Star (2016) s03e02 Episode Script
Who's the Daddy
1 - Get down! - Previously on Star Give me my money, or next time we won't miss.
PILOT: Prepare for emergency landing.
We're gonna be okay.
- CARLOTTA: Mr.
Ferrera.
- Record business is over.
The hell I'm letting you close us down.
- What's this about? - I need a partner.
- I miss you.
- Looks like you miss Atlanta a little bit more, though.
- I said get - I said take your clothes off.
Gravity Records, huh? Nice move.
You better bring real cash to the playground before I close the park.
I still believe in Take 3.
Well, it don't matter anyway.
Y'all still under contract.
Y'all owe me another album.
I'm pregnant.
I got this.
As long as I got you, Jahil.
Hey, Lottie.
Get up.
Carlotta.
Carlotta.
Andy? - What you doing here? - Jahil gave me the keys to get in when me and Angel were recording.
- Are you sleeping here? - Don't worry about what I'm doing.
I set you up in Philly for a reason.
Tired of being a bitch.
I don't want to run no more.
I want my life back, and I want my career.
Well, you ain't gonna have none of that if my sister - get a whiff of you.
- Think I can get the money.
- I know a couple people - Cassie live by a street code.
It ain't even about the money no more.
It's about pride.
It was you she wanted dead, not Jahil.
- Can you talk to her for me? - I can't.
You're the only loose end to the shooting.
- What about you? - I'm family.
We don't snitch.
I can't even tell Cotton what she did.
So what am I supposed to do? Well, I suggest you stay here till I figure out how to keep your stupid ass alive, all right? Okay.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
Ah.
Sorry I'm late.
I spent the night at the office last night.
Had to stop and change my clothes.
You bring Simone? [SIGHS.]
She's not coming, Star.
I tried.
I know.
[ULTRASOUND WHOOSHING.]
There we are.
That's your baby.
[LAUGHS.]
CARLOTTA: Girl, you are pregnant.
[WHOOSHING.]
How am I gonna raise a kid? I just think about my mama, you know? - I'll give you two some time.
- CARLOTTA: Thank you.
Look you are not your mother, Star.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
You ain't got to make the same mistakes.
And you don't have to do this alone.
You got the village.
Simone won't even talk to me.
She'll come around.
And you still got me, and you got Cotton.
And I guess Bruce could learn how to change a diaper, too.
- Oh, I can't wait to see that.
- Oh, yeah, it's gonna be - way too much powder.
- I'm going to milk it.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
And you have the father if you want.
He's not in the picture.
[PHONE BUZZING.]
Hold up.
I got to take this.
Give me a sec.
MATEO: Picking up coffee, - or just on Carlotta time? - Excuse me? I need you in the office ASAP.
Well, I'm kind of in the middle of something, - and I have a 10:00.
- I'm trying to land a hot movie project that'll put Gravity Media on the map.
So what does that have to do with me? I need Take 3 to deliver a hot song to tease the soundtrack.
My artists need to be focused on their own album projects.
They need to be focused on crossover appeal.
You said it yourself.
This is Gravity Records, not Midtown Sound.
[SCOFFS.]
We're leaving for the office in ten minutes, and I have a call in to the film producers.
[LAUGHS.]
Papi Chulo.
What's this? No sleepovers.
You know the rules.
Won't happen again, hmm? I'll get your car pulled around.
Oh, no, I already did that, and I'm driving.
Wake up, Mama.
I need to get to work.
"Music division head Carlotta Brown "carries her weight in a mega-merger with Gravity Media.
" Give me a second.
Like my sister really needs a bigger head.
Gravity Records is still just a label.
We got a business model that everybody's doing right now, from Chance the Rapper to Frank Ocean.
I already got a streaming service ready to partner with us.
All we need is a hot artist.
Hot artists ain't enough.
I want one of Lottie's.
I got an in with Star.
I'm not about to build my whole business on no damn white girl.
Are you crazy? I need me a strong black Mandingo, like Noah Brooks.
Ain't he the biggest artist on her label? Yeah, Noah's still trying to get his head back on straight.
- And? - And, besides, he's not responding to nobody coming at him all gangsta.
Gangsta? If we gonna be in business together, you got to promise me you legit.
I'm as clean as you are pretty, pretty boy.
Now go get me Noah Brooks.
Look, I don't know who you think you talking to, but I'll see what I can do.
I bring me Get mine, 'bout mine, go hard Looking for another like me Boy, stop I bring me Whose love is the tightest? Whose kiss is the nicest? Me Whose touch is the rightest? I bring me I bring, I bring me.
It's gonna be okay.
We're gonna be okay.
DEREK: Alex.
Alex.
- Hey.
- So I was able to cancel the moving truck.
But we still got to pay the deposit.
I should make Carlotta pay since she's forcing me to do this album.
I should be in New York right now.
You know you can model just about anywhere.
Can you? Uh, no, 'cause we're in Atlanta [BOTH LAUGH.]
and there aren't any real modeling gigs here.
I think you need to slow down.
You're taking on every single gig ever since that plane crash.
Um I got to get to the studio.
The sooner I get this album done, the sooner we can get to New York.
Grandma, I don't know if you heard, but me and Alex are not going to New York anymore.
I was gonna tell you last night, but I know you were asleep.
What, you ain't got nothing smart to say about that? Grandma, what happened to your face? - [CRYING.]
- Grandma, what happened? SIMONE [OVER PHONE.]
: Yeah, so they say it's going to take about six months to finish this album.
- I'm sorry.
- It's not your fault, babe.
I know you want to be here with me.
Look, I got to go, okay? But I love you.
Love you, too.
NINA: No other company can secure talent, marketing, and music for the film.
Gravity Media is full service.
Yeah, we'll talk later.
- Simone.
- Hey.
Um about the other night, I just wanted to say I'm sorry that I slipped away without saying anything.
You know, I had a lot to drink, so whatever happened between us Nothing happened.
We talked, you threw up all over your clothes, I put them in the laundry.
Yeah, okay.
I was gone.
- Hey, why are you out here? - Well, we were all supposed to meet at the studio, but Star has an appointment and Alex is doing some live thing on the Gram, so I'm just waiting around as usual.
Hey, put yourself first.
Put some rules in place.
Thank you.
And I would never leave you waiting.
What the hell are you doing in my office? - I already told you.
- Look, you may be my boss, but I'm not your bitch, Mateo.
We were actually just finishing up the mock-up for the movie to take two of our artists' careers to the next level.
MATEO: All right, we want to show synergy across our digital space.
Gravity Film, Gravity Records.
Take a look.
You want to put Star and Noah in a movie together? - That's right.
- Then you need to go through me before you start making plans for my artists.
Our artists.
Black Ivy is raw and edgy.
Noah Brooks is the king of R&B, and I think his audience love his bad boy image.
And Star she's got tons of followers.
I mean, she's wrong in all the best ways.
MATEO: So we want to land the script and start filming by the end of the quarter so we can get the investors excited.
The answer is no.
Star can't do it.
No? You're the president of Gravity Records, and you're willing to leave easy money on the table? I need to tell you something in the strictest confidence.
Sorry, y'all.
Had to get some blood work done.
CARLOTTA: So Gravity Media is going after a hot movie script.
And they want y'all to write a song for the soundtrack ASAP.
You need to tell him that this isn't a drive-through.
You can't just order up a track.
You saw what Kendrick did for TDE with Black Panther.
This could be a good opportunity for Take 3.
Or you individually.
He wants to announce it this afternoon at the press junket.
So, I need you to read the script and start writing.
Now that we're all working together again, can we promise to respect each other's time? I had a doctor's appointment.
Look.
[ALEXANDRA LAUGHS.]
Still got nothing to say, Simone? What do you want me to say, Star? - Nothing.
- I just don't think you're ready to have nobody's baby.
I mean, you get high off of the idea of being famous.
That's all you got? I mean, that baby's just gonna be messed up - just like Mama messed us up.
- Simone - [PHONE CHIRPING.]
- stop.
Star, what's wrong? Who outed me? - - SIMONE: Anybody who took a good look at your ass.
Why would this be on Gravity Media's gossip site? I'm-a kill that Ricky Ricardo-looking ass.
- I'm-a kill you.
- Star.
No, no, no, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm-a sue you.
- Star, slow down.
- No, he's messing with my life.
Have you seen the tweets? They're already talking trash about me.
Listen, we're trying to launch a digital platform, and gossip attracts traffic.
- Gossip? - Star, look, if you want to hit somebody, hit me.
- I told him.
- You? He wanted to put you in his movie, and I had to explain to him why you weren't available right now, - but he gave me his word.
- And you gave me yours.
I get that you're not our manager anymore, but now you're just a suit? MATEO: You got to see these numbers.
The site is getting hits all over the place, and everybody's talking about you, Star.
And I'm sure there are going to be more questions for you at the press conference this afternoon.
You think I'm showing up to help you launch a company? Hell no.
Don't be foolish.
Come on.
Use the attention to work for you.
That's what a real star does.
[RETCHES.]
- [COUGHING.]
- [SPLATTERS.]
Take it out of my budget.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
What's up, man? Not much.
- Long time.
- Too long.
I figured I'd stop by and see you.
I was hoping we could sit down and talk business.
Is that right? Yeah.
My partner and I got a new venture.
Indie, streaming, artist-driven.
None of this corporate BS.
And I know your contract's coming up for renegotiation.
Yeah, it is.
But I ain't looking to do business with your shady ass.
Where you been at the last three months when I was in rehab? I ain't get no call from you, nothing.
But now we got business.
Now we boys.
I made a mistake.
I can admit that.
- I could also fix it.
- I'm done giving grown-ass men second chances.
We ain't got no business, bro.
We done.
Mr.
Jones? Can I have a moment? We found your grandmother's clothing.
It indicates potential signs of a sexual assault.
It's vital we get her down to the hospital to administer a rape kit.
A rape kit? [QUIETLY.]
: Yes.
Grandma, I I was talking to the cop.
We may have to go down to the hospital for an examination.
They say you need to do a rape kit.
No.
No! Nobody's touching me! No! [CRYING.]
I been working way too hard To let somebody take from me What's up, Jayden? Hi, Star.
- Here you go, boo.
- Ooh, that looks good.
So, I know I didn't find out on the street you was pregnant.
You gonna come for me when you got whole six-year-olds showing up on porches? Put your headphones on.
Okay.
I wanted to tell you, Cotton.
But I kind of got sick of telling people.
Everybody and their mama got something to say.
When have you ever cared about what people say, Star? Since my timeline has been flooded with people telling me I'm a white trash teen mom and a whore.
Well, imagine being black.
Trump got these people talking out the sides of their neck.
Free, free Well, I'm off to the label to save face for this movie.
And my boobs hurt, and I'm hungry.
No, bitch, I want the tea.
Who is the baby's daddy? - I got to go, Cott.
- I'm gonna find out.
All right.
Well, let me know when you do.
My sandwich.
Jayden, what is that? That's Grandpa.
He got shot just like my cousin Trey.
Come on, let's draw something nice, like a fire truck or a superhero.
Grandpa was my superhero.
He saved my life.
That's what superheroes do, don't they? Yeah, they do.
They never got the bad guys who shot Trey, either.
["MADONNA" PLAYING.]
You see me On a screen So familiar, but you ain't Seen a thing Simone.
Want to know my history - Like it's tea - Star.
Concentrate, please.
I am.
"@Stardavis just solidified her new role on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta.
" Here's a good one: "Star, 2018's biggest fail at securing the bag.
" You know, you should just really learn how to let it all go.
Oh, that would be really easy if I were you.
Your IG comments are full of people telling you how great you are.
You're a plane crash survivor and a hero.
I'm a pregnant whore.
Yeah, well, then don't respond.
Why, 'cause you agree with them? I mean, I can have my own opinion, right? Yeah, you always have an opinion, Simone.
For once could it be on my side? I have always been on your side.
I've been committed to this group, and we're supposed to be a team, but instead you make it all about your damn self.
I think about myself? You've done everything you can to get away from me and this group.
Which is exactly why you ran off with Angel.
Please leave Angel out of this.
You're the one leaving Angel out.
Not me.
You were clinging to him 'cause that's exactly what you do.
But when you got sick of me, you followed his ass - all the way to the D.
R.
- No.
I made sacrifices for us.
There's a difference there, Star.
- Sure you did.
- Who knew that pregnancy would make you even more of a bitch? MISS BRUCE: Hey! Not today, you little she-devils.
- STAR: Yes, we are doing it today! - I am so sick of her ass - [PHONE RINGING.]
- What you're gonna do today is get that song finished without tearing each other's heads up, and that's per Carlotta's orders.
Wait, Derek.
I really, really need you to slow down, all right? Y'all make a bitch need a zanny.
No.
Okay.
All right.
Look, I I got to go.
Where you going? [DOOR OPENS.]
SIMONE: I need a break, too.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
This is not your fault.
Who rapes an old lady? I'm-a find out who did this.
And do what, huh? Derek, that won't solve anything.
Watch.
["MADONNA" PLAYING.]
I read the comments online.
What's your opinion? I'm not here to judge.
People can be brutal.
I know that.
You just got to ignore it.
You know me.
I keep it pushing.
Look [SIGHS.]
I know I was using a lot on tour, and you were missing the girls, and we were pretty messed up and probably partied too much.
- You don't have to do this.
- [NOAH SIGHS.]
Look, I-I'm not trying to be like my pops and leave my kid out in the cold.
If the child is mine, I have a right to know.
I did the math.
The envelope says you are not the father.
You're off the hook.
What do you mean he's not interested, Maurice? Turn around for me, boys, and take off your shirts.
Damn.
Y'all gonna make me add y'all to my private collection.
Let's have sex I see I got to do every damn thing around here.
- Okay, cool - But not without the first date [SIGHS.]
All right, fellas.
I'll be in touch.
My club needs a few bartenders, and y'all are exactly what I'm looking for.
Let's have sex But not without the sprees, babe - Okay, cool - Not without the vacays - No - Hey [CHUCKLES.]
I'm not even gonna ask.
Oh, it's not what you think.
So, I went to the cops to see if they have any leads on Jahil's death.
What'd they say? Case is cold.
They ain't got nothing.
That's a shame.
That's a shame.
Let me get us a drink.
Cops ain't what they used to be, Cotton.
Yeah.
Make gangbanging too easy.
I really need your help, Titi.
The cops not doing anything.
Hey, Mama won't even talk to me about it.
You know, your mama's just trying to deal with it.
What about me? I lost my father.
He's not gonna be able to walk me down the aisle.
He's not gonna be able to see Jayden graduate.
Cott, I'm really sorry, baby.
Please help me.
I know you're trying to be legit, but I won't let your daddy's death be in vain.
Okay? I promise.
You have my word on that.
MISS BRUCE: Baby, them girls got more drama than the White House.
I hope you know you're putting me on payroll.
[SCOFFS.]
Where's Alex? Some emergency with Ruby.
All right, ladies and gentlemen.
I've brought you here to unveil to you Gravity Media's first major project out of the gate, feature film, Black Ivy, starring Noah Brooks with a soundtrack from Take 3.
- [APPLAUSE.]
- A new single will be released tomorrow night on Gravity Media's website.
Now I'll entertain your questions.
- [REPORTERS CLAMORING.]
- [ELECTRONIC CHIMING.]
All right, Star.
Looks like all the questions are for you.
All right.
Well, I'm happy to announce that I am pregnant.
And I don't intend on that slowing down my career in the slightest.
If you want to keep up with my music, follow my IG and my website for updates.
REPORTER: @Charlene321 wants to know how come you haven't revealed who the father is? And what type of role model do you claim to be? - That is personal.
- SIMONE: Yeah.
Can we get back to the film? When Ms.
Davis answers the question.
She ain't got to answer nothing.
Next question.
REPORTER 2: Okay, then, Noah, we all know the history here.
Are you the father? - Shut it down.
- STAR: All right, NosyBitch321 and all you other nosy bitches - Star, please.
- No, no, no.
You want to know something? I'll tell you what you can know.
It's none of your damn business who got me pregnant or how they got me pregnant.
As far as what kind of role model I am, go in the kitchen and ask your mama who your real daddy is.
[REPORTERS MURMURING.]
All y'all, too.
Welcome to Gravity Media.
I still don't like your ass.
[SNORTS.]
That's them hormones kicking in.
Get the hell out my way! - SIMONE: Star! - Don't see me right here? Star? Star, slow down.
It's probably not good for your baby.
Now you care about my baby? Now you want to look out? Girl, I heard you threw up on our new boss.
I'm trying to look out for all of us.
So that's what you care about.
Yes, you're like a bulldozer running everybody over.
- Are you okay? - I've always been that way, Simone.
That's how we got out of foster care.
That's how we survived when Mama was high.
I bulldoze so you don't have to.
But I'm selfish, right? - There he is.
- What's up, Andy? Man, it's good to see you.
I really appreciate you meeting me out here, bro.
Yeah, man, it's all good.
Where you been, man? [SIGHS.]
Around, up, down, everywhere, man.
That That Jahil thing really, really messed me up.
- So - Yeah, it was heavy.
Look, bro, I know we ain't never been cool or nothing.
And that's my fault.
I'm in some trouble.
I owe some people some money, and I can't really go to my family about it, - so, you know - [SIGHS.]
I'm just trying to see if you Listen, man, I-I Like [SIGHS.]
I'm not even gonna hold you, man.
We just lost the tour.
- And I might even do this movie - I already know.
- just to make ends.
- Yeah.
You good.
We good.
- We good, yeah.
Yeah.
- A'ight.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Hey.
Andy.
Whatever it is, man, you can make it to the other side.
I know that 'cause I've been there.
You're gonna be all right.
All right? [THUNDER RUMBLING.]
- Holla at me.
- Yeah! Yeah.
ALEXANDRA: Miss Ruby, nobody's coming in here.
I promise.
You? A lot of things you don't know about me.
Also, I've snuck a few of your joints before.
Helps with my PTSD.
There was a girl.
[THUNDER RUMBLING.]
Bianca.
She was sitting next to me.
On the plane.
She died because of me.
She died because they took me off the plane first.
It wasn't your fault.
Neither is what happened to you.
[SIGHS.]
I don't know I've lived in this house for over 20 years.
Raised my boys here.
[SIGHS.]
Mourned my husband and my son here, and, uh, I've earned the right.
I've paid for the right to have a safe home, and he just took it.
Don't let him take another damn thing, Miss Ruby.
COTTON: Jayden drew this.
That's Jahil.
Kids these days, boy.
They see too much.
What am I supposed to tell him? Jahil's murderer is still out there and we not gonna do anything? Look, Cotton, your father was a good man, but he did a lot of dirt.
Now, the last thing he would want is you caught up in his mess.
He would want you to try to move on.
Move on? Is that what you call what you doing? All you do is work, Mama, you never home.
I'm just trying to honor his memory by living his dream.
His dream.
Not yours.
He should be here living it.
Cotton, I don't want you out there doing nothing crazy.
Promise me you won't.
Mama, I can't.
I already talked to Titi Cassie.
She gonna help me since you not.
SIMONE: Y'all got a minute? I'd like to audition for the lead role.
I'm sorry, Simone, that's not gonna happen.
I mean, y'all are considering my sister Star.
MATEO: Because she's already well-positioned.
Her single is still on the charts.
She has name recognition, and, of course You know what? If y'all had a real vision, you'd realize I'm what you're looking for.
I grew up in foster care.
I was abused.
My mother was a junkie and I was in juvie.
I don't just relate to this character, I am this character, and I know I can play her.
Simone Davis, right? Yes, that's my name.
And if you ever come after my sister again, I swear to God, I'll check your ass so fast, you'll never forget it.
I'm looking for Mateo.
He said to meet him here about a movie.
Actually, that was me trying to get you down here.
I'm in business with Maurice Jetter.
I'm not interested, all right? And he already knows that.
But wait.
You haven't heard my side of the story yet.
I'm his partner, Cassie Brown.
Carlotta's sister.
Look, me and Maurice got big plans, Noah.
This is gonna be one of the hottest live music venues in the city with Noah Brooks as the artist-in-residence.
If you can get your head far enough out of your ass to think big.
Look, I-I'm supposed to be prepping for - a movie role right now, I - Listen up, Noah.
You ain't no ho-type artist.
You're a king.
So be a king and let this be your castle.
But I'm not looking for change.
Nobody's ever looking.
You have to let change come to you, brother.
[INDISTINCT PARTY CHATTER.]
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
Sorry if I lead you on Know your feeling getting strong Just correct me if I'm wrong Know you feel it deep inside Yeah, steady wasting time I ain't finna spend the night Know this thing right here is slight I don't mean to be rude, yeah Baby, this ain't a forever thing 'Cause you calling me I ain't picking up You sick of me But can't get enough Now, part of me is feeling something for your feelings Checking off the list of all the hearts I'm stealing, yeah Call it science 'cause the chemistry is different I guess my drip's the thing that got lil' baby trippin' Girl, it's strong Correct me if I'm wrong Why you be spending nights Hoping I would spend the night Know this thing right here is slight And the car is right outsi-i-i-ide Sorry if I lead you on Know your feeling getting strong Just correct me if I'm wrong I don't mean to be rude Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Baby, this ain't a forever thing.
- [CHEERING.]
- CASSIE: Noah.
Noah.
- Feel me? - [LAUGHS.]
Look, whatever you're offering, I'm with it.
All right? But it has to go through Carlotta.
Why? What does Carlotta got to do with this? Like I told Maurice, I'm not doing nothing without her.
But if you're looking for a hungry artist to get onstage, I can link y'all up with my boy Andy.
Andy? Yeah, he used to work with Jahil.
I mean, he can blow.
He just got back in town.
Yeah.
Yeah, send him my way.
I'm always looking for fresh meat.
- Bet.
- Bet.
I'll be right back, okay? Hey, excuse me.
We've been waiting for hours.
I'm sorry, ma'am, for what? What do you mean "for what"? A rape kit.
We were told to sit and wait and no one's come in yet.
We only have one nurse on site that can process these kits.
And tonight we've had four come in alone.
Look, she's old and scared.
- And none of this is her fault.
- I know.
Maybe if she can come back tomorrow.
We're not going anywhere.
Get us some help right now! I'll try to find the nurse.
I've got you.
I'm not going anywhere.
Thanks, baby.
[SNIFFS.]
Mama and ya daddy, is they rich like me? They screamin' "I bring me.
" [COUGHS.]
Star, you been here all night? Yep.
I'm just trying to get this chorus once, and my voice keeps going hoarse.
Oh, girl, just drink you some hot water with honey, throw a little hot sauce in there, and slap your throat three times.
You'll be all right.
You know, there's only thing I've been good at my whole life? - One thing I could count on.
- Sure ain't been listening.
No, it's singing, Bruce.
And I can't even do that now.
I'm done.
And I definitely don't have time for your energy right now.
What the hell is your problem? Child, her throat done went out.
Is that like a pregnancy thing or something? No, it's like a "my whole damn life" thing, Simone.
I got the entire world attacking me, including you, and now my body's attacking me.
Yeah, well, just bulldoze 'em, Star, okay? You hear me? Why are you trying to play my sister now? Look.
I know that I said I didn't feel like you were ready, but you could prove me wrong.
You could prove everybody wrong like you always do.
- Is this some kind of apology? - No, not really.
- Sounds like an apology.
- [LAUGHS.]
No.
Feels like an apology.
I see you guys are talking again.
Where the hell have you been? Uh, Miss Ruby needed me.
Mm, she needed some weed? [STAR LAUGHS.]
- So y'all are codependent again? - SIMONE: Shut up, Alex.
I had to Iyanla Star's ass because her voice is hoarse and these trolls are coming in hard.
You know, I'm really sick of people just saying whatever they want, and not thinking about how they can hurt people.
All of us included.
SIMONE: Well, we should fight back, you know? We should check these bitches who think that they can disrespect us and do what we do best.
We have to finish this song.
Hell yes, Simone.
You know, I really need that today, too, so it works out.
Me, too.
But first, some hot water and lemon and hot sauce and whatever else you were talking about.
Slap your throat three times.
- Huh? - [LAUGHS.]
[CAR ALARM CHIRPS.]
- Stay the hell away from my child.
- [GASPS.]
[SIGHS.]
I'm gonna talk to my niece when I want to.
And tell her more lies? 'Cause you and I both know you can't tell her the truth.
It'd just break her heart.
You know I didn't mean to hurt her.
You never mean to hurt nobody with your stupid ass.
Always so high and mighty.
But guess what.
The word on the street is you not running Midtown no more, or should I say Gravity Records? That don't have nothing to do with you staying away from Cotton.
Oh, but it does.
See, you turned your back on family to focus on business, and now business is turning its back on you, huh? [CHUCKLES.]
The suit don't make the boss, sis.
If Cotton knew what you did, she'd hate you even more than I do right now.
Now why don't you go get your own life, Cassie, and stay your ass out of mine? Oh, bitch, I've just begun.
And, uh, tell Andy I said what's up.
Andy? What the hell you talking about? [SCOFFS.]
Hell no.
Now who's lying? You protecting this little punk when he should be gone, not your Jahil.
I mean, you so busy being mad at me, when the real reason why Jahil is gone is right up under your damn nose.
Don't be pushing me.
[SLAPS CARLOTTA.]
[CAR DOOR CLOSES.]
[ENGINE STARTS.]
[ENGINE REVS, TIRES SQUEAL.]
[LAUGHTER.]
Mateo's gonna be so thirsty to submit this track.
Man, forget him, and forget all those people on the Internet.
Let's just drop the track on our own.
You know I'm down.
You down, Carlotta? Or you want to run and tell Mateo? Look, I told you it takes a village.
You're not gonna end up like your mother.
You gonna have everything Mary wanted and then some.
So, hell yeah, I'm down 'cause I ain't no suit.
No, you are not.
- Here we go with this again.
- Not with this hair, not with this wig on.
[LAUGHTER.]
["MADONNA" PLAYING.]
Must be hurtin' for jobs, the way they stay in my business Must be searchin' for God, the way they playin' my witness Must be lookin' for moms, the way they act like my sons Aw, they're kind of cute, can we take em' home? I wouldn't raise these bums Ew! You see me on a screen, so familiar But you ain't seen a thing Wanna know my history like it's tea Well, I got questions for you Like you got answers for me Who's your boss? Who's your king? Who's the leader of your team? Who's your mama and your daddy? Is they rich like me? They screamin' "I bring me" Bish, I'm the one that brought the table I'm the boss, I'm the king Pick a team, pick a team, yeah I was made by woman, but I raised myself I was made by the streets, but I raised my wealth Now ask me one more time who's the baby dad I'm immaculate, Madonna, bitch, I'm the man You see me on a screen, so familiar But you ain't seen a thing Wanna know my history like it's tea Well, I got questions for you Like you got answers for me Who's your boss? Who's your king? Who's the leader of your team? Who's your mama and your daddy? Is they rich like me? They screamin' "I bring me" Bish, I'm the one that brought the table I'm the boss, I'm the king Pick a team, pick a team, yeah You see me on a screen, so familiar But you ain't seen a thing Wanna know my history like it's tea Even more views than your press junket.
I mean, that's besides the point.
[LAUGHS.]
Carlotta, you just killed any chance for that song to be submitted for a soundtrack, and you have the nerve to have that smile on your face? And I'm gonna keep this smile on my face.
You see, Mateo, manager or not, those girls are my artists.
Now, we may all work for you, but they move how I see fit.
- Is that right? - By the way, that's the first single off Take 3's new album.
So I just busted through their door and told them they're gonna have to listen to what I have to say.
ANGEL: You do have something to say.
You never trust your gut.
Yeah.
Star was right.
You know, I have to find myself, and being home has really helped me with that.
I mean, I just hate the way that I feel.
Babe, it's okay.
You can say it.
You know, nobody has ever believed in me the way that you have, Angel.
And I love you for that, and I always will.
I think I got to stand on my own, you know? Sounds like you're not coming home any time soon.
I want a divorce.
[SIGHS.]
I finally convinced her to get some rest.
Thank you for getting her to the hospital.
Look, I know you want to fix this.
But you can't.
You sound just like her.
"Let the police be the police.
Let God be God.
" She's right.
I don't think I have faith in neither of 'em.
[DEREK SIGHS.]
You don't have to be strong for me.
- It's okay to let go, baby.
- [SNIFFLES.]
[DEREK SIGHS.]
It's okay.
[DEREK CRIES.]
Girl, look at this.
We got our own little Starhive.
- Starlets.
- That's good.
Maybe now they'll stop asking me who the daddy is.
Except me.
Yes, ho, I'm nosy.
Who is it? It don't matter.
Fathers leave.
Fathers break your heart.
That's it.
So, if I can spare my child from that, that's what I'm gonna do.
Hey, girl, my mama made a choice to not let Jahil be in my life.
A-And now that he's gone, I wish that I had all that time back.
Just make sure that you're not passing your mess on to your baby.
Because the father deserves to know.
I just got to hope that Cassie doesn't figure out where I hid Andy.
I can't let that happen.
I promise.
Wow, the girls really came together today.
You would've been so proud.
Mateo is pissed.
I don't care.
He is everything you ever wanted to be, except you would've done it better.
I miss you so much.
You know I can't ever leave you, baby.
And I can't ever let you go.
I don't want to run from a bullet Got to leave my candlelight burning If it goes out, I would lose it Got to let my candlelight burn, burn, burn I feel something pulling Got to leave my candlelight burning If it goes out, I would lose it Got to let my candlelight Burn, burn, burn, burn And I've been walking through my own disaster Thinking it's time to move on You ignoring my calls.
I said all I needed to say to you.
What? U-Up on that roof, when I saved your life? Yeah.
Now stay out of it.
- Hey, hey, man! - What? Look.
Look, man.
I've been living in my car till it broke down.
What's that got to do with me? Not a damn thing, son.
Thank you.
If I lay Star, what are you doing here? Um, I'm sorry I didn't call after the tour.
It was just all so casual, I didn't know if I was supposed to.
You were lonely and I was there.
Simple as that.
You don't want anything from me I get it.
Do you give up or do you try? Do you give up or do you try? Do you live a lie or live a life? Do you live a lie or live a life? Who am I, who am I? - Yeah - Yep.
Lose it [EXHALES.]
Congrats.
PILOT: Prepare for emergency landing.
We're gonna be okay.
- CARLOTTA: Mr.
Ferrera.
- Record business is over.
The hell I'm letting you close us down.
- What's this about? - I need a partner.
- I miss you.
- Looks like you miss Atlanta a little bit more, though.
- I said get - I said take your clothes off.
Gravity Records, huh? Nice move.
You better bring real cash to the playground before I close the park.
I still believe in Take 3.
Well, it don't matter anyway.
Y'all still under contract.
Y'all owe me another album.
I'm pregnant.
I got this.
As long as I got you, Jahil.
Hey, Lottie.
Get up.
Carlotta.
Carlotta.
Andy? - What you doing here? - Jahil gave me the keys to get in when me and Angel were recording.
- Are you sleeping here? - Don't worry about what I'm doing.
I set you up in Philly for a reason.
Tired of being a bitch.
I don't want to run no more.
I want my life back, and I want my career.
Well, you ain't gonna have none of that if my sister - get a whiff of you.
- Think I can get the money.
- I know a couple people - Cassie live by a street code.
It ain't even about the money no more.
It's about pride.
It was you she wanted dead, not Jahil.
- Can you talk to her for me? - I can't.
You're the only loose end to the shooting.
- What about you? - I'm family.
We don't snitch.
I can't even tell Cotton what she did.
So what am I supposed to do? Well, I suggest you stay here till I figure out how to keep your stupid ass alive, all right? Okay.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
Ah.
Sorry I'm late.
I spent the night at the office last night.
Had to stop and change my clothes.
You bring Simone? [SIGHS.]
She's not coming, Star.
I tried.
I know.
[ULTRASOUND WHOOSHING.]
There we are.
That's your baby.
[LAUGHS.]
CARLOTTA: Girl, you are pregnant.
[WHOOSHING.]
How am I gonna raise a kid? I just think about my mama, you know? - I'll give you two some time.
- CARLOTTA: Thank you.
Look you are not your mother, Star.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
You ain't got to make the same mistakes.
And you don't have to do this alone.
You got the village.
Simone won't even talk to me.
She'll come around.
And you still got me, and you got Cotton.
And I guess Bruce could learn how to change a diaper, too.
- Oh, I can't wait to see that.
- Oh, yeah, it's gonna be - way too much powder.
- I'm going to milk it.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
And you have the father if you want.
He's not in the picture.
[PHONE BUZZING.]
Hold up.
I got to take this.
Give me a sec.
MATEO: Picking up coffee, - or just on Carlotta time? - Excuse me? I need you in the office ASAP.
Well, I'm kind of in the middle of something, - and I have a 10:00.
- I'm trying to land a hot movie project that'll put Gravity Media on the map.
So what does that have to do with me? I need Take 3 to deliver a hot song to tease the soundtrack.
My artists need to be focused on their own album projects.
They need to be focused on crossover appeal.
You said it yourself.
This is Gravity Records, not Midtown Sound.
[SCOFFS.]
We're leaving for the office in ten minutes, and I have a call in to the film producers.
[LAUGHS.]
Papi Chulo.
What's this? No sleepovers.
You know the rules.
Won't happen again, hmm? I'll get your car pulled around.
Oh, no, I already did that, and I'm driving.
Wake up, Mama.
I need to get to work.
"Music division head Carlotta Brown "carries her weight in a mega-merger with Gravity Media.
" Give me a second.
Like my sister really needs a bigger head.
Gravity Records is still just a label.
We got a business model that everybody's doing right now, from Chance the Rapper to Frank Ocean.
I already got a streaming service ready to partner with us.
All we need is a hot artist.
Hot artists ain't enough.
I want one of Lottie's.
I got an in with Star.
I'm not about to build my whole business on no damn white girl.
Are you crazy? I need me a strong black Mandingo, like Noah Brooks.
Ain't he the biggest artist on her label? Yeah, Noah's still trying to get his head back on straight.
- And? - And, besides, he's not responding to nobody coming at him all gangsta.
Gangsta? If we gonna be in business together, you got to promise me you legit.
I'm as clean as you are pretty, pretty boy.
Now go get me Noah Brooks.
Look, I don't know who you think you talking to, but I'll see what I can do.
I bring me Get mine, 'bout mine, go hard Looking for another like me Boy, stop I bring me Whose love is the tightest? Whose kiss is the nicest? Me Whose touch is the rightest? I bring me I bring, I bring me.
It's gonna be okay.
We're gonna be okay.
DEREK: Alex.
Alex.
- Hey.
- So I was able to cancel the moving truck.
But we still got to pay the deposit.
I should make Carlotta pay since she's forcing me to do this album.
I should be in New York right now.
You know you can model just about anywhere.
Can you? Uh, no, 'cause we're in Atlanta [BOTH LAUGH.]
and there aren't any real modeling gigs here.
I think you need to slow down.
You're taking on every single gig ever since that plane crash.
Um I got to get to the studio.
The sooner I get this album done, the sooner we can get to New York.
Grandma, I don't know if you heard, but me and Alex are not going to New York anymore.
I was gonna tell you last night, but I know you were asleep.
What, you ain't got nothing smart to say about that? Grandma, what happened to your face? - [CRYING.]
- Grandma, what happened? SIMONE [OVER PHONE.]
: Yeah, so they say it's going to take about six months to finish this album.
- I'm sorry.
- It's not your fault, babe.
I know you want to be here with me.
Look, I got to go, okay? But I love you.
Love you, too.
NINA: No other company can secure talent, marketing, and music for the film.
Gravity Media is full service.
Yeah, we'll talk later.
- Simone.
- Hey.
Um about the other night, I just wanted to say I'm sorry that I slipped away without saying anything.
You know, I had a lot to drink, so whatever happened between us Nothing happened.
We talked, you threw up all over your clothes, I put them in the laundry.
Yeah, okay.
I was gone.
- Hey, why are you out here? - Well, we were all supposed to meet at the studio, but Star has an appointment and Alex is doing some live thing on the Gram, so I'm just waiting around as usual.
Hey, put yourself first.
Put some rules in place.
Thank you.
And I would never leave you waiting.
What the hell are you doing in my office? - I already told you.
- Look, you may be my boss, but I'm not your bitch, Mateo.
We were actually just finishing up the mock-up for the movie to take two of our artists' careers to the next level.
MATEO: All right, we want to show synergy across our digital space.
Gravity Film, Gravity Records.
Take a look.
You want to put Star and Noah in a movie together? - That's right.
- Then you need to go through me before you start making plans for my artists.
Our artists.
Black Ivy is raw and edgy.
Noah Brooks is the king of R&B, and I think his audience love his bad boy image.
And Star she's got tons of followers.
I mean, she's wrong in all the best ways.
MATEO: So we want to land the script and start filming by the end of the quarter so we can get the investors excited.
The answer is no.
Star can't do it.
No? You're the president of Gravity Records, and you're willing to leave easy money on the table? I need to tell you something in the strictest confidence.
Sorry, y'all.
Had to get some blood work done.
CARLOTTA: So Gravity Media is going after a hot movie script.
And they want y'all to write a song for the soundtrack ASAP.
You need to tell him that this isn't a drive-through.
You can't just order up a track.
You saw what Kendrick did for TDE with Black Panther.
This could be a good opportunity for Take 3.
Or you individually.
He wants to announce it this afternoon at the press junket.
So, I need you to read the script and start writing.
Now that we're all working together again, can we promise to respect each other's time? I had a doctor's appointment.
Look.
[ALEXANDRA LAUGHS.]
Still got nothing to say, Simone? What do you want me to say, Star? - Nothing.
- I just don't think you're ready to have nobody's baby.
I mean, you get high off of the idea of being famous.
That's all you got? I mean, that baby's just gonna be messed up - just like Mama messed us up.
- Simone - [PHONE CHIRPING.]
- stop.
Star, what's wrong? Who outed me? - - SIMONE: Anybody who took a good look at your ass.
Why would this be on Gravity Media's gossip site? I'm-a kill that Ricky Ricardo-looking ass.
- I'm-a kill you.
- Star.
No, no, no, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm-a sue you.
- Star, slow down.
- No, he's messing with my life.
Have you seen the tweets? They're already talking trash about me.
Listen, we're trying to launch a digital platform, and gossip attracts traffic.
- Gossip? - Star, look, if you want to hit somebody, hit me.
- I told him.
- You? He wanted to put you in his movie, and I had to explain to him why you weren't available right now, - but he gave me his word.
- And you gave me yours.
I get that you're not our manager anymore, but now you're just a suit? MATEO: You got to see these numbers.
The site is getting hits all over the place, and everybody's talking about you, Star.
And I'm sure there are going to be more questions for you at the press conference this afternoon.
You think I'm showing up to help you launch a company? Hell no.
Don't be foolish.
Come on.
Use the attention to work for you.
That's what a real star does.
[RETCHES.]
- [COUGHING.]
- [SPLATTERS.]
Take it out of my budget.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
What's up, man? Not much.
- Long time.
- Too long.
I figured I'd stop by and see you.
I was hoping we could sit down and talk business.
Is that right? Yeah.
My partner and I got a new venture.
Indie, streaming, artist-driven.
None of this corporate BS.
And I know your contract's coming up for renegotiation.
Yeah, it is.
But I ain't looking to do business with your shady ass.
Where you been at the last three months when I was in rehab? I ain't get no call from you, nothing.
But now we got business.
Now we boys.
I made a mistake.
I can admit that.
- I could also fix it.
- I'm done giving grown-ass men second chances.
We ain't got no business, bro.
We done.
Mr.
Jones? Can I have a moment? We found your grandmother's clothing.
It indicates potential signs of a sexual assault.
It's vital we get her down to the hospital to administer a rape kit.
A rape kit? [QUIETLY.]
: Yes.
Grandma, I I was talking to the cop.
We may have to go down to the hospital for an examination.
They say you need to do a rape kit.
No.
No! Nobody's touching me! No! [CRYING.]
I been working way too hard To let somebody take from me What's up, Jayden? Hi, Star.
- Here you go, boo.
- Ooh, that looks good.
So, I know I didn't find out on the street you was pregnant.
You gonna come for me when you got whole six-year-olds showing up on porches? Put your headphones on.
Okay.
I wanted to tell you, Cotton.
But I kind of got sick of telling people.
Everybody and their mama got something to say.
When have you ever cared about what people say, Star? Since my timeline has been flooded with people telling me I'm a white trash teen mom and a whore.
Well, imagine being black.
Trump got these people talking out the sides of their neck.
Free, free Well, I'm off to the label to save face for this movie.
And my boobs hurt, and I'm hungry.
No, bitch, I want the tea.
Who is the baby's daddy? - I got to go, Cott.
- I'm gonna find out.
All right.
Well, let me know when you do.
My sandwich.
Jayden, what is that? That's Grandpa.
He got shot just like my cousin Trey.
Come on, let's draw something nice, like a fire truck or a superhero.
Grandpa was my superhero.
He saved my life.
That's what superheroes do, don't they? Yeah, they do.
They never got the bad guys who shot Trey, either.
["MADONNA" PLAYING.]
You see me On a screen So familiar, but you ain't Seen a thing Simone.
Want to know my history - Like it's tea - Star.
Concentrate, please.
I am.
"@Stardavis just solidified her new role on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta.
" Here's a good one: "Star, 2018's biggest fail at securing the bag.
" You know, you should just really learn how to let it all go.
Oh, that would be really easy if I were you.
Your IG comments are full of people telling you how great you are.
You're a plane crash survivor and a hero.
I'm a pregnant whore.
Yeah, well, then don't respond.
Why, 'cause you agree with them? I mean, I can have my own opinion, right? Yeah, you always have an opinion, Simone.
For once could it be on my side? I have always been on your side.
I've been committed to this group, and we're supposed to be a team, but instead you make it all about your damn self.
I think about myself? You've done everything you can to get away from me and this group.
Which is exactly why you ran off with Angel.
Please leave Angel out of this.
You're the one leaving Angel out.
Not me.
You were clinging to him 'cause that's exactly what you do.
But when you got sick of me, you followed his ass - all the way to the D.
R.
- No.
I made sacrifices for us.
There's a difference there, Star.
- Sure you did.
- Who knew that pregnancy would make you even more of a bitch? MISS BRUCE: Hey! Not today, you little she-devils.
- STAR: Yes, we are doing it today! - I am so sick of her ass - [PHONE RINGING.]
- What you're gonna do today is get that song finished without tearing each other's heads up, and that's per Carlotta's orders.
Wait, Derek.
I really, really need you to slow down, all right? Y'all make a bitch need a zanny.
No.
Okay.
All right.
Look, I I got to go.
Where you going? [DOOR OPENS.]
SIMONE: I need a break, too.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
This is not your fault.
Who rapes an old lady? I'm-a find out who did this.
And do what, huh? Derek, that won't solve anything.
Watch.
["MADONNA" PLAYING.]
I read the comments online.
What's your opinion? I'm not here to judge.
People can be brutal.
I know that.
You just got to ignore it.
You know me.
I keep it pushing.
Look [SIGHS.]
I know I was using a lot on tour, and you were missing the girls, and we were pretty messed up and probably partied too much.
- You don't have to do this.
- [NOAH SIGHS.]
Look, I-I'm not trying to be like my pops and leave my kid out in the cold.
If the child is mine, I have a right to know.
I did the math.
The envelope says you are not the father.
You're off the hook.
What do you mean he's not interested, Maurice? Turn around for me, boys, and take off your shirts.
Damn.
Y'all gonna make me add y'all to my private collection.
Let's have sex I see I got to do every damn thing around here.
- Okay, cool - But not without the first date [SIGHS.]
All right, fellas.
I'll be in touch.
My club needs a few bartenders, and y'all are exactly what I'm looking for.
Let's have sex But not without the sprees, babe - Okay, cool - Not without the vacays - No - Hey [CHUCKLES.]
I'm not even gonna ask.
Oh, it's not what you think.
So, I went to the cops to see if they have any leads on Jahil's death.
What'd they say? Case is cold.
They ain't got nothing.
That's a shame.
That's a shame.
Let me get us a drink.
Cops ain't what they used to be, Cotton.
Yeah.
Make gangbanging too easy.
I really need your help, Titi.
The cops not doing anything.
Hey, Mama won't even talk to me about it.
You know, your mama's just trying to deal with it.
What about me? I lost my father.
He's not gonna be able to walk me down the aisle.
He's not gonna be able to see Jayden graduate.
Cott, I'm really sorry, baby.
Please help me.
I know you're trying to be legit, but I won't let your daddy's death be in vain.
Okay? I promise.
You have my word on that.
MISS BRUCE: Baby, them girls got more drama than the White House.
I hope you know you're putting me on payroll.
[SCOFFS.]
Where's Alex? Some emergency with Ruby.
All right, ladies and gentlemen.
I've brought you here to unveil to you Gravity Media's first major project out of the gate, feature film, Black Ivy, starring Noah Brooks with a soundtrack from Take 3.
- [APPLAUSE.]
- A new single will be released tomorrow night on Gravity Media's website.
Now I'll entertain your questions.
- [REPORTERS CLAMORING.]
- [ELECTRONIC CHIMING.]
All right, Star.
Looks like all the questions are for you.
All right.
Well, I'm happy to announce that I am pregnant.
And I don't intend on that slowing down my career in the slightest.
If you want to keep up with my music, follow my IG and my website for updates.
REPORTER: @Charlene321 wants to know how come you haven't revealed who the father is? And what type of role model do you claim to be? - That is personal.
- SIMONE: Yeah.
Can we get back to the film? When Ms.
Davis answers the question.
She ain't got to answer nothing.
Next question.
REPORTER 2: Okay, then, Noah, we all know the history here.
Are you the father? - Shut it down.
- STAR: All right, NosyBitch321 and all you other nosy bitches - Star, please.
- No, no, no.
You want to know something? I'll tell you what you can know.
It's none of your damn business who got me pregnant or how they got me pregnant.
As far as what kind of role model I am, go in the kitchen and ask your mama who your real daddy is.
[REPORTERS MURMURING.]
All y'all, too.
Welcome to Gravity Media.
I still don't like your ass.
[SNORTS.]
That's them hormones kicking in.
Get the hell out my way! - SIMONE: Star! - Don't see me right here? Star? Star, slow down.
It's probably not good for your baby.
Now you care about my baby? Now you want to look out? Girl, I heard you threw up on our new boss.
I'm trying to look out for all of us.
So that's what you care about.
Yes, you're like a bulldozer running everybody over.
- Are you okay? - I've always been that way, Simone.
That's how we got out of foster care.
That's how we survived when Mama was high.
I bulldoze so you don't have to.
But I'm selfish, right? - There he is.
- What's up, Andy? Man, it's good to see you.
I really appreciate you meeting me out here, bro.
Yeah, man, it's all good.
Where you been, man? [SIGHS.]
Around, up, down, everywhere, man.
That That Jahil thing really, really messed me up.
- So - Yeah, it was heavy.
Look, bro, I know we ain't never been cool or nothing.
And that's my fault.
I'm in some trouble.
I owe some people some money, and I can't really go to my family about it, - so, you know - [SIGHS.]
I'm just trying to see if you Listen, man, I-I Like [SIGHS.]
I'm not even gonna hold you, man.
We just lost the tour.
- And I might even do this movie - I already know.
- just to make ends.
- Yeah.
You good.
We good.
- We good, yeah.
Yeah.
- A'ight.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Hey.
Andy.
Whatever it is, man, you can make it to the other side.
I know that 'cause I've been there.
You're gonna be all right.
All right? [THUNDER RUMBLING.]
- Holla at me.
- Yeah! Yeah.
ALEXANDRA: Miss Ruby, nobody's coming in here.
I promise.
You? A lot of things you don't know about me.
Also, I've snuck a few of your joints before.
Helps with my PTSD.
There was a girl.
[THUNDER RUMBLING.]
Bianca.
She was sitting next to me.
On the plane.
She died because of me.
She died because they took me off the plane first.
It wasn't your fault.
Neither is what happened to you.
[SIGHS.]
I don't know I've lived in this house for over 20 years.
Raised my boys here.
[SIGHS.]
Mourned my husband and my son here, and, uh, I've earned the right.
I've paid for the right to have a safe home, and he just took it.
Don't let him take another damn thing, Miss Ruby.
COTTON: Jayden drew this.
That's Jahil.
Kids these days, boy.
They see too much.
What am I supposed to tell him? Jahil's murderer is still out there and we not gonna do anything? Look, Cotton, your father was a good man, but he did a lot of dirt.
Now, the last thing he would want is you caught up in his mess.
He would want you to try to move on.
Move on? Is that what you call what you doing? All you do is work, Mama, you never home.
I'm just trying to honor his memory by living his dream.
His dream.
Not yours.
He should be here living it.
Cotton, I don't want you out there doing nothing crazy.
Promise me you won't.
Mama, I can't.
I already talked to Titi Cassie.
She gonna help me since you not.
SIMONE: Y'all got a minute? I'd like to audition for the lead role.
I'm sorry, Simone, that's not gonna happen.
I mean, y'all are considering my sister Star.
MATEO: Because she's already well-positioned.
Her single is still on the charts.
She has name recognition, and, of course You know what? If y'all had a real vision, you'd realize I'm what you're looking for.
I grew up in foster care.
I was abused.
My mother was a junkie and I was in juvie.
I don't just relate to this character, I am this character, and I know I can play her.
Simone Davis, right? Yes, that's my name.
And if you ever come after my sister again, I swear to God, I'll check your ass so fast, you'll never forget it.
I'm looking for Mateo.
He said to meet him here about a movie.
Actually, that was me trying to get you down here.
I'm in business with Maurice Jetter.
I'm not interested, all right? And he already knows that.
But wait.
You haven't heard my side of the story yet.
I'm his partner, Cassie Brown.
Carlotta's sister.
Look, me and Maurice got big plans, Noah.
This is gonna be one of the hottest live music venues in the city with Noah Brooks as the artist-in-residence.
If you can get your head far enough out of your ass to think big.
Look, I-I'm supposed to be prepping for - a movie role right now, I - Listen up, Noah.
You ain't no ho-type artist.
You're a king.
So be a king and let this be your castle.
But I'm not looking for change.
Nobody's ever looking.
You have to let change come to you, brother.
[INDISTINCT PARTY CHATTER.]
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
Sorry if I lead you on Know your feeling getting strong Just correct me if I'm wrong Know you feel it deep inside Yeah, steady wasting time I ain't finna spend the night Know this thing right here is slight I don't mean to be rude, yeah Baby, this ain't a forever thing 'Cause you calling me I ain't picking up You sick of me But can't get enough Now, part of me is feeling something for your feelings Checking off the list of all the hearts I'm stealing, yeah Call it science 'cause the chemistry is different I guess my drip's the thing that got lil' baby trippin' Girl, it's strong Correct me if I'm wrong Why you be spending nights Hoping I would spend the night Know this thing right here is slight And the car is right outsi-i-i-ide Sorry if I lead you on Know your feeling getting strong Just correct me if I'm wrong I don't mean to be rude Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Baby, this ain't a forever thing.
- [CHEERING.]
- CASSIE: Noah.
Noah.
- Feel me? - [LAUGHS.]
Look, whatever you're offering, I'm with it.
All right? But it has to go through Carlotta.
Why? What does Carlotta got to do with this? Like I told Maurice, I'm not doing nothing without her.
But if you're looking for a hungry artist to get onstage, I can link y'all up with my boy Andy.
Andy? Yeah, he used to work with Jahil.
I mean, he can blow.
He just got back in town.
Yeah.
Yeah, send him my way.
I'm always looking for fresh meat.
- Bet.
- Bet.
I'll be right back, okay? Hey, excuse me.
We've been waiting for hours.
I'm sorry, ma'am, for what? What do you mean "for what"? A rape kit.
We were told to sit and wait and no one's come in yet.
We only have one nurse on site that can process these kits.
And tonight we've had four come in alone.
Look, she's old and scared.
- And none of this is her fault.
- I know.
Maybe if she can come back tomorrow.
We're not going anywhere.
Get us some help right now! I'll try to find the nurse.
I've got you.
I'm not going anywhere.
Thanks, baby.
[SNIFFS.]
Mama and ya daddy, is they rich like me? They screamin' "I bring me.
" [COUGHS.]
Star, you been here all night? Yep.
I'm just trying to get this chorus once, and my voice keeps going hoarse.
Oh, girl, just drink you some hot water with honey, throw a little hot sauce in there, and slap your throat three times.
You'll be all right.
You know, there's only thing I've been good at my whole life? - One thing I could count on.
- Sure ain't been listening.
No, it's singing, Bruce.
And I can't even do that now.
I'm done.
And I definitely don't have time for your energy right now.
What the hell is your problem? Child, her throat done went out.
Is that like a pregnancy thing or something? No, it's like a "my whole damn life" thing, Simone.
I got the entire world attacking me, including you, and now my body's attacking me.
Yeah, well, just bulldoze 'em, Star, okay? You hear me? Why are you trying to play my sister now? Look.
I know that I said I didn't feel like you were ready, but you could prove me wrong.
You could prove everybody wrong like you always do.
- Is this some kind of apology? - No, not really.
- Sounds like an apology.
- [LAUGHS.]
No.
Feels like an apology.
I see you guys are talking again.
Where the hell have you been? Uh, Miss Ruby needed me.
Mm, she needed some weed? [STAR LAUGHS.]
- So y'all are codependent again? - SIMONE: Shut up, Alex.
I had to Iyanla Star's ass because her voice is hoarse and these trolls are coming in hard.
You know, I'm really sick of people just saying whatever they want, and not thinking about how they can hurt people.
All of us included.
SIMONE: Well, we should fight back, you know? We should check these bitches who think that they can disrespect us and do what we do best.
We have to finish this song.
Hell yes, Simone.
You know, I really need that today, too, so it works out.
Me, too.
But first, some hot water and lemon and hot sauce and whatever else you were talking about.
Slap your throat three times.
- Huh? - [LAUGHS.]
[CAR ALARM CHIRPS.]
- Stay the hell away from my child.
- [GASPS.]
[SIGHS.]
I'm gonna talk to my niece when I want to.
And tell her more lies? 'Cause you and I both know you can't tell her the truth.
It'd just break her heart.
You know I didn't mean to hurt her.
You never mean to hurt nobody with your stupid ass.
Always so high and mighty.
But guess what.
The word on the street is you not running Midtown no more, or should I say Gravity Records? That don't have nothing to do with you staying away from Cotton.
Oh, but it does.
See, you turned your back on family to focus on business, and now business is turning its back on you, huh? [CHUCKLES.]
The suit don't make the boss, sis.
If Cotton knew what you did, she'd hate you even more than I do right now.
Now why don't you go get your own life, Cassie, and stay your ass out of mine? Oh, bitch, I've just begun.
And, uh, tell Andy I said what's up.
Andy? What the hell you talking about? [SCOFFS.]
Hell no.
Now who's lying? You protecting this little punk when he should be gone, not your Jahil.
I mean, you so busy being mad at me, when the real reason why Jahil is gone is right up under your damn nose.
Don't be pushing me.
[SLAPS CARLOTTA.]
[CAR DOOR CLOSES.]
[ENGINE STARTS.]
[ENGINE REVS, TIRES SQUEAL.]
[LAUGHTER.]
Mateo's gonna be so thirsty to submit this track.
Man, forget him, and forget all those people on the Internet.
Let's just drop the track on our own.
You know I'm down.
You down, Carlotta? Or you want to run and tell Mateo? Look, I told you it takes a village.
You're not gonna end up like your mother.
You gonna have everything Mary wanted and then some.
So, hell yeah, I'm down 'cause I ain't no suit.
No, you are not.
- Here we go with this again.
- Not with this hair, not with this wig on.
[LAUGHTER.]
["MADONNA" PLAYING.]
Must be hurtin' for jobs, the way they stay in my business Must be searchin' for God, the way they playin' my witness Must be lookin' for moms, the way they act like my sons Aw, they're kind of cute, can we take em' home? I wouldn't raise these bums Ew! You see me on a screen, so familiar But you ain't seen a thing Wanna know my history like it's tea Well, I got questions for you Like you got answers for me Who's your boss? Who's your king? Who's the leader of your team? Who's your mama and your daddy? Is they rich like me? They screamin' "I bring me" Bish, I'm the one that brought the table I'm the boss, I'm the king Pick a team, pick a team, yeah I was made by woman, but I raised myself I was made by the streets, but I raised my wealth Now ask me one more time who's the baby dad I'm immaculate, Madonna, bitch, I'm the man You see me on a screen, so familiar But you ain't seen a thing Wanna know my history like it's tea Well, I got questions for you Like you got answers for me Who's your boss? Who's your king? Who's the leader of your team? Who's your mama and your daddy? Is they rich like me? They screamin' "I bring me" Bish, I'm the one that brought the table I'm the boss, I'm the king Pick a team, pick a team, yeah You see me on a screen, so familiar But you ain't seen a thing Wanna know my history like it's tea Even more views than your press junket.
I mean, that's besides the point.
[LAUGHS.]
Carlotta, you just killed any chance for that song to be submitted for a soundtrack, and you have the nerve to have that smile on your face? And I'm gonna keep this smile on my face.
You see, Mateo, manager or not, those girls are my artists.
Now, we may all work for you, but they move how I see fit.
- Is that right? - By the way, that's the first single off Take 3's new album.
So I just busted through their door and told them they're gonna have to listen to what I have to say.
ANGEL: You do have something to say.
You never trust your gut.
Yeah.
Star was right.
You know, I have to find myself, and being home has really helped me with that.
I mean, I just hate the way that I feel.
Babe, it's okay.
You can say it.
You know, nobody has ever believed in me the way that you have, Angel.
And I love you for that, and I always will.
I think I got to stand on my own, you know? Sounds like you're not coming home any time soon.
I want a divorce.
[SIGHS.]
I finally convinced her to get some rest.
Thank you for getting her to the hospital.
Look, I know you want to fix this.
But you can't.
You sound just like her.
"Let the police be the police.
Let God be God.
" She's right.
I don't think I have faith in neither of 'em.
[DEREK SIGHS.]
You don't have to be strong for me.
- It's okay to let go, baby.
- [SNIFFLES.]
[DEREK SIGHS.]
It's okay.
[DEREK CRIES.]
Girl, look at this.
We got our own little Starhive.
- Starlets.
- That's good.
Maybe now they'll stop asking me who the daddy is.
Except me.
Yes, ho, I'm nosy.
Who is it? It don't matter.
Fathers leave.
Fathers break your heart.
That's it.
So, if I can spare my child from that, that's what I'm gonna do.
Hey, girl, my mama made a choice to not let Jahil be in my life.
A-And now that he's gone, I wish that I had all that time back.
Just make sure that you're not passing your mess on to your baby.
Because the father deserves to know.
I just got to hope that Cassie doesn't figure out where I hid Andy.
I can't let that happen.
I promise.
Wow, the girls really came together today.
You would've been so proud.
Mateo is pissed.
I don't care.
He is everything you ever wanted to be, except you would've done it better.
I miss you so much.
You know I can't ever leave you, baby.
And I can't ever let you go.
I don't want to run from a bullet Got to leave my candlelight burning If it goes out, I would lose it Got to let my candlelight burn, burn, burn I feel something pulling Got to leave my candlelight burning If it goes out, I would lose it Got to let my candlelight Burn, burn, burn, burn And I've been walking through my own disaster Thinking it's time to move on You ignoring my calls.
I said all I needed to say to you.
What? U-Up on that roof, when I saved your life? Yeah.
Now stay out of it.
- Hey, hey, man! - What? Look.
Look, man.
I've been living in my car till it broke down.
What's that got to do with me? Not a damn thing, son.
Thank you.
If I lay Star, what are you doing here? Um, I'm sorry I didn't call after the tour.
It was just all so casual, I didn't know if I was supposed to.
You were lonely and I was there.
Simple as that.
You don't want anything from me I get it.
Do you give up or do you try? Do you give up or do you try? Do you live a lie or live a life? Do you live a lie or live a life? Who am I, who am I? - Yeah - Yep.
Lose it [EXHALES.]
Congrats.