Original subtitles

♪ See, I came a long way From the bottom, huh ♪

♪ Now I'm all around the globe doin' shows In these sections with models ♪

♪ In a whole 'nother country ♪

♪ Having this ♪♪♪♪ Talkin' euros, the pesos, and dollars ♪

♪ This ♪♪♪♪ crazy for real... ♪

I wanna switch focus a little bit.

Uh, Founder's Week is coming up.

Please talk to us. How we feeling about that?

Yeah, so Founder's Week is all about celebrating and honoring

the day that Josiah Hillman founded Hillman in 1881.

-Okay. -And we've got a ton of events coming up,

including brunch with the congresswoman, and the big one, the Light the Night Gala.

-Hm. Yeah. -You know what I mean?

Hey. Everything all right?

You know, Xavier should ask Candace

if it's tradition for RAs to sleep with their residents' boyfriends.

Girl!

You've been on this for weeks now.

You might as well go ahead and confront Candace, Shaquille, Ellington,

and I mean, whoever else you have beef with.

Because as much as I love being your ride or die,

when is you gonna ride?

I am so over it, okay?

I have bigger things to focus my energy on than guys.

And Candace is diabolical, okay?

This is the same girl that was smashing my man

while advising me to let go of my past and move on with Ellington.

Please.

So the wording has got to be tea.

-Start brainstorming. -Take, take, take, and damn take.

What's next, my kidney?

-Uh-oh. -What now?

They cutting our health insurance, me and the line cooks.

What?

With all the reduced hours and shifts, they saying we don't qualify as full-time.

Uh-uh. Is... Is there anything we can do?

You can talk to your penny-pinching president father.

Now, I shouldn't be talking about your daddy like that, and I'm sorry,

but you better believe I mean it. Hm.

Thank you.

Come here.

I hate what's happening to Nellie.

I mean, it's not just Nellie. It's everyone.

You have the food workers, maintenance, groundskeepers.

Everyone's suffering.

No, there's gotta be something we can do.

Look, I'll ask my dad.

Like Nellie said, he's gotta be able to adjust the budgets or something.

I don't know.

I mean, I can ask Professor Brooks.

You know, she's so fricking brilliant for how much turquoise jewelry she wears.

Girl.

So I've been thinking,

and we both said some things that we regret.

You fired me.

I did do that.

And to be honest with you, Pops, I've been crashing out ever since.

I can concede I said some things about Debo I shouldn't have.

But the truth is, being your manager got in the way of me being your dad.

And that's the only job that matters to me.

Well, that's funny timing,

'cause I was just about to ask to rehire you as my manager.

Well, I don't know.

Um... Eh.

Okay, I'll do it.

Now that we got that out of the way, uh,

what's this you talking about crashing out?

Kind of made a mistake with another girl. Me and Deborah got into a fight.

And I'm just thinking about coming clean to her.

Oh. Whoa. Whoa, now. Slow down.

Many years ago, when I was in college,

a whole long time ago,

I may have been a little too honest with your mother

about having three different Valentine's dates scheduled.

-Three? -I'm not proud.

But your mother made me wait another three years

before she'd go out with me again.

So you gotta proceed with caution.

I don't know what to do.

Well, that's okay too 'cause relationship chaos,

that's my specialty.

-That's your specialty? -Yes.

All right.

♪ It's a different world ♪

♪ Than where you come from ♪

♪ It's a different world ♪

♪ Than where you come from ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ It's a different world ♪

♪ Than where you come from ♪

♪ Oh ♪

District and region?

Seventh Congressional District of Maryland.

And how does she take her tea?

-Uh... -Whitley, let up on the girl.

Hazel didn't become Miss Gilbert Hall by a landslide

by people letting up on her.

And it is imperative that our esteemed guest and alumni

has a seamless Founder's Week.

-Mm. -This brunch is gonna show Hillman

in its best light to a real VIP who can actually help.

Hazel, go ahead and exhale. Congresswoman is good people. Trust me.

-You would say that. -Okay.

She worshiped the ground you walked on. So uncouth.

It was a miracle she even made it through Hillman,

let alone the United States Congress.

Well, she's a very powerful woman, Whitley.

That's why I called for help.

Oh, thank God. Things are getting tense in here.

Welcome to my life. Dad, I need to talk to you.

Well, get in line, missy.

Some of us have to wait weeks to get a return phone call,

when all we wanted to know

was which tuxedo our husband was gonna wear

to the Light the Night Gala. We could clash.

-Mm. -Right.

Debo, could you please tell your mother that I am tired of pretending?

-Mom, he's tired of pretending. -Don't say that.

That's what you call it? Pretending?

-Mm. -You don't do a very good job at it.

-Get a divorce. -I'm glad you're not an actor.

Put a lid on it.

It is such a pleasure to meet you, Congresswoman.

-Mom. -Shut up, Dwayne. She's here.

Well, well, Congresswoman James.

President Provost, but will always be Professor Wayne to me.

-Too many P's. -Welcome home to Hillman, Lena.

Oh, Whitley.

It's so good to see you.

I see you're all still all about pomp and circumstance.

I wasn't expecting the marching band to greet the motorcade.

Only the best for our congresswoman.

I was just telling Dwayne how I've always believed in you.

Mm.

Oh, and this is Hazel Henry,

your freshman ambassador for Founder's Week.

And, not to mention, our newly-crowned Miss Gilbert Hall.

Well, congratulations. So nice to meet you.

And I see a lot more crowns in your future.

Oh, the honor is all mine, Congresswoman.

I've been following your career

ever since you passed the legislation on domestic violence. Truly inspiring.

-And you remember our daughter, Deborah? -Yes.

She's a distinguished arts major.

Our own little Basquiata.

-Good to see you again, Ms. James. -It's so good to see you.

You've always been so talented.

I'm so glad to see you doing what you love.

Thank you.

And I can't wait to host the brunch

and see what Hillman's new generation has to offer.

Well, we are very appreciative of your time

and so glad you came down here to see us.

But I have to say, I've been looking around,

and it seems as though you are sparing no expense

when it comes to this Founder's Week.

So, what's up? Is there a budget crisis or not?

Thanks, man.

-All right. -Here you go.

You're good, man. Thank you. Appreciate it.

Hey.

-Uh-uh. You tried it. -Look. Look.

-Look, look, look. -You got a lot of nerve.

I messed up, a'ight?

But for me, our friendship was real.

Like, no cap. I just never met anyone like you.

Obviously.

Look, I'm still working through, like, some pretty confusing feelings.

It's important to me that you know I've never done that kind of thing.

So I'm supposed to believe

that you not moving around fluid and flexible?

Dead ass. I don't know what, like, that means sexuality-wise,

but, like, it's the truth.

Okay. You're allowed to figure it out.

The problem is that you used me

and compromised my friendship with Hazel while doing it.

How did I use you?

Look, okay, I came here to apologize to you.

And can you help me apologize to Hazel?

That girl do not wanna talk to me.

Come on.

I am looking for Amir.

Has anyone seen...

Amir.

Hello, Larrold.

I'm not gonna tell you again. It's just Mr. Larry.

Hm.

-No class today? -I had morning classes.

Well, shouldn't you be studying for finals or something?

I mean, maintaining strong grades is a condition of your probation.

And also, uh, although I do respect your little, uh, barbering hustle,

you will need a taxable income.

So I suggest that you try to hold on to your job at the philosophy center.

I work at the campus mental health center. I'm a psychology major.

Okay. Look, either way, before I go, I will need to inspect your room.

All right? Come on.

And don't forget about your monthly appointment

at the downtown Richmond office on Wednesday.

Can't wait, Larrold.

Hey. Just the person I wanted to see.

Did you, um, get my text?

Yep.

Okay, so you're actively ignoring me?

No.

No, I've just been busy.

What's going on, Deborah?

Things have been weird ever since I got back from spring break.

Really, I don't deserve any kind of answer at all?

Actually, you do deserve an answer.

So Shaquille told me that he's the one

that sent the flowers that you took credit for.

So that means the flowers were a lie,

and our kiss

was also a lie.

So there's your answer.

Good?

Rashida filled us in on everything.

I am so proud of my girls for wanting to take action.

I did want to,

but I'm starting to think that there's not much we can do.

We are the people now.

There's always something we can do in solidarity.

Look, we have been planting seeds all semester.

It's time to reap what we've sown.

It's time to make some noise about this funding disaster

so that people finally see the true extent of how HBCUs are being impacted.

My dad has a plan.

Okay? Maybe he just needs more time to execute.

Oh, baby, we don't have more time.

And the way that your old man has been slashing the budgets...

Uh, it's unfathomable.

Versus addressing the real source of the crisis, the federal government,

instead, he chose to gut the school.

We're just so sick and tired of letting them do whatever they want.

Right, Deborah?

Hey.

You ready, little sisters?

Yeah.

That's right.

-Come on, do it. -Ow.

Come on. Thank you.

♪ Can't you be mature? ♪

What's up, man?

Hey.

Hey.

♪ With a match and kerosene ♪

What's going on?

Over spring break, we said we was gonna try to give this a shot.

And, what, a few weeks later, you all standoffish.

What's going on?

Uh...

I told you, I just... need space.

Space?

♪ Moment of weakness we can't explain ♪

Take all the space you need.

♪ Will we ever be friends again? ♪

♪ All of your burning desires ♪

♪ It's hard to put out this fire ♪

♪ Why try to put out these flames... ♪

-This way, please. -Perfect.

-Hazel. Can we... -Absolutely not.

Good morning.

It is my distinct honor to introduce our esteemed guest

and Hillman alumna, Congresswoman Lena James.

Thank you, Hazel. Good morning, everyone.

Good morning.

Look at all these game changers up in here.

This is exactly the energy that made me so excited

to have the opportunity to host this brunch today.

And to also sit down and talk to Hillman's best and brightest.

So let's get started.

How are you guys feeling about what's happening on campus?

Well, good morning.

My name is Candace Washington,

and I believe that it is vital for Hillman students

to represent our amazing institution in the best light,

regardless of the climate.

-Liar. -Okay.

-What? -I see we have some thoughts.

Who else would like to speak?

So then I'm like, how they gonna give me a D-minus

for using AI in a class about using AI?

They out here mismanaging the budget and my grades.

I think that the administration

is actually being strategic by using Founder's Week events

to highlight the programs that wouldn't normally get attention.

It's actually subversive investing.

So now we're just excusing anything as long as it's strategic?

Is that what you heard?

-That's not what I said. -Ooh.

But shouldn't the administration be prioritizing the basics

like student housing?

I mean, I just got a room halfway through the year.

-Yeah, that brother was unhoused. -Right.

Exactly. Hillman is spending way too much money on events,

when scholarships are being taken away, employees are losing their benefits,

and quite frankly, faculty jobs are being cut.

Yeah, and pretending the school isn't struggling, it isn't working.

Well, this is where I would challenge you to be the change you wanna see.

And that's an axiom I learned right here on the campus of Hillman.

And I've taken it with me throughout my entire career.

So whether I was boots on the ground as a community organizer,

a Baltimore City councilwoman, or even elected to Congress.

And let me be clear, we're not always expected to be fearless in the fight.

But what we must always be

is relentless.

No matter what. You feel me?

-Yes. -Thank you for having me today.

-And I can't wait to see what y'all do. -Thank you.

Miss Hazel, I wanted to bring you out here and just say,

what you said in the brunch today was quite astute.

And I love a young woman with a bright mind.

Thank you so much, Congresswoman.

I couldn't help but see that interaction that you had with that tall gentleman.

My ex. I'm really embarrassed you saw that.

Don't trip.

It's life.

But be careful. Relationships with dynamic men can be

complicated.

Am I sensing some tea, Congresswoman?

Well, we don't have time for tea today.

But what I will say is, don't let all that distract you.

Stay focused. Okay?

You have a lot to offer this world.

And it would be a shame not to see your offering

shine in the world like you did in that brunch today.

You're exactly the type of candidate

that we look for in my Student Leadership Institute.

I want you to think about applying.

Shaquille.

Why you running your mouth to Deborah?

Man, who is you talking to?

I say whatever I wanna say to my girl. Is you crazy?

Look, man,

Deborah assumed the flowers were from me.

She seemed happy, so I rolled with it. To be honest, I forgot all about that.

Well, I ain't forget about it.

Just like I ain't forget how you kissed my girl when I was with her. Right?

Boy, your ass is lucky I'm about peace this semester.

You know, Deborah seemed real okay with kissing me.

Maybe I'm more capable of making her happy than you are.

Well, look here.

You don't know shit about Deborah or about making her happy.

-And you think you do? -Damn straight.

Maybe.

And maybe you should stop acting like such a victim

after what went down between you and Candace.

Yeah, Candace and I are friends.

We talk.

Now, as you'll see in our year-to-year,

the federal cuts from last August put Hillman in a deeper hole

than we've ever been in in our 145-year history.

But if you turn to our projections for the next school year,

we've got a real chance at surviving this thing.

Especially with the private coalition

of Black philanthropists and alumni donors that I've been gathering.

Well, thank you, President Wayne.

These projections look and sound promising.

Yeah.

But as y'all know, when it rains, it pours.

We are not out of the woods yet.

I just got word from a very reliable source

that a wrongful termination suit from a Dorothy Davenport...

-Come on. -Is imminent.

So, what now?

More budget cuts, President Slash and Burn?

Now hang on a second, Professor Patchouli.

You got a better idea?

Whoa, brother. Put some respect on our sister's name.

-How did you get in here? -Pay no attention to Repugnant Ron.

-He's all bluster. -The hell I am.

I put together a collection

of some very high-powered boosters and elite athletes

that have the power and resources to make a real difference.

Including my boy Dorian Heywood.

-Okay. -Yeah.

Dorian almost had to change his number Ron called him so much.

Okay.

Look, I know we all have different ideas of what Hillman needs,

which is why I've been doing a little backdoor dealing myself

for the past few months...

-Okay. -Introducing legislation

for a landmark HBCU spending bill,

which would earmark state funds specifically for Hillman.

This political climate is not leaning into helping us with anything.

So we have to really pull our resources together to make something happen.

-Yeah. -So I'm grateful to Whitley.

Whitley reconnected me with our Hillman brother,

Senator Douglas.

And our collaboration is fighting to bring this bill to life.

Senator Douglas just keeps popping up, don't he?

Oh shit, Mom and Daddy about to fight.

So is this the part where we compare Whitley Gilbert to the spawn of Satan

and Dwayne as the second coming of the sweet baby Jesus?

All due respect, wife,

you chose not to be transparent with what you were working on.

-And you sideswiped me. -Okay.

Why don't you two just get a room so we can get back to the matter at hand?

Sideswipe? I told you I was in contact with Byron.

-Do we need to get security? -Yes.

-Security! -Go ahead and call 'em.

-Would you... -I might have at least ten minutes...

We're not doing this on my time.

-Thank you. -I move to adjourn.

-Second. -Second.

-Third. -Let's go.

But we still have other things to discuss, Dwayne.

You hogged the whole meeting.

Freddie, can I ride with you? I'm not going home with Dwayne.

Absolutely not.

How much longer? We should go over the plan again.

Even if it takes all night, it's worth it.

I mean, it will def send a message.

What about the president situation?

I'm on it.

Once it's done, post the code I gave y'all on HBCU UP.

-I'll make sure it gets reposted. -Bet.

Deborah and Rashida, open the door.

Shit, it's past curfew.

I know your friends are in there. Come on.

Hide the drip.

-Come on. -What do we do?

-Give. -Come on.

Would you... Will everyone just...

Hey, relax.

Hello. Yes?

Hi.

What took you so long? And what are you guys doing in there?

I'm busy, Candace. Can I help you?

Yes, actually, you can.

I am doing surprise room inspections,

so you just need to move to the side and let me in.

No problem. But a quick question first.

So if someone were to do a surprise inspection on your room,

what would they say when they found Shaquille's hoodie in it?

Ooh.

That's right, Candace.

I know what you did,

and I know that your fake ass smiled in my face like we were cool afterwards.

So now that we both know you're trash, you can get the hell out of my room.

Deborah, it didn't happen that way...

-Uh-uh. -Ooh!

-Ooh! -Ooh!

Debo!

♪ Who the dopest and the baddest? That'd be me, that'd be me... ♪

Well, I'm so glad you were able to take a minute for me

before I get back to Baltimore.

We have an opportunity to catch up a bit.

I was thinking the same thing.

You know it's gonna be okay, right?

Do I though?

I promise you, it feels like my life is upside down right now.

I'm guessing you talking about Whitley,

considering how you both showed your asses in front of them folks the other day.

-You don't understand, Lena. It's... -Oh, wait a minute.

Now, you know I know a thing or two about high-profile relationships.

I've been married to Dorian for 30 years, a superstar basketball player.

Now, we've had our ups, we've had our downs,

but we're a team.

And we're always gonna be a team.

And my question to you is, do you want Whitley on your team or not?

That's what I'm trying to figure out,

but it's hard when you're public enemy number one all over Hillman.

You know, a long time ago, I had this old, old, old, wise professor

that once told me I shouldn't worry about what people think about me.

I was four years older than you. You calling me old?

And wise.

-Listen. -Oh my God.

This is not your Kumbaya moment...

but I promise you, you're gonna go down in Hillman's history books as a hero.

And not just to Hillman,

but to Whitley too.

So the student has become the master, huh?

-Mm-hm. That's right. -That what we doing?

I see you. I see... I see you. I know you.

Boy, boy.

Huh. Uh-oh. What do we got...

Oh boy.

-Okay. -All right.

-What happened? What's the problem? -What's the big emergency?

This is the emergency.

So I'm tired of constantly being stuck in the middle between you two.

This is for your own good.

Maybe now you can finally talk to each other

instead of going through me.

I know she didn't lock that door.

-I know... Oh my God, she did. -Deborah!

Come on, jimmy it.

Here you go. Let's do this. I got you, man.

♪ Yeah, yeah, everybody up, let's go ♪

Uh-huh.

Hey, y'all. I just got a message that I'd like to pass along.

Low key, big yikes. I repeat, low key, big yikes.

-♪ Everybody up, let's go, let's go ♪ -♪ Yeah, yeah... ♪

Shaquille.

I have got huge news for you.

-I don't know if you're ready for this. -Come on, Pops. What's going on?

-What's up? -Deion Sanders reached out to me.

-Prime? -Yes, sir. Coach Prime reached out to me.

He said he's been following you, your ups and your downs.

And he wants to meet about bringing you on board.

Yeah, let that sink in.

This is why I'm your pop pager, damn it.

The language of hip-hop transcends the music itself.

Historically, there's been rules and regulations,

but they're meant to be broken.

For example, take Del the Funky Homosapien.

Who?

-♪ Del the Funky Homosapien ♪ -Oh.

-I never heard of him. -♪ Del the Funky Homosapien ♪

Work with me, Negro children.

-I've never seen that. -Y'all used to dance like that?

And that's where we'll end for now.

But like I say, pay attention out there.

Not every classroom has four walls. No cap, all right?

But, Professor, class just started.

And what about, um, "Del the Funky Homosapien"?

-We'll get back to that. -Yeah.

Where is the money?

Show us the money!

Where is the money?

Show us the money!

Where is the money?

Show us the money!

♪ I'm on go ♪

♪ Wow ♪

-♪ Hey ♪ -♪ What? ♪

♪ I'm on go ♪

♪♪♪♪♪ what y'all know, ♪♪♪♪♪, I'm on go ♪

♪♪♪♪♪♪, I'm on go ♪

♪ I'm in my bag ♪

♪ Paper so high, I cannot fold ♪

♪♪♪♪♪♪, I'm on go, ♪♪♪♪♪, I'm on go ♪

♪ Must be a sin how much I know ♪

♪♪♪♪♪♪, I'm on go, ♪♪♪♪♪, I'm on go ♪

I will never forgive your daughter for this.

Oh, that is your side of the family, and you know it.

Oh, look. The psychopath left us dinner.

You brought Byron back into our lives

to swoop in and save Hillman like some kind of hero?

Because I wanted to help you and our school. Byron has resources.

We could have talked about it first.

You know how embarrassing it was for me to have him walk into my office

talking that shit like that to me?

He "baby, please'd" me.

I'm... I'm really sorry I didn't talk to you about it.

It's just that I know who we are.

I know no one will ever come between us.

-That was never our problem. -Yeah.

We are the only people who could actually damage us.

I never thought you'd really leave.

I never thought you'd let me leave.

-But you said you needed space. -I didn't know you'd give it to me.

I don't want to damage...

us anymore, Dwayne.

What was that for?

I don't know.

In case we never get out of here again.

Right.

This could be our last night.

♪ Aye, yai, yai ♪

Where is the money?

-Show us the money! -What?

-Where is the money? -What are you doing?

-Show us the money! -No.

-Where is the money? -No, no, no. No!

-Show us the money! -You're not on the calendar.

-Where is the money? -No!

-Show us the money! -Can't hear you.

Where is the money?

-Show us the money! -Right!

Where is the money?

Show us the money!

-Where is the money? -Louder!

-Show us the money! -Right!

Where is the money?

Show us the money!

Where is the money?

♪ I'm not a two-stepping man ♪

♪ I said I do not dance ♪

♪ It's a ♪♪♪ inside my pants ♪

♪ And the whole world's in his hands ♪

♪ It depends, penny for your sins ♪

♪ Shooting up the block Can't stop revenge ♪

♪ Nappy dreadlocks like a Rasta man ♪

♪ Where the story ends And the plot begins ♪

♪ Mama said the Messiah's in moccasins ♪

♪ Tryna save the kids in them apartments ♪

♪ And show a way To live with other options ♪

♪ Opulence, decadence Black excellence, and lots of it ♪

♪ I could cop the newest Beamer Bentley, or Balenciagas ♪

♪ I could pay For this lil' ♪♪♪♪♪ scholarship ♪

♪ Ain't caught up in rap ♪♪♪♪♪ politics ♪

♪ Play with me, you playing yourself ♪

♪ Playing with death, say him a prayer ♪

♪ Cathy and Carl got a ♪ on the shelf ♪

♪ I'm in DeKalb County Open carrying, catering ♪

♪ Chef cooking up Another plate of the best ♪

♪ Me and Christo got it popping Like it's Crisco fried chicken ♪

♪ I'm ♪♪♪♪♪♪♪ her thighs Then I put my face in ♪♪♪♪♪♪♪

♪ I took a drive My plug on the west side of Atlanta ♪

♪ He known to finesse guys With a ♪♪♪♪♪♪ on Campbelton ♪

♪ Headshots on the camera Knock out a dread lock ♪

♪ That's a felony charge, he caught a F ♪

♪♪♪♪♪♪♪ come to the A and get X'd out ♪

♪ But I only been here 'Cause I'm trying to help ♪

♪ Only one you can help is yourself now ♪

♪ Say that I can't lie Ain't dapping no hand, sanitize ♪

♪ I'm gon' slide on your man, landslide ♪

♪ It's a ♪♪♪♪ in my pants, hand ♪♪♪♪♪♪♪

♪ You gon' try to recant, you can't now ♪

♪ I can step on a ant, ant pile ♪

♪ I'mma shoot at the ground, dance now ♪

♪ Dance, uh, dance, shh ♪

♪ Oh, what a handsome gift ♪

♪ To live in a land of sin ♪

♪ Riding with bags and ♪♪♪♪♪♪♪

♪ And my lil' nasty chick ♪

♪ That's what I asked of him ♪

♪ Told me he'd grant my wish ♪

♪ You dance with the Devil ♪

♪ You'll never dance again ♪