Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story (2025) Movie Script
...
Yeah
And you don't stop
And you don't quit
Now I'm the man with the plan
and the B-boy stance
And all the ladies in
the jam know who I am
With the power to make it move
when I write a groove
I don't snooze
I kick it off nice and smooth
And when the beat goes down,
feet hit the ground
The breakers start spinning
all round and round
Now you're the body,
don't stop
'Cause we don't stop,
we just rock
You feel it when
the needle drops
I'm the mastermind
I'm the greatest of all time
I'm the mastermind
I'm the mastermind
No, Papi, no!
No, no, stop.
I want you to...
look at me...
This is your fault.
Hey!
Don't touch her!
Your fault!
I'm gonna kill you!
No, mija, stop. Stop!
Stop!
He's hurting you, Mami!
No, call the cops!
No, Lisa!
I won't do that to your father!
Man, I hate moving.
Daddy's gonna be
pissed that we're gone.
Hey, grab those boxes and
put them in the living room.
We gotta get the truck back
in an hour, so hurry up.
Take those damn headphones off.
Didn't you learn your lesson
about having those things on?
You're not my father.
You weren't even there to help.
Why do you think
we're moving now?
And I was working.
Yeah, you're always
working, Eladio.
Because I've got to.
Maybe I wouldn't have to
if our pops
was worth a damn, huh?
Who's gonna take care of this
family if not me?
You?
I do what I got to
to help Mami.
And the best way you can help is
to stop daydreaming
and think about how
you can pitch in around here.
I'm not gonna have Mami
working three jobs
while
you're in La La Land.
If you don't
want it all
I don't want nothin' at all
If you don't
want it all
I don't want nothin' at all,
nothin' at all
Show me now that
you really mean it
Are you playing for games?
Ooh, Nikki gonna get you.
Can't go on without me
I don't know
Have a good one.
Sorry.
I'm here now.
Ay, que calor.
They need some
air conditioning back here.
How many of these
have we got to dress?
Damn!
I need a favor.
- No.
- Please, Lisa.
Mm-mm.
Last time I got into
trouble because of you.
Please.
I know a place
where we can make double
what we were making before.
I need the money.
I know you do, too.
One hour.
But that's it, okay?
Okay. Okay.
I don't want to get in trouble.
Feet on the ground
Hands to the sky
Oh!
Do you wanna dance
with me tonight?
The DJ is playing our song
The mood is right
Oh, oh
Do you wanna dance
with me tonight?
Follow me onto the floor
under flashing lights
Thank you. Thank you.
We'll be here all night.
Damn. I gotta go.
My brother told me to
pick up stuff for dinner,
and he's gonna kill me.
Okay. All right.
Thanks.
Oh, my gosh.
...like hip-hop music
You like it
'cause you choose it
Most DJs won't refuse it
It ain't nothin'
like hip-hop music
It ain't nothin'
like hip-hop music
Excuse you!
Most DJs won't refuse it
It ain't nothin'
like hip-hop music
- Un cafecito, Mami.
- Thank you, Mami.
You don't worry about this.
You hear me?
We came here to start fresh.
Okay?
One day I'll be so rich, Mami.
I'm gonna take care of you.
I'm gonna buy you a new car.
Mamita, the only thing
I want you to do
is to take care of yourself.
Don't ever count on anybody
taking care of you.
- Okay?
- Yeah.
But if you just
so happen to be rich...
- What?
- I want a convertible.
Ah!
Ay, I gotta go.
You come straight home
after work, okay?
Oh, I love you, mami.
I love you.
I hear you're boys
with Jellybean.
Yeah, we go way back.
Who's Jellybean?
He's the main DJ
at the Boombox Basement.
Word has it
he discovered Madonna.
Bull.
Word is bond.
Can you introduce me?
- To Jelly?
- No, to Ronald Reagan.
Yeah.
Sure thing, but you know,
in this city, nothing's free.
Especially when
it comes to Jellybean.
What do you want?
Hell no.
Jellybean's always
scouting for new talent.
Besides, Guy won't go
unless you come with us.
I don't even like him like that.
Girl, who said
you're gotta be into him?
Just pretend it's an extra
long shift in the stockroom.
Is your brother
even gonna let you go?
Of course he will.
Why wouldn't he?
Girl, I run the show at home.
Hell no.
Why?
Eladio!
- Please!
- No.
You know how many pervs
and weirdos go to places
like that to
pick up on young girls?
You're gonna be with me.
It's a bar. You're 15.
It's teen night.
There won't be any alcohol.
Eladio, stop and listen to me.
I ain't gonna live and die
in this neighborhood
and never be nothin'.
I want to take care
of Mami one day.
What's that got to
do with this club?
There are gonna be
people there who can help me.
Give me a shot at singing.
There you go.
Head in the sky again.
I'll take out
the trash for a month.
We can make it,
we can make it work
Comin' from a far land
where they never stay
They don't ever contest
'cause they're too afraid
With them rockin' and rollin',
so let me bless the mic
While the DJ
From the west, the east,
the north to the south
When I step into the party,
people stand on the couch
Just wanna have a good time
I'll be doing just fine
All I need is 30 seconds,
I'ma rock around
Yeah, fresh to death
Is that him?
Can you introduce me?
I don't know him like that.
I thought you said
he was your homeboy.
I know who he is.
Wait until after the set.
I'll try to get us
into the green room.
Guy!
I'll figure it out myself.
I'm going home.
I got homework to do.
Go, go, go...
Show us what you got
Damn, my bad.
Go, go, go...
Show us what you got
Go, go, go...
Show us what you got
Go, go, go...
Show us what you got
Jellybean.
Jellybean--oh.
I come first
in the order of the peckin'
DJ, replay, we stay calm
Drop beats like bars
when they're playin' my song
Johnny, my man. What's up?
Parlay all day
We play offense
Y'all on defense
Bossin' your pretense
I'm gettin' even
We get rockin'
B-boys in the place
Gettin' down to the boogie
We're rockin'
midnight
to the early morn
Get rockin'
No time for the chat
I'm doin' my dance
Get rockin'
R-O-C-K-I-N-G
And I suggest
you don't mess with me
You're gonna sneak backstage,
take the tray.
What?
Take the tray.
Thank you.
Don't mention it.
- How much?
- A dub.
A dub? Come on.
Those are the prices.
Inflation, my man.
You got better options,
I suggest you get to it.
I got business going on here.
I hear you help singers.
Singers?
Nah. I help artists.
If they're worth it.
Well, I'm worth it.
The best damn pipes
you'll hear all night.
Okay, shorty.
Let's hear you blow.
I got sunshine
lighting my way
You try to be the clown,
but just float away
Don't matter about the sticks
and the stones you say
Cause your world's
about to bud
And you're in my way
'Cause I'm rollin'
Rollin'
Try to stop us,
we just keep goin'
Ooh, ooh, ooh
All right.
Fresh.
I see ya.
So what's your name?
Lisa. Lisa Velez.
All right.
Lisa. Lisa Velez.
How old are you?
She's buggin'.
Come on, now.
15?
Hmm.
All right, Lisa.
Leave me your digits.
Come on, man.
I just need a couple of intros.
That's all.
I told you, mamita.
Ain't no one looking for
a singer with your...
look.
What you mean?
What's wrong with my look?
Look, I love you
the way you are.
But these record executives,
they start bugging
about silly things
like looks and image.
But you know
I can sing my answer.
I know it.
But they don't.
And you don't
get past a record label
without them
thinking about your image.
Or theirs.
And besides,
these record labels,
they're full of
whack-ass scam artists
just waiting to take advantage
of a young buck like you.
Well, I ain't exactly
no young buck.
You still working
with your pops?
Sampling the product?
Toni.
Dealing only leads
down one path.
So help me get another path.
Me encantas...
Hey, yo, shorty.
I heard you singing over there.
It was fresh.
You from around here?
Around the way.
Hell's Kitchen.
Word.
Well, look, I got this joint
that I've been working
on for a month.
Hey!
Don't be pushin'--
Whoa!
I'm trying to talk to her.
You know what I'm saying?
Nah, she ain't even
trying to holler at you.
- Look, bro.
- Homie.
I got a band,
and we need a lead singer.
Jellybean told me
that she was looking.
Got a few producers
that are interested,
you know, if you
want to audition.
My name's Mike Hughes.
Here's my number and address
to the recording studio.
Play drums.
Maybe we can make
some music together.
But just music, man.
Time to go.
You ain't goin'
to no audition with that guy.
No, of course not.
I know that.
She's gonna be amazing, too.
Hold up. This is her.
- Hey.
- Hey.
There's someone
I want you to meet.
Come over here.
This is Rocco.
- He's the manager.
- Hi.
Rocco, we just
need five minutes.
You got three, Mike.
Okay.
Okay, Lisa, come on.
I have someone
I want you to meet.
- This is Spanador.
- Nice to meet you, Spanador.
- I heard you can sing.
- I heard you can play.
Yeah, yeah, let's go.
Um, did you practice
the song?
Mike wrote it.
Yeah, I worked on it last night.
You ready? Let's go.
Whoa, whoa.
Where do you
think you're going?
Record the song.
Ah, no booth.
One mic.
See what you got.
The booth. Come on, man.
Guys, hey, just listen to her.
Come on.
Oh, baby, baby,
it's your show
So come and take your bow
All I need
is your love, baby
Thanks.
We'll let you know.
- All right.
- Come on, man.
- Let's give them another shot.
- Waste of my time.
I gotta go.
We got stuff to do.
Hey.
Why don't you play
a song you know?
Something
you're comfortable with.
Hey, guys.
Back her up, whatever she wants.
Yeah, of course.
What you want to sing?
Hey, guys, look.
Let's give her another shot,
something she know.
Ah...
Oh, oh
Oh
Uptown, downtown,
the funk is on the move
Cartier and Louis V
is sure to set the mood
When we're alone
and you're mine
Only a fool would
ever try to hide
Let your heart
be struck again
Leave me in the air,
feeling high
Ha, ha, ha! Yeah!
What about
Hell's Kitchen's trio?
Wow.
No, that sounds
like my abuelo's band
or something like that.
I didn't think you could get any
worse than your last suggestion,
but hey...
- What?
It's got to be slick.
It's got to be, you know,
something that screams we're
all about culture, hip hop.
And music.
And that we can jam.
Yeah.
- Cult Jam?
- That's fly.
I got it.
Lisa and Cult Jam.
- OK.
- I'm feeling it.
All right, but it needs that
extra flavor, you know?
Because Lisa ain't
your everyday girl.
- That's what I'm saying.
- Mm-hmm.
Oh.
She's not.
No, Lisa ain't
your everyday girl.
She's uniquely blessed.
How about
Lisa Lisa...
and Cult Jam.
Yo, that's fresh.
Right?
Don't you think, Lisa?
Yeah, it's a joint.
I'm down.
We got a name.
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam!
...if I take you home
Would you still
make me love, baby
Because I need you tonight
I like the bass
in that progression.
Would you still
make me love, baby
Because I need you tonight
Oh, oh!
The Brothers are some of
the best producers in town.
This is great, Barry.
Thank you so much.
Lisa! Sweetheart!
You're incredible.
With that sound?
You sound amazing.
The men...
the men are
going to go gaga for you.
- Told you.
- Yeah, you did.
So what's next?
Tour?
Let's not
get ahead of ourselves.
Typically, we test the song,
see how it lands
in different markets
before we actually
sign an artist.
How do you do that?
We send the record
to a few friendly DJs in the UK.
And we'll be right
back with Radio FM UK.
The label better not have
sent me rubbish
like the last time.
That was pure Yank nonsense.
I mean, if it hits,
we start talking contracts.
If not, you know,
the music world is littered
with one-hit wonders.
Who is this again, mate?
A lot of them crash and burn.
Don't worry.
Rocco here is gonna make sure
everything runs smoothly.
Isn't that right, Rocco?
Yep.
So it's my job to book you gigs,
find the producers,
and work on promotions.
Hey, Mami!
Did you find it all right?
Hey.
Hello, Mom.
Pleasure to meet you.
You too.
Barry Connor.
I just have a few papers
that need your signature.
Let's step out for a second.
OK.
I'll catch right up to you.
Turn it back on, bro?
Maybe, uh...
You know that we can't proceed
unless she signs, right?
I mean, it's just too much risk
with an underage artist, so...
Walk her through it, okay?
Oh, yeah.
Do we need a lawyer or anything?
No.
The contracts are standard.
New artists usually sign as is.
Oh. Cool.
Let's run this.
I love the beat.
- Please, Mami.
- No.
I don't know him.
I don't know what I'm signing.
- What if something happens?
- Nothing is gonna happen!
Ay dios, nena.
I see how they look at you.
I know what these men want.
And it's not just your voice.
No, you don't know
what they want, Mami.
- Mira!
- Lisa.
Everything okay?
Yeah.
We're almost done.
All right.
Mami.
I'm a singer.
I need to be singing.
I can move us to
a better neighborhood.
And you won't even
have to work anymore.
Lisa, that's not your job.
You once told me
to never count on
someone to take care of me.
Mm-hmm.
You said to do it yourself.
So this is me doing it myself.
All right.
We need to get you guys
back in the studio right away.
Contracts are signed.
Go home.
Celebrate.
Tomorrow we get to work.
Come on.
Hey sweetheart,
sweetheart, Lisa.
- Can I talk to you a second?
- Yeah.
There's a lot of work, time,
and money that goes
into making you a star.
I need to make sure
I'm not wasting any of that.
So you're not pregnant
or nothing, right?
Pregnant?
I'm 15.
Like I said, there's a lot
that goes into young stars.
I need to make sure
I'm not wasting it.
I don't need a pregnant
teenager on the road.
You got me?
You don't have
to worry about me, Mr. Connor.
I'm locked in.
Good answer.
And call me Barry.
Yes, sir.
Um, Barry.
I gotta go.
My mom's waiting for me.
OK.
Yo, Lisa, you ready?
We gotta go.
Yo, Lisa, we gotta go!
Yeah, yeah, I'll be right there.
All right--
Hurry up!
We gotta get going!
To set now!
Ay no...
Huh?
Oh, that's what was
taking you so long, huh?
Wow.
Yo, Lisa, in a month,
every girl's gonna be
covering her eye trying
to look just like you.
Baby,
I know you're wondering
Why I won't go
over to your place
Today in California,
Governor Jerry Brown won
the Democratic nomination.
160th day of 1982,
in case you're wondering.
A time that some people were
reminded that actors are people.
So what does this mean
for AIDS patients
in this country?
Pittsburgh beat
the New York Mets--
hello, Pittsburgh--
6 to 2.
And the Los Angeles Lakers won
their second national
basketball championship.
Three in six years!
L.A. comes to Boston
and wins the world title.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
What you know
about that stuff, man?
Yo, ain't that
the band on TV?
Oh snap!
Oh, uh, what's up?
Hi.
Oh, thank you so much.
Yeah.
What's up, baby?
What's your name?
Lisa.
You're lookin' mad good.
My name's Javi.
Take my number.
Yeah.
What, you got a problem
with that? What?
Baby, I know
you're wondering...
With lines wrapped
around the block,
Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam
are catapulting freestyle
from New York's underground
clubs into mainstream fame.
And they are about
to go national, baby,
on Top American Countdown,
a show that has taken
some of the hottest stars
of today
and catapulted them
into the stratosphere.
And today is Lisa Lisa's turn.
This is Ed Lover.
You already know what it is.
Back to you.
Come on, make some
noise out here!
Come on!
Do it for Lisa Lisa, baby!
Every home in America watches
the bands on this show.
And Chuck Ryder is a titan
of the industry here.
If you don't screw up tonight,
America will
love you by tomorrow.
Come on, let's go, Lisa.
Hey, where's crafty at?
All right, starlings.
It's showtime.
It feels like
someone died in here.
I'm just nervous,
that's all.
Are you ready?
- Yeah.
- Yeah, we're ready.
Oh, forgot.
Yeah, come on.
Okay, I meant just you.
Chuck likes a little
personal touch,
a little pre-show interview.
I'm sorry, fellas.
But don't worry, you can watch
her right here on the live feed.
But we're a band.
And you'll play as one.
Just a quick chat
before with you.
Let's go.
Ladies and gentlemen,
from Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam,
please welcome Lisa Lisa.
I love you, Lisa!
I love you too!
Welcome to the show.
So, how are you
doing today, Lisa?
Well, I'm great.
Very excited to be here.
And how does it feel
to be in this position?
Well, it's a dream come true.
Toni, I thought
you weren't dealing.
Look, I'm not, man.
I'm networking.
You never know where
the next gig's gonna come from.
Besides, I think this dude
right here,
he knows some record execs.
Right. Sure.
Got a line on a gig.
- Word?
- An audition.
New band looking
for backup singers.
Man, I'm not backup.
Toni, no.
But look where you are.
It's gotta be this game.
Hey, you wanna spend your whole
life looking over your shoulder?
Just 'cause it didn't work out
last time doesn't mean you quit.
Doesn't mean you
stop trusting people.
It's show business.
It's the music game.
And the music game takes time.
Think about it?
Think about it.
All right.
- Peace.
- Peace.
- You ain't backup.
- I ain't backup.
Not for long.
Mike, listen, I got this.
Thank you.
Spanador, we're just gonna
go with number two.
No, number two
is not gonna work, bro.
We need another audition.
She looks the best.
It doesn't matter
if she looks the best, bro.
We need another audition.
We don't have time
for another audition.
Well, I don't know
what you want me to say,
but not one of them
blend with our sound.
Word.
What do we do, Alex?
We're going tour in a month.
Well, we keep searching.
We already behind on schedule.
We either pick
a team today or we push.
The label not waiting on us.
We got bands lined up
right now that's ready to go.
All right, Rocco,
just give me another hour.
I can find some ladies.
I'm about to flip
that, Baptiste.
I'll find you a whole lot of
girls who can sing best use.
Making an executive decision,
we're going with number two.
No, we're not
going with number two.
Staring out the window
Hoping to catch you
walking by
Staring out the window
I think
I've seen her before.
While these tears
go down my eyes
Staring out the window
Just can't believe
it's done and gone
Staring out the window
Thank you.
Hey.
Pack your bags, folks,
'cause we're going on tour.
Cigarettes don't
affect your voice?
No.
They actually give it
a little raspy bass.
I don't mind having.
Those things will
kill you, you know.
Well, whenever the government
comes out with a study saying
these are bad
for you, I'll stop.
I'm Lisa.
Toni.
How long you been singing for?
I grew up singing
on street corners.
Me too!
Listen, you know
it's not gonna be
what you think it is, right?
What's that?
I mean, this music industry.
You know,
it's just like the streets.
Use it or they use you.
So you got to watch yourself.
Everybody's going to
try to take a piece of you,
and you can't let them.
And where are you going?
Look, I mean, most of these
dudes want a backup singer
that's something to look at.
And I'm not that.
Then why'd you come?
Because I promised a friend.
But I know the game.
Don't smoke
these menthols on the road.
They'll mess up with your voice.
And I can't have that.
Whatever.
I was trying to quit anyway.
Hey.
Go home, pack a bag,
because
it's gonna be a ride.
Come on, baby.
Are we done soon?
Yeah, baby.
A little longer, OK?
We got to go.
I mean, what's this about?
Come on. You know what?
Baby, no, no, no.
They're gonna have to,
you know,
check my makeup again.
Stop.
I thought we had
dinner plans tonight.
Yo, this city's
so crazy sometimes.
Almost had to scrap
with a bunch of teenagers.
Excuse me. OK.
- Signatures.
- OK.
More promotional tours
means more papers to sign.
Again?
Hey, that's
the life of a big star.
Jesus Christ.
Wow, a commercial?!
Yeah!
We rearranged a few things so,
you know, you could sneak it in.
Well, I was supposed to
go home after this set.
I haven't seen my
family in a year.
This is a national commercial.
It's a lot of money.
I just, it's been
concert after concert.
You said you wanted
to be a star, right?
This is the pace
you have to work at.
So give her creative control.
Yeah, that's not the way
we do things around here,
but thanks.
Do it anyway.
Yeah.
I want creative control.
Lisa.
I want to start
putting my stamp on this.
I want to get involved
in the creative.
I want to help
with the set design
and the choreography and to
pick out the dancers, right?
Yeah, she does it anyway.
Of course.
You'll be involved.
Let's go!
Let's get to work!
Yo, sweetheart,
are we ready or what!?
In a minute, baby.
The record label
needs you, all right?
This is not
the other way around.
You know what?
Spanador, hurry up!
- Hold on, man.
- Lisa, come on.
Put your hand right here.
Photographer, are you ready?
Come on. Let's go.
Look at the camera.
Three, two, one.
Perfect, perfect.
Hold on, Lisa, Lisa, Lisa.
One second.
Can I get out of here, please?
No.
My idea sucks?
Hell's Kitchen Trio, bro?
Are you for real?
- Come on.
- All right, bro.
You know she's not
part of this group, right?
- What do you mean?
- Yo, I'm right here.
You can say it to my face.
I'm talking to Lisa.
What's your problem?
The problem is we don't need
any more voices offering
their opinions on music,
fashion, and photo shoots.
Fellas, let's take
a little break.
What do you mean, break?
Yeah, I have some fly spandex
I wanted to flash, man.
Well, nobody want to
see you in no spandex.
We're just gonna focus
on a few shots of Lisa alone.
Why don't you guys
go to craft service,
grab a coffee.
Hey, yo.
This was your band, Mike.
You got two little girls
telling you what to do.
One is just a background singer.
Come on.
Move one second.
One second.
- Your hair...
- Do I look good here?
You're good.
You're good.
Yo, Barry.
Let me talk to you for a second.
Of course.
I just want to make sure
you know that we're a band.
You know Lisa's going to get
all the attention
since she's the lead singer.
But anything
that we should be doing,
we should be doing together.
Interviews,
photo shoots, everything.
All right.
Is that all?
Yeah.
Good to hear.
Catch up with you on tour.
Keep up the great work, fellas.
Fantastic shoot today.
Fantastic!
Hit the beat now
That's dope.
Why does she have to redo it?
Yeah, I mean,
it still needs a final mix,
but we close, Toni.
- Aw, come on.
- We got it, we got it.
Sounding good.
Sounding good.
What's going on?
Hey, Lisa!
You're crushing that track!
Thank you!
- Come join us.
- OK.
Guys, the label's happy.
So I'm happy.
That's good.
I know I don't have to tell you
things are different now.
We're playing in bigger venues.
You guys going to be
on the road longer.
That means more money.
That means more money.
Hey, so you have
to stay focused.
You're not stars yet.
Speak for yourself.
I'm a star.
I'm a superstar.
All right, guys.
Hey, great job today.
Get out of here.
See you tomorrow.
Hey.
Hey, I'm gonna
go to the accountant
and get my check.
Hey, Lisa,
do you have a moment?
Yeah, sure.
It's business.
Baby, I'll see you
in the car in a second, yeah?
- I'll get the car.
- Thank you.
- Don't be long.
- Baby.
So, Rocco, I think...
So I picked up some papers.
I just need you to
go over some of it.
If you need help,
I can go over it with you.
Yeah, I can take
a look at it later.
I should probably get over--
Hey.
Why you goin' so fast, you?
Please, Rocco, stop.
Lookin good.
Come here.
Hey, what the hell
are you doing, Rocco?
Stop. No, stop, Rocco.
- You're playing too much.
- Kiss me.
Hey, Rocco!
Wait, stop!
What are you doing?
What's that all about?
- Stop playing.
- You stop playing.
Rocco, stop.
I've been thinking about you
all day.
Stop, Rocco!
You play too much.
See you later.
- You good?
- Yeah.
- You sure?
- I said I'm good.
- Just leave me alone, okay?
- All right, all right.
Whatever. Jeez.
Lisa...
Oh man, you ready to go
spend some money?
Hell yeah!
Whoo, spend some money!
OK! Wow!
- No, this is it.
- Right?
- Ooh, I love this car!
- Mm, mm, mm.
What? I know.
Do you take cash or check?
Man, which one is it?
Doesn't matter.
I love this.
Whoo!
- Oh, yeah!
- Bye!
But you had something
in mind for us
When I look into your eyes
I can't stop the rhythm
Should've known it only was
a daydream
What I did expect
giving you my heart?
- Lisa!
- Lisa!
- Can I get an autograph?
- Hey!
Lisa,
let's get out of here
Let's go, come on.
I don't got all day.
- Yo, this is fly.
- Right?
What?
Nikki, can you find me
this in a medium, please?
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
You look amazing.
Oh my god.
- Where's Guy?
- We gotta go.
- I love ya.
- I love you too.
Sorry.
Chill, chill, chill.
Watch out, come on.
Sorry guys.
So nice to meet y'all.
Wow.
Please, Eladio.
It's the first time
Mami will come see me.
Just get on the
train and come up.
Shoot!
Mami! Mami!
- Oh, I'm so glad you're here.
- You look beautiful.
Oh, my God.
You lost weight.
I've got a surprise for you.
Yeah, I'll show
you after the show.
- Come here.
- OK.
This is for you.
What do you mean?
It's yours.
No, I can't believe this.
Did you see what Lisa bought me?
Oh, my God.
Why did you do this?
You know we were all saving up
to pitch in and buy her a car.
I know, I know. I just
wanted to do this for her.
No, no, that's not the point.
Ay, Eladio!
Why can't you
just be proud of me?!
For once in your life,
can't you just say,
I'm proud of you, Lisa?
Why can't you do that?
It kills you to think
that I can leave and do
something more and
you're just stuck here.
You don't know what
you're talking about.
Oh, my God.
Look at her.
Just let her have this.
Mami, look at this.
The power steering.
Oh, and check the
glove compartment.
Yeah.
What is that?
This...
This isn't...
What is it?
Well, thank you, God.
Thank you, God.
Glory to God.
Thank you.
I bought the house.
It's yours, Mami.
Forever.
No one can take
it away from you.
You don't gotta worry
about anything ever again.
Oh, my God.
Ay, Mami.
Well, everything is
just perfect now, isn't it?
Eladio. Eladio!
Ay, Dios mio...
I love you,
but I can't be
sitting around waiting for you.
You heard?
You know how my job is.
I told you you can
come on the road with me.
Yeah, I'm not gonna follow you
around like a little pet, okay?
- I'm a man.
- I know. I know you are.
And I need to work, okay?
And I've been trying
to be supportive.
Let me tell you something.
When you're gone, I feel like
my only job is
to wait on the phone.
- Javi...
- And I mean, what?
That's the only thing
I've been doing
these past few months.
I'm surprised you remembered
it was my damn birthday.
- Yeah.
- I told you I'm working.
- Mm.
- I don't know how many times
we have to have
the same argument
over and over again.
Does working include letting
a bunch of guys
all up in your grill?
What the hell
are you talking about?
You let them touch you?
Feel all over you? Mm?
Is that what you like?
I don't know
where this is coming from,
but you're bugging.
- Oh, yeah? I'm bugging?!
Stop. Javi, wait.
Wait!
What do you want?
What do you want?
What do you want from me?
- You want to be with me?
- Of course.
Then marry me.
I love you, OK?
I do.
But I don't want to sit here
wondering if you're mine.
- Javi, I'm yours.
- Yeah? Then marry me.
Marry me, or I'll go home,
pack my things, and leave.
Because as is,
this isn't going to work.
It's your choice.
OK.
- OK.
- Really?
Let's get married.
Okay!
We're getting married.
You out of your mind?
What is your problem?
Lisa, you guys are 20 years old.
How do either of you know
what a commitment is?
You guys are just
two kids playing house.
Don't do this.
Wait until you're older
and out of this game.
You don't understand, Eladio!
All the time,
you're just saying--
No, no, no.
I understand plenty.
You trust people
when you shouldn't.
Mami.
Say something, por favor.
Mamita, please. Why?
Why do you want to
get married so young?
- I love him, Mami.
- How do you know it's love?
Nena, you will find
someone who will love you.
You will.
I saw it in my dreams.
A man who will love you,
who you will have children with.
But it's not Javi.
Congratulations!
Thank you, guys.
Some guys will promise you
a marriage made in heaven
But I'm gonna stick
to my guns
Lisa Lisa
of Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam
began simply as Lisa,
a young Puerto Rican girl
who dreamed of being
a singing sensation.
That dream started
to come true in 1985,
when a music producer group
went looking for a female lead
and stumbled across
the 16-year-old singer.
In that same year, they renamed
the band Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam,
producing three top-selling hits
which brought the band
to platinum status.
Both Lisa and the band attribute
their success to
their streetwise sound.
Lisa Lisa has been compared
with other top-selling artists
such as Debbie Gibson,
Paula Abdul, and even Madonna.
Their most
recently released album
is purposefully called
Straight to the Top,
a place where
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
hope to be for
a very long time.
Man, I'm glad
I ain't got no sisters.
Wake up.
There they are.
Okay, listen.
Shaving is like farming.
You gotta start with little
strokes and go up each side.
Like that.
Can't believe
you never did this before.
Don't you have sisters?
No.
You got me now.
Hello?
Oh, hey, babe.
Of course,
I'm in my hotel room.
Where else would I be?
Oh.
All right.
I'll be home in two weeks.
Okay.
I love you.
He's going out with
his boys again, huh?
Yeah.
It's the third time this week.
I think it's funny
how he always wants
to know where you're at,
but you never ask
him where he's going.
No need. I trust him.
Javi! I'm home!
Baby!
You know,
if Barry finds out...
I know.
Are you sure it was positive?
Like, does your mom know?
What'd she say?
She said not to have his child.
She said that he reminded her
of my dad and...
and reminded me what
a mistake it was to marry him.
I don't know.
Maybe I loved him because
I wanted a man to love me.
My father didn't do it.
Why don't you ever
talk about your family?
Ain't nothing to talk about.
What do you do
when you go back home?
- Where do you go?
- I got places.
Look, I mean, most kids...
Most kids have memories
of being a kid.
Like, happy memories of love
and their parents
and family, and...
I just don't got that.
And I'm okay with it.
That's why I enjoy
moments like this.
Making new memories.
Time with you.
One of my best friends.
One of your best friends?
I better be at the top
of that very short list,
Miss Toni.
That's why I should
have never said nothing.
Aw, you called me
your best friend.
You're so cheesy.
That's why I don't
open up to people, OK?
Seriously, though.
What are you gonna do?
I can't have a baby.
They'll lose everything, Toni.
I'ma help you.
Thank you.
I'm tired of goin'
right, left, up this hideaway
Hideaway
I feel like
I can't breathe...
Can you just...
Can you just leave me
alone for a minute?
Like it is
The more I think about
How much I let me down
I need a new day
to start fresh
Time to get back to me
Gotta go, yes, I know it
Hey, but you see shorty
over there?
You think I can
get her a little drink?
I mean, she look good,
but I mean,
it's up to you, really.
- Come on.
- Yo, what up, Toni?
- What's up?
- Damn.
Girl, you look busted.
You need to go get some sleep.
Trying to, man.
I needed a little something.
How's Lisa?
I know she wasn't feeling well.
- She's good.
- You sure?
Yeah, she's tired.
That's all.
So I think Javi's on the outs.
Thank God.
Hated that dude.
Yo, what can I get for you?
Bartender, let me get, um...
Let me get a whiskey.
Double.
Oh, damn.
You drink like a dude.
You flirt like one, too.
Excuse me, fellas.
Got some business
to take care of.
Oh, no. Come on. Come on.
Damn!
Oh, Mike.
Mike, man.
She's stealing your girl.
Again.
I gotta use the bathroom.
Barry, snap out of it.
Why am I paying
the tab all the time?
I got it, I guess.
Under the pale moon rising
A minute to midnight
Yeah, we know
time is a-runnin' out
Never mind
Keep on smiling
Lisa, it's important
that you listen to
what I have to say, OK?
We just got your
results back, and, uh,
it says that you have
ductal carcinoma breast cancer.
You'll need to start
treatment right away.
I have work.
No, I-I-I have to travel
for a few concert dates.
I'm afraid that's not possible.
If you don't treat it now,
the chances of it spreading
rapidly increase,
limiting the
chances of survival.
- Survival?
- Mm-hmm.
I can't stop touring.
I-I'll lose everything.
Is there someone we can call?
No. No one.
No, no, I-I don't want
anyone to know about this.
Doctor, can we prepare
a travel kit
for her to do treatments?
Yeah.
I can coordinate with
the hospitals in the cities
that she's traveling to,
and we can monitor her that way.
That works.
We can start
your treatment tomorrow.
A word with you, please.
That is my place.
Do you understand?
- Okay, I understand.
- All right.
Hey, mamita.
I know.
If I stop touring,
it all stops.
The music, the sponsorships.
And I just
paid off my mom's car.
Her house.
You know,
I took advancements to...
I took advancements
to make that happen.
And I can't-I can't stop.
My mami, my mami's
just gonna...
She was so happy.
She was so happy.
I can't stop.
Do you understand?
- I can't stop.
- We're gonna fix it.
We're gonna fix it so that
you don't have to stop, okay?
You're gonna be OK.
You're gonna be OK.
We're gonna pray for you.
Here, mama.
Here, here.
Take this.
Oh, yes.
You're gonna be OK.
By the way, my daughter,
she loves your music.
Aww!
She does.
She looks up to you so much.
A lot of little
Latinas look up to you.
Ay...
Listen, mama.
You got this, OK?
You're gonna be OK.
You hear me?
Hey, come here.
We need to have a meeting.
I've been looking over
the contracts,
and something seems off.
You noticed your pay?
Uh, yeah, yeah.
It's been a little light.
I haven't thought about it.
I'm too exhausted.
Can we talk about it later?
Toni said that we should...
Toni's not a part of this band.
We need to have
a conversation between us.
And just us, Lisa.
I gotta go, Mike.
We need to do it soon!
Look, I'm sick and tired of
this, Alex.
Toni.
What is this?
It's your paycheck.
Thought I'd hand deliver it.
Why? What do you want?
You're not one to
beat around the bush.
Maybe you are.
I wanted to ask about
friendship with Lisa.
My friendship?
The reporter was
prying the other day,
assuming she's a lesbian.
You know,
I corrected her, of course,
but, I mean,
those kinds of questions,
it doesn't benefit anyone,
does it?
Back off Lisa.
You done?
Yeah.
Yeah, I think so.
Thanks.
Hey, you got
a lighter on you?
Yeah. Sure thing.
Let's make time
for a chat over the break.
I don't want to see everything
slip away over one person.
- We'll have lunch.
- Okay.
Here for your check?
I'm gonna need an advance on
those jobs that were arranged.
Sure.
Got a few bills
that popped up.
Um...
What upcoming jobs?
I... I don't see anything.
Oh, the commercial.
I signed the paperwork
a while back.
Ah, here it is.
It seems like that
deal fell through.
- What?
- Yeah.
Did they say why?
Client pulled out.
No. No, that can't be.
I... I just spoke to them.
I had a whole
creative conversation about
the commercial
and what I wanted to do with it.
They were excited about us.
Look, I heard Barry said
that he didn't agree
with the creative,
and that was
a deal breaker for them,
so he turned down
the commercial.
Hm!
I'm so sick of this.
I've had enough.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa--
- Get your hands off of me.
Mr. Barry--
How dare you.
Excuse me?
We are the band.
You don't turn down a job
without letting
all of us decide!
Okay.
This is how the industry works.
You signed the contract.
You belong to us.
We decide what's best,
or we find another band
who will accommodate us
as we need them to do.
Go home.
Get some rest.
You look like hell.
Yeah. Hold on.
Lisa!
Remember,
there's plenty of girls
waiting in line
to take your place.
Hey.
Hey, yeah, no.
I just had to give someone
a little attitude adjustment.
Uh-huh.
Do you have
a phone I can use?
Sure, baby.
There's one right here.
- Thank you.
- Of course.
We gotta talk.
I stopped by accounting
and pulled up all contracts.
And?
Barry and Rocco
turned down that commercial.
Man, what the hell
are we gonna do?
I think we should bring in Toni.
She's done this before.
She's a backup singer, period!
Do you have a problem
with a female schooling you?
That's your problem!
Back it off! Both of you!
We need to figure out how
to get out of these contracts
before we tear each other apart.
They the bad guys, not us, man.
Yeah. Right.
I know a guy
who's done this before.
I'm gonna give him a call.
Oh, so we can't call Toni,
but we can call
a stranger we barely know.
Great! Lovely!
Lisa, please.
We need to figure out
what we're gonna do first
before we let him know.
Yeah? What?!
There's a few execs at the label
that are concerned with
your friendship with Toni.
Who cares if
I'm friends with Toni?!
You just listen
to her way too much.
You don't like the fact
that I'm close to her?
Or that she's gay?
What? That's ridiculous.
You know how many
gay musicians are out there?
A lot.
You have a lot on your plate.
We just don't need another voice
in your head giving you advice.
Yeah, come on, Lisa.
This is our band.
We started this together.
Lisa, hey, I like Toni, OK?
I don't care what
she does on her free time,
you know, but...
This...
This could hurt us.
No, it won't.
Lisa...
She's like a sister.
She's my best friend.
Time is money.
Do it. Do it.
Listen.
Stop worrying about Toni
and start looking into
the contracts
and how we keep losing money
because of these guys.
They need you, all right?
This is not
the other way around.
I told you, we don't need
her. She's whack.
Don't snap
at me like that.
We need to figure out
how to get out
of these contracts
before we tear each other apart.
This is our band.
Or we find another band
who will accommodate us
as we need them to do.
I'm a man.
There are plenty
of girls waiting in line.
We started this together.
There's a few
execs at the label
that are concerned with
your friendship with Toni.
I see how they look at you.
The van's here
to take us to the mall.
Lisa, come on!
Yeah, I'll be right there.
Lisa, what are you doing?
Rocco says
the place is packed.
Ay dios smio...
My hair!
Are you ready?!
Yeah, I said
I'll be right there!
Thank you so much for coming.
This is a great turnout.
I can't do this anymore.
What?
I need a break.
All right.
You'll get a break soon.
- I promise.
- No, now!
Girl, you better calm down.
I said you will get a break.
All right?
The sooner you start,
the sooner you will finish.
Get back to work.
Hey, I'm sorry about that.
Hi!
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Oh, this is such
a good place for--
Come on, Lisa.
I've been waiting all day.
Can I please get a kiss?
Please, please, please!
Come on, you look so fine!
I'm sorry.
Just an autograph.
- She said no, man.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa.
- Toni!
- Oh, we good?
We good?
What the hell
are you doing, Toni?
What?
You can't be letting dudes
get all grabby like that.
These are fans.
They're the reason
why we're here.
We can't be handling
things like this.
What the hell is that
supposed to mean?
It means that
we gotta be more thoughtful
how you handle situations,
Toni!
Not everything is
a confrontation.
What the hell is
the matter with you?
You've never had
a issue before, all right?
You look tired and, I mean...
Okay, you're one to talk.
You know what?
I don't need this, all right?
Because all I was doing was
making sure you were
all right like I always do.
OK, don't!
Don't check on me for once!
I already have a brother.
I don't need another one
hovering over me!
You good?
Yeah. I'm good.
Just tired.
I don't know...
what's going on.
Oh, man.
Runnin' in style.
Yo! Look at this, man.
Oh snap!
What is lame-ass Toni
riding with us to the show for?
I don't know, man.
Ask Lisa.
I will.
What you asking me for?
Not a mind reader.
Why aren't
you listening to Rocco?
The label doesn't
want her around,
and she's messing
with our money.
I invited her, Mike.
Yeah, and that's the problem.
You keep making
all these decisions
without consulting the group,
and we're sick and tired of it.
Right, Alex?
Guys, listen, look.
I'm a lover,
not a fighter, all right?
Can we just talk about it later?
Right now,
we just need to focus.
No, we can't talk
about it later.
I was gonna keep
this between just us,
but I had a lawyer
look over everything.
And those contracts
that we signed?
Put Rocco in charge
of everything.
He screwed us.
Nah.
You screwed yourself.
I already told you
the music game.
You either hustle
or you get hustled.
And you got hustled.
Yeah.
Just like your daddy
be hustling you, right?
- Who the hell you talking to?
- I'm talking to you.
Back your ass up!
She need to be out of here now.
Chill out!
Mike, stop dissing her.
This is the biggest
night of our careers,
and you guys
are wilding in the damn car?
Man, what are we gonna do
about these contracts?
- Nothing.
- What do you mean, nothing?
Those contracts are signed.
We signed them.
I just bought my mom a house,
my brother a car,
I'm paying
for my sister's college.
That can all go away
tomorrow like that.
Let's just ride this wave
until we can renegotiate.
Because I ain't going back
to folding sweaters
in the stockroom.
You hear me?
...help myself
You make me feel so right
I got to, got to tell you,
darling
Ooh, baby,
I think I love you
From head to toe
I think I love you
from head to toe
I know
You can't fight everybody, Toni!
You're lucky Barry wasn't there!
Me? I don't care about Barry.
All right?
He's the one that started it.
Stop! Stop!
I can't handle this!
Handle what? The truth?
I've been saying the same
thing over and over and over.
Now what's happening?
Now it's a problem?
What is up with you?
You've been acting different
for months now.
You never acted like this.
I always kept it real with you.
He, in fact,
has been talking to me crazy,
and I'm not gonna
keep allowing it.
Maybe you don't know what
the hell you're
talking about, Toni!
OK.
Maybe I can stick up
for myself!
Do it.
The rise in hip-hop
and electronic dance music
is forcing the
freestyle genre to fade.
I'll be back in a minute
to check on you.
It's Lisa Lisa...
Hi.
Da-da-da, da, da, da
Da, da-da, da-da
Yeah.
She's killing it, right?
Now let me see what you got.
Yeah, that's it.
Nah, keep going.
What's up?
I stopped by to get my check.
Ain't know
we was rehearsing.
Who is that? She's cute.
Toni!
Do you have a minute?
Come with me to the back room.
Look what the cat drug in.
I need a job, man.
Is that all you need?
Hey!
I told you.
You'll be back.
This love we have
can't be real
Let me show you how I feel
Oh boy
We can make it,
we can make it work
Yeah, that was good.
I want to do it
one more time, OK?
- Great job.
- Hey, look who's back.
It's so good to see you, Lisa.
You look terrible.
You're not pregnant, right?
Shut up, Spanador.
Who's that?
Um...
That is, um...
Spanador?
Mike. Mike!
Lisa, hear me out.
Where's Toni?!
Where's Toni?!
Lisa!
I told you.
Barry!
I'm gonna have to call you back.
What happened to Toni?
I was gonna explain it to you.
Who the hell said to let her go?
It was a group decision.
I'm a part of this group.
Toni's toxic, okay?
She's violent.
We do not need an individual
like that on the road.
- She's a liability.
- I need her.
I need her on the road.
I want her back!
- No.
- What?
It was a management decision.
I'll just go bring
her back here.
You know, if you go after her,
I have to believe that you are
not serious about your career.
You could lose everything
you have worked for.
And for what?
Some lesbian?
How dare you.
What does it matter who
she sleeps with or who she is?
You don't like Toni because
she sees through your lies.
Mm-hmm.
You don't like her because
she teaches me about
snakes like you.
I'm not gonna go on without her.
Period.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
You're from the ghetto.
You never graduated
from high school.
You cannot make it
in this business
without someone like me.
Watch me.
Ha!
Have you seen Toni?
Sorry, girls.
I can't right now.
Lisa?
Why are you looking for Toni?
Is she using again?
I didn't know she used.
You don't want to know she used.
- Maybe not.
- Her pops?
She's using again,
she'll be with him.
He's a drug addict, pimp,
living somewhere
in the projects.
You find him,
you'll find her.
Thanks.
Hey, Lisa,
you gotta save her.
If she stays in the projects,
she'll end up
just like her father.
Music's all she has.
- Can we just get an autograph?
- Get out of the way!
Hey, Lisa, be careful!
Project's no place
for a girl after sunset.
Yo, I don't think
she's breathing.
She'll be all right.
I don't know, B.
We need to do something.
It's your daughter, man.
It's a grown-ass woman.
She ain't did nothing
she ain't want to do.
- Toni!
- The hell is that?
Toni! Are you here?
Hey, get the piece, man.
Hold me down.
The hell you doing here?
You hear me talking to you?
Toni. Toni. Toni.
- Hey!
- Toni! Toni! Toni!
No, no. Get up. Get up.
She's barely breathing.
She ain't going nowhere.
She's gonna die.
We all gotta go sometime.
But you?
You ain't going
nowhere, Boricua.
There are off-duty
police officers
waiting for me outside.
If they come over here
and they spot that pile
of cocaine you got there,
they're gonna pick you up
for the multiple warrants
you probably have,
and you will die in prison.
You hear me?
Take her outside.
Having babies
don't make you a father.
Caring for them does.
You ain't no father.
Hey, Boricua.
Don't ever let her
come back here.
Come here.
- What day is it?
- Tuesday.
You've been out all night.
Oh, this?
It's the latest in accessories.
The chemo pack.
I've had it for a while.
Doc told me
after Javi and I split up.
But why?
Why didn't you say anything?
I didn't tell anyone
'cause I was...
'cause I was scared.
Scared of what?
Scared of losing
everything.
You know, when I was a kid,
I would stand on a chair
in the kitchen
and just dream
I was on a stage singing,
and that I was the one
coming out of
Radio City Music Hall in a limo,
and that I would
take care of Mami,
and that I would make
Eladio proud.
They'd see me all successful.
For a while, it felt like
everything we were
living was that dream.
And the moment anyone
said cancer, I would...
I would just lose it all.
That everything would be gone.
You know, the tour,
the bands, the money.
You...
I was terrified of losing you.
And I was so angry at you.
Why did you do that?
I once...
asked a junkie...
how did he start getting high.
This guy was a track star.
He...
I don't know, he ended up...
strung out in
the projects most nights.
But he said, when you...
spend your life...
being numb...
drugs help you
to feel something.
And I guess I just,
I just wanted to feel something.
I mean, selling rock
for my pops
was never about the money.
I just wanted him to love me.
Toni.
I guess I just...
I gotta accept the fact
that he'll never
be able to do that.
You can't force anyone
to love you the way you want.
I know that. Now.
Do you?
You're my best friend.
My sister, my family.
I don't ever want to lose you.
You won't ever lose me.
You got that?
Then no more secrets.
No secrets.
'Cause sisters
don't keep secrets.
OK?
No more secrets.
I think there's one more person
you need to tell.
Lisa!
Mwah, mwah, mwah!
It's been so long
since I've seen you, baby.
What are you doing here?
- I'm sorry, Mami.
- Oh, it's OK.
I've been busy.
I have so much to tell you.
But what are you
doing Saturday night?
You can fly away
It will be all right
It will be OK
We did it, Mami.
Yes, we did.
Fly away
Fly away
Back another day
Oh, hey
- Hi, Mami.
- Hi, baby.
I got you seats
in the front row.
Thank you.
We'll eat after, yeah?
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
Yeah, baby.
You're so beautiful.
Oh.
Yeah?
It's time.
- I'll see you later.
- Yeah.
Hey, I got you something.
What?!
I thought I lost them!
It was in some of
the boxes from when you moved.
I figured you might need it,
since you never went
anyone without them.
Thank you.
Lisa.
It's not that I didn't think
you could take
the D train alone, or...
pay for Mama's bills...
or do all of this.
I just...
I wanted to be the one
to do that for you.
So you didn't have
it as tough as I did.
I just...
I wanted to be the one
to take care of
my little sister.
I know.
And if I never told you this...
I've never been more proud
of anyone in my entire life.
I love you, sis.
Lisa! Lisa! Lisa!
Hello, New York!
Are you ready for this?
Let's go!
Can you feel
the beat within my heart?
Can you see my love
shine through the dark?
Can you feel
the beat within my heart?
Can you see my love
shine through the dark?
Can you see that
you must be a part
Of that beat in my heart?
That beat in my heart
Can you feel the beat?
- I'm Lisa.
- Toni.
Let me hear you sing!
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ah
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ah
After all that
we've been through
I can't seem
to face the fact
That boy, I'm losing you
I threw away your ties...
We're gonna do this my way
or not at all.
I tried not to let it show
Now I don't know what to do
I tell myself...
Don't you have sisters?
- No.
- You got me now.
My heart does double beats
for you, oh
Now, you know my love
Won't grow cold
Oh, this love
will turn to gold
If we stay in love
Oh, my love,
my love...
Aw, you called me
your best friend!
You're so cheesy!
Can we say a little bit more?
Are you ready for this?
Can you feel the
beat within my heart?
Can you see my love
shine through the dark?
Can you feel the
beat within my heart?
Can you see my love
shine through the dark?
Can you see that
you must be a part
Of that beat in my heart?
Toni! Toni!
Get up! Get up!
That beat in my heart
That beat
Let's go!
Yes!
You're my best friend.
I don't ever wanna lose you.
You wanna know
about my life?
Well...
Here you go.
You can fly away
It will be all right
It will be OK
When you feel the world
is taking over
And it seems like life is
too much
When it seems so hard
to make tomorrow
Count
You can fly away...
Yeah
And you don't stop
And you don't quit
Now I'm the man with the plan
and the B-boy stance
And all the ladies in
the jam know who I am
With the power to make it move
when I write a groove
I don't snooze
I kick it off nice and smooth
And when the beat goes down,
feet hit the ground
The breakers start spinning
all round and round
Now you're the body,
don't stop
'Cause we don't stop,
we just rock
You feel it when
the needle drops
I'm the mastermind
I'm the greatest of all time
I'm the mastermind
I'm the mastermind
No, Papi, no!
No, no, stop.
I want you to...
look at me...
This is your fault.
Hey!
Don't touch her!
Your fault!
I'm gonna kill you!
No, mija, stop. Stop!
Stop!
He's hurting you, Mami!
No, call the cops!
No, Lisa!
I won't do that to your father!
Man, I hate moving.
Daddy's gonna be
pissed that we're gone.
Hey, grab those boxes and
put them in the living room.
We gotta get the truck back
in an hour, so hurry up.
Take those damn headphones off.
Didn't you learn your lesson
about having those things on?
You're not my father.
You weren't even there to help.
Why do you think
we're moving now?
And I was working.
Yeah, you're always
working, Eladio.
Because I've got to.
Maybe I wouldn't have to
if our pops
was worth a damn, huh?
Who's gonna take care of this
family if not me?
You?
I do what I got to
to help Mami.
And the best way you can help is
to stop daydreaming
and think about how
you can pitch in around here.
I'm not gonna have Mami
working three jobs
while
you're in La La Land.
If you don't
want it all
I don't want nothin' at all
If you don't
want it all
I don't want nothin' at all,
nothin' at all
Show me now that
you really mean it
Are you playing for games?
Ooh, Nikki gonna get you.
Can't go on without me
I don't know
Have a good one.
Sorry.
I'm here now.
Ay, que calor.
They need some
air conditioning back here.
How many of these
have we got to dress?
Damn!
I need a favor.
- No.
- Please, Lisa.
Mm-mm.
Last time I got into
trouble because of you.
Please.
I know a place
where we can make double
what we were making before.
I need the money.
I know you do, too.
One hour.
But that's it, okay?
Okay. Okay.
I don't want to get in trouble.
Feet on the ground
Hands to the sky
Oh!
Do you wanna dance
with me tonight?
The DJ is playing our song
The mood is right
Oh, oh
Do you wanna dance
with me tonight?
Follow me onto the floor
under flashing lights
Thank you. Thank you.
We'll be here all night.
Damn. I gotta go.
My brother told me to
pick up stuff for dinner,
and he's gonna kill me.
Okay. All right.
Thanks.
Oh, my gosh.
...like hip-hop music
You like it
'cause you choose it
Most DJs won't refuse it
It ain't nothin'
like hip-hop music
It ain't nothin'
like hip-hop music
Excuse you!
Most DJs won't refuse it
It ain't nothin'
like hip-hop music
- Un cafecito, Mami.
- Thank you, Mami.
You don't worry about this.
You hear me?
We came here to start fresh.
Okay?
One day I'll be so rich, Mami.
I'm gonna take care of you.
I'm gonna buy you a new car.
Mamita, the only thing
I want you to do
is to take care of yourself.
Don't ever count on anybody
taking care of you.
- Okay?
- Yeah.
But if you just
so happen to be rich...
- What?
- I want a convertible.
Ah!
Ay, I gotta go.
You come straight home
after work, okay?
Oh, I love you, mami.
I love you.
I hear you're boys
with Jellybean.
Yeah, we go way back.
Who's Jellybean?
He's the main DJ
at the Boombox Basement.
Word has it
he discovered Madonna.
Bull.
Word is bond.
Can you introduce me?
- To Jelly?
- No, to Ronald Reagan.
Yeah.
Sure thing, but you know,
in this city, nothing's free.
Especially when
it comes to Jellybean.
What do you want?
Hell no.
Jellybean's always
scouting for new talent.
Besides, Guy won't go
unless you come with us.
I don't even like him like that.
Girl, who said
you're gotta be into him?
Just pretend it's an extra
long shift in the stockroom.
Is your brother
even gonna let you go?
Of course he will.
Why wouldn't he?
Girl, I run the show at home.
Hell no.
Why?
Eladio!
- Please!
- No.
You know how many pervs
and weirdos go to places
like that to
pick up on young girls?
You're gonna be with me.
It's a bar. You're 15.
It's teen night.
There won't be any alcohol.
Eladio, stop and listen to me.
I ain't gonna live and die
in this neighborhood
and never be nothin'.
I want to take care
of Mami one day.
What's that got to
do with this club?
There are gonna be
people there who can help me.
Give me a shot at singing.
There you go.
Head in the sky again.
I'll take out
the trash for a month.
We can make it,
we can make it work
Comin' from a far land
where they never stay
They don't ever contest
'cause they're too afraid
With them rockin' and rollin',
so let me bless the mic
While the DJ
From the west, the east,
the north to the south
When I step into the party,
people stand on the couch
Just wanna have a good time
I'll be doing just fine
All I need is 30 seconds,
I'ma rock around
Yeah, fresh to death
Is that him?
Can you introduce me?
I don't know him like that.
I thought you said
he was your homeboy.
I know who he is.
Wait until after the set.
I'll try to get us
into the green room.
Guy!
I'll figure it out myself.
I'm going home.
I got homework to do.
Go, go, go...
Show us what you got
Damn, my bad.
Go, go, go...
Show us what you got
Go, go, go...
Show us what you got
Go, go, go...
Show us what you got
Jellybean.
Jellybean--oh.
I come first
in the order of the peckin'
DJ, replay, we stay calm
Drop beats like bars
when they're playin' my song
Johnny, my man. What's up?
Parlay all day
We play offense
Y'all on defense
Bossin' your pretense
I'm gettin' even
We get rockin'
B-boys in the place
Gettin' down to the boogie
We're rockin'
midnight
to the early morn
Get rockin'
No time for the chat
I'm doin' my dance
Get rockin'
R-O-C-K-I-N-G
And I suggest
you don't mess with me
You're gonna sneak backstage,
take the tray.
What?
Take the tray.
Thank you.
Don't mention it.
- How much?
- A dub.
A dub? Come on.
Those are the prices.
Inflation, my man.
You got better options,
I suggest you get to it.
I got business going on here.
I hear you help singers.
Singers?
Nah. I help artists.
If they're worth it.
Well, I'm worth it.
The best damn pipes
you'll hear all night.
Okay, shorty.
Let's hear you blow.
I got sunshine
lighting my way
You try to be the clown,
but just float away
Don't matter about the sticks
and the stones you say
Cause your world's
about to bud
And you're in my way
'Cause I'm rollin'
Rollin'
Try to stop us,
we just keep goin'
Ooh, ooh, ooh
All right.
Fresh.
I see ya.
So what's your name?
Lisa. Lisa Velez.
All right.
Lisa. Lisa Velez.
How old are you?
She's buggin'.
Come on, now.
15?
Hmm.
All right, Lisa.
Leave me your digits.
Come on, man.
I just need a couple of intros.
That's all.
I told you, mamita.
Ain't no one looking for
a singer with your...
look.
What you mean?
What's wrong with my look?
Look, I love you
the way you are.
But these record executives,
they start bugging
about silly things
like looks and image.
But you know
I can sing my answer.
I know it.
But they don't.
And you don't
get past a record label
without them
thinking about your image.
Or theirs.
And besides,
these record labels,
they're full of
whack-ass scam artists
just waiting to take advantage
of a young buck like you.
Well, I ain't exactly
no young buck.
You still working
with your pops?
Sampling the product?
Toni.
Dealing only leads
down one path.
So help me get another path.
Me encantas...
Hey, yo, shorty.
I heard you singing over there.
It was fresh.
You from around here?
Around the way.
Hell's Kitchen.
Word.
Well, look, I got this joint
that I've been working
on for a month.
Hey!
Don't be pushin'--
Whoa!
I'm trying to talk to her.
You know what I'm saying?
Nah, she ain't even
trying to holler at you.
- Look, bro.
- Homie.
I got a band,
and we need a lead singer.
Jellybean told me
that she was looking.
Got a few producers
that are interested,
you know, if you
want to audition.
My name's Mike Hughes.
Here's my number and address
to the recording studio.
Play drums.
Maybe we can make
some music together.
But just music, man.
Time to go.
You ain't goin'
to no audition with that guy.
No, of course not.
I know that.
She's gonna be amazing, too.
Hold up. This is her.
- Hey.
- Hey.
There's someone
I want you to meet.
Come over here.
This is Rocco.
- He's the manager.
- Hi.
Rocco, we just
need five minutes.
You got three, Mike.
Okay.
Okay, Lisa, come on.
I have someone
I want you to meet.
- This is Spanador.
- Nice to meet you, Spanador.
- I heard you can sing.
- I heard you can play.
Yeah, yeah, let's go.
Um, did you practice
the song?
Mike wrote it.
Yeah, I worked on it last night.
You ready? Let's go.
Whoa, whoa.
Where do you
think you're going?
Record the song.
Ah, no booth.
One mic.
See what you got.
The booth. Come on, man.
Guys, hey, just listen to her.
Come on.
Oh, baby, baby,
it's your show
So come and take your bow
All I need
is your love, baby
Thanks.
We'll let you know.
- All right.
- Come on, man.
- Let's give them another shot.
- Waste of my time.
I gotta go.
We got stuff to do.
Hey.
Why don't you play
a song you know?
Something
you're comfortable with.
Hey, guys.
Back her up, whatever she wants.
Yeah, of course.
What you want to sing?
Hey, guys, look.
Let's give her another shot,
something she know.
Ah...
Oh, oh
Oh
Uptown, downtown,
the funk is on the move
Cartier and Louis V
is sure to set the mood
When we're alone
and you're mine
Only a fool would
ever try to hide
Let your heart
be struck again
Leave me in the air,
feeling high
Ha, ha, ha! Yeah!
What about
Hell's Kitchen's trio?
Wow.
No, that sounds
like my abuelo's band
or something like that.
I didn't think you could get any
worse than your last suggestion,
but hey...
- What?
It's got to be slick.
It's got to be, you know,
something that screams we're
all about culture, hip hop.
And music.
And that we can jam.
Yeah.
- Cult Jam?
- That's fly.
I got it.
Lisa and Cult Jam.
- OK.
- I'm feeling it.
All right, but it needs that
extra flavor, you know?
Because Lisa ain't
your everyday girl.
- That's what I'm saying.
- Mm-hmm.
Oh.
She's not.
No, Lisa ain't
your everyday girl.
She's uniquely blessed.
How about
Lisa Lisa...
and Cult Jam.
Yo, that's fresh.
Right?
Don't you think, Lisa?
Yeah, it's a joint.
I'm down.
We got a name.
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam!
...if I take you home
Would you still
make me love, baby
Because I need you tonight
I like the bass
in that progression.
Would you still
make me love, baby
Because I need you tonight
Oh, oh!
The Brothers are some of
the best producers in town.
This is great, Barry.
Thank you so much.
Lisa! Sweetheart!
You're incredible.
With that sound?
You sound amazing.
The men...
the men are
going to go gaga for you.
- Told you.
- Yeah, you did.
So what's next?
Tour?
Let's not
get ahead of ourselves.
Typically, we test the song,
see how it lands
in different markets
before we actually
sign an artist.
How do you do that?
We send the record
to a few friendly DJs in the UK.
And we'll be right
back with Radio FM UK.
The label better not have
sent me rubbish
like the last time.
That was pure Yank nonsense.
I mean, if it hits,
we start talking contracts.
If not, you know,
the music world is littered
with one-hit wonders.
Who is this again, mate?
A lot of them crash and burn.
Don't worry.
Rocco here is gonna make sure
everything runs smoothly.
Isn't that right, Rocco?
Yep.
So it's my job to book you gigs,
find the producers,
and work on promotions.
Hey, Mami!
Did you find it all right?
Hey.
Hello, Mom.
Pleasure to meet you.
You too.
Barry Connor.
I just have a few papers
that need your signature.
Let's step out for a second.
OK.
I'll catch right up to you.
Turn it back on, bro?
Maybe, uh...
You know that we can't proceed
unless she signs, right?
I mean, it's just too much risk
with an underage artist, so...
Walk her through it, okay?
Oh, yeah.
Do we need a lawyer or anything?
No.
The contracts are standard.
New artists usually sign as is.
Oh. Cool.
Let's run this.
I love the beat.
- Please, Mami.
- No.
I don't know him.
I don't know what I'm signing.
- What if something happens?
- Nothing is gonna happen!
Ay dios, nena.
I see how they look at you.
I know what these men want.
And it's not just your voice.
No, you don't know
what they want, Mami.
- Mira!
- Lisa.
Everything okay?
Yeah.
We're almost done.
All right.
Mami.
I'm a singer.
I need to be singing.
I can move us to
a better neighborhood.
And you won't even
have to work anymore.
Lisa, that's not your job.
You once told me
to never count on
someone to take care of me.
Mm-hmm.
You said to do it yourself.
So this is me doing it myself.
All right.
We need to get you guys
back in the studio right away.
Contracts are signed.
Go home.
Celebrate.
Tomorrow we get to work.
Come on.
Hey sweetheart,
sweetheart, Lisa.
- Can I talk to you a second?
- Yeah.
There's a lot of work, time,
and money that goes
into making you a star.
I need to make sure
I'm not wasting any of that.
So you're not pregnant
or nothing, right?
Pregnant?
I'm 15.
Like I said, there's a lot
that goes into young stars.
I need to make sure
I'm not wasting it.
I don't need a pregnant
teenager on the road.
You got me?
You don't have
to worry about me, Mr. Connor.
I'm locked in.
Good answer.
And call me Barry.
Yes, sir.
Um, Barry.
I gotta go.
My mom's waiting for me.
OK.
Yo, Lisa, you ready?
We gotta go.
Yo, Lisa, we gotta go!
Yeah, yeah, I'll be right there.
All right--
Hurry up!
We gotta get going!
To set now!
Ay no...
Huh?
Oh, that's what was
taking you so long, huh?
Wow.
Yo, Lisa, in a month,
every girl's gonna be
covering her eye trying
to look just like you.
Baby,
I know you're wondering
Why I won't go
over to your place
Today in California,
Governor Jerry Brown won
the Democratic nomination.
160th day of 1982,
in case you're wondering.
A time that some people were
reminded that actors are people.
So what does this mean
for AIDS patients
in this country?
Pittsburgh beat
the New York Mets--
hello, Pittsburgh--
6 to 2.
And the Los Angeles Lakers won
their second national
basketball championship.
Three in six years!
L.A. comes to Boston
and wins the world title.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
What you know
about that stuff, man?
Yo, ain't that
the band on TV?
Oh snap!
Oh, uh, what's up?
Hi.
Oh, thank you so much.
Yeah.
What's up, baby?
What's your name?
Lisa.
You're lookin' mad good.
My name's Javi.
Take my number.
Yeah.
What, you got a problem
with that? What?
Baby, I know
you're wondering...
With lines wrapped
around the block,
Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam
are catapulting freestyle
from New York's underground
clubs into mainstream fame.
And they are about
to go national, baby,
on Top American Countdown,
a show that has taken
some of the hottest stars
of today
and catapulted them
into the stratosphere.
And today is Lisa Lisa's turn.
This is Ed Lover.
You already know what it is.
Back to you.
Come on, make some
noise out here!
Come on!
Do it for Lisa Lisa, baby!
Every home in America watches
the bands on this show.
And Chuck Ryder is a titan
of the industry here.
If you don't screw up tonight,
America will
love you by tomorrow.
Come on, let's go, Lisa.
Hey, where's crafty at?
All right, starlings.
It's showtime.
It feels like
someone died in here.
I'm just nervous,
that's all.
Are you ready?
- Yeah.
- Yeah, we're ready.
Oh, forgot.
Yeah, come on.
Okay, I meant just you.
Chuck likes a little
personal touch,
a little pre-show interview.
I'm sorry, fellas.
But don't worry, you can watch
her right here on the live feed.
But we're a band.
And you'll play as one.
Just a quick chat
before with you.
Let's go.
Ladies and gentlemen,
from Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam,
please welcome Lisa Lisa.
I love you, Lisa!
I love you too!
Welcome to the show.
So, how are you
doing today, Lisa?
Well, I'm great.
Very excited to be here.
And how does it feel
to be in this position?
Well, it's a dream come true.
Toni, I thought
you weren't dealing.
Look, I'm not, man.
I'm networking.
You never know where
the next gig's gonna come from.
Besides, I think this dude
right here,
he knows some record execs.
Right. Sure.
Got a line on a gig.
- Word?
- An audition.
New band looking
for backup singers.
Man, I'm not backup.
Toni, no.
But look where you are.
It's gotta be this game.
Hey, you wanna spend your whole
life looking over your shoulder?
Just 'cause it didn't work out
last time doesn't mean you quit.
Doesn't mean you
stop trusting people.
It's show business.
It's the music game.
And the music game takes time.
Think about it?
Think about it.
All right.
- Peace.
- Peace.
- You ain't backup.
- I ain't backup.
Not for long.
Mike, listen, I got this.
Thank you.
Spanador, we're just gonna
go with number two.
No, number two
is not gonna work, bro.
We need another audition.
She looks the best.
It doesn't matter
if she looks the best, bro.
We need another audition.
We don't have time
for another audition.
Well, I don't know
what you want me to say,
but not one of them
blend with our sound.
Word.
What do we do, Alex?
We're going tour in a month.
Well, we keep searching.
We already behind on schedule.
We either pick
a team today or we push.
The label not waiting on us.
We got bands lined up
right now that's ready to go.
All right, Rocco,
just give me another hour.
I can find some ladies.
I'm about to flip
that, Baptiste.
I'll find you a whole lot of
girls who can sing best use.
Making an executive decision,
we're going with number two.
No, we're not
going with number two.
Staring out the window
Hoping to catch you
walking by
Staring out the window
I think
I've seen her before.
While these tears
go down my eyes
Staring out the window
Just can't believe
it's done and gone
Staring out the window
Thank you.
Hey.
Pack your bags, folks,
'cause we're going on tour.
Cigarettes don't
affect your voice?
No.
They actually give it
a little raspy bass.
I don't mind having.
Those things will
kill you, you know.
Well, whenever the government
comes out with a study saying
these are bad
for you, I'll stop.
I'm Lisa.
Toni.
How long you been singing for?
I grew up singing
on street corners.
Me too!
Listen, you know
it's not gonna be
what you think it is, right?
What's that?
I mean, this music industry.
You know,
it's just like the streets.
Use it or they use you.
So you got to watch yourself.
Everybody's going to
try to take a piece of you,
and you can't let them.
And where are you going?
Look, I mean, most of these
dudes want a backup singer
that's something to look at.
And I'm not that.
Then why'd you come?
Because I promised a friend.
But I know the game.
Don't smoke
these menthols on the road.
They'll mess up with your voice.
And I can't have that.
Whatever.
I was trying to quit anyway.
Hey.
Go home, pack a bag,
because
it's gonna be a ride.
Come on, baby.
Are we done soon?
Yeah, baby.
A little longer, OK?
We got to go.
I mean, what's this about?
Come on. You know what?
Baby, no, no, no.
They're gonna have to,
you know,
check my makeup again.
Stop.
I thought we had
dinner plans tonight.
Yo, this city's
so crazy sometimes.
Almost had to scrap
with a bunch of teenagers.
Excuse me. OK.
- Signatures.
- OK.
More promotional tours
means more papers to sign.
Again?
Hey, that's
the life of a big star.
Jesus Christ.
Wow, a commercial?!
Yeah!
We rearranged a few things so,
you know, you could sneak it in.
Well, I was supposed to
go home after this set.
I haven't seen my
family in a year.
This is a national commercial.
It's a lot of money.
I just, it's been
concert after concert.
You said you wanted
to be a star, right?
This is the pace
you have to work at.
So give her creative control.
Yeah, that's not the way
we do things around here,
but thanks.
Do it anyway.
Yeah.
I want creative control.
Lisa.
I want to start
putting my stamp on this.
I want to get involved
in the creative.
I want to help
with the set design
and the choreography and to
pick out the dancers, right?
Yeah, she does it anyway.
Of course.
You'll be involved.
Let's go!
Let's get to work!
Yo, sweetheart,
are we ready or what!?
In a minute, baby.
The record label
needs you, all right?
This is not
the other way around.
You know what?
Spanador, hurry up!
- Hold on, man.
- Lisa, come on.
Put your hand right here.
Photographer, are you ready?
Come on. Let's go.
Look at the camera.
Three, two, one.
Perfect, perfect.
Hold on, Lisa, Lisa, Lisa.
One second.
Can I get out of here, please?
No.
My idea sucks?
Hell's Kitchen Trio, bro?
Are you for real?
- Come on.
- All right, bro.
You know she's not
part of this group, right?
- What do you mean?
- Yo, I'm right here.
You can say it to my face.
I'm talking to Lisa.
What's your problem?
The problem is we don't need
any more voices offering
their opinions on music,
fashion, and photo shoots.
Fellas, let's take
a little break.
What do you mean, break?
Yeah, I have some fly spandex
I wanted to flash, man.
Well, nobody want to
see you in no spandex.
We're just gonna focus
on a few shots of Lisa alone.
Why don't you guys
go to craft service,
grab a coffee.
Hey, yo.
This was your band, Mike.
You got two little girls
telling you what to do.
One is just a background singer.
Come on.
Move one second.
One second.
- Your hair...
- Do I look good here?
You're good.
You're good.
Yo, Barry.
Let me talk to you for a second.
Of course.
I just want to make sure
you know that we're a band.
You know Lisa's going to get
all the attention
since she's the lead singer.
But anything
that we should be doing,
we should be doing together.
Interviews,
photo shoots, everything.
All right.
Is that all?
Yeah.
Good to hear.
Catch up with you on tour.
Keep up the great work, fellas.
Fantastic shoot today.
Fantastic!
Hit the beat now
That's dope.
Why does she have to redo it?
Yeah, I mean,
it still needs a final mix,
but we close, Toni.
- Aw, come on.
- We got it, we got it.
Sounding good.
Sounding good.
What's going on?
Hey, Lisa!
You're crushing that track!
Thank you!
- Come join us.
- OK.
Guys, the label's happy.
So I'm happy.
That's good.
I know I don't have to tell you
things are different now.
We're playing in bigger venues.
You guys going to be
on the road longer.
That means more money.
That means more money.
Hey, so you have
to stay focused.
You're not stars yet.
Speak for yourself.
I'm a star.
I'm a superstar.
All right, guys.
Hey, great job today.
Get out of here.
See you tomorrow.
Hey.
Hey, I'm gonna
go to the accountant
and get my check.
Hey, Lisa,
do you have a moment?
Yeah, sure.
It's business.
Baby, I'll see you
in the car in a second, yeah?
- I'll get the car.
- Thank you.
- Don't be long.
- Baby.
So, Rocco, I think...
So I picked up some papers.
I just need you to
go over some of it.
If you need help,
I can go over it with you.
Yeah, I can take
a look at it later.
I should probably get over--
Hey.
Why you goin' so fast, you?
Please, Rocco, stop.
Lookin good.
Come here.
Hey, what the hell
are you doing, Rocco?
Stop. No, stop, Rocco.
- You're playing too much.
- Kiss me.
Hey, Rocco!
Wait, stop!
What are you doing?
What's that all about?
- Stop playing.
- You stop playing.
Rocco, stop.
I've been thinking about you
all day.
Stop, Rocco!
You play too much.
See you later.
- You good?
- Yeah.
- You sure?
- I said I'm good.
- Just leave me alone, okay?
- All right, all right.
Whatever. Jeez.
Lisa...
Oh man, you ready to go
spend some money?
Hell yeah!
Whoo, spend some money!
OK! Wow!
- No, this is it.
- Right?
- Ooh, I love this car!
- Mm, mm, mm.
What? I know.
Do you take cash or check?
Man, which one is it?
Doesn't matter.
I love this.
Whoo!
- Oh, yeah!
- Bye!
But you had something
in mind for us
When I look into your eyes
I can't stop the rhythm
Should've known it only was
a daydream
What I did expect
giving you my heart?
- Lisa!
- Lisa!
- Can I get an autograph?
- Hey!
Lisa,
let's get out of here
Let's go, come on.
I don't got all day.
- Yo, this is fly.
- Right?
What?
Nikki, can you find me
this in a medium, please?
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
You look amazing.
Oh my god.
- Where's Guy?
- We gotta go.
- I love ya.
- I love you too.
Sorry.
Chill, chill, chill.
Watch out, come on.
Sorry guys.
So nice to meet y'all.
Wow.
Please, Eladio.
It's the first time
Mami will come see me.
Just get on the
train and come up.
Shoot!
Mami! Mami!
- Oh, I'm so glad you're here.
- You look beautiful.
Oh, my God.
You lost weight.
I've got a surprise for you.
Yeah, I'll show
you after the show.
- Come here.
- OK.
This is for you.
What do you mean?
It's yours.
No, I can't believe this.
Did you see what Lisa bought me?
Oh, my God.
Why did you do this?
You know we were all saving up
to pitch in and buy her a car.
I know, I know. I just
wanted to do this for her.
No, no, that's not the point.
Ay, Eladio!
Why can't you
just be proud of me?!
For once in your life,
can't you just say,
I'm proud of you, Lisa?
Why can't you do that?
It kills you to think
that I can leave and do
something more and
you're just stuck here.
You don't know what
you're talking about.
Oh, my God.
Look at her.
Just let her have this.
Mami, look at this.
The power steering.
Oh, and check the
glove compartment.
Yeah.
What is that?
This...
This isn't...
What is it?
Well, thank you, God.
Thank you, God.
Glory to God.
Thank you.
I bought the house.
It's yours, Mami.
Forever.
No one can take
it away from you.
You don't gotta worry
about anything ever again.
Oh, my God.
Ay, Mami.
Well, everything is
just perfect now, isn't it?
Eladio. Eladio!
Ay, Dios mio...
I love you,
but I can't be
sitting around waiting for you.
You heard?
You know how my job is.
I told you you can
come on the road with me.
Yeah, I'm not gonna follow you
around like a little pet, okay?
- I'm a man.
- I know. I know you are.
And I need to work, okay?
And I've been trying
to be supportive.
Let me tell you something.
When you're gone, I feel like
my only job is
to wait on the phone.
- Javi...
- And I mean, what?
That's the only thing
I've been doing
these past few months.
I'm surprised you remembered
it was my damn birthday.
- Yeah.
- I told you I'm working.
- Mm.
- I don't know how many times
we have to have
the same argument
over and over again.
Does working include letting
a bunch of guys
all up in your grill?
What the hell
are you talking about?
You let them touch you?
Feel all over you? Mm?
Is that what you like?
I don't know
where this is coming from,
but you're bugging.
- Oh, yeah? I'm bugging?!
Stop. Javi, wait.
Wait!
What do you want?
What do you want?
What do you want from me?
- You want to be with me?
- Of course.
Then marry me.
I love you, OK?
I do.
But I don't want to sit here
wondering if you're mine.
- Javi, I'm yours.
- Yeah? Then marry me.
Marry me, or I'll go home,
pack my things, and leave.
Because as is,
this isn't going to work.
It's your choice.
OK.
- OK.
- Really?
Let's get married.
Okay!
We're getting married.
You out of your mind?
What is your problem?
Lisa, you guys are 20 years old.
How do either of you know
what a commitment is?
You guys are just
two kids playing house.
Don't do this.
Wait until you're older
and out of this game.
You don't understand, Eladio!
All the time,
you're just saying--
No, no, no.
I understand plenty.
You trust people
when you shouldn't.
Mami.
Say something, por favor.
Mamita, please. Why?
Why do you want to
get married so young?
- I love him, Mami.
- How do you know it's love?
Nena, you will find
someone who will love you.
You will.
I saw it in my dreams.
A man who will love you,
who you will have children with.
But it's not Javi.
Congratulations!
Thank you, guys.
Some guys will promise you
a marriage made in heaven
But I'm gonna stick
to my guns
Lisa Lisa
of Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam
began simply as Lisa,
a young Puerto Rican girl
who dreamed of being
a singing sensation.
That dream started
to come true in 1985,
when a music producer group
went looking for a female lead
and stumbled across
the 16-year-old singer.
In that same year, they renamed
the band Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam,
producing three top-selling hits
which brought the band
to platinum status.
Both Lisa and the band attribute
their success to
their streetwise sound.
Lisa Lisa has been compared
with other top-selling artists
such as Debbie Gibson,
Paula Abdul, and even Madonna.
Their most
recently released album
is purposefully called
Straight to the Top,
a place where
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
hope to be for
a very long time.
Man, I'm glad
I ain't got no sisters.
Wake up.
There they are.
Okay, listen.
Shaving is like farming.
You gotta start with little
strokes and go up each side.
Like that.
Can't believe
you never did this before.
Don't you have sisters?
No.
You got me now.
Hello?
Oh, hey, babe.
Of course,
I'm in my hotel room.
Where else would I be?
Oh.
All right.
I'll be home in two weeks.
Okay.
I love you.
He's going out with
his boys again, huh?
Yeah.
It's the third time this week.
I think it's funny
how he always wants
to know where you're at,
but you never ask
him where he's going.
No need. I trust him.
Javi! I'm home!
Baby!
You know,
if Barry finds out...
I know.
Are you sure it was positive?
Like, does your mom know?
What'd she say?
She said not to have his child.
She said that he reminded her
of my dad and...
and reminded me what
a mistake it was to marry him.
I don't know.
Maybe I loved him because
I wanted a man to love me.
My father didn't do it.
Why don't you ever
talk about your family?
Ain't nothing to talk about.
What do you do
when you go back home?
- Where do you go?
- I got places.
Look, I mean, most kids...
Most kids have memories
of being a kid.
Like, happy memories of love
and their parents
and family, and...
I just don't got that.
And I'm okay with it.
That's why I enjoy
moments like this.
Making new memories.
Time with you.
One of my best friends.
One of your best friends?
I better be at the top
of that very short list,
Miss Toni.
That's why I should
have never said nothing.
Aw, you called me
your best friend.
You're so cheesy.
That's why I don't
open up to people, OK?
Seriously, though.
What are you gonna do?
I can't have a baby.
They'll lose everything, Toni.
I'ma help you.
Thank you.
I'm tired of goin'
right, left, up this hideaway
Hideaway
I feel like
I can't breathe...
Can you just...
Can you just leave me
alone for a minute?
Like it is
The more I think about
How much I let me down
I need a new day
to start fresh
Time to get back to me
Gotta go, yes, I know it
Hey, but you see shorty
over there?
You think I can
get her a little drink?
I mean, she look good,
but I mean,
it's up to you, really.
- Come on.
- Yo, what up, Toni?
- What's up?
- Damn.
Girl, you look busted.
You need to go get some sleep.
Trying to, man.
I needed a little something.
How's Lisa?
I know she wasn't feeling well.
- She's good.
- You sure?
Yeah, she's tired.
That's all.
So I think Javi's on the outs.
Thank God.
Hated that dude.
Yo, what can I get for you?
Bartender, let me get, um...
Let me get a whiskey.
Double.
Oh, damn.
You drink like a dude.
You flirt like one, too.
Excuse me, fellas.
Got some business
to take care of.
Oh, no. Come on. Come on.
Damn!
Oh, Mike.
Mike, man.
She's stealing your girl.
Again.
I gotta use the bathroom.
Barry, snap out of it.
Why am I paying
the tab all the time?
I got it, I guess.
Under the pale moon rising
A minute to midnight
Yeah, we know
time is a-runnin' out
Never mind
Keep on smiling
Lisa, it's important
that you listen to
what I have to say, OK?
We just got your
results back, and, uh,
it says that you have
ductal carcinoma breast cancer.
You'll need to start
treatment right away.
I have work.
No, I-I-I have to travel
for a few concert dates.
I'm afraid that's not possible.
If you don't treat it now,
the chances of it spreading
rapidly increase,
limiting the
chances of survival.
- Survival?
- Mm-hmm.
I can't stop touring.
I-I'll lose everything.
Is there someone we can call?
No. No one.
No, no, I-I don't want
anyone to know about this.
Doctor, can we prepare
a travel kit
for her to do treatments?
Yeah.
I can coordinate with
the hospitals in the cities
that she's traveling to,
and we can monitor her that way.
That works.
We can start
your treatment tomorrow.
A word with you, please.
That is my place.
Do you understand?
- Okay, I understand.
- All right.
Hey, mamita.
I know.
If I stop touring,
it all stops.
The music, the sponsorships.
And I just
paid off my mom's car.
Her house.
You know,
I took advancements to...
I took advancements
to make that happen.
And I can't-I can't stop.
My mami, my mami's
just gonna...
She was so happy.
She was so happy.
I can't stop.
Do you understand?
- I can't stop.
- We're gonna fix it.
We're gonna fix it so that
you don't have to stop, okay?
You're gonna be OK.
You're gonna be OK.
We're gonna pray for you.
Here, mama.
Here, here.
Take this.
Oh, yes.
You're gonna be OK.
By the way, my daughter,
she loves your music.
Aww!
She does.
She looks up to you so much.
A lot of little
Latinas look up to you.
Ay...
Listen, mama.
You got this, OK?
You're gonna be OK.
You hear me?
Hey, come here.
We need to have a meeting.
I've been looking over
the contracts,
and something seems off.
You noticed your pay?
Uh, yeah, yeah.
It's been a little light.
I haven't thought about it.
I'm too exhausted.
Can we talk about it later?
Toni said that we should...
Toni's not a part of this band.
We need to have
a conversation between us.
And just us, Lisa.
I gotta go, Mike.
We need to do it soon!
Look, I'm sick and tired of
this, Alex.
Toni.
What is this?
It's your paycheck.
Thought I'd hand deliver it.
Why? What do you want?
You're not one to
beat around the bush.
Maybe you are.
I wanted to ask about
friendship with Lisa.
My friendship?
The reporter was
prying the other day,
assuming she's a lesbian.
You know,
I corrected her, of course,
but, I mean,
those kinds of questions,
it doesn't benefit anyone,
does it?
Back off Lisa.
You done?
Yeah.
Yeah, I think so.
Thanks.
Hey, you got
a lighter on you?
Yeah. Sure thing.
Let's make time
for a chat over the break.
I don't want to see everything
slip away over one person.
- We'll have lunch.
- Okay.
Here for your check?
I'm gonna need an advance on
those jobs that were arranged.
Sure.
Got a few bills
that popped up.
Um...
What upcoming jobs?
I... I don't see anything.
Oh, the commercial.
I signed the paperwork
a while back.
Ah, here it is.
It seems like that
deal fell through.
- What?
- Yeah.
Did they say why?
Client pulled out.
No. No, that can't be.
I... I just spoke to them.
I had a whole
creative conversation about
the commercial
and what I wanted to do with it.
They were excited about us.
Look, I heard Barry said
that he didn't agree
with the creative,
and that was
a deal breaker for them,
so he turned down
the commercial.
Hm!
I'm so sick of this.
I've had enough.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa--
- Get your hands off of me.
Mr. Barry--
How dare you.
Excuse me?
We are the band.
You don't turn down a job
without letting
all of us decide!
Okay.
This is how the industry works.
You signed the contract.
You belong to us.
We decide what's best,
or we find another band
who will accommodate us
as we need them to do.
Go home.
Get some rest.
You look like hell.
Yeah. Hold on.
Lisa!
Remember,
there's plenty of girls
waiting in line
to take your place.
Hey.
Hey, yeah, no.
I just had to give someone
a little attitude adjustment.
Uh-huh.
Do you have
a phone I can use?
Sure, baby.
There's one right here.
- Thank you.
- Of course.
We gotta talk.
I stopped by accounting
and pulled up all contracts.
And?
Barry and Rocco
turned down that commercial.
Man, what the hell
are we gonna do?
I think we should bring in Toni.
She's done this before.
She's a backup singer, period!
Do you have a problem
with a female schooling you?
That's your problem!
Back it off! Both of you!
We need to figure out how
to get out of these contracts
before we tear each other apart.
They the bad guys, not us, man.
Yeah. Right.
I know a guy
who's done this before.
I'm gonna give him a call.
Oh, so we can't call Toni,
but we can call
a stranger we barely know.
Great! Lovely!
Lisa, please.
We need to figure out
what we're gonna do first
before we let him know.
Yeah? What?!
There's a few execs at the label
that are concerned with
your friendship with Toni.
Who cares if
I'm friends with Toni?!
You just listen
to her way too much.
You don't like the fact
that I'm close to her?
Or that she's gay?
What? That's ridiculous.
You know how many
gay musicians are out there?
A lot.
You have a lot on your plate.
We just don't need another voice
in your head giving you advice.
Yeah, come on, Lisa.
This is our band.
We started this together.
Lisa, hey, I like Toni, OK?
I don't care what
she does on her free time,
you know, but...
This...
This could hurt us.
No, it won't.
Lisa...
She's like a sister.
She's my best friend.
Time is money.
Do it. Do it.
Listen.
Stop worrying about Toni
and start looking into
the contracts
and how we keep losing money
because of these guys.
They need you, all right?
This is not
the other way around.
I told you, we don't need
her. She's whack.
Don't snap
at me like that.
We need to figure out
how to get out
of these contracts
before we tear each other apart.
This is our band.
Or we find another band
who will accommodate us
as we need them to do.
I'm a man.
There are plenty
of girls waiting in line.
We started this together.
There's a few
execs at the label
that are concerned with
your friendship with Toni.
I see how they look at you.
The van's here
to take us to the mall.
Lisa, come on!
Yeah, I'll be right there.
Lisa, what are you doing?
Rocco says
the place is packed.
Ay dios smio...
My hair!
Are you ready?!
Yeah, I said
I'll be right there!
Thank you so much for coming.
This is a great turnout.
I can't do this anymore.
What?
I need a break.
All right.
You'll get a break soon.
- I promise.
- No, now!
Girl, you better calm down.
I said you will get a break.
All right?
The sooner you start,
the sooner you will finish.
Get back to work.
Hey, I'm sorry about that.
Hi!
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Oh, this is such
a good place for--
Come on, Lisa.
I've been waiting all day.
Can I please get a kiss?
Please, please, please!
Come on, you look so fine!
I'm sorry.
Just an autograph.
- She said no, man.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa.
- Toni!
- Oh, we good?
We good?
What the hell
are you doing, Toni?
What?
You can't be letting dudes
get all grabby like that.
These are fans.
They're the reason
why we're here.
We can't be handling
things like this.
What the hell is that
supposed to mean?
It means that
we gotta be more thoughtful
how you handle situations,
Toni!
Not everything is
a confrontation.
What the hell is
the matter with you?
You've never had
a issue before, all right?
You look tired and, I mean...
Okay, you're one to talk.
You know what?
I don't need this, all right?
Because all I was doing was
making sure you were
all right like I always do.
OK, don't!
Don't check on me for once!
I already have a brother.
I don't need another one
hovering over me!
You good?
Yeah. I'm good.
Just tired.
I don't know...
what's going on.
Oh, man.
Runnin' in style.
Yo! Look at this, man.
Oh snap!
What is lame-ass Toni
riding with us to the show for?
I don't know, man.
Ask Lisa.
I will.
What you asking me for?
Not a mind reader.
Why aren't
you listening to Rocco?
The label doesn't
want her around,
and she's messing
with our money.
I invited her, Mike.
Yeah, and that's the problem.
You keep making
all these decisions
without consulting the group,
and we're sick and tired of it.
Right, Alex?
Guys, listen, look.
I'm a lover,
not a fighter, all right?
Can we just talk about it later?
Right now,
we just need to focus.
No, we can't talk
about it later.
I was gonna keep
this between just us,
but I had a lawyer
look over everything.
And those contracts
that we signed?
Put Rocco in charge
of everything.
He screwed us.
Nah.
You screwed yourself.
I already told you
the music game.
You either hustle
or you get hustled.
And you got hustled.
Yeah.
Just like your daddy
be hustling you, right?
- Who the hell you talking to?
- I'm talking to you.
Back your ass up!
She need to be out of here now.
Chill out!
Mike, stop dissing her.
This is the biggest
night of our careers,
and you guys
are wilding in the damn car?
Man, what are we gonna do
about these contracts?
- Nothing.
- What do you mean, nothing?
Those contracts are signed.
We signed them.
I just bought my mom a house,
my brother a car,
I'm paying
for my sister's college.
That can all go away
tomorrow like that.
Let's just ride this wave
until we can renegotiate.
Because I ain't going back
to folding sweaters
in the stockroom.
You hear me?
...help myself
You make me feel so right
I got to, got to tell you,
darling
Ooh, baby,
I think I love you
From head to toe
I think I love you
from head to toe
I know
You can't fight everybody, Toni!
You're lucky Barry wasn't there!
Me? I don't care about Barry.
All right?
He's the one that started it.
Stop! Stop!
I can't handle this!
Handle what? The truth?
I've been saying the same
thing over and over and over.
Now what's happening?
Now it's a problem?
What is up with you?
You've been acting different
for months now.
You never acted like this.
I always kept it real with you.
He, in fact,
has been talking to me crazy,
and I'm not gonna
keep allowing it.
Maybe you don't know what
the hell you're
talking about, Toni!
OK.
Maybe I can stick up
for myself!
Do it.
The rise in hip-hop
and electronic dance music
is forcing the
freestyle genre to fade.
I'll be back in a minute
to check on you.
It's Lisa Lisa...
Hi.
Da-da-da, da, da, da
Da, da-da, da-da
Yeah.
She's killing it, right?
Now let me see what you got.
Yeah, that's it.
Nah, keep going.
What's up?
I stopped by to get my check.
Ain't know
we was rehearsing.
Who is that? She's cute.
Toni!
Do you have a minute?
Come with me to the back room.
Look what the cat drug in.
I need a job, man.
Is that all you need?
Hey!
I told you.
You'll be back.
This love we have
can't be real
Let me show you how I feel
Oh boy
We can make it,
we can make it work
Yeah, that was good.
I want to do it
one more time, OK?
- Great job.
- Hey, look who's back.
It's so good to see you, Lisa.
You look terrible.
You're not pregnant, right?
Shut up, Spanador.
Who's that?
Um...
That is, um...
Spanador?
Mike. Mike!
Lisa, hear me out.
Where's Toni?!
Where's Toni?!
Lisa!
I told you.
Barry!
I'm gonna have to call you back.
What happened to Toni?
I was gonna explain it to you.
Who the hell said to let her go?
It was a group decision.
I'm a part of this group.
Toni's toxic, okay?
She's violent.
We do not need an individual
like that on the road.
- She's a liability.
- I need her.
I need her on the road.
I want her back!
- No.
- What?
It was a management decision.
I'll just go bring
her back here.
You know, if you go after her,
I have to believe that you are
not serious about your career.
You could lose everything
you have worked for.
And for what?
Some lesbian?
How dare you.
What does it matter who
she sleeps with or who she is?
You don't like Toni because
she sees through your lies.
Mm-hmm.
You don't like her because
she teaches me about
snakes like you.
I'm not gonna go on without her.
Period.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
You're from the ghetto.
You never graduated
from high school.
You cannot make it
in this business
without someone like me.
Watch me.
Ha!
Have you seen Toni?
Sorry, girls.
I can't right now.
Lisa?
Why are you looking for Toni?
Is she using again?
I didn't know she used.
You don't want to know she used.
- Maybe not.
- Her pops?
She's using again,
she'll be with him.
He's a drug addict, pimp,
living somewhere
in the projects.
You find him,
you'll find her.
Thanks.
Hey, Lisa,
you gotta save her.
If she stays in the projects,
she'll end up
just like her father.
Music's all she has.
- Can we just get an autograph?
- Get out of the way!
Hey, Lisa, be careful!
Project's no place
for a girl after sunset.
Yo, I don't think
she's breathing.
She'll be all right.
I don't know, B.
We need to do something.
It's your daughter, man.
It's a grown-ass woman.
She ain't did nothing
she ain't want to do.
- Toni!
- The hell is that?
Toni! Are you here?
Hey, get the piece, man.
Hold me down.
The hell you doing here?
You hear me talking to you?
Toni. Toni. Toni.
- Hey!
- Toni! Toni! Toni!
No, no. Get up. Get up.
She's barely breathing.
She ain't going nowhere.
She's gonna die.
We all gotta go sometime.
But you?
You ain't going
nowhere, Boricua.
There are off-duty
police officers
waiting for me outside.
If they come over here
and they spot that pile
of cocaine you got there,
they're gonna pick you up
for the multiple warrants
you probably have,
and you will die in prison.
You hear me?
Take her outside.
Having babies
don't make you a father.
Caring for them does.
You ain't no father.
Hey, Boricua.
Don't ever let her
come back here.
Come here.
- What day is it?
- Tuesday.
You've been out all night.
Oh, this?
It's the latest in accessories.
The chemo pack.
I've had it for a while.
Doc told me
after Javi and I split up.
But why?
Why didn't you say anything?
I didn't tell anyone
'cause I was...
'cause I was scared.
Scared of what?
Scared of losing
everything.
You know, when I was a kid,
I would stand on a chair
in the kitchen
and just dream
I was on a stage singing,
and that I was the one
coming out of
Radio City Music Hall in a limo,
and that I would
take care of Mami,
and that I would make
Eladio proud.
They'd see me all successful.
For a while, it felt like
everything we were
living was that dream.
And the moment anyone
said cancer, I would...
I would just lose it all.
That everything would be gone.
You know, the tour,
the bands, the money.
You...
I was terrified of losing you.
And I was so angry at you.
Why did you do that?
I once...
asked a junkie...
how did he start getting high.
This guy was a track star.
He...
I don't know, he ended up...
strung out in
the projects most nights.
But he said, when you...
spend your life...
being numb...
drugs help you
to feel something.
And I guess I just,
I just wanted to feel something.
I mean, selling rock
for my pops
was never about the money.
I just wanted him to love me.
Toni.
I guess I just...
I gotta accept the fact
that he'll never
be able to do that.
You can't force anyone
to love you the way you want.
I know that. Now.
Do you?
You're my best friend.
My sister, my family.
I don't ever want to lose you.
You won't ever lose me.
You got that?
Then no more secrets.
No secrets.
'Cause sisters
don't keep secrets.
OK?
No more secrets.
I think there's one more person
you need to tell.
Lisa!
Mwah, mwah, mwah!
It's been so long
since I've seen you, baby.
What are you doing here?
- I'm sorry, Mami.
- Oh, it's OK.
I've been busy.
I have so much to tell you.
But what are you
doing Saturday night?
You can fly away
It will be all right
It will be OK
We did it, Mami.
Yes, we did.
Fly away
Fly away
Back another day
Oh, hey
- Hi, Mami.
- Hi, baby.
I got you seats
in the front row.
Thank you.
We'll eat after, yeah?
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
Yeah, baby.
You're so beautiful.
Oh.
Yeah?
It's time.
- I'll see you later.
- Yeah.
Hey, I got you something.
What?!
I thought I lost them!
It was in some of
the boxes from when you moved.
I figured you might need it,
since you never went
anyone without them.
Thank you.
Lisa.
It's not that I didn't think
you could take
the D train alone, or...
pay for Mama's bills...
or do all of this.
I just...
I wanted to be the one
to do that for you.
So you didn't have
it as tough as I did.
I just...
I wanted to be the one
to take care of
my little sister.
I know.
And if I never told you this...
I've never been more proud
of anyone in my entire life.
I love you, sis.
Lisa! Lisa! Lisa!
Hello, New York!
Are you ready for this?
Let's go!
Can you feel
the beat within my heart?
Can you see my love
shine through the dark?
Can you feel
the beat within my heart?
Can you see my love
shine through the dark?
Can you see that
you must be a part
Of that beat in my heart?
That beat in my heart
Can you feel the beat?
- I'm Lisa.
- Toni.
Let me hear you sing!
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ah
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ah
After all that
we've been through
I can't seem
to face the fact
That boy, I'm losing you
I threw away your ties...
We're gonna do this my way
or not at all.
I tried not to let it show
Now I don't know what to do
I tell myself...
Don't you have sisters?
- No.
- You got me now.
My heart does double beats
for you, oh
Now, you know my love
Won't grow cold
Oh, this love
will turn to gold
If we stay in love
Oh, my love,
my love...
Aw, you called me
your best friend!
You're so cheesy!
Can we say a little bit more?
Are you ready for this?
Can you feel the
beat within my heart?
Can you see my love
shine through the dark?
Can you feel the
beat within my heart?
Can you see my love
shine through the dark?
Can you see that
you must be a part
Of that beat in my heart?
Toni! Toni!
Get up! Get up!
That beat in my heart
That beat
Let's go!
Yes!
You're my best friend.
I don't ever wanna lose you.
You wanna know
about my life?
Well...
Here you go.
You can fly away
It will be all right
It will be OK
When you feel the world
is taking over
And it seems like life is
too much
When it seems so hard
to make tomorrow
Count
You can fly away...