The Breaks (2017) s01e03 Episode Script
Blind Alley
1 Previously on "The Breaks" - Give me the tape.
- I don't have it on me.
- You got DeeVee's tape? - Sorry, sis.
My dumbass cousin got it stolen in Jersey.
Got your tape here.
- I'm not going to South Carolina.
- Yes, you are.
And you gonna get away from this Ahm nigga.
Geronimo's crew caught Bug over there by Kennedy.
They chopped the nigga up.
This is for you.
I'm sorry about your loss.
What do you say you and me, we get out in front of this? Never in a million years.
What are you gonna tell Mattie Taylor when you find her? I'm gonna tell her the time is nigh to get with Fouray Records, we about to blow up.
You know, you're too good.
You say that like it's a bad thing.
It's sweet.
I'm sorry, David, but I need you to put your shirt back on.
Okay, so it's really over? Yeah.
I don't understand.
You guys were so good together.
We were.
And I mean, don't get me wrong.
He's still great and I still love him.
It's just, I can't move the way I want to move with David right now.
You know, he's - (zipper zipping) - What? Sweet.
Y'all broke up because he's sweet? Sweet.
Good.
Patient.
You know.
I don't know.
If we'd have stayed together, I'd just end up hurting him even more than I already did.
I understand.
Of course you do.
We're the same.
Not exactly.
And not since, you know So, what, you're not hungry anymore? I am.
And in certain ways, I'm hungrier, but other things matter now.
And I have to take her to the park sometimes.
- I get it.
- I know you get it.
That's why you said what you said.
Damita, you cannot keep lording that over me.
- You asked my opinion, so - And you gave it and it's fine.
I just never understood why you disappeared when I decided to keep her.
- You moved! - Come on, Nikki.
How many times are you gonna make me apologize? (woman) Damita, where you put Lucinda's sandals? By the library books.
You're right.
My bad.
(woman) I can't find them.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Quiet on the set 'cause I'm ready to handle you I'm black royalty Pay me my mechanicals in dollars and cents I ain't in it for the hollas and gents Be like Imani rock your soul I'm just looking at them like Boy, where's your follow-through? MCs out there, they kinda cute But they can't compare and they can't contest 'Cause next to me she's just another model in a body suit Call it what you want, I'm making no apologies My rhymes slice like a knife through your arteries Razor sharp incision Imani X is dope right? Yeah, yeah.
I just got my hands on her demo.
I want Barry to sign her.
There's, like, 150 tapes on his desk, but Imani X, she's the one.
Baby, baby, take me higher I still can't believe that you got another job.
At another black radio station.
You sure Juggy doesn't have anything to do with this? Why you gotta fuck up my morning? (laughing) Yo, I'm kidding, I'm kidding, okay? - Don't be so sensitive.
- It's a fresh start - without Juggy's initials.
- Okay.
I actually get to program a couple tracks and You believe me? I have to, okay? My dad's on my ass.
Ahm's on my ass.
I don't even have a place to stay.
Crash at my place.
You can't put out new music if you're in hiding.
You sure? It's cool.
It's all good, man.
I got a couple passes to the New Music Seminar.
Why don't you come down and meet 'em? Why? I don't have a demo.
And Ahm won't let anybody hear the stuff that we're doing, so You never know what's gonna happen.
You can split tomorrow.
Okay.
There's gonna be girls there, right? Hell yes, there's gonna be girls there.
Gotta go.
- Where? - To the job, Mama.
What job? This your job.
You supposed to be here.
Your father can't be here, so he needs you to be.
- Ma, I know.
- Yeah, you know? Then why you leave? (cash register dings) - You're fucking with me today, right? - Actually, no.
I'm Nikki Jones, I'm with Fouray Management.
I heard your demo, and I'd like to talk to you about joining Fouray.
Look, you can't be in line if you ain't buying nothing.
Okay, let me get a pack of sour apple Now and Laters.
- 25 cents.
- I think you're dope.
We could help you get a recording contract, get you in the studio.
(popping gum) 25 cents.
Everyone's crazy over Ill Jake's album.
He just got a new record deal, but you don't got shit.
- And your point is? - You wrote "Spit Take.
" That's the joint that got him picked up by Atlantic.
Look, I'd love to introduce you to Barry Fouray.
He's speaking on a panel at the New Music Seminar today.
I'll leave two passes at the door.
(pop) 25 cents.
You're better than this.
(music playing, people chattering) (laughing) Yo, everybody is up in here.
Yeah.
Yes, they are.
Hey, Mama.
What's up? Hey, are you in the DJ battle? I'm covering it.
Yeah, yeah, I am.
Cool.
The lyric, right? I'll try and stop by later.
- Okay.
- Bye.
So since when were you selected for the DJ battle? Since just now.
And how exactly do you plan on getting into the DJ battle? I have no idea.
Holy shit! - Dude, is that Lynch Mob? - Come on! No, bro, I'm I'm black.
I don't run toward shit, no.
I was gonna be in the DJ battle! My son's name was Wayne Louis Calder.
He was born February 14th, 1975, at Brooklyn Hospital right up the street.
5:36 p.
m.
My husband had to work, so he couldn't be there.
But my cousin Melba, she came with me.
She held my hand the whole time.
What you want, lady? He didn't cry too much when he came into the world.
He just laid on my belly with his eyes open.
I don't want your money.
Let's go.
He was my only child.
(car starting) Not the bragging or boasting And plus it ain't no secret Why they tapping my phone Although I can't keep it a secret So I decided to kick it, yo And yes, it weighs a ton I say it once again, I'm called the enemy I'll never be a friend of those with closed minds Don't know that I'm rapid, the way that I rap it New Music Seminar's kinda cool.
What they got, like, new carpet or something in since last year? You remember? It's the same carpet, Barry.
The sign-in table moved.
Mm, you got a good eye.
You have a good memory.
Ha.
I think Imani X should audition for the label.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, but listen, this is the setup, and I need you to pay attention, because it's all here the money, the distribution, the talent.
And look, look.
That's Harvey Rosen right there, from Landmark Distribution.
Only thing about them is we would have to put up all of the production costs.
Ah, the queen! Uh, excuse me, Miss Taylor! I thought I thought we was gonna have that sit-down.
Yeah, we are, we are.
Things have just been a little crazy with the transition, so make sure Nikki talks to my assistant.
We'll get her on the books for next week.
(humming) (phone line ringing) Cheryl.
Hey, darlin'.
Tell Horace Juggy's on the line, will you? Horace, what's shakin', baby? Listen, I want to talk to you about this new Keith Sweat record.
That's why I don't care if he breach his contract.
If Tommy Boy doesn't drop D Bone, who's gonna be our first artist? We're about to find out.
All right, listen up! I got a new label and we holding auditions here later on today! I'm looking for a star.
Who got the hot shit? Bring it? Here, right here! (all shouting) Right here.
Give it to him.
All right, ladies, we got our distinguished panel of judges here.
It's gonna be a straight vote, no ties, no tiebreaker.
We gonna have fun, we gonna keep it entertaining, and I don't want to see your ass this year.
Nah, don't worry, I got something better.
Look, the winner's gonna get 500, a fresh ashtray of techniques, and of course (laughs) Yeah.
This is what it's all about right here.
- (applause) - Right? Y'all go get ready, man, act like y'all want this, okay? Hey.
Um you know, I was gonna ask you if I could be a last-minute substitute for Prince Sid.
He kinda got caught up in that squabble out there with Lynch Mob.
All right, you in, man.
- Word? - Yeah, just Just go set your crates up right over there.
Uh, you know what? About my crates, I Whatever, man, you can just use mine.
- All right? - Yeah.
- Thank you.
- Whatever, carry on.
Pop-rap ain't the problem.
I like pop.
It's short for popular.
(laughing) The problem is that hip-hop, it don't get the chance to become popular because the radio, the radio wants to keep it safe and make a little bit of money doing it, you know what I'm saying? So the radio will play Young MC and not play Public Enemy? And I don't even mean that as a disrespect to Young MC.
I'm just saying, there's room for Hammer and there's room for Rakim, the God.
(murmurs of approval) Mrs.
Taylor, do you have something to say? Radio's looking for songs that have melody.
Now, rap music is only just beginning to mature and understand that.
- (man) What? - People don't just want to hear beats.
They want to hear singing, they want beautiful music.
We at EBJ Music truly believe in the future of rap, and we're gonna be looking for rap that has balance.
C+C Music Factory is a great example of that, both melody and rap - Hey.
I'm glad you could make it.
- Hey.
So after this, I'm gonna take you upstairs so you can audition for Barry.
- Audition? - Well, it How much you paying her? - This my mom.
- Her manager.
Nikki Jones, Fouray Records, and it's not a gig, it's an opportunity.
I'd like Barry to hear what Imani X can do.
I think you'll kill it.
I got all the respect in the world for my sister here, but this is an old person's view of what music is supposed to be.
I've been in this business long enough to know what sells, and I also understand that music is always changing.
Then you can't You can't You can't tell me that EBJ Music is looking forward to progressing with rap music.
You can't tell me that "Humpty Dance" ain't as catchy as - "You Can't Touch This.
" - But it's more than just being catchy.
It's more than just being catchy.
Hey, can you cover me for a few? - and NWA don't make great songs - has a melody, that has a message that aren't more than catchy and have messages.
- I don't think so.
- (applause) - Public Enemy don't have a message? - Well, but we want - Public Enemy don't have a message.
- We want melody.
(knocking on door) (knocking continues) Yo, man, we found that nigga that killed Bug.
Yo! Yo, Ahm, man.
Look, man, this is Bug's Look, man, stop tripping over that woman, a'ight? If she ain't want it, she ain't want it.
I mean, if you really wanna do something for her, we staying at his girl's crib up in Crown Heights.
We got eyes on him.
(door slams) Okay.
It's time to open it to the audience for questions.
Uh The young lady in the yellow shirt.
I got a question for Barry.
I wanna know how you use a coke habit as an artist's expense.
Yo - Creative accounting or something, what? - Ladies and gentlemen, this cornfed bitch used to work with me until I fired his ass for pocketing artists' money.
Brother, you don't have no money to steal.
Huh? Yo, this man ain't got no distribution, people, you know what I'm saying? If you tell the folks that you giving them a record deal You talking, but what You first ought to make sure that you to enough wax in your store, right? What have you ever started? Nothing! You a leech, boss! You don't know nothing about being no - Hey, hey, look, your boy - You stepping up? (overlapping shouting) - You won't be nothing without me! - You wanna step up? I'm the cat who helped you start this thing! You a sucker, you gonna always be a sucker.
I knew that Fouray wasn't shit.
Come on, let's go.
- I'm so scared.
- Yeah, I want you to be.
- Be very scared.
- Ooh, I'm scared! Get outta here, you a sucker! My mom got called into work last minute.
Okay.
I gotta go catch Imani.
Imani X! Mrs.
Williams! Please! Please! I Tell me.
How is that man gonna manage Imani when he can't even manage his own God damn self, huh? I am sorry for all the drama.
Gordie is Barry's closest childhood friend.
You know how those things can turn ugly.
And what exactly is Fouray gonna do for my baby? He's gonna make her a star.
So why do I have to audition? Please, believe me, the auditions are just a formality, trust me.
Let's just do it.
I already took the whole day off anyway.
In that nasty-ass Army surplus shit? Ain't nobody at war.
Ma, why you tripping? Because, we trying to get you a deal, and you running around here looking like a raggedy-ass little boy.
- Oh, hey, girl.
- Hey.
Just wanted to let you know that the article on Barry got approved.
- Dope, that's great news.
- Yeah.
Hey, can you help me out with something? I need a few seconds with Imani.
- Got it.
- Thanks.
Here, take the baby.
(baby fussing) I'll get her from you later.
You have a cheetah dress on right now, Mom? You feelin' it? - I do? - Hey.
- You have a cheetah dress.
- I'm Damita Alonzo from the "Village Voice.
" I'd like to get a few quotes for a piece I'm working on about artist management.
- Sure.
- Yeah? Great, thanks.
- I'll get you.
- Over here.
What magazine did you say you worked for? Sorry about your mom.
It's not your fault.
Whose kid? Not mine.
Hey, I think Barry will be ready for you in a sec.
I'll go check.
- Come on.
Come on.
- (elevator bell dings) Who left this beautiful child with you? Whoa! Okay Okay, but whose baby is this? (sniffing) All right! (clapping) Let's get the party started! No, no, no.
It's all right.
Yo, let let me see what you got.
Words of a mastermind, that's how I'm feeling Knocking MCs out like Mike Tyson did Givens Rhyme after rhyme, I'm flowing without a flaw I keep it going and going without a pause Word to Chuck D, nasty it must be You wanna draw hammers, but you can't even touch me 'Cause you don't really want it And you ain't gonna blast, son Any day stepping up to me be your last one So stop all the fronting and acting I'm coming out of Queensbridge, the main attraction You now listening to the best, kid Telling whack MCs step off like a jet bridge Born with the gift of gab Heading to liquor store looking for a fifth to grab In the studio when I put pen to pad, I'm out of orbit And keep coming right back with all that raw shit Okay, you nice with yours, kid, for sure.
You got flow.
Keep Keep doing your thing.
Who's next, though? I need next.
Next, next.
Go! Go! Go, go, go, go, go (cheering and applause) (scratching) (indistinct rap music and scratching) (crowd cheering) There it is (crowd cheering) All flash.
(record trilling) (crowd cheering) (scratching) There it is, there it is There it is, there it is, there it is, there it is There it is, there it is, there it is, there it is (music continues) Oh, no, he did not.
There it is There it is, there it is, there it is What is that, a baby's arm? There it is Yo, man, what is wrong with you? There it is, there it is (music stops) Man, he gets good traction with that thing.
What a dick move.
(laughter) Make some noise for DJ Breakmaster G, y'all! (cheering and applause) Yo, you still go by the name DJ DeeVee? - Nah, it's just DeeVee.
- Okay.
Make some noise for our challenger, DeeVee, y'all! (cheering and applause) DeeVee, where you from? From Queens! (cheering and applause) It's on you, Queens.
(crowd chattering) I don't know his fucking crates! I should have known you was gonna choke.
Yo, this sucker's from Queens.
(audience booing) Yo, is Brooklyn in the house? (scattered cheers) Fuck that guy.
Don't listen to him.
Actually, I think I will.
Fucking hypocrite.
(scattered cheers) (man) What's up? See what Queens about.
(scratching record) All you other DJs be at your best All you other DJs just just confess All you other DJs you can steal your all All you other DJs just take your fall All you other DJs already try All you other DJs disqualify If you think you can beat him I'd say you're wrong If you think you can beat him I'd say you're wrong If you think you can beat him I'd say you're wrong All you other DJs think think you can beat him All you other DJs you must be nuts All you other DJs think think you can beat him All you other DJs you must be nuts (cheers and jeers) DJs think think (record scratching) Other DJs you must be nuts All you other DJs Think think you can beat him Other DJs You must be nuts (cheers and jeers) Still scratching cuts cuts (scratching) (cheering and applause) All right.
Wow, okay, okay.
Let's go to the judges and see who won that round.
(overlapping chatter) DeeVee! (speaking indistinctly) Make some noise for DeeVee, y'all! (cheering and applause) My man Yapmaster B.
L.
is in central booking right now, right? So I'm gonna do his part and I'm gonna do my part, right? (beat starts) Check it out.
I got the beat, no, I got the beat Yo we got the beat to rock the streets, huh I got the beat, yo, I got the beat Yo, we got the beat to rock the streets, yo I'll hip the hop and I'll flip the flop There's a drip a drop and I'm not a cop Yo, together we could rock this beat nonstop - Yo - We're the B.
L.
Crew And we can never be stopped, huh Time out, time out, time out, yo, time out, time out.
Do you know what year it is, man? - It's 1990.
- Are you sure? Do you know that for a fact? You looking real fam Yo Yo, Ponds, that's the motherfucker bootlegging our shit! Oh! I recognize you! Get him, grab him, Ponds! (elevator bell dings) What now, Juggy? I know you're very busy with the new job and the fancy title, so I reached out to some old friends from back in the day and I have secured for you about a dozen or so stations that are just chomping at the bit to put Keith Sweat's new single into their rotations.
Why would you do that? You don't work at EBJ.
You don't work anywhere, for that matter.
(chuckling) I just I I want to see you succeed.
Mm-hmm.
Hmm.
You know, sometimes a good word from an old pal can go a long way.
(elevator bell dings) It certainly can't hurt to have "I'll Give All my Love to You" playing in three major Midwest markets.
Well, I'm sorry, did I overstep? (elevator bell dings) You want me to call 'em all back and tell 'em it's a no-go? Taken from the motherland, stolen from our homes To rap for the white man on his microphones They call it new music, but that ain't a fact 'Cause it was already here and created by blacks First they stole rock and roll then they stole the soul Left brother Chuck Berry starving out in the cold And now rapping is hot and you know what's a waste? We trying to get home but we on third base Sashay! All right, we not looking for the next Clan.
Say, my brother who's distributing this so-called label? Okay, I can't deal with this shit.
I'm out, all right? Move.
The revolution ain't gonna televised, - fucking around with y'all clowns.
- Imani X is ready.
Well, you tell her to leave her demo.
- But she's been waiting for - I don't care! What'd I say? She can wait forever! (indistinct chatter) Yo, J, what's up? What you doing here, Tiffany? Ain't nobody interested in that lame flow.
Boy, what? I'm the reason why people checking for you now.
If you're the reason I got this deal, then how come you don't have a deal at all? Riddle me that.
There you are.
Is Barry ready for me? Well, not exactly.
Barry just got called into an important emergency meeting, - but he's promised to listen to your demo - I knew it.
He promised me Look, I I knew.
I told you, baby.
This bitch ain't shit.
- I I - Just like her boss.
Let's go.
(bell chimes) Yo, why is you sweating me, man? You buy something or not? Ma, Ma, I got it.
You're Jamil's little brother, yeah? Tell him what's up.
(bell chimes) He's a good kid.
Good at stealing.
The store's dead.
I've got a gig.
And you leave me here? My other job is important, too, Oma.
(cheering and applause) Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay.
This is what it's about right now.
The big show.
The final round.
Can you fucking believe you made it this far? It's fucking crazy.
I know, crazy.
You really want to leave all this? Man, I don't know.
Okay.
We'll send you off right.
Up first is my man DJ Steve T, y'all! (cheers and jeers) (turntabling) (cheering and applause) Hey, there's an orange record back there, all right? With a fist on it.
Get me that.
(scratching record) (cheering and applause) Look at you.
Huh? (cooing softly) I can't believe I missed everything.
- Where were you? - Where do you think? You don't get a day off? - My dad had a stroke.
- Oh, my God, I'm so sorry.
It's fine, it was last year, but he still can't work, so they expect me to.
So that's why you're always late.
Yeah.
And here I thought you was just on C.
P.
time.
(both laugh) Yo, Imani X is battling Ill Jake in the lobby.
(singsong) You gonna fall asleep.
Uh Tamika, right? Yes? What this your baby? Yes.
Hi.
Thank you.
And don't forget her bunny.
Hi.
Oh.
Hi Let me take this intermission To say from musician wishing Ill Jake can't be wrong when I tell y'all That this black bitch belongs in the kitchen Cooking my eggs and my biscuits And stop frontin', you ain't like a Jamaican I see the crown and it's ripe for the taking You ain't an MC you a bitch in the making Now you wanna pop off, cry about it Your hair you can chop off That's what hoes do when y'all careers drop off How did I get here? Back in the middle with this Monie Love knockoff Y'all say he ain't right But she ain't Latifah and she ain't Lyte Ain't nobody gonna sign you 'cause you ain't light And your rhymes ain't even tight, a'ight? - (crowd "oohs") - Yeah.
And you can take that back to the boys' bathroom, Imani.
(beat continues) Okay, all right.
That was cute for you.
He clearly doesn't get any pussies.
- We get it.
- (all chattering) Uhh, yo I don't claim to be the meanest chick It's been a while since I seen a scene this thick Matter fact the last time I seen a scene this thick Was probably the last time Ill Jake seen his dick And now I got a gunclap How a diabetic claiming that he run rap When he probably can't even run laps Look at his stomach, it's done lapped over his belt Where yonder money buns at So let's put it on a display It's time for the truth, it's overdue Now I'll admit the little rhyme that you spit was ill But not as half as ill as the ones I wrote for you Jake, you a snake and I got you rattled John Candy asshole, how you like them apples? How you like it when a girl get at you? But I'm gonna be considerate stock You look ill, Jake, don't go into shock Is there a nurse in the house and a doc That can administer this fat nigga insulin shot? Wonder Woman and I'm packing the lassos Smacking all you cackling assholes So let's give it up to the fatso Clap clap, nigga, you made it - That's my star.
- Signed to a deal But you not top pedigree Call me a bitch but everybody know this bitch Is more man than your bitch ass'll ever be (crowd gasps and applauds) Yeah! (cheering and applause) Hey! - Hey yourself, culture vulture.
- (Nikki) What the fuck? It's okay, Nikki, give Jake some space.
He just got sunned by an earth.
- (laughter) - Bitch.
Fuck you, egg roll.
Fuck you, fat boy! (crowd) Ooh Hey.
Don't listen to that knucklehead.
Uh, I I won't.
Hey, I'm Ralph McDaniels.
- I'm Josie Cho, hey.
- Nice to meet you.
I'd love to see your photos when you get 'em developed.
Yeah! (chuckling) (train squealing) (baby crying) (metallic "clack") (rattling) (woman gasping in ecstasy) (gasping continues) (woman shrieks) (man) Yo, what you doing? Yo, what you want me to do with her? - Let her go.
- Don't you even - What the fuck do you mean? - Let her go! Fuck, man! (grunts) Come on, bitch.
Come on.
(woman shrieking) Don't even think about it.
(grunting) Run, bitch! (gunshot) (screaming) (cheering and applause) All right, y'all, all right, y'all, this is it! Our challenger DeeVee is about ready to get this shit started, so without any further ado, let's go, DeeVee.
(scattered cheers and applause) (scattered cheers) (scratching) (audience shouting) (turntabling) Hey! (crowd cheering) (crowd) Hey! - Hey! - (records snags) (crowd protesting) (beats going out of sync) (scratch) - (crowd groans) - Oh, ho ho, the pressure.
The pressure.
Somebody lost control of their vehicle.
(cheering and applause) Hey, man, close, but no cigar.
Make some noise for DeeVee, y'all.
(cheering and applause) Hey congratulations, man.
I was worried for a minute.
(laughing) (cheering and applause) Now, that was fucking fantastic.
Yo, Young God, every time I see you, you doing big things, man.
Ah, thank you, big homey.
Word.
We gotta get in the studio.
Absolutely, without a doubt.
Word.
Yo, these shorties trying to holler at you.
Yeah? Mm-hmm.
Word.
(crowd chatter) I'm Barry from Ray Fouray Records.
I understand you manage Imani X.
And I'm her mother, Ella Williams.
Well, it's nice to meet you.
Listen, I need your daughter in the studio right now, and by right now, I mean right now right now.
Hold up, slim.
I been hearing a lot of stuff about you, and most of it ain't good.
If people ain't hating some, you ain't doing it, right? I'm doing it.
So let me ask you this.
Like, what you do you need to be on board? What what do you really need? Two things.
Okay.
$25,000 up front.
You got it.
Cool.
What else? I want that bitch out the picture.
What? What's up? Barry's signing Imani X.
- Really? - Mm-hmm.
Yo! And? And you ain't a part of her team.
What? You reap what you sow.
Hey, Nikki Could I talk to you for a minute? Yeah, sure, what's up? Uh, it'd be great if you could get your stuff out of my place.
Okay.
Sure, I'll come by tonight.
Great.
I'll, uh, I'll stay out later tonight.
Perfect.
(machine buzzing) (tape rewinding) (machine buzzing) (kiss) Wanna look at Mommy's notes? What is that? What's that? (chuckles) (pounding on door) Jesus, David, I'm out.
You got it.
(announcer) Next time on "The Breaks" Yo, y'all, I'm ready.
What's your angle in all this? We don't know this girl.
I need your help.
We're good, the two of us.
(both laughing) What's in the bag? You got some balls.
He could die.
My baby is not gonna die.
Put the God damn gun down!
- I don't have it on me.
- You got DeeVee's tape? - Sorry, sis.
My dumbass cousin got it stolen in Jersey.
Got your tape here.
- I'm not going to South Carolina.
- Yes, you are.
And you gonna get away from this Ahm nigga.
Geronimo's crew caught Bug over there by Kennedy.
They chopped the nigga up.
This is for you.
I'm sorry about your loss.
What do you say you and me, we get out in front of this? Never in a million years.
What are you gonna tell Mattie Taylor when you find her? I'm gonna tell her the time is nigh to get with Fouray Records, we about to blow up.
You know, you're too good.
You say that like it's a bad thing.
It's sweet.
I'm sorry, David, but I need you to put your shirt back on.
Okay, so it's really over? Yeah.
I don't understand.
You guys were so good together.
We were.
And I mean, don't get me wrong.
He's still great and I still love him.
It's just, I can't move the way I want to move with David right now.
You know, he's - (zipper zipping) - What? Sweet.
Y'all broke up because he's sweet? Sweet.
Good.
Patient.
You know.
I don't know.
If we'd have stayed together, I'd just end up hurting him even more than I already did.
I understand.
Of course you do.
We're the same.
Not exactly.
And not since, you know So, what, you're not hungry anymore? I am.
And in certain ways, I'm hungrier, but other things matter now.
And I have to take her to the park sometimes.
- I get it.
- I know you get it.
That's why you said what you said.
Damita, you cannot keep lording that over me.
- You asked my opinion, so - And you gave it and it's fine.
I just never understood why you disappeared when I decided to keep her.
- You moved! - Come on, Nikki.
How many times are you gonna make me apologize? (woman) Damita, where you put Lucinda's sandals? By the library books.
You're right.
My bad.
(woman) I can't find them.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Quiet on the set 'cause I'm ready to handle you I'm black royalty Pay me my mechanicals in dollars and cents I ain't in it for the hollas and gents Be like Imani rock your soul I'm just looking at them like Boy, where's your follow-through? MCs out there, they kinda cute But they can't compare and they can't contest 'Cause next to me she's just another model in a body suit Call it what you want, I'm making no apologies My rhymes slice like a knife through your arteries Razor sharp incision Imani X is dope right? Yeah, yeah.
I just got my hands on her demo.
I want Barry to sign her.
There's, like, 150 tapes on his desk, but Imani X, she's the one.
Baby, baby, take me higher I still can't believe that you got another job.
At another black radio station.
You sure Juggy doesn't have anything to do with this? Why you gotta fuck up my morning? (laughing) Yo, I'm kidding, I'm kidding, okay? - Don't be so sensitive.
- It's a fresh start - without Juggy's initials.
- Okay.
I actually get to program a couple tracks and You believe me? I have to, okay? My dad's on my ass.
Ahm's on my ass.
I don't even have a place to stay.
Crash at my place.
You can't put out new music if you're in hiding.
You sure? It's cool.
It's all good, man.
I got a couple passes to the New Music Seminar.
Why don't you come down and meet 'em? Why? I don't have a demo.
And Ahm won't let anybody hear the stuff that we're doing, so You never know what's gonna happen.
You can split tomorrow.
Okay.
There's gonna be girls there, right? Hell yes, there's gonna be girls there.
Gotta go.
- Where? - To the job, Mama.
What job? This your job.
You supposed to be here.
Your father can't be here, so he needs you to be.
- Ma, I know.
- Yeah, you know? Then why you leave? (cash register dings) - You're fucking with me today, right? - Actually, no.
I'm Nikki Jones, I'm with Fouray Management.
I heard your demo, and I'd like to talk to you about joining Fouray.
Look, you can't be in line if you ain't buying nothing.
Okay, let me get a pack of sour apple Now and Laters.
- 25 cents.
- I think you're dope.
We could help you get a recording contract, get you in the studio.
(popping gum) 25 cents.
Everyone's crazy over Ill Jake's album.
He just got a new record deal, but you don't got shit.
- And your point is? - You wrote "Spit Take.
" That's the joint that got him picked up by Atlantic.
Look, I'd love to introduce you to Barry Fouray.
He's speaking on a panel at the New Music Seminar today.
I'll leave two passes at the door.
(pop) 25 cents.
You're better than this.
(music playing, people chattering) (laughing) Yo, everybody is up in here.
Yeah.
Yes, they are.
Hey, Mama.
What's up? Hey, are you in the DJ battle? I'm covering it.
Yeah, yeah, I am.
Cool.
The lyric, right? I'll try and stop by later.
- Okay.
- Bye.
So since when were you selected for the DJ battle? Since just now.
And how exactly do you plan on getting into the DJ battle? I have no idea.
Holy shit! - Dude, is that Lynch Mob? - Come on! No, bro, I'm I'm black.
I don't run toward shit, no.
I was gonna be in the DJ battle! My son's name was Wayne Louis Calder.
He was born February 14th, 1975, at Brooklyn Hospital right up the street.
5:36 p.
m.
My husband had to work, so he couldn't be there.
But my cousin Melba, she came with me.
She held my hand the whole time.
What you want, lady? He didn't cry too much when he came into the world.
He just laid on my belly with his eyes open.
I don't want your money.
Let's go.
He was my only child.
(car starting) Not the bragging or boasting And plus it ain't no secret Why they tapping my phone Although I can't keep it a secret So I decided to kick it, yo And yes, it weighs a ton I say it once again, I'm called the enemy I'll never be a friend of those with closed minds Don't know that I'm rapid, the way that I rap it New Music Seminar's kinda cool.
What they got, like, new carpet or something in since last year? You remember? It's the same carpet, Barry.
The sign-in table moved.
Mm, you got a good eye.
You have a good memory.
Ha.
I think Imani X should audition for the label.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, but listen, this is the setup, and I need you to pay attention, because it's all here the money, the distribution, the talent.
And look, look.
That's Harvey Rosen right there, from Landmark Distribution.
Only thing about them is we would have to put up all of the production costs.
Ah, the queen! Uh, excuse me, Miss Taylor! I thought I thought we was gonna have that sit-down.
Yeah, we are, we are.
Things have just been a little crazy with the transition, so make sure Nikki talks to my assistant.
We'll get her on the books for next week.
(humming) (phone line ringing) Cheryl.
Hey, darlin'.
Tell Horace Juggy's on the line, will you? Horace, what's shakin', baby? Listen, I want to talk to you about this new Keith Sweat record.
That's why I don't care if he breach his contract.
If Tommy Boy doesn't drop D Bone, who's gonna be our first artist? We're about to find out.
All right, listen up! I got a new label and we holding auditions here later on today! I'm looking for a star.
Who got the hot shit? Bring it? Here, right here! (all shouting) Right here.
Give it to him.
All right, ladies, we got our distinguished panel of judges here.
It's gonna be a straight vote, no ties, no tiebreaker.
We gonna have fun, we gonna keep it entertaining, and I don't want to see your ass this year.
Nah, don't worry, I got something better.
Look, the winner's gonna get 500, a fresh ashtray of techniques, and of course (laughs) Yeah.
This is what it's all about right here.
- (applause) - Right? Y'all go get ready, man, act like y'all want this, okay? Hey.
Um you know, I was gonna ask you if I could be a last-minute substitute for Prince Sid.
He kinda got caught up in that squabble out there with Lynch Mob.
All right, you in, man.
- Word? - Yeah, just Just go set your crates up right over there.
Uh, you know what? About my crates, I Whatever, man, you can just use mine.
- All right? - Yeah.
- Thank you.
- Whatever, carry on.
Pop-rap ain't the problem.
I like pop.
It's short for popular.
(laughing) The problem is that hip-hop, it don't get the chance to become popular because the radio, the radio wants to keep it safe and make a little bit of money doing it, you know what I'm saying? So the radio will play Young MC and not play Public Enemy? And I don't even mean that as a disrespect to Young MC.
I'm just saying, there's room for Hammer and there's room for Rakim, the God.
(murmurs of approval) Mrs.
Taylor, do you have something to say? Radio's looking for songs that have melody.
Now, rap music is only just beginning to mature and understand that.
- (man) What? - People don't just want to hear beats.
They want to hear singing, they want beautiful music.
We at EBJ Music truly believe in the future of rap, and we're gonna be looking for rap that has balance.
C+C Music Factory is a great example of that, both melody and rap - Hey.
I'm glad you could make it.
- Hey.
So after this, I'm gonna take you upstairs so you can audition for Barry.
- Audition? - Well, it How much you paying her? - This my mom.
- Her manager.
Nikki Jones, Fouray Records, and it's not a gig, it's an opportunity.
I'd like Barry to hear what Imani X can do.
I think you'll kill it.
I got all the respect in the world for my sister here, but this is an old person's view of what music is supposed to be.
I've been in this business long enough to know what sells, and I also understand that music is always changing.
Then you can't You can't You can't tell me that EBJ Music is looking forward to progressing with rap music.
You can't tell me that "Humpty Dance" ain't as catchy as - "You Can't Touch This.
" - But it's more than just being catchy.
It's more than just being catchy.
Hey, can you cover me for a few? - and NWA don't make great songs - has a melody, that has a message that aren't more than catchy and have messages.
- I don't think so.
- (applause) - Public Enemy don't have a message? - Well, but we want - Public Enemy don't have a message.
- We want melody.
(knocking on door) (knocking continues) Yo, man, we found that nigga that killed Bug.
Yo! Yo, Ahm, man.
Look, man, this is Bug's Look, man, stop tripping over that woman, a'ight? If she ain't want it, she ain't want it.
I mean, if you really wanna do something for her, we staying at his girl's crib up in Crown Heights.
We got eyes on him.
(door slams) Okay.
It's time to open it to the audience for questions.
Uh The young lady in the yellow shirt.
I got a question for Barry.
I wanna know how you use a coke habit as an artist's expense.
Yo - Creative accounting or something, what? - Ladies and gentlemen, this cornfed bitch used to work with me until I fired his ass for pocketing artists' money.
Brother, you don't have no money to steal.
Huh? Yo, this man ain't got no distribution, people, you know what I'm saying? If you tell the folks that you giving them a record deal You talking, but what You first ought to make sure that you to enough wax in your store, right? What have you ever started? Nothing! You a leech, boss! You don't know nothing about being no - Hey, hey, look, your boy - You stepping up? (overlapping shouting) - You won't be nothing without me! - You wanna step up? I'm the cat who helped you start this thing! You a sucker, you gonna always be a sucker.
I knew that Fouray wasn't shit.
Come on, let's go.
- I'm so scared.
- Yeah, I want you to be.
- Be very scared.
- Ooh, I'm scared! Get outta here, you a sucker! My mom got called into work last minute.
Okay.
I gotta go catch Imani.
Imani X! Mrs.
Williams! Please! Please! I Tell me.
How is that man gonna manage Imani when he can't even manage his own God damn self, huh? I am sorry for all the drama.
Gordie is Barry's closest childhood friend.
You know how those things can turn ugly.
And what exactly is Fouray gonna do for my baby? He's gonna make her a star.
So why do I have to audition? Please, believe me, the auditions are just a formality, trust me.
Let's just do it.
I already took the whole day off anyway.
In that nasty-ass Army surplus shit? Ain't nobody at war.
Ma, why you tripping? Because, we trying to get you a deal, and you running around here looking like a raggedy-ass little boy.
- Oh, hey, girl.
- Hey.
Just wanted to let you know that the article on Barry got approved.
- Dope, that's great news.
- Yeah.
Hey, can you help me out with something? I need a few seconds with Imani.
- Got it.
- Thanks.
Here, take the baby.
(baby fussing) I'll get her from you later.
You have a cheetah dress on right now, Mom? You feelin' it? - I do? - Hey.
- You have a cheetah dress.
- I'm Damita Alonzo from the "Village Voice.
" I'd like to get a few quotes for a piece I'm working on about artist management.
- Sure.
- Yeah? Great, thanks.
- I'll get you.
- Over here.
What magazine did you say you worked for? Sorry about your mom.
It's not your fault.
Whose kid? Not mine.
Hey, I think Barry will be ready for you in a sec.
I'll go check.
- Come on.
Come on.
- (elevator bell dings) Who left this beautiful child with you? Whoa! Okay Okay, but whose baby is this? (sniffing) All right! (clapping) Let's get the party started! No, no, no.
It's all right.
Yo, let let me see what you got.
Words of a mastermind, that's how I'm feeling Knocking MCs out like Mike Tyson did Givens Rhyme after rhyme, I'm flowing without a flaw I keep it going and going without a pause Word to Chuck D, nasty it must be You wanna draw hammers, but you can't even touch me 'Cause you don't really want it And you ain't gonna blast, son Any day stepping up to me be your last one So stop all the fronting and acting I'm coming out of Queensbridge, the main attraction You now listening to the best, kid Telling whack MCs step off like a jet bridge Born with the gift of gab Heading to liquor store looking for a fifth to grab In the studio when I put pen to pad, I'm out of orbit And keep coming right back with all that raw shit Okay, you nice with yours, kid, for sure.
You got flow.
Keep Keep doing your thing.
Who's next, though? I need next.
Next, next.
Go! Go! Go, go, go, go, go (cheering and applause) (scratching) (indistinct rap music and scratching) (crowd cheering) There it is (crowd cheering) All flash.
(record trilling) (crowd cheering) (scratching) There it is, there it is There it is, there it is, there it is, there it is There it is, there it is, there it is, there it is (music continues) Oh, no, he did not.
There it is There it is, there it is, there it is What is that, a baby's arm? There it is Yo, man, what is wrong with you? There it is, there it is (music stops) Man, he gets good traction with that thing.
What a dick move.
(laughter) Make some noise for DJ Breakmaster G, y'all! (cheering and applause) Yo, you still go by the name DJ DeeVee? - Nah, it's just DeeVee.
- Okay.
Make some noise for our challenger, DeeVee, y'all! (cheering and applause) DeeVee, where you from? From Queens! (cheering and applause) It's on you, Queens.
(crowd chattering) I don't know his fucking crates! I should have known you was gonna choke.
Yo, this sucker's from Queens.
(audience booing) Yo, is Brooklyn in the house? (scattered cheers) Fuck that guy.
Don't listen to him.
Actually, I think I will.
Fucking hypocrite.
(scattered cheers) (man) What's up? See what Queens about.
(scratching record) All you other DJs be at your best All you other DJs just just confess All you other DJs you can steal your all All you other DJs just take your fall All you other DJs already try All you other DJs disqualify If you think you can beat him I'd say you're wrong If you think you can beat him I'd say you're wrong If you think you can beat him I'd say you're wrong All you other DJs think think you can beat him All you other DJs you must be nuts All you other DJs think think you can beat him All you other DJs you must be nuts (cheers and jeers) DJs think think (record scratching) Other DJs you must be nuts All you other DJs Think think you can beat him Other DJs You must be nuts (cheers and jeers) Still scratching cuts cuts (scratching) (cheering and applause) All right.
Wow, okay, okay.
Let's go to the judges and see who won that round.
(overlapping chatter) DeeVee! (speaking indistinctly) Make some noise for DeeVee, y'all! (cheering and applause) My man Yapmaster B.
L.
is in central booking right now, right? So I'm gonna do his part and I'm gonna do my part, right? (beat starts) Check it out.
I got the beat, no, I got the beat Yo we got the beat to rock the streets, huh I got the beat, yo, I got the beat Yo, we got the beat to rock the streets, yo I'll hip the hop and I'll flip the flop There's a drip a drop and I'm not a cop Yo, together we could rock this beat nonstop - Yo - We're the B.
L.
Crew And we can never be stopped, huh Time out, time out, time out, yo, time out, time out.
Do you know what year it is, man? - It's 1990.
- Are you sure? Do you know that for a fact? You looking real fam Yo Yo, Ponds, that's the motherfucker bootlegging our shit! Oh! I recognize you! Get him, grab him, Ponds! (elevator bell dings) What now, Juggy? I know you're very busy with the new job and the fancy title, so I reached out to some old friends from back in the day and I have secured for you about a dozen or so stations that are just chomping at the bit to put Keith Sweat's new single into their rotations.
Why would you do that? You don't work at EBJ.
You don't work anywhere, for that matter.
(chuckling) I just I I want to see you succeed.
Mm-hmm.
Hmm.
You know, sometimes a good word from an old pal can go a long way.
(elevator bell dings) It certainly can't hurt to have "I'll Give All my Love to You" playing in three major Midwest markets.
Well, I'm sorry, did I overstep? (elevator bell dings) You want me to call 'em all back and tell 'em it's a no-go? Taken from the motherland, stolen from our homes To rap for the white man on his microphones They call it new music, but that ain't a fact 'Cause it was already here and created by blacks First they stole rock and roll then they stole the soul Left brother Chuck Berry starving out in the cold And now rapping is hot and you know what's a waste? We trying to get home but we on third base Sashay! All right, we not looking for the next Clan.
Say, my brother who's distributing this so-called label? Okay, I can't deal with this shit.
I'm out, all right? Move.
The revolution ain't gonna televised, - fucking around with y'all clowns.
- Imani X is ready.
Well, you tell her to leave her demo.
- But she's been waiting for - I don't care! What'd I say? She can wait forever! (indistinct chatter) Yo, J, what's up? What you doing here, Tiffany? Ain't nobody interested in that lame flow.
Boy, what? I'm the reason why people checking for you now.
If you're the reason I got this deal, then how come you don't have a deal at all? Riddle me that.
There you are.
Is Barry ready for me? Well, not exactly.
Barry just got called into an important emergency meeting, - but he's promised to listen to your demo - I knew it.
He promised me Look, I I knew.
I told you, baby.
This bitch ain't shit.
- I I - Just like her boss.
Let's go.
(bell chimes) Yo, why is you sweating me, man? You buy something or not? Ma, Ma, I got it.
You're Jamil's little brother, yeah? Tell him what's up.
(bell chimes) He's a good kid.
Good at stealing.
The store's dead.
I've got a gig.
And you leave me here? My other job is important, too, Oma.
(cheering and applause) Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay.
This is what it's about right now.
The big show.
The final round.
Can you fucking believe you made it this far? It's fucking crazy.
I know, crazy.
You really want to leave all this? Man, I don't know.
Okay.
We'll send you off right.
Up first is my man DJ Steve T, y'all! (cheers and jeers) (turntabling) (cheering and applause) Hey, there's an orange record back there, all right? With a fist on it.
Get me that.
(scratching record) (cheering and applause) Look at you.
Huh? (cooing softly) I can't believe I missed everything.
- Where were you? - Where do you think? You don't get a day off? - My dad had a stroke.
- Oh, my God, I'm so sorry.
It's fine, it was last year, but he still can't work, so they expect me to.
So that's why you're always late.
Yeah.
And here I thought you was just on C.
P.
time.
(both laugh) Yo, Imani X is battling Ill Jake in the lobby.
(singsong) You gonna fall asleep.
Uh Tamika, right? Yes? What this your baby? Yes.
Hi.
Thank you.
And don't forget her bunny.
Hi.
Oh.
Hi Let me take this intermission To say from musician wishing Ill Jake can't be wrong when I tell y'all That this black bitch belongs in the kitchen Cooking my eggs and my biscuits And stop frontin', you ain't like a Jamaican I see the crown and it's ripe for the taking You ain't an MC you a bitch in the making Now you wanna pop off, cry about it Your hair you can chop off That's what hoes do when y'all careers drop off How did I get here? Back in the middle with this Monie Love knockoff Y'all say he ain't right But she ain't Latifah and she ain't Lyte Ain't nobody gonna sign you 'cause you ain't light And your rhymes ain't even tight, a'ight? - (crowd "oohs") - Yeah.
And you can take that back to the boys' bathroom, Imani.
(beat continues) Okay, all right.
That was cute for you.
He clearly doesn't get any pussies.
- We get it.
- (all chattering) Uhh, yo I don't claim to be the meanest chick It's been a while since I seen a scene this thick Matter fact the last time I seen a scene this thick Was probably the last time Ill Jake seen his dick And now I got a gunclap How a diabetic claiming that he run rap When he probably can't even run laps Look at his stomach, it's done lapped over his belt Where yonder money buns at So let's put it on a display It's time for the truth, it's overdue Now I'll admit the little rhyme that you spit was ill But not as half as ill as the ones I wrote for you Jake, you a snake and I got you rattled John Candy asshole, how you like them apples? How you like it when a girl get at you? But I'm gonna be considerate stock You look ill, Jake, don't go into shock Is there a nurse in the house and a doc That can administer this fat nigga insulin shot? Wonder Woman and I'm packing the lassos Smacking all you cackling assholes So let's give it up to the fatso Clap clap, nigga, you made it - That's my star.
- Signed to a deal But you not top pedigree Call me a bitch but everybody know this bitch Is more man than your bitch ass'll ever be (crowd gasps and applauds) Yeah! (cheering and applause) Hey! - Hey yourself, culture vulture.
- (Nikki) What the fuck? It's okay, Nikki, give Jake some space.
He just got sunned by an earth.
- (laughter) - Bitch.
Fuck you, egg roll.
Fuck you, fat boy! (crowd) Ooh Hey.
Don't listen to that knucklehead.
Uh, I I won't.
Hey, I'm Ralph McDaniels.
- I'm Josie Cho, hey.
- Nice to meet you.
I'd love to see your photos when you get 'em developed.
Yeah! (chuckling) (train squealing) (baby crying) (metallic "clack") (rattling) (woman gasping in ecstasy) (gasping continues) (woman shrieks) (man) Yo, what you doing? Yo, what you want me to do with her? - Let her go.
- Don't you even - What the fuck do you mean? - Let her go! Fuck, man! (grunts) Come on, bitch.
Come on.
(woman shrieking) Don't even think about it.
(grunting) Run, bitch! (gunshot) (screaming) (cheering and applause) All right, y'all, all right, y'all, this is it! Our challenger DeeVee is about ready to get this shit started, so without any further ado, let's go, DeeVee.
(scattered cheers and applause) (scattered cheers) (scratching) (audience shouting) (turntabling) Hey! (crowd cheering) (crowd) Hey! - Hey! - (records snags) (crowd protesting) (beats going out of sync) (scratch) - (crowd groans) - Oh, ho ho, the pressure.
The pressure.
Somebody lost control of their vehicle.
(cheering and applause) Hey, man, close, but no cigar.
Make some noise for DeeVee, y'all.
(cheering and applause) Hey congratulations, man.
I was worried for a minute.
(laughing) (cheering and applause) Now, that was fucking fantastic.
Yo, Young God, every time I see you, you doing big things, man.
Ah, thank you, big homey.
Word.
We gotta get in the studio.
Absolutely, without a doubt.
Word.
Yo, these shorties trying to holler at you.
Yeah? Mm-hmm.
Word.
(crowd chatter) I'm Barry from Ray Fouray Records.
I understand you manage Imani X.
And I'm her mother, Ella Williams.
Well, it's nice to meet you.
Listen, I need your daughter in the studio right now, and by right now, I mean right now right now.
Hold up, slim.
I been hearing a lot of stuff about you, and most of it ain't good.
If people ain't hating some, you ain't doing it, right? I'm doing it.
So let me ask you this.
Like, what you do you need to be on board? What what do you really need? Two things.
Okay.
$25,000 up front.
You got it.
Cool.
What else? I want that bitch out the picture.
What? What's up? Barry's signing Imani X.
- Really? - Mm-hmm.
Yo! And? And you ain't a part of her team.
What? You reap what you sow.
Hey, Nikki Could I talk to you for a minute? Yeah, sure, what's up? Uh, it'd be great if you could get your stuff out of my place.
Okay.
Sure, I'll come by tonight.
Great.
I'll, uh, I'll stay out later tonight.
Perfect.
(machine buzzing) (tape rewinding) (machine buzzing) (kiss) Wanna look at Mommy's notes? What is that? What's that? (chuckles) (pounding on door) Jesus, David, I'm out.
You got it.
(announcer) Next time on "The Breaks" Yo, y'all, I'm ready.
What's your angle in all this? We don't know this girl.
I need your help.
We're good, the two of us.
(both laughing) What's in the bag? You got some balls.
He could die.
My baby is not gonna die.
Put the God damn gun down!