Z.
What's up, L.
A.
? I wrote a song so that you would hear it straight from my mouth.
It's called "Best of Me," and it goes out to survivors everywhere.
Unh Lady Zadie Yeah Lady Z Me and my girls, we run it Us forever, we run it Said we can't, but we done it Best of me and you love it We forever and ever, ever Nobody is better We together forever, ever Nobody is better Me and my girls, we run it Us forever, we run it Said we can't, but we done it Best of me and you love it We forever and ever, ever Nobody is better We together forever, ever Nobody is better Look, it's not me, it was you Saying that wasn't easy I lied about the truth Cuz I thought they wouldn't believe me Thought I did something wrong Yeah, I thought I was the reason Looked like a nice guy I guess looks are deceiving You used a knife called trust My cuts was bleeding With every unwanted touch Those cuts was deepened I wasn't never sleeping And I was barely eating It's like all my mistreatment Became my biggest weakness And then I told my girls Together they helped me defeat it And now we all stronger cuz it's no longer a secret No apology needed Your "sorry," you can keep it Now you're exposed for who you really are Hip-hop mega producer Frank Black has been arrested and held without bail on multiple charges of rape and sexual battery.
It don't matter your age, if you're old or a youth There is nothing to fear about telling your truth If it's killing you inside, let me be living proof I walked around with that baggage Yeah, I was in your shoes My girls gave me courage And it was hard to choose But I had so much to gain And just the pain to lose If you ever was scared or ain't know what to do You're not the only one and it's not only you I said if you ever was scared and ain't know what to do You're not the only one and it's not only you Yo, yo I'm not a victim, I'm a victor Say I'm not a victim, I'm a victor Again I'm not a victim, I'm a victor This what a survivor looks like Now take a picture Me and my girls, we run it Us forever, we run it Said we can't, but we done it Best of me and you love it We forever The arrest comes off the heels of a viral performance of one of his accusers, rapper Lady Z, as well as multi-platinum artist Lauren Rice, better known as Lil Muffin.
Shortly before taking the stage at Staples Center, Lil Muffin gave an exclusive interview to ABC News, sharing the harrowing story of how she was assaulted by Black.
Now take a picture Me and my girls, we run it Us forever, we run it Said we can't, but we done it Best of me and you love it Lady Z and Muffin's public disclosures prompted four more accusers to come forward on social media.
Me and my girls, we run it Us forever, we run it Said we can't, but we done it Best of me and you love it We forever and ever, ever Nobody is better We together forever, ever Nobody is better If convicted, Frank Black could face up to 40 years in federal prison.