Original subtitles

I want you to think about you, okay? Think about your road to this moment.

When you're a woman, you hit the day like it's a fucking war.

Goddamn right.

DJ Block. I'm about to get us on the radio.

Wanda got him a record deal. He signed a contract.

How could you let this happen?

I'm tired of everybody telling me how the fuck I'm 'posed to act.

- We gotta find a way to undo this 'cause-- - Stop pampering this nigga.

He the reason why Mama G don't fuck with you.

One time was just at my office, and they got all our names.

If this shit start affecting me and my family,

it's gonna be a fucking problem.

How many gunshot wounds add up to your missing mommy, Lamar?

I don't live up to some insane level of Blackness

because I've never survived a gun battle?

- You gotta go! They'll kill you. - Man, fuck you and your brother!

Stop hustling me, please.

Your daddy had you buried.

- You need me. - Not anymore.

When Jenny hears Tip-Toe on Lamar's music,

I can finally get rid of Lamar and Wanda

and finish the motherfucking album.

DG's trying to take this album from me. Find anything against him I can use?

DG killed Keith.

- How do you know for sure? - Leon told me.

Regardless how we feel about each other, there's a bigger play here.

♪ Nobody move, nobody get hurt ♪

Hi, Darryl.

This is Allison from Ms. Favarella's office.

Wanted to make sure you got our gift to celebrate the album release.

Ciao.

Hey, what's going on? This is Jason in publicity…

I never knew putting out a album would make me so damn popular.

So the album's officially done?

Official like government issue.

I put Tip-Toe on four of those Lamar tracks.

Put 'em with some of Artillery's shit, you know? I added some filler.

Jenny agreed to call it a compilation.

So what's next, my nigga?

We rushing that motherfucker straight to market.

Just gotta get 'em pressed,

and that bad boy ships two weeks after the single.

And what about her?

Y'all done?

Now, you gotta know,

with the album being finished…

Me and you?

Mmm.

I figured I'd try to work shit out one last time.

Oh, you figured that?

'Cause from where I'm sitting, all in your motherfucking face,

you have zero value.

You're fired.

I know how to get down when my back's against the wall.

Keep your album, okay?

Let me bounce with the talent I brought in.

Call it a clean split.

You don't like Lamar, and Artillery ain't never liked you.

First off, Artillery is the motherfucking talent.

Your cousin is just a little baby-face faggot.

And either way,

you gets Nathan.

Not even your own cousin.

See you in the streets.

Fucking bitch.

♪ All's in fear… ♪

What the fuck?

Look, have a seat.

I wanna help you. I do.

I'm just telling you the truth, Wanda.

No one is gonna hire a female A&R with no track record and no acts.

Even with a hit? "Back 2 Da Hood" is picking up spins every week.

You don't think you could make it work with DG?

Tsk. Fuck no.

And even if I could, fuck no.

What if I can get Lamar and Artillery?

You think a label would sign us?

Yeah, but why would DG let 'em go?

He won't.

Not yet, at least.

When I come back with my artists,

I want you to set up a meeting with every fucking label in town.

♪ Talk about me if you please But I must be Hercules ♪

I already set it up. DJ Block will take us to every label in town.

I don't know about this plan, Wanda.

But if we pull this off, we get Art and Lamar.

And DG's bitch ass pays.

It all just has to happen in phases.

Well, you gotta come with more than phases.

'Cause if DG fired you, he got worse plans for me.

You don't think he'll do the same to me?

You know, only a motherfucker like DG can inspire

two bitches who fucked the same man to team up?

Speaking of…

I'ma need you to keep Leon off us till the time is right.

I believe you know what to do.

Lying to him don't feel right.

Let me ask you.

He still ain't told you DG killed Keith, right?

Well, he told me.

Who's lying to who?

Look, I don't know if this is gonna work, but this is our moment.

I don't wanna live my life thinking about what could have been.

You do know this shit's gonna get ugly, right?

Yeah.

♪ Comin' up the hard way I've got to save myself ♪

♪ I must be Hercules ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ Still goin' ♪

♪ Real comfortable, look ♪

♪ Simple ambition, feed family ♪

♪ Stack millions Stay real and speak candidly ♪

♪ Look, me and my mama had static ♪

♪ But the truth is I appreciate The fact that she had me ♪

♪ Single Black female I see now it ain't easy ♪

♪ Still you taught me To speak and read well ♪

♪ On 60th Street we seen hell ♪

♪ But I knew I'm falling Right in they plans ♪

♪ If we fail, it's 'cause you told me I'm a young Black ♪

♪ This world don't love you That's just one fact ♪

♪ You go to jail, you gon' come back ♪

♪ 'Cause the odds all against you That's just one stack ♪

♪ I heard him talking like he was that ♪

♪ Had to catch my second wind But my lungs back ♪

♪ Look, it's none that's realer ♪

♪ I've been fighting these demons But your son back killing ♪

♪ No, turn it down We could run that ♪

♪ Realest in the game like you done that ♪

♪ Shut 'em down Go on, shut 'em down ♪

♪ Young David and Goliath Got the whole gang proud ♪

Yo. Lamar.

Wake up.

Was Artillery worth the beatdown?

All right.

Hey, man.

The other day, I fucked up. I know.

Everything you said, I heard you.

I did.

I need you to get it together, bro, 'cause…

I can't lose you too.

Look, man, this music shit, it…

it's lonely.

I don't even get why I gotta do what I gotta do most times.

Sometimes even Artillery don't get it.

It can turn me into a asshole.

I'm trying, James.

Look, I'm gonna make it right.

With everybody, okay?

You, Artillery, Wanda.

Mama G. Big Daddy.

Come on, man.

There's some food out there.

Goodness gracious.

Oh… Ooh.

- What'd I tell you, Pastor? - No, I can't do it.

What's this?

Yeah…

The prodigal son returns.

Luke, chapter 15, verse 11, baby.

What's up, Pastor?

I thank God for you.

You all right?

You scared me.

I know.

I'm sorry for how things went,

for how I reacted when I found out about Mom.

It probably should have went differently…

but I'm ready to come home now.

Mm-hmm.

Oh…

You out there fighting like your brother.

Well, I did get the worst ass-whuppin' of my life.

Worse than when you took Senior's tools to show-and-tell? Worse than that?

I tore that ham sandwich up that day, boy.

Rawhide.

I'm ready, Mama G.

I believe you.

Now, let's get some food in you.

You ain't got to start pampering the boy his first day back.

Let him squirm a little bit. That was fun.

I was enjoying that.

- Want me to teach you some squallers? - No, shut your ass up.

Have something to eat, man.

You getting more and more comfortable with that mouth.

So when DG was putting the album together,

we found all of these great instrumentals on Lamar's reels.

I picked this one to fill out the album.

It's gonna be the first song. I mean, how insane is that?

Look, the frenzy of free press around the murder is great,

but your father's worried--

Okay. You know what? We're not gonna do that right now, okay?

Fucking please, dude. This is a celebration.

The only difference between his shitty fucking rock bands

and my incredible rap album…

is now the gangsters are Black.

I mean, the gold and the tracksuits are just as tacky, but come on.

It's a fucking party. Good vibes.

You guys clear out, please?

So, you talked to DG?

Yep.

That's why I'm here.

Huge.

So, the album is done, huh?

When we met, why'd you tell DG to make me head of A&R?

I don't feel like playing a fucking guessing game with you right now.

You really like DG like that, huh?

Believe in him.

'Cause I'm gonna get Lamar and Artillery one way or another.

Oh? Is that a threat?

Wanda, just bow out. You're not ready for the big leagues.

Streets taught me how to read people,

especially when they think they using me.

Even before the dope, I always been an invisible girl.

But I be watching, Jenny.

I think you know something about that too.

So, what? You're a shrink now?

Hmm.

Call it what you want, but I studied bangers and gangsters.

I'm down to bet my life that when I push,

they're gonna act on who they are over what they want.

- And I'm gonna push. - Okay.

- So push. - Watch me.

I'ma break DG right in front of you.

And if he kills me…

…you're gonna have to watch that too.

So, you get those files you said you needed?

Yeah.

I gotta move 'em. Cops will raid this spot

as soon as Burns gets enough to get some warrants on us.

Look, I know you don't want to talk about it,

but that shit that happened between you and Wanda…

it was fucked up.

I'm sorry.

You ready?

You got something you wanna say?

Just thinking about Keith.

But I'm good.

Okay.

You sure you good?

Always.

So then…

we both just…

We're good, then.

Right.

You look like shit.

I'm just messing with you.

Little rough around the edges, but you're good.

You're not scared Mama G is gonna come in and freak out that you're here?

If she does, so what?

I'm done begging to be part of this family.

Wanda, I'm so fucking sorry I fucked up the album.

I'm actually in trouble with DG.

All I know is that I owe you one.

You still wanna do music?

Yes. Yes, that's-that's… that's all I want.

All this other shit is whack.

I can get you off Black Banner.

H-How?

We'll get to that.

So, what's it gonna be?

C-Come on, Wanda.

I just got my grandmother to stop freezing me out.

I gotta at least have an idea before I say--

Yes or no?

Do you owe me or not?

Did you have my back in any of this?

Yes or no?

I'm all in. Whatever you need.

In order for any of this to work, I need Artillery too.

So that's your first job.

Can you even make music all fucked up like that?

Nah, but for real, what you did, you're good with me, Nex.

It's good to see you on your feet.

But hold on, blood. Y'all plan is to steal the masters?

That's the only way to force DG to let you and Lamar out your contracts.

Art, look. Without the reels, they can't even make copies.

We'd have all the leverage.

- Won't DG just kill us like he did Keith? - No, Negro. He won't.

The rap game here is the dope game.

Controlling the masters is just like… controlling dope.

I don't know.

You really wanna keep making music with DG?

- Fuck you, Dara. I ain't say that. - I'm in motion regardless of what you say.

So, I need you and Lamar in order for us to have a future.

Ain't it always like that?

Same as you hating on your brother.

Cuz, the only reason I'm even here is for him.

Man, on my mama grave, if he ain't promised you,

- I'd have been shut this shit down. - Okay. Then leave.

Leave me hanging like you always do.

You know what? Finish your little bullshit-ass plan, cuz.

Y'all niggas crazy.

DJ Block can walk us into any label long as I got the talent.

We could take our power back.

It'd be like when we was pushing tapes.

Or…

the man who killed Keith gonna go after Dara next.

You ain't just talking about stealing masters no more, is you?

I'm with Wanda.

We all owe.

I don't wanna talk, Lee.

We done been through too much for you to not wanna talk to me.

A million bitches, and you had to shit where we live?

It was wrong.

All right, I'm sorry.

Yeah, it was.

- Now we need to talk about where-- - Ain't no we, Leon.

None of y'all are down for me. None of y'all.

I know you, and we both know you probably planning some bullshit.

I'm so over this.

Then why is… why is Dara fishing, asking me about Keith's murder?

Shit. What? I don't know.

- I don't got nothing to do with that. - Don't play dumb with me.

Not even two days after I tell you, she ask me that shit?

If you're gonna need me to bail you out,

- just tell me what you got-- - I don't need you, Leon.

What I needed was…

the man I used to know.

The man who, on our first date, kicked all the cars out of Elysian Field

so it could feel like we had the city to ourselves.

The man who our whole camp counted on…

right or wrong,

who stood on principle.

The old Leon.

Not whoever is hiding in that legal clinic.

Fuck.

♪ If you see me walking down the street ♪

♪ And I start to cry ♪

♪ Each time we meet ♪

♪ Walk on by ♪

Now, you stop sniffing like a polecat and fix you a plate, boy.

Nah. I actually came here to talk to you.

Yeah?

You asked me to look after James,

but I wonder how clear you are on what that means.

So, you talking about, uh, Lamar getting jumped and beat on?

I mean, all of it.

Music, streets.

It's all a bunch of bullshit right now.

Man, I smell it. James all edgy.

Been out there fighting.

I don't think you fully understand.

I wanna do right by you, but it's hard to explain.

- You know what I'm saying? - Leon…

you really don't think I know?

Let me tell y'all how I came to California back in the day.

I come from Claiborne Parish, Louisiana.

Real Jim Crow.

The Kinsey side started as moonshiners and mountain folk

and moved into town when my old man was about eight.

My daddy was one of them…

…spitting, fighting Mandingos.

Wouldn't… Wouldn't back down from nothing.

Just like you two knuckleheads.

So,

my old man ran security at a cathouse.

Sheriff Bradley owned it, but…

he owned it even if he wouldn't say it.

Bradley was a big, old honky.

Mean as he wanna be, but he knew not to play with my old man.

So one day, my daddy buys my mother a necklace,

and Mrs. Bradley gets jealous

'cause she always wanted that same necklace.

But the sheriff told her, "Now, you know we can't afford that."

And she wondered how this nigga bought it for his wife.

This nigga work for him.

I couldn't have been more than 18 at the time.

Of course it turns into an issue,

and one day, a bunch of white men,

they jumped Mama, stole that necklace.

Left her on the side of the road, clothes torn.

I knew what my daddy would do, so I knocks on the sheriff's door.

And I shot him dead right in front of his wife.

It wasn't five minutes,

my whole family was in the car driving to California.

Damn near packed my sister's fat ass in the trunk.

I ain't lost a wink of sleep since that day,

even though I seen his wife fall apart when I done it.

I don't want y'all losing a wink of sleep over what good men do to protect theirs.

Fuck, Wanda.

I don't know if I can do this.

Don't be scared. You got it.

I'm not scared.

It's just wrong.

Just open the side door when you get in there.

That's it.

That's not it, Wanda.

You said you owe. This is what it is.

Mar?

You know I'm with you right or wrong.

It's your call.

♪ I'm eighteen with a bullet ♪

That's what I'm talking about.

Hey, Corny.

Mar.

Hey.

What you doing here? Thought you and DG were on the outs.

Oh, don't worry about all that. You know how the music business is.

Ah, I've seen it a million times.

Now don't get me started on the time I was filling in for Mark Adams

for a few months.

- Mm-hmm. Yeah. - So what can I do you for?

I just…

I just came to get my, uh, my backpack.

I left it in DG's office.

All right. Go. Let's go.

It's quiet in here.

Hey, that's how it is sometimes.

Cycle of life, cycle of funk.

Uh-huh.

Cycle of life, cycle of funk.

Hey, I gotta use the restroom. I will be right back.

Okay.

Spent all that money in one place.

All right. You buying Chinese food tonight.

Um…

Listen, I-I couldn't find your backpack, and…

you know, you might have to come back later and get it.

What's… What's wrong?

- Hey, shut the fuck up, homey. - Whoa, whoa, hey, hey, hey, hey.

- What's going on? - We need the masters!

Okay, look, DG has 'em--

If you don't give my brother the motherfucking masters,

I'ma smoke you right here, nigga.

♪ I'll be good to you ♪

♪ Oh, yes, I will ♪

♪ I'm eighteen with a bullet ♪

♪ Got my finger on the trigger ♪

Let's go, let's go!

♪ I'm gonna pull it ♪

I can't believe you let this fucking happen.

I underestimated how low

that little crackhead bitch was willing to go.

Yeah, and now that little cunt has us in a real jam.

Relax. I'll get the masters back.

No, because that's how we got here in the first fucking place, Darryl.

- We have to make the deal with her. - No, fuck that.

I ain't making a deal to release my artist

to get my masters back that she fucking stole.

Really?

And you want to do what?

And remember, we can't even print more albums without them.

What's gonna happen when we sell out? Huh? That's it?

Fuck no, Jenny.

I can't. I just can't.

There is a fucking murder hanging over our heads.

Our hands are tied.

And let me be very clear.

We don't have a play, Darryl.

I'll set the meeting.

I-I'll be right back.

Mama G. I'm sorry.

Leon, it's me.

Can we talk face-to-face? There's something I gotta ask you.

Can't be over here sad because I ain't tell you.

No, I'm sad because you didn't trust me enough to tell me who killed Keith.

'Cause look where the fuck we at.

That was for me to know.

And you told her.

And look where the fuck we're at.

Is Lamar with her?

Fuck.

Where they at?

Hmm?

Where they at?

First, why don't you tell me what's up between you and me?

I don't know what's up between me and you. All right?

But all these questions is getting fucking old.

Then why did you get with someone like me?

Huh?

And why is Wanda your ex?

And why does all your work involve gangsters if this ain't you?

I gave my fucking word that Lamar was gonna be safe.

So you gonna tell me where they at.

We stole the masters for the album.

She's negotiating it with DG now. James is there. They're safe.

- They're safe. - No, the fuck they ain't.

And neither are you.

Thank you for having it here, Jenny. I just feel safer.

I never tried to hurt you.

Even when I could have.

Ideally, I do most of the talking,

and we get this over with as quickly as possible.

The contracts are here and signed.

Where are the masters?

You first.

I could just take 'em.

Do it.

They're downstairs in the car with James and the homeys.

Figure out a move or do business.

Can we get this gross-ass deal done, please?

Y'all talk to me like I crawled to y'all.

But God gave me a vision, I brought it to you,

and DG fucked it all up.

Just give me back what's mine before I really--

- Can we just not do that right now? - You're not talking over me today.

Hey, hey.

What did I do to you?

I let you come work for me.

Backed all your moves.

The people you brought in robbed me, Wanda.

You lied to me.

And Jenny.

You think you did me a favor?

Only reason you anywhere, nigga, is because of me.

She knows it.

Contracts.

Then I'll beep James, he'll bring 'em up.

Okay, fine.

We will give you the contracts,

but I go with you to get the masters.

Do what your suit says.

Just admit you lost.

How about this?

I take back the points I offered you.

I keep your fucking artist.

- You give me back the masters… - There's no point in doing any of this.

…and I let you live to see another motherfucking day.

Darryl, stop, this is not helpful. Get the fuck out now.

Go.

Go.

You don't belong in this world, DG.

- Jesus! - Oh, blood!

- Sup, bro? - What the fuck is wrong with you?

- Hey, hey, hey. Darryl. - Back up!

Walk away. Just walk away. Walk away.

Can you give me the room, please?

They don't deserve you.

I'm off like a dirty shirt.

You let her bait you, Darryl.

I finally got something going without my dad's stink on it, you know?

Like, the single.

Still building, no payola, just fans calling in for spins.

As long as it pays, who the fuck cares?

- Do you even like music? - Sure.

But I got here a certain way.

So I'ma fight for what's mine.

Oh, yeah, right.

I'm dropping your label, Darryl.

Your services for Macroscope are no longer needed.

Oh, it's like that?

- Yeah. - Thank fucking God.

Mmm.

Now we being honest.

I can handle the motherfuckers my way.

Big man.

Switch the cars.

It's on.

♪ Wake your punk ass up for the 93 shot ♪

♪ MC Eiht's in the motherfuckin' house ♪

♪ G-yeah ♪

♪ A fucked-up childhood Is why the way I am ♪

♪ It's got me in the state Where I don't give a damn ♪

♪ G-yeah ♪

Here, Z.

Thanks, Dara. You're always looking out for me.

♪ Straight up menace ♪

Dara, where you been, girl?

Shit, Dara rich now.

She been with them rappers.

♪ Gettin' paid off the clucks And the county checks ♪

♪ I'm tellin' ya, fresh outta high school Never did I wonder ♪

♪ That the motherfuckin' hood Would take me under ♪

♪ G-yeah, I'm kickin' it with the homeys And they got the straps ♪

♪ Off to the corner store Owned by the fuckin'… ♪

♪ See a bitch in the right lane So I comes with the Mack ♪

♪ Astro van pulls a motherfuckin' jack From the back ♪

Drop that motherfucker.

Drop it, bitch!

Move.

Bitch, you let them use--

Shut the fuck up, nigga.

Fuck.

Get your bitch ass up. Get up, nigga!

Walk, homey.

Aight.

You know, they started this.

I did everything by the book.

You fucking knew Wanda was family.

Get your bitch ass out the car, homey.

This is him, huh?

- Where's Tino? - Waiting for him in the back.

Hold him till I get back there. And don't do nothing.

I don't want shit and blood all in the house.

Out of respect for Tino, he should know that Dara started all this shit.

Ain't nobody wanted to check her 'cause that's his baby girl, but--

Yeah, he need to know. She need to make better decisions.

- Goddamn it! What did I say? - Man, fuck you!

Get the fuck off me!

What you cryin' for, homey? Shut the fuck up!

Bitch!

You're my bitch, boy!

So what now?

You done with me?

You wanna fuck one last time?

Maybe I call a girl to join.

I just fed a nigga to the wolves.

The clinic is done.

Lee? You okay?

Yeah.

I don't know how we, uh, gonna come back from all this.

I never wanted it to go this way.

You lie so easily.

You needed my help with DG. That's why you lined everything up.

You push him, and he hit back,

but he's smart enough to know that killing me is better

than risking get-back.

And while he at it, Dara gotta go too.

You did that.

Am I really the bad guy?

Not your girlfriend or DG?

It's me. Right.

Not you. Not James?

Not Jenny?

Why am I wrong for wanting more for myself?

I'm not about to do this.

Leon!

Lee.

If you leave, I'll be all alone.

It's like, the best I can do in life is get off crack.

Guess it's better than being invisible.

Are you sure that you don't want to call your dad back?

No.

You can tell my dad there's no way I'm redoing my deal

until we get the numbers from the album.

Right.

Jesus fucking Christ. Again?

I told you. I did what I said.

You are so fucked up. You actually came to brag?

I came to do business.

How am I supposed to do business with someone like you?

Same as anybody else.

Nobody's got clean hands in this game, Jenny.

So…

what's it gonna be?

You thought you were gonna come in here and kick some ass, right?

Wanda, you have no idea.

Your shit with DJ Block is dead.

Yeah, of course I found out about it.

And of course my lawyers have called every single label in the universe.

It's over for you, Wanda.

When this album blows up, and it will,

I'll find a deal.

Or I'll make one for myself.

But you?

You'll be the fool who missed the biggest wave in music.

Think your father will let you keep your job then?

What do you want, Wanda?

Make me an offer.

My offer is for you to go fuck yourself.

Keep underestimating me.

Call me when you're ready to make a deal.

It's all us now.

Why the sad face?

Did you know everything that was gonna happen?

Wanda…

I've always defended you.

I don't know what you want me to say.

We all walk around with scars.

We're even now.

- Sure. - I'm serious, Wanda.

We're even.

You coming in?

Not today.

♪ Just like a ship ♪

♪ Mmm, without a sail ♪

♪ Without a sail ♪

♪ Just like a ship ♪

♪ Mmm, without a sail ♪

♪ Without a sail ♪

♪ But I'm not worried because I know ♪

♪ But I know we can take it ♪

♪ I know ♪

♪ But I know we can take it ♪

♪ I know we can shake it ♪

♪ But I know we can take it ♪

♪ I know we can take it ♪

♪ But I know we can take it ♪

♪ Da, da, da, da, da ♪

♪ It's the motherfuckin' D.R.E. ♪

♪ Dr. Dre, motherfucker ♪

♪ Da, da, da, da, da ♪

♪ You know I'm mobbin' With the D-O-double-G ♪

♪ Straight off The fuckin' streets of C-P-T ♪

♪ King of the beats You ride to 'em in your Fleet ♪

♪ Fleetwood Wood Coupe DeVille Rollin' on dubs ♪

♪ How you feel, whoopty-whoop Nigga, what? ♪

♪ Dre and Snoop chronic'd out in the 'lac In the 'lac ♪

♪ With Doc in the back, sippin' on 'gnac Yeah ♪

♪ Clip in the strap Dippin' through 'hoods ♪

♪ What 'hoods? Compton, Long Beach, Inglewood ♪

♪ South Central out to the Westside Westside ♪

♪ It's "California Love" ♪

♪ This California bud Got a nigga gang o' pub ♪

♪ I'm on one I might bail up in the Century Club ♪

♪ With my jeans on and my team strong ♪

♪ Get my drink on and my smoke on ♪

♪ Then go home wit' somethin' to poke on What's up, bitch? ♪

♪ Loc', it's on for the two-triple-oh ♪

♪ Comin' real, it's the next episode ♪