Star (2016) s03e03 Episode Script
A Family Affair
1 So this is what happened last time on Star - Where you been, man? - I'm in some trouble.
It ain't even about the money no more.
You're the only loose end to the shoot.
I was talking to the cop.
They said we need to do a rape kit.
- All we need is a hot artist.
- I want one of Lottie's.
I know your contract's coming up for renegotiation.
We ain't got no business, bro.
We done.
ALEX: Bianca, she was sitting next to me.
I've snuck a few of your joints before.
Helps with my PTSD.
Jayden drew Jahil.
Jahil's murderer is still out there.
I won't let your daddy's death be in vain.
I've been living in my car till it broke down, son.
- Who is the baby's daddy? - Congrats.
CARLOTTA: If Cotton knew what you did, she'd hate you even more than I do.
Oh, bitch, I've just begun.
I'm in business with Maurice Jetter.
Like I told Maurice, I'm not doing nothing without Carlotta.
I can link y'all up with my boy, Andy.
Andy? I'm a winner I'm a winner, I'm a winner I'm a winner I'm a winner, I'm a winner I'm a winner I'm a winner, I'm a winner I'm a winner I'm a winner, I'm a winner.
You better know that school work like you know them songs.
See, that's what my Grandma Minnie would say to me when I would stay up all night singing, and when Stevie came out with Songs in the Key of Life, my mother wore the grooves out on that record.
This music thing, it's just in my blood.
And you plan to continue that passion at Gravity Records? I just spent the last month negotiating a major deal with Karma nightclub.
My artists will perform there weekly and we'll livestream it so the fans can watch.
Now show me a label making moves like this.
You really are a game changer.
Listen, my grandmother also said, "Don't let your mouth write a check that your ass can't cash.
" - [CHUCKLES.]
- My ass can cash this one.
[CELL PHONE BUZZING.]
I got some business to handle.
You mind if we finish this up later? Of course, I need to grab some B-roll anyway.
All right.
Thanks, guys.
MATEO: Hey, long time.
Interview was supposed to be about Gravity Media.
Are you still tripping because I released Take 3's song without telling you? No, you see, I'm tripping because you're trying to make Gravity Media's deal with Karma about you.
It bugs you that if it's a hit, it'll be my victory, not yours.
And if it fails, it's all on you.
What would Grandma say to that? [NOAH HUMMING.]
Come on, man.
I know you are not cooking that swine in my Guccis.
And you got grease on my contract, man.
Yeah, I read it.
How come you ain't signed it yet? Pops, you ain't been here but a month, bro.
That movie deal in your contract, that's gonna keep you away from your music.
This is coming from the man living on my couch.
And this is coming from the boy who almost jumped off a ledge.
I ain't raise you like that.
And I'm supposed to listen to your gay ass? My gay ass could still break you down like a fraction.
You ain't that grown.
Neither are you, Bobby.
Xander, baby, you gonna be able to come to the club opening? I gotta work.
I want you to see what you paid for and me in action.
Look, I've had to do so much to prove myself to my family.
When I open the doors to that club, they're gonna see who I really am.
No more street hustle.
No more blood on my hands.
- I'm gonna be legit.
- Okay, babe.
Understand, trust your heart Let your spirit - [CELL PHONE RINGING.]
- Damn.
- Yo.
Sorry.
- [CHUCKLES.]
What the hell you mean you can't find that munchkin? You better hire somebody who can.
Now, as sexy as that sounded, that doesn't sound like a woman going legit to me.
I got just one loose end to tie up, then I'm Mother Teresa.
Uh-huh.
Hallelujah! Whoo! I bring me Get mine, 'bout mine, go hard Looking for another like me Boy, stop I bring me Whose love is the tightest? Whose kiss is the nicest? Me Whose touch is the rightest? Me I bring me I bring, I bring me.
Motivate, motivate, motivate, motivate, motivate, motivate Moti get money, motivate, motivate Motivate, motivate, motivate, motivate Motivate, mo motivate, motivate Motivate, motivate, motivate, motivate Moti get money Too many times I swallowed my pride I'm cracking a smile, I'm dying inside My demons are close, I'm trying to hide I'm popping a pill, I'm feeling alive Whoa, suddenly, I feel like taking a PJ Fly to D.
R.
on a weekday, eating ceviche.
Whoo, it's hot.
How much y'all think Carlotta spent on that? Child, you know this is the biggest move she done made yet since Midtown became Gravity Records with this Karma launch, so you know it wasn't nothing for that bitch to call in a favor.
And y'all got rehearsal today at, uh, noon.
Like, now? - Noon, girl.
- That's, like, now.
Okay, well, then there you go.
Go get ready.
Simone, Mateo needs you to stop by his office.
Okay.
Did you get the travel handled that I asked for? I just need everything right for Olivia.
Why you so worried about that girl? Her sister, Bianca, died in the plane crash and she reached out to me online.
Oh, no, that's too deep.
Please don't bring that to me.
- I can't.
- SIMONE: Star, your baby daddy's here.
Ooh, girl, Jackson here? Come on, Star.
Y'all gonna have some cute babies.
I'm gonna go get me a banana.
STAR: What up, Magic Mike? What up, Cardi B? - What's up? - Don't you think you've been working a little too hard lately? You monitoring how much I work? No, I'm looking out for you.
I promise you, I'm gonna be here for this baby.
Okay, look, I told you about the baby 'cause I think you deserve to know, not 'cause I need you, I got this right now.
Listen, I know you can handle anything 'cause you handled me.
I got you.
Anybody ever told you you're ugly? - Have they? - No.
You're kind of ugly.
I never thought about it till right now.
- You look great.
- Mm-hmm.
MATEO: So, as I was saying before, my vision for Gravity Media You don't have the juice.
Carlotta does.
Sorry, Mateo.
I seem to remember you needing me to navigate every social circle on campus.
You always were charming.
No, mami.
I was always smart.
A poor kid from Cuba scrapped his way up and became one of the top student at Duke University.
You all laughed at me at first.
- We didn't laugh.
- Not to my face, but you all did.
I failed my first time out the gate, but Gravity Media is different, and you should be writing about me, not about Carlotta.
Maybe I could see the story differently if there were something in it for me.
For old times' sake.
NINA: Simone! Hey, have you seen Mateo? Oh, I get it, you're still in shock.
Listen, I went to bat for you because I believe in you.
Of course we're gonna need to get you an acting coach Wait, what are you talking about? You're starring in the movie with Noah.
You convinced us.
Congrats.
Hi! - Hi.
- This is not happening! - This is crazy.
A G-Wagen? - Yeah.
And you are so fly, like, stupid fly.
- Thank you.
- Not stupid, but you know what I mean.
Ugh, you probably hate me already.
What? No, no way.
I'm just glad you're here.
Come on.
I'll show you Gravity Records.
Girl, I almost freaked the hell out when I saw that was you that posted on Bianca's SnapShots page.
And thanks for sending a car.
I really hate flying ever since Oh, trust me, girl, it's okay, I understand.
Alex Crane just called me "girl.
" - [SQUEALS.]
This is the best day of my life.
- [CHUCKLES.]
You're much smaller in person.
You're a lot smaller in person.
Um, I've heard that before.
Come on.
Let's go.
CARLOTTA: I'm calling it Gravity Night at Karma.
You go on before the girls, so you will set the tone.
How you like the space? It's dope, but I, um, I've been here before.
CASSIE: Welcome back, Noah.
I told you this club was gonna be fire.
The hell are you doing here? I own the club.
That's right.
You signed a contract to work with me.
I negotiated through my investor's company.
Where the hell you get an investor from? And what you mean you've been here before? Lottie, everybody knows my contract is about to be up.
And I tried to sign him.
Maurice and I have a streaming deal.
See, this ain't just a club.
Yeah.
[LAUGHING.]
: This is You have no experience, you have no track record, no connections.
Noah's career is not a game, Cassie.
But I got you scared, though, right? Karma Sound might be small, but at least you'll get to own your own music and brand.
Big labels like Gravity Records, they all about keeping you boxed in.
You must be smoking what you selling.
Gravity Media has done nothing but give you a future, endorsements, movie deals, tours, not to mention a label head that you can actually trust.
NOAH: Carlotta, the last time I negotiated, your legal team pushed back.
All right, I read my contract.
I deserve more.
- Mm-hmm.
- Especially creative control over my next album.
Noah, I've been down with you since before you were sober, way before I was the head of this label.
You know I'm-a look out.
We all know you can't trust the lookout on a plantation.
Look, I just need space to think about all of this.
Do you, baby.
Guess who's coming up in the world.
It's your girl! You ain't nothing but a street trick, Cas.
And you ain't gonna win this war.
I promise you that.
But don't you like the name of the club? Karma is a bitch, sis.
Now you want to pull out of the Karma deal? Just so you know, there's another team trying to poach Noah.
MATEO: Send me Noah's deal points, I'll keep him happy.
Just make sure tomorrow night is a success.
Yeah, okay.
You're late.
I know, I-I had to stop by my parents' crib.
I know I can't talk to them, but I had to see them.
Look, I know this is tough, but you leaving town is the only way to keep you safe, just stay gone this time.
I will.
Carlotta, I'm really sorry about Jahil Don't.
It's not gonna change anything.
You just worry about staying safe.
JAHIL: You haven't let him off the hook about me.
He feels guilty.
I'm helping him.
That's enough.
Besides, I got to deal with this Cassie mess.
She got somebody bankrolling her.
[SCOFFS.]
You know your baby sister ain't got but one person who'll give her stacks like that.
The problem is, what is he gonna want in return? Exactly.
Stupid ass.
You see me on a street so familiar You plan to be late every rehearsal or just some? This Karma thing is important.
It's streaming live.
Star, I'm here, okay? Damn.
Damn, I was just playing, but are you okay? I got the lead in the movie.
You got the lead in the movie? That's amazing.
Why are you acting weird? I don't know, it's just a lot to take in.
Yeah, it's a lot to take in.
Of course it's a lot to take in.
You might be a movie star.
I can't believe they're gonna fit your big-ass head onto those screens.
- Shut up, Star.
- I'm just playing.
I'm just playing.
- You should be excited.
- Okay, you're right.
Okay, damn.
- I'm proud of you.
- Thank you.
But you're not a movie star yet, so pick up these moves.
- You remember? - Okay.
- He's kicking.
- The baby? - [GASPS.]
Can I feel? - Mm-hmm.
[GASPS.]
He's, like, doing the keke.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
Wow.
Oh, my God.
I can't believe it.
I wish you were at the first ultrasound.
It was cool.
Look, Star, I'm sorry that I wasn't there.
I don't know what it's like to be pregnant, and you You always act so tough, you know? You act like you don't need nobody.
I know.
That's on me.
But I'm really gonna try.
I'm really gonna try to give this kid everything we never had.
A strong mama, a daddy, an auntie.
Maybe even a granddaddy.
I was thinking of looking for Brody.
Even though he messed us up, it's not about us anymore.
We're grown, but we could give this little nugget a family.
Yeah, a dysfunctional one.
We have no other option.
- Well, let's find his ass, then.
- [LAUGHS.]
By the way, please take anything you want.
'Cause you gotta come through drippin' at the Karma opening.
You're so generous.
It's been hard lately.
Me and Bianca were, like, best friends.
I miss her so much.
My mom cries every night.
I can never talk about it.
I can't really talk about it, either.
Well, I'm no life coach, but I can listen.
After the hit all I could hear was this ringing.
People screaming.
There was a girl next to me, bleeding, but the EMTs took me first.
Because you're Alex Crane.
The girl sitting next to me was Bianca.
She, um, held my hand before she died.
And she kept telling me it was okay.
And you brought me here for what? To make yourself feel better? - No, Olivia, I - No, don't touch me! My sister is dead 'cause of you.
[DOOR SLAMS SHUT.]
- [KIDS LAUGHING OUTSIDE.]
- That's just the kids, Grandma.
It's okay.
Y'all stop playing in my damn garden! Grandma, it's okay.
All I can see is his face looking at me.
And that gun to my head.
Every time I close my eyes, I see his face.
I hear his breath.
You remember anything else? He had a brand.
On his shoulder.
I should have killed his ass.
Oh, my God.
What is you doing? This ain't even that type of neighborhood.
[CHUCKLES.]
Is that meat on my grill? This is how you get to meet your neighbors.
- [CAR ENGINE REVVING.]
- All this money is what I choose Get it on Don't say nothing crazy, all right? - Mr.
Brooks.
- What's up, Mateo? Heard you were considering your options.
There's only one, brother.
Gravity Media.
I got a new contract for you.
Uh, hold up.
Carlotta said I'd have creative control over my third album.
We'll talk about that after we get this music night up and running.
With you as the headliner, of course.
I hope we have a deal.
Enjoy.
He might as well have given you tap shoes, boy.
No matter how clean you get, I can still smell that dirty money just dripping off your ass.
Carlotta Brown.
[CHUCKLES.]
Long time.
How's your mama? Look, I know you're plotting with my sister again.
That's your coin funding her club.
As fond as I am of your sister [CLEARS THROAT.]
those days are dead and gone.
Your jungle fever ass left her as soon as you pretended to go legit.
Remember? But now you're messing with my money, And you can't play me like you play my sister.
I got my business tied up in that club, so if I find out that you dirty, I'm gonna call the cops on you so fast, boy, you gonna think I was a white woman.
That's a lie.
You ain't a snitch.
I don't pull pistols no more, either, but I'm sure I could come up with an alternative.
Hey, Carter, get the lady a drink.
She needs it.
Jayden.
Get him.
Cotton, he got my phone.
See, Cotton not a real black mama yet.
Yeah, that's what it mean, Pat.
A real black mama would have her foot stuck - up in his ass.
- [MISS BRUCE LAUGHS.]
You see my leg twitching? I'm gonna break my foot off in that kid ass.
You a damn fool.
Yo, so I put some feelers out for Brody.
The police are gonna call me if he's in any of the jails.
- Dysfunctional.
- Super white trash.
[CHUCKLES.]
Auntie Cassie is in the house.
Where's my little apple-headed nephew? JAY-JAY: Auntie Cassie.
Ooh, happy birthday, Jay-Jay.
Oh, so big of a hug! I invited Auntie Cassie.
I get it.
That's your family.
But she's also helping me with Jahil.
And I know you don't understand, but I want her in my life, Mama.
Cotton, listen, she Jayden! You better hope this phone works, boy.
- I didn't do nothing.
- Don't lie to me.
- Yes, you did.
You know you did.
- Mama No, I told you to get that boy.
If he erased one of these voice mails on here, I'm gonna have his narrow behind.
That's a start.
What the hell is wrong with you? What the hell is wrong with you? I figured out who your investor is.
Xander? Really, Cas? Don't act like you ain't hustled with the both of us.
I know if X does something for you, he gonna want something in return.
He about to drag your dumb ass from sewer to gutter.
And you need to drag your ass back to your lane and stay in it, okay.
Worry about Noah instead of me and my damn man.
How is that your man when he has a wife? How was you fornicating with a pastor? You know what, I almost feel sorry for your dumb ass.
You just a bottom feeder.
I'm rising to the top, Carlotta, and I don't need your pity at all.
What you need is some common sense.
- And a reality check.
- And a reality show, bitch.
It's already on.
It's called Catfish, bottom feeder! When I get insecure Hi.
Thanks for calling.
Um, I figured you'd never want to talk to me again.
It was a lot to take in.
- I'm sorry.
- That would keep me honest - No one's honest anymore - Is-Is that you? That sounds like you.
- That's beautiful.
- After Bianca died, - I started singing more.
- I'm ready to be yours Yours She used to joke that one day I could be on this big stage somewhere, like you.
Crazy, right? No.
No, that's not crazy.
You tell me it ain't a thing, boy, you such a blessing What if I can make that dream come true? I know I can't bring Bianca back, but I could write or produce a song for you.
You don't have to do that.
But I want to.
Please let me.
I need someone to keep me balanced Okay.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
Looks clean as hell, bro.
Funny seeing you here.
It'd be even funnier if it was a coincidence.
Listen, I know you don't trust me, but quitting's not in my DNA.
I used to play safety for Tech.
We were down by six one game, 30 seconds to go.
I pick off the QB, score, and we won.
Another one of your war stories, Maurice? I don't ever give up, Noah.
Sign with us, and you can build your own kingdom.
He's already the king of Gravity Records.
I heard Mateo came by.
Yeah, he said that we could talk about creative control after this album.
I'm-a tell you right now, - that ain't gonna work.
- I agree.
Nobody knows your taste like I do.
Trust me, I will make sure your voice is heard.
As a matter of fact, after this album, I think you need your own imprint; you need to be signing your own artists, creating your own sound, maybe even All I hear is a bunch of "maybes" and "next times.
" My maybes and next times come with a proven track record.
What you got? I'm riding with you, Carlotta.
[ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYING.]
Till the wheels fall off.
You're in here reminiscing? Yeah.
[CHUCKLES.]
Man, you used to love it when I sang The Temptations.
- Oh, oh.
- Yeah.
You remember when you caught me listening to George Michael? You said, "Boy, let me show you some real soul.
" - Hell yes, I did.
- [LAUGHS.]
You did.
- [ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYS.]
- I, um I decided to sign with Gravity Records.
But you, you used to talk about real freedom as an artist.
Don't lose your soul chasing no carrot, you hear me? - Yeah.
- All right.
That's all I'm-a say.
[SCOFFS.]
No, it ain't.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
Hey, man, look, I'm-a get up out your hair in a minute, man, all right? I found a place to stay, so All I need to do now is, uh, figure out how to make some money.
[LAUGHS SOFTLY.]
[SIGHS.]
And that's where I come in, right? Hey.
I ain't no freeloader, boy.
I'm-I'm-a pay you back.
You know, how-how much I got to pay you to leave me again? Hmm? What you want? $100? What you need, a G? Take it all, whatever you want.
Hey, you better show me some damn respect, boy.
Why? Huh? You left me like I was nothing.
What, I wasn't good enough for you back then? You know what? Get out my house.
MAURICE: All right, you ready? [SIGHS.]
Think I'm gonna stay a little longer.
Yeah.
CARLOTTA: You ain't nothing but a street trick, Cas.
You just a bottom feeder.
[PIANO PLAYING.]
Ooh All my life, I saw the stage but I just watched the show Every time they tried to knock me off my pedestal But I kept my head down grinding, I was laying low But it's my turn now Oh, it's my time now To stand on the stage, the curtains are drawn And now I can hear the round of applause I'm taking it all, it's my time to shine Oh, I I'm coming for the Spotlight, spotlight, spotlight The whole world gonna know me My time, my time, my time, yeah That's how it's gonna be Spotlight, spotlight, spotlight Yeah, that's all that I need My time, my time, my time Ain't gonna take this from me I always been on top Always count my blessings, but I still won't stop 'Cause I was born for this I was born to be a boss, and I'm gonna fight for it And I'm still gonna top the charts Oh, it's my time now No, no, it's my time now - And I'm gonna shine - I'm gonna shine - Oh, yeah, I'm shining - I swear I'm the best, I always win No, I'm not gonna lose - No, it's my time - It's my time - My time, my time - My time, my time Spotlight, spotlight, spotlight The whole world gonna know me - World gonna know me - My time, my time, my time Yeah, that's how it's gonna be - How it's gonna be - Spotlight Yeah, that's all that I need Oh Whoa, whoa Ooh.
Hmm.
They screamin' "I bring me" Bish, I'm the one that brought the table I'm the boss, I'm the king Pick a team, pick a team, yeah, yeah.
I can't believe I'm backstage with Take 3.
- Well, believe it.
- We got to prep y'all mics, too.
- All right.
- Y'all are going on right after Noah.
I got to pee.
MISS BRUCE: Excuse me.
CARLOTTA: So, how we doing with that contract? We shook hands on it.
It's all good.
We need this night to be perfect.
Every investor is watching.
I don't write checks I can't cash.
Carlotta, I was wondering if we could finish the interview now.
Sure.
[PHONE VIBRATING.]
Detective Batista? Where? Okay, I'm on my way.
It's Brody.
We got to go.
Star, we can't just leave.
No.
Y'all, we have to perform.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
Hey, I want to talk.
I got it.
All right.
Hey, look, man.
It's hard enough, you know, for a black man to feel deep in this world without, you know, being seen as weak.
You know, then, try being a gay black man and see if that, that load is any easier to carry.
When I left you and your mama, hey, man, I was fighting something deep inside, man.
I didn't, I didn't think about what it was gonna do to you, man.
I-I didn't think about that.
But, you know hey, man, I was wrong for that.
Is that supposed to be some kind of apology? I saw your "Dance with My Father" performance.
Me and Paul watched that on a loop.
So the reason I'm living in my car is 'cause Paul died.
And, uh, uh, you know, I didn't have no rights to our life, so I lost him, then I promised him that I would come and I'd find you and I was gonna make it right.
Then I That's when you found me on the roof? Look.
Listen to me.
It took me my whole life to figure out who I was.
But you, boy, you came out your mama marching to your own beat.
You know what I'm saying? [CHUCKLES.]
Hey, I want you to remember: whatever you do in this world, whatever you do, remember, it ain't about the fame, all right? It's about the freedom.
All right.
Hey, Pop.
[LAUGHS SOFTLY, SNIFFLES.]
How I look? Man, you look great, son.
You look great.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
- Testing, testing.
- [MICROPHONE FEEDBACK.]
What's up, y'all? My name is Cassie, and I want to welcome you guys to me and Maurice Jetter's new spot, Karma, where the booties are tight and the songs are right.
Now, some people thought we couldn't do it, but we're here and we ain't going nowhere.
Now I want y'all to give it up for the one and the only sexy chocolate, Mr.
Noah Brooks.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE.]
Has Noah Brooks re-upped his contract? There were rumors he might leave.
[SCOFFS.]
And that's all they were, were rumors.
Nothing can compare to Gravity Records.
Noah knows that.
What's up, what's up, y'all? I want to thank y'all for having me here tonight.
I'm-I'm really grateful to be here.
I-I want to switch it up.
Do something special, something that my-my pops used to rock to.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE.]
["PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE" PLAYING.]
It was the third of September That day I'll always remember, yes, I will 'Cause that was the day That my daddy died You asked me to check the county jails.
I also checked the John Does.
Looks like an electrocution.
And he also had some personal effects on him.
These were your father's.
I never got a chance to see him Never heard nothin' but bad things about him Mama, I'm depending on you STAR: Brody's ring.
To tell me the truth Mama just hung her head and she said I'm sorry.
Papa was a rolling stone [CHEERING.]
Wherever he laid his hat was his home And when he died All he left us was alone Whoa, Papa was a rolling stone My son, yeah Wherever he laid his hat was his home And when he died, all he left us was alone Oh Papa was a rolling stone, yeah, Mama [SHOUTS.]
Wherever he laid his hat Was his home And when he died, all he left us was alone I can't do this.
It's okay.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE.]
What do you mean, they're not here? I mean, they not here.
I can't say it in Spanish, sweetie.
Look, I'm texting them now, all right? This is ridiculous.
Where the hell y'all been? Y'all got my damn blood pressure up.
This damn Mexican harassing me.
- MATEO: I'm Cuban.
- Star, you don't got to be strong, okay? We don't have to perform if you don't want to.
What am I gonna do? Stand around and cry about it? It's not gonna bring him back, and it damn sure's not gonna help my baby.
- SIMONE: Star.
- ALEXANDRA: What? Wait, Star.
- What the hell is going on? - SIMONE: Brody's dead.
EMCEE: Everybody, let's give a round of applause for Take 3! [CHEERING, APPLAUSE.]
["MADONNA" PLAYING.]
Brody, where are you? I need to talk to you right now.
You were trying to protect me? BRODY: Yeah, I got to go now, baby.
You don't have to leave.
I understand.
It's okay.
BRODY: Hey, and don't try to come after me, okay? I love you, Star.
I always have.
- Get me out of here.
- Hey, babe, what's wrong? Come on, I got you.
MAN: Yo, drop the music, man.
Rolex watch me Second hand glidin' like LeBron So don't try to block me NINA: Simone.
- Is your sister okay? - Yeah, she's fine.
We just got some bad news tonight.
If there's anything that I can do, please You know what I realized tonight? I was reminded that life is really short, and you've been such a good friend to me and I wanted to be a good friend back, so I wanted to tell you that Mateo's been all over that reporter in the office.
I'm sorry.
She wanna go, she wanna go Spendin' money all crazy-like She came on to me.
By the way she looks at me, I can tell she still thinks Why do you still care what her and her snobby friends think? They still look at us like we're on the bottom.
Stop letting them get in your head.
They think I'm gonna fail.
But you're not because that is not the man that I married.
Then I threw a couple more 'Cause I ain't even mad 2,500 ones Just to pay me back That's so crazy about your homegirl Star and her daddy.
Yeah.
Yeah, she, um, doesn't have much family, but she's strong like you.
I have something for you.
You shared your memories of Bianca with me.
I wanted to share one of mine with you.
L.
A.
flights, VIP We livin' life Thank you.
This is so sweet.
DEREK: Hey.
Derek, um, this is Olivia.
- Hi.
- Hey, Olivia.
You must feel like the luckiest man on the planet.
Hell yeah, I do.
["BAD BISH" BY TAKE 3 PLAYING.]
- Hey.
- Hey.
This was Bianca's jam.
Who dis? Well, if you ain't know Must be dumb or blind or stupid My pedigree too strong A line of bad bitches [FADING.]
: My grandma and my mama Ratchet as, ratchet as Go on and throw them hands up NOAH: Carlotta.
I need to talk to you.
- I got my contract.
- Right.
You didn't sign it.
Look, you said that I could have what I want, but Mateo's playing the same old label games.
All right? The cars, the clothes, the movie deals.
What about my voice? I want a say in what I do creatively.
I want independence and I cannot have that at Gravity Records.
I'm going with Cassie and Maurice.
Noah, wait a minute now.
- Maybe we should - Look who the street trick just signed.
I be 'bout this here Said I can't do it like this 'Cause er'rytime they shoot, they miss You ain't trying to ruin my life 'cause you hate me.
You're trying to ruin my life 'cause you hate you.
Child, please, I love myself.
It ain't my fault you can't be what you want to be.
It ain't my fault that Xander will never hold you down the way Jahil had me.
Since we were kids, you been competing with me.
I ain't competing with your ass no more.
Okay? I'm winning.
And ain't a damn thing you can do about it, bitch.
Throw them hands up [GRUNTING.]
Stop, stop! [CROWD GASPS.]
Mama, stop it.
CARLOTTA: Get off of me.
COTTON: Mama, stop it.
Get her ass out of here.
Get off of me.
Get I'm-a kill you.
I'll kill you.
Get that phone out of my face.
Biggest night of my life.
I lost Noah.
Mama, I've been looking all over for you.
Are you okay? I don't know.
Mama, this thing between you and Auntie Cassie - has gone too far.
- You don't know who she is and what she capable of.
So tell me.
Mama, what is going on? We should go.
You know, I ain't seen Solange like that in a long time, but that damn Cassie deserved it.
- She doing too much.
- Yeah.
She's, like, way too much.
How you doing? I know Brody wasn't your father, but y'all was close enough.
Well, I was looking forward to having a normal family again, even if it was dysfunctional.
You got family, Simone.
I mean, look around.
I'm your family.
I ain't just a kiki in a castle, you know.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
Lame.
Blowin' cash, yeah, I got it bad Rusty? Like The Mack, can you count that? Musty.
[LAUGHS.]
Man, what ? [LAUGHS.]
When's the last time I seen your ass? 1994? Something like that.
Back when you couldn't ask or tell.
Man, only thing we were doing back then was running and telling Luther.
Yo, that was Mother, honey.
- He protect us.
- [LAUGHS.]
Yo, let me buy you a drink.
Come on.
I got to get this one home.
No, I'm-I'm okay.
I'm good.
All right, but you better get home, Simone.
SIMONE: Okay.
Still being people's mama? What you doing here? - [LAUGHS.]
- Out the blue.
Just fell off the face of the earth.
I told her everything about Bianca, the plane.
Now, I obviously can't bring her sister back, but I don't know.
Maybe I can get her a record deal.
Baby, are you okay? Yeah.
Just a lot on my mind.
You good? Yeah, I'm good.
I need to shower or something.
I'll be back.
Okay.
Baby, will you please just talk to me? - Star.
- I feel stupid.
I started to believe I could put this family together for my kid, - and I can't.
- You can.
You just need to let people in.
Why are you always trying to tell me what to do? I know what you need.
All right.
If you know me, what do I need right now? You need to laugh.
And I know just how to make you.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
["PONY" BY GINUWINE PLAYING.]
Why are you playing "Pony"? Oh, my God.
- Are you gonna dance? - Uh-huh.
- Just watch, I got you.
- Gotta be compatible Takes me to my limits Girl, when I break you off I promise that you won't want to get off If you're horny, let's do it Ride it, my pony - My saddle's waiting - That's how you feel? Come and jump on it If you're horny, let's do it Ride it, my pony My saddle's waiting - Come and jump on it - Come here, baby.
Sitting here, flossing Peeping your steelo.
I thought you said you couldn't make it.
I just wanted to say how incredibly proud of you I am.
I knew you could make it happen.
Mwah.
Now, need a little favor.
Anything.
What's up? I need you to run a little money through the club.
I told you I was going legit.
And you will, just after this one little favor.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
What? MIKE MIKE: See, boss lady? Told you we would find him.
You're the new guy, huh? Name Mike Mike.
Nice brand, Mike Mike.
Bankhead Crew all day.
Miss me?
It ain't even about the money no more.
You're the only loose end to the shoot.
I was talking to the cop.
They said we need to do a rape kit.
- All we need is a hot artist.
- I want one of Lottie's.
I know your contract's coming up for renegotiation.
We ain't got no business, bro.
We done.
ALEX: Bianca, she was sitting next to me.
I've snuck a few of your joints before.
Helps with my PTSD.
Jayden drew Jahil.
Jahil's murderer is still out there.
I won't let your daddy's death be in vain.
I've been living in my car till it broke down, son.
- Who is the baby's daddy? - Congrats.
CARLOTTA: If Cotton knew what you did, she'd hate you even more than I do.
Oh, bitch, I've just begun.
I'm in business with Maurice Jetter.
Like I told Maurice, I'm not doing nothing without Carlotta.
I can link y'all up with my boy, Andy.
Andy? I'm a winner I'm a winner, I'm a winner I'm a winner I'm a winner, I'm a winner I'm a winner I'm a winner, I'm a winner I'm a winner I'm a winner, I'm a winner.
You better know that school work like you know them songs.
See, that's what my Grandma Minnie would say to me when I would stay up all night singing, and when Stevie came out with Songs in the Key of Life, my mother wore the grooves out on that record.
This music thing, it's just in my blood.
And you plan to continue that passion at Gravity Records? I just spent the last month negotiating a major deal with Karma nightclub.
My artists will perform there weekly and we'll livestream it so the fans can watch.
Now show me a label making moves like this.
You really are a game changer.
Listen, my grandmother also said, "Don't let your mouth write a check that your ass can't cash.
" - [CHUCKLES.]
- My ass can cash this one.
[CELL PHONE BUZZING.]
I got some business to handle.
You mind if we finish this up later? Of course, I need to grab some B-roll anyway.
All right.
Thanks, guys.
MATEO: Hey, long time.
Interview was supposed to be about Gravity Media.
Are you still tripping because I released Take 3's song without telling you? No, you see, I'm tripping because you're trying to make Gravity Media's deal with Karma about you.
It bugs you that if it's a hit, it'll be my victory, not yours.
And if it fails, it's all on you.
What would Grandma say to that? [NOAH HUMMING.]
Come on, man.
I know you are not cooking that swine in my Guccis.
And you got grease on my contract, man.
Yeah, I read it.
How come you ain't signed it yet? Pops, you ain't been here but a month, bro.
That movie deal in your contract, that's gonna keep you away from your music.
This is coming from the man living on my couch.
And this is coming from the boy who almost jumped off a ledge.
I ain't raise you like that.
And I'm supposed to listen to your gay ass? My gay ass could still break you down like a fraction.
You ain't that grown.
Neither are you, Bobby.
Xander, baby, you gonna be able to come to the club opening? I gotta work.
I want you to see what you paid for and me in action.
Look, I've had to do so much to prove myself to my family.
When I open the doors to that club, they're gonna see who I really am.
No more street hustle.
No more blood on my hands.
- I'm gonna be legit.
- Okay, babe.
Understand, trust your heart Let your spirit - [CELL PHONE RINGING.]
- Damn.
- Yo.
Sorry.
- [CHUCKLES.]
What the hell you mean you can't find that munchkin? You better hire somebody who can.
Now, as sexy as that sounded, that doesn't sound like a woman going legit to me.
I got just one loose end to tie up, then I'm Mother Teresa.
Uh-huh.
Hallelujah! Whoo! I bring me Get mine, 'bout mine, go hard Looking for another like me Boy, stop I bring me Whose love is the tightest? Whose kiss is the nicest? Me Whose touch is the rightest? Me I bring me I bring, I bring me.
Motivate, motivate, motivate, motivate, motivate, motivate Moti get money, motivate, motivate Motivate, motivate, motivate, motivate Motivate, mo motivate, motivate Motivate, motivate, motivate, motivate Moti get money Too many times I swallowed my pride I'm cracking a smile, I'm dying inside My demons are close, I'm trying to hide I'm popping a pill, I'm feeling alive Whoa, suddenly, I feel like taking a PJ Fly to D.
R.
on a weekday, eating ceviche.
Whoo, it's hot.
How much y'all think Carlotta spent on that? Child, you know this is the biggest move she done made yet since Midtown became Gravity Records with this Karma launch, so you know it wasn't nothing for that bitch to call in a favor.
And y'all got rehearsal today at, uh, noon.
Like, now? - Noon, girl.
- That's, like, now.
Okay, well, then there you go.
Go get ready.
Simone, Mateo needs you to stop by his office.
Okay.
Did you get the travel handled that I asked for? I just need everything right for Olivia.
Why you so worried about that girl? Her sister, Bianca, died in the plane crash and she reached out to me online.
Oh, no, that's too deep.
Please don't bring that to me.
- I can't.
- SIMONE: Star, your baby daddy's here.
Ooh, girl, Jackson here? Come on, Star.
Y'all gonna have some cute babies.
I'm gonna go get me a banana.
STAR: What up, Magic Mike? What up, Cardi B? - What's up? - Don't you think you've been working a little too hard lately? You monitoring how much I work? No, I'm looking out for you.
I promise you, I'm gonna be here for this baby.
Okay, look, I told you about the baby 'cause I think you deserve to know, not 'cause I need you, I got this right now.
Listen, I know you can handle anything 'cause you handled me.
I got you.
Anybody ever told you you're ugly? - Have they? - No.
You're kind of ugly.
I never thought about it till right now.
- You look great.
- Mm-hmm.
MATEO: So, as I was saying before, my vision for Gravity Media You don't have the juice.
Carlotta does.
Sorry, Mateo.
I seem to remember you needing me to navigate every social circle on campus.
You always were charming.
No, mami.
I was always smart.
A poor kid from Cuba scrapped his way up and became one of the top student at Duke University.
You all laughed at me at first.
- We didn't laugh.
- Not to my face, but you all did.
I failed my first time out the gate, but Gravity Media is different, and you should be writing about me, not about Carlotta.
Maybe I could see the story differently if there were something in it for me.
For old times' sake.
NINA: Simone! Hey, have you seen Mateo? Oh, I get it, you're still in shock.
Listen, I went to bat for you because I believe in you.
Of course we're gonna need to get you an acting coach Wait, what are you talking about? You're starring in the movie with Noah.
You convinced us.
Congrats.
Hi! - Hi.
- This is not happening! - This is crazy.
A G-Wagen? - Yeah.
And you are so fly, like, stupid fly.
- Thank you.
- Not stupid, but you know what I mean.
Ugh, you probably hate me already.
What? No, no way.
I'm just glad you're here.
Come on.
I'll show you Gravity Records.
Girl, I almost freaked the hell out when I saw that was you that posted on Bianca's SnapShots page.
And thanks for sending a car.
I really hate flying ever since Oh, trust me, girl, it's okay, I understand.
Alex Crane just called me "girl.
" - [SQUEALS.]
This is the best day of my life.
- [CHUCKLES.]
You're much smaller in person.
You're a lot smaller in person.
Um, I've heard that before.
Come on.
Let's go.
CARLOTTA: I'm calling it Gravity Night at Karma.
You go on before the girls, so you will set the tone.
How you like the space? It's dope, but I, um, I've been here before.
CASSIE: Welcome back, Noah.
I told you this club was gonna be fire.
The hell are you doing here? I own the club.
That's right.
You signed a contract to work with me.
I negotiated through my investor's company.
Where the hell you get an investor from? And what you mean you've been here before? Lottie, everybody knows my contract is about to be up.
And I tried to sign him.
Maurice and I have a streaming deal.
See, this ain't just a club.
Yeah.
[LAUGHING.]
: This is You have no experience, you have no track record, no connections.
Noah's career is not a game, Cassie.
But I got you scared, though, right? Karma Sound might be small, but at least you'll get to own your own music and brand.
Big labels like Gravity Records, they all about keeping you boxed in.
You must be smoking what you selling.
Gravity Media has done nothing but give you a future, endorsements, movie deals, tours, not to mention a label head that you can actually trust.
NOAH: Carlotta, the last time I negotiated, your legal team pushed back.
All right, I read my contract.
I deserve more.
- Mm-hmm.
- Especially creative control over my next album.
Noah, I've been down with you since before you were sober, way before I was the head of this label.
You know I'm-a look out.
We all know you can't trust the lookout on a plantation.
Look, I just need space to think about all of this.
Do you, baby.
Guess who's coming up in the world.
It's your girl! You ain't nothing but a street trick, Cas.
And you ain't gonna win this war.
I promise you that.
But don't you like the name of the club? Karma is a bitch, sis.
Now you want to pull out of the Karma deal? Just so you know, there's another team trying to poach Noah.
MATEO: Send me Noah's deal points, I'll keep him happy.
Just make sure tomorrow night is a success.
Yeah, okay.
You're late.
I know, I-I had to stop by my parents' crib.
I know I can't talk to them, but I had to see them.
Look, I know this is tough, but you leaving town is the only way to keep you safe, just stay gone this time.
I will.
Carlotta, I'm really sorry about Jahil Don't.
It's not gonna change anything.
You just worry about staying safe.
JAHIL: You haven't let him off the hook about me.
He feels guilty.
I'm helping him.
That's enough.
Besides, I got to deal with this Cassie mess.
She got somebody bankrolling her.
[SCOFFS.]
You know your baby sister ain't got but one person who'll give her stacks like that.
The problem is, what is he gonna want in return? Exactly.
Stupid ass.
You see me on a street so familiar You plan to be late every rehearsal or just some? This Karma thing is important.
It's streaming live.
Star, I'm here, okay? Damn.
Damn, I was just playing, but are you okay? I got the lead in the movie.
You got the lead in the movie? That's amazing.
Why are you acting weird? I don't know, it's just a lot to take in.
Yeah, it's a lot to take in.
Of course it's a lot to take in.
You might be a movie star.
I can't believe they're gonna fit your big-ass head onto those screens.
- Shut up, Star.
- I'm just playing.
I'm just playing.
- You should be excited.
- Okay, you're right.
Okay, damn.
- I'm proud of you.
- Thank you.
But you're not a movie star yet, so pick up these moves.
- You remember? - Okay.
- He's kicking.
- The baby? - [GASPS.]
Can I feel? - Mm-hmm.
[GASPS.]
He's, like, doing the keke.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
Wow.
Oh, my God.
I can't believe it.
I wish you were at the first ultrasound.
It was cool.
Look, Star, I'm sorry that I wasn't there.
I don't know what it's like to be pregnant, and you You always act so tough, you know? You act like you don't need nobody.
I know.
That's on me.
But I'm really gonna try.
I'm really gonna try to give this kid everything we never had.
A strong mama, a daddy, an auntie.
Maybe even a granddaddy.
I was thinking of looking for Brody.
Even though he messed us up, it's not about us anymore.
We're grown, but we could give this little nugget a family.
Yeah, a dysfunctional one.
We have no other option.
- Well, let's find his ass, then.
- [LAUGHS.]
By the way, please take anything you want.
'Cause you gotta come through drippin' at the Karma opening.
You're so generous.
It's been hard lately.
Me and Bianca were, like, best friends.
I miss her so much.
My mom cries every night.
I can never talk about it.
I can't really talk about it, either.
Well, I'm no life coach, but I can listen.
After the hit all I could hear was this ringing.
People screaming.
There was a girl next to me, bleeding, but the EMTs took me first.
Because you're Alex Crane.
The girl sitting next to me was Bianca.
She, um, held my hand before she died.
And she kept telling me it was okay.
And you brought me here for what? To make yourself feel better? - No, Olivia, I - No, don't touch me! My sister is dead 'cause of you.
[DOOR SLAMS SHUT.]
- [KIDS LAUGHING OUTSIDE.]
- That's just the kids, Grandma.
It's okay.
Y'all stop playing in my damn garden! Grandma, it's okay.
All I can see is his face looking at me.
And that gun to my head.
Every time I close my eyes, I see his face.
I hear his breath.
You remember anything else? He had a brand.
On his shoulder.
I should have killed his ass.
Oh, my God.
What is you doing? This ain't even that type of neighborhood.
[CHUCKLES.]
Is that meat on my grill? This is how you get to meet your neighbors.
- [CAR ENGINE REVVING.]
- All this money is what I choose Get it on Don't say nothing crazy, all right? - Mr.
Brooks.
- What's up, Mateo? Heard you were considering your options.
There's only one, brother.
Gravity Media.
I got a new contract for you.
Uh, hold up.
Carlotta said I'd have creative control over my third album.
We'll talk about that after we get this music night up and running.
With you as the headliner, of course.
I hope we have a deal.
Enjoy.
He might as well have given you tap shoes, boy.
No matter how clean you get, I can still smell that dirty money just dripping off your ass.
Carlotta Brown.
[CHUCKLES.]
Long time.
How's your mama? Look, I know you're plotting with my sister again.
That's your coin funding her club.
As fond as I am of your sister [CLEARS THROAT.]
those days are dead and gone.
Your jungle fever ass left her as soon as you pretended to go legit.
Remember? But now you're messing with my money, And you can't play me like you play my sister.
I got my business tied up in that club, so if I find out that you dirty, I'm gonna call the cops on you so fast, boy, you gonna think I was a white woman.
That's a lie.
You ain't a snitch.
I don't pull pistols no more, either, but I'm sure I could come up with an alternative.
Hey, Carter, get the lady a drink.
She needs it.
Jayden.
Get him.
Cotton, he got my phone.
See, Cotton not a real black mama yet.
Yeah, that's what it mean, Pat.
A real black mama would have her foot stuck - up in his ass.
- [MISS BRUCE LAUGHS.]
You see my leg twitching? I'm gonna break my foot off in that kid ass.
You a damn fool.
Yo, so I put some feelers out for Brody.
The police are gonna call me if he's in any of the jails.
- Dysfunctional.
- Super white trash.
[CHUCKLES.]
Auntie Cassie is in the house.
Where's my little apple-headed nephew? JAY-JAY: Auntie Cassie.
Ooh, happy birthday, Jay-Jay.
Oh, so big of a hug! I invited Auntie Cassie.
I get it.
That's your family.
But she's also helping me with Jahil.
And I know you don't understand, but I want her in my life, Mama.
Cotton, listen, she Jayden! You better hope this phone works, boy.
- I didn't do nothing.
- Don't lie to me.
- Yes, you did.
You know you did.
- Mama No, I told you to get that boy.
If he erased one of these voice mails on here, I'm gonna have his narrow behind.
That's a start.
What the hell is wrong with you? What the hell is wrong with you? I figured out who your investor is.
Xander? Really, Cas? Don't act like you ain't hustled with the both of us.
I know if X does something for you, he gonna want something in return.
He about to drag your dumb ass from sewer to gutter.
And you need to drag your ass back to your lane and stay in it, okay.
Worry about Noah instead of me and my damn man.
How is that your man when he has a wife? How was you fornicating with a pastor? You know what, I almost feel sorry for your dumb ass.
You just a bottom feeder.
I'm rising to the top, Carlotta, and I don't need your pity at all.
What you need is some common sense.
- And a reality check.
- And a reality show, bitch.
It's already on.
It's called Catfish, bottom feeder! When I get insecure Hi.
Thanks for calling.
Um, I figured you'd never want to talk to me again.
It was a lot to take in.
- I'm sorry.
- That would keep me honest - No one's honest anymore - Is-Is that you? That sounds like you.
- That's beautiful.
- After Bianca died, - I started singing more.
- I'm ready to be yours Yours She used to joke that one day I could be on this big stage somewhere, like you.
Crazy, right? No.
No, that's not crazy.
You tell me it ain't a thing, boy, you such a blessing What if I can make that dream come true? I know I can't bring Bianca back, but I could write or produce a song for you.
You don't have to do that.
But I want to.
Please let me.
I need someone to keep me balanced Okay.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
Looks clean as hell, bro.
Funny seeing you here.
It'd be even funnier if it was a coincidence.
Listen, I know you don't trust me, but quitting's not in my DNA.
I used to play safety for Tech.
We were down by six one game, 30 seconds to go.
I pick off the QB, score, and we won.
Another one of your war stories, Maurice? I don't ever give up, Noah.
Sign with us, and you can build your own kingdom.
He's already the king of Gravity Records.
I heard Mateo came by.
Yeah, he said that we could talk about creative control after this album.
I'm-a tell you right now, - that ain't gonna work.
- I agree.
Nobody knows your taste like I do.
Trust me, I will make sure your voice is heard.
As a matter of fact, after this album, I think you need your own imprint; you need to be signing your own artists, creating your own sound, maybe even All I hear is a bunch of "maybes" and "next times.
" My maybes and next times come with a proven track record.
What you got? I'm riding with you, Carlotta.
[ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYING.]
Till the wheels fall off.
You're in here reminiscing? Yeah.
[CHUCKLES.]
Man, you used to love it when I sang The Temptations.
- Oh, oh.
- Yeah.
You remember when you caught me listening to George Michael? You said, "Boy, let me show you some real soul.
" - Hell yes, I did.
- [LAUGHS.]
You did.
- [ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYS.]
- I, um I decided to sign with Gravity Records.
But you, you used to talk about real freedom as an artist.
Don't lose your soul chasing no carrot, you hear me? - Yeah.
- All right.
That's all I'm-a say.
[SCOFFS.]
No, it ain't.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
Hey, man, look, I'm-a get up out your hair in a minute, man, all right? I found a place to stay, so All I need to do now is, uh, figure out how to make some money.
[LAUGHS SOFTLY.]
[SIGHS.]
And that's where I come in, right? Hey.
I ain't no freeloader, boy.
I'm-I'm-a pay you back.
You know, how-how much I got to pay you to leave me again? Hmm? What you want? $100? What you need, a G? Take it all, whatever you want.
Hey, you better show me some damn respect, boy.
Why? Huh? You left me like I was nothing.
What, I wasn't good enough for you back then? You know what? Get out my house.
MAURICE: All right, you ready? [SIGHS.]
Think I'm gonna stay a little longer.
Yeah.
CARLOTTA: You ain't nothing but a street trick, Cas.
You just a bottom feeder.
[PIANO PLAYING.]
Ooh All my life, I saw the stage but I just watched the show Every time they tried to knock me off my pedestal But I kept my head down grinding, I was laying low But it's my turn now Oh, it's my time now To stand on the stage, the curtains are drawn And now I can hear the round of applause I'm taking it all, it's my time to shine Oh, I I'm coming for the Spotlight, spotlight, spotlight The whole world gonna know me My time, my time, my time, yeah That's how it's gonna be Spotlight, spotlight, spotlight Yeah, that's all that I need My time, my time, my time Ain't gonna take this from me I always been on top Always count my blessings, but I still won't stop 'Cause I was born for this I was born to be a boss, and I'm gonna fight for it And I'm still gonna top the charts Oh, it's my time now No, no, it's my time now - And I'm gonna shine - I'm gonna shine - Oh, yeah, I'm shining - I swear I'm the best, I always win No, I'm not gonna lose - No, it's my time - It's my time - My time, my time - My time, my time Spotlight, spotlight, spotlight The whole world gonna know me - World gonna know me - My time, my time, my time Yeah, that's how it's gonna be - How it's gonna be - Spotlight Yeah, that's all that I need Oh Whoa, whoa Ooh.
Hmm.
They screamin' "I bring me" Bish, I'm the one that brought the table I'm the boss, I'm the king Pick a team, pick a team, yeah, yeah.
I can't believe I'm backstage with Take 3.
- Well, believe it.
- We got to prep y'all mics, too.
- All right.
- Y'all are going on right after Noah.
I got to pee.
MISS BRUCE: Excuse me.
CARLOTTA: So, how we doing with that contract? We shook hands on it.
It's all good.
We need this night to be perfect.
Every investor is watching.
I don't write checks I can't cash.
Carlotta, I was wondering if we could finish the interview now.
Sure.
[PHONE VIBRATING.]
Detective Batista? Where? Okay, I'm on my way.
It's Brody.
We got to go.
Star, we can't just leave.
No.
Y'all, we have to perform.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
Hey, I want to talk.
I got it.
All right.
Hey, look, man.
It's hard enough, you know, for a black man to feel deep in this world without, you know, being seen as weak.
You know, then, try being a gay black man and see if that, that load is any easier to carry.
When I left you and your mama, hey, man, I was fighting something deep inside, man.
I didn't, I didn't think about what it was gonna do to you, man.
I-I didn't think about that.
But, you know hey, man, I was wrong for that.
Is that supposed to be some kind of apology? I saw your "Dance with My Father" performance.
Me and Paul watched that on a loop.
So the reason I'm living in my car is 'cause Paul died.
And, uh, uh, you know, I didn't have no rights to our life, so I lost him, then I promised him that I would come and I'd find you and I was gonna make it right.
Then I That's when you found me on the roof? Look.
Listen to me.
It took me my whole life to figure out who I was.
But you, boy, you came out your mama marching to your own beat.
You know what I'm saying? [CHUCKLES.]
Hey, I want you to remember: whatever you do in this world, whatever you do, remember, it ain't about the fame, all right? It's about the freedom.
All right.
Hey, Pop.
[LAUGHS SOFTLY, SNIFFLES.]
How I look? Man, you look great, son.
You look great.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
- Testing, testing.
- [MICROPHONE FEEDBACK.]
What's up, y'all? My name is Cassie, and I want to welcome you guys to me and Maurice Jetter's new spot, Karma, where the booties are tight and the songs are right.
Now, some people thought we couldn't do it, but we're here and we ain't going nowhere.
Now I want y'all to give it up for the one and the only sexy chocolate, Mr.
Noah Brooks.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE.]
Has Noah Brooks re-upped his contract? There were rumors he might leave.
[SCOFFS.]
And that's all they were, were rumors.
Nothing can compare to Gravity Records.
Noah knows that.
What's up, what's up, y'all? I want to thank y'all for having me here tonight.
I'm-I'm really grateful to be here.
I-I want to switch it up.
Do something special, something that my-my pops used to rock to.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE.]
["PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE" PLAYING.]
It was the third of September That day I'll always remember, yes, I will 'Cause that was the day That my daddy died You asked me to check the county jails.
I also checked the John Does.
Looks like an electrocution.
And he also had some personal effects on him.
These were your father's.
I never got a chance to see him Never heard nothin' but bad things about him Mama, I'm depending on you STAR: Brody's ring.
To tell me the truth Mama just hung her head and she said I'm sorry.
Papa was a rolling stone [CHEERING.]
Wherever he laid his hat was his home And when he died All he left us was alone Whoa, Papa was a rolling stone My son, yeah Wherever he laid his hat was his home And when he died, all he left us was alone Oh Papa was a rolling stone, yeah, Mama [SHOUTS.]
Wherever he laid his hat Was his home And when he died, all he left us was alone I can't do this.
It's okay.
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE.]
What do you mean, they're not here? I mean, they not here.
I can't say it in Spanish, sweetie.
Look, I'm texting them now, all right? This is ridiculous.
Where the hell y'all been? Y'all got my damn blood pressure up.
This damn Mexican harassing me.
- MATEO: I'm Cuban.
- Star, you don't got to be strong, okay? We don't have to perform if you don't want to.
What am I gonna do? Stand around and cry about it? It's not gonna bring him back, and it damn sure's not gonna help my baby.
- SIMONE: Star.
- ALEXANDRA: What? Wait, Star.
- What the hell is going on? - SIMONE: Brody's dead.
EMCEE: Everybody, let's give a round of applause for Take 3! [CHEERING, APPLAUSE.]
["MADONNA" PLAYING.]
Brody, where are you? I need to talk to you right now.
You were trying to protect me? BRODY: Yeah, I got to go now, baby.
You don't have to leave.
I understand.
It's okay.
BRODY: Hey, and don't try to come after me, okay? I love you, Star.
I always have.
- Get me out of here.
- Hey, babe, what's wrong? Come on, I got you.
MAN: Yo, drop the music, man.
Rolex watch me Second hand glidin' like LeBron So don't try to block me NINA: Simone.
- Is your sister okay? - Yeah, she's fine.
We just got some bad news tonight.
If there's anything that I can do, please You know what I realized tonight? I was reminded that life is really short, and you've been such a good friend to me and I wanted to be a good friend back, so I wanted to tell you that Mateo's been all over that reporter in the office.
I'm sorry.
She wanna go, she wanna go Spendin' money all crazy-like She came on to me.
By the way she looks at me, I can tell she still thinks Why do you still care what her and her snobby friends think? They still look at us like we're on the bottom.
Stop letting them get in your head.
They think I'm gonna fail.
But you're not because that is not the man that I married.
Then I threw a couple more 'Cause I ain't even mad 2,500 ones Just to pay me back That's so crazy about your homegirl Star and her daddy.
Yeah.
Yeah, she, um, doesn't have much family, but she's strong like you.
I have something for you.
You shared your memories of Bianca with me.
I wanted to share one of mine with you.
L.
A.
flights, VIP We livin' life Thank you.
This is so sweet.
DEREK: Hey.
Derek, um, this is Olivia.
- Hi.
- Hey, Olivia.
You must feel like the luckiest man on the planet.
Hell yeah, I do.
["BAD BISH" BY TAKE 3 PLAYING.]
- Hey.
- Hey.
This was Bianca's jam.
Who dis? Well, if you ain't know Must be dumb or blind or stupid My pedigree too strong A line of bad bitches [FADING.]
: My grandma and my mama Ratchet as, ratchet as Go on and throw them hands up NOAH: Carlotta.
I need to talk to you.
- I got my contract.
- Right.
You didn't sign it.
Look, you said that I could have what I want, but Mateo's playing the same old label games.
All right? The cars, the clothes, the movie deals.
What about my voice? I want a say in what I do creatively.
I want independence and I cannot have that at Gravity Records.
I'm going with Cassie and Maurice.
Noah, wait a minute now.
- Maybe we should - Look who the street trick just signed.
I be 'bout this here Said I can't do it like this 'Cause er'rytime they shoot, they miss You ain't trying to ruin my life 'cause you hate me.
You're trying to ruin my life 'cause you hate you.
Child, please, I love myself.
It ain't my fault you can't be what you want to be.
It ain't my fault that Xander will never hold you down the way Jahil had me.
Since we were kids, you been competing with me.
I ain't competing with your ass no more.
Okay? I'm winning.
And ain't a damn thing you can do about it, bitch.
Throw them hands up [GRUNTING.]
Stop, stop! [CROWD GASPS.]
Mama, stop it.
CARLOTTA: Get off of me.
COTTON: Mama, stop it.
Get her ass out of here.
Get off of me.
Get I'm-a kill you.
I'll kill you.
Get that phone out of my face.
Biggest night of my life.
I lost Noah.
Mama, I've been looking all over for you.
Are you okay? I don't know.
Mama, this thing between you and Auntie Cassie - has gone too far.
- You don't know who she is and what she capable of.
So tell me.
Mama, what is going on? We should go.
You know, I ain't seen Solange like that in a long time, but that damn Cassie deserved it.
- She doing too much.
- Yeah.
She's, like, way too much.
How you doing? I know Brody wasn't your father, but y'all was close enough.
Well, I was looking forward to having a normal family again, even if it was dysfunctional.
You got family, Simone.
I mean, look around.
I'm your family.
I ain't just a kiki in a castle, you know.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
Lame.
Blowin' cash, yeah, I got it bad Rusty? Like The Mack, can you count that? Musty.
[LAUGHS.]
Man, what ? [LAUGHS.]
When's the last time I seen your ass? 1994? Something like that.
Back when you couldn't ask or tell.
Man, only thing we were doing back then was running and telling Luther.
Yo, that was Mother, honey.
- He protect us.
- [LAUGHS.]
Yo, let me buy you a drink.
Come on.
I got to get this one home.
No, I'm-I'm okay.
I'm good.
All right, but you better get home, Simone.
SIMONE: Okay.
Still being people's mama? What you doing here? - [LAUGHS.]
- Out the blue.
Just fell off the face of the earth.
I told her everything about Bianca, the plane.
Now, I obviously can't bring her sister back, but I don't know.
Maybe I can get her a record deal.
Baby, are you okay? Yeah.
Just a lot on my mind.
You good? Yeah, I'm good.
I need to shower or something.
I'll be back.
Okay.
Baby, will you please just talk to me? - Star.
- I feel stupid.
I started to believe I could put this family together for my kid, - and I can't.
- You can.
You just need to let people in.
Why are you always trying to tell me what to do? I know what you need.
All right.
If you know me, what do I need right now? You need to laugh.
And I know just how to make you.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
["PONY" BY GINUWINE PLAYING.]
Why are you playing "Pony"? Oh, my God.
- Are you gonna dance? - Uh-huh.
- Just watch, I got you.
- Gotta be compatible Takes me to my limits Girl, when I break you off I promise that you won't want to get off If you're horny, let's do it Ride it, my pony - My saddle's waiting - That's how you feel? Come and jump on it If you're horny, let's do it Ride it, my pony My saddle's waiting - Come and jump on it - Come here, baby.
Sitting here, flossing Peeping your steelo.
I thought you said you couldn't make it.
I just wanted to say how incredibly proud of you I am.
I knew you could make it happen.
Mwah.
Now, need a little favor.
Anything.
What's up? I need you to run a little money through the club.
I told you I was going legit.
And you will, just after this one little favor.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
What? MIKE MIKE: See, boss lady? Told you we would find him.
You're the new guy, huh? Name Mike Mike.
Nice brand, Mike Mike.
Bankhead Crew all day.
Miss me?