Original subtitles

["He Wasn't Man Enough" playing]

[Man] Ladies and gentleman, Toni Braxton!

♪ But you married him ♪

♪ Do you know I made him leave? ♪

♪ Do you know he begged to stay with me ♪

♪ He wasn't man enough for me ♪

♪ So many reasons why our love is through, yeah ♪

♪ What makes you think he'll be good to you'? ♪

♪ It makes no sense, 'cause he will never change ♪

♪ Girl you need to recognize the... ♪

♪♪

[Singing continues]

[Gasps]

Somebody help!

(Toni) Someone once told' me pain is information.

It's our body's way of telling us

“pay attention, something isn't working here.

"I didn't listen. "

[Gospel singing] ♪ This is my story, this is my song ♪

♪ Praising in my saviour all the daylong ♪

♪ This is my story, this is my song ♪

♪ Praising in my saviour all the day all the day ♪

♪ All the day ♪

Tamar, you're flat.

No, I'm not.

You are.

She's always flat.

[Director] Girl, don't try me today.

Now again from the top.

They're here.

I'm sorry, we were just doing a little rehearsing.

Oh, no, no. No need to apologize.

I'm LA Reid and this is my partner, Babyface.

How are you doing? I'm Reverend Braxton.

Nice to meet you, sir.

And this is my wife, Evelyn.

(Evelyn) It's a pleasure to meet you both.

And these are our daughters, Toni, Traci, Towanda,

Tamar and Trina.

Nice to meet you. How are you doing?

Well, listen Mrs. Braxton, I'll get right to it.

We just started our own label, LaFace Records,

and we are currently scouting some new talent

and we heard a lot of good things...

excuse me, great things, about your girls.

Oh, thank you so much.

Um... we really are only interested

in our girls singing clean music.

No bumping and grinding stuff.

Oh!

No, no, no.

No, you have nothing to worry about, Mrs. Braxton,

I can assure you.

Why don't we just get started, shall we'?

Ok.

Listen, just pretend we're not even here, Ok?

Pretend you're at home in your living room, on the couches.

♪ This is my story ♪

♪ This is my song ♪

♪ Praising my saviour ♪

♪ All the daylong ♪

♪ This is my story ♪

♪ This is my song ♪

♪ Praising my saviour ♪

♪ All the day ♪

♪ All the day ♪

♪ All the daylong ♪

♪ Our father ♪

♪ Who art in heaven ♪

♪ Hallowed be thy name ♪

♪ Thy kingdom come ♪

♪ Thy will be done ♪

♪ On Earth ♪

♪ As it is in Heaven ♪

♪ Give us this day ♪

♪ Our daily bread ♪

♪ And forgive us our trespasses ♪

♪ As we forgive them... ♪

I like her tune.

Yeah, it's nice.

♪ That trespasses against us ♪

[All] ♪ For thine is the kingdom ♪

♪ And the power ♪

♪ And the glory forever ♪

♪ Amen ♪

Girls, great job, thank you so much.

And thank you, Mrs. Braxton.

They're beautiful and talented.

Oh, you know, the girls have been practicing for years

for a chance like this.

And it shows, Mrs. Braxton.

Very impressive.

Y'all have a safe trip back tomorrow.

All right. Thank you so much!

Take care.

Thanks, guys.

BYE, bye.

♪ They're gonna sign us They're gonna sign us ♪

You girls were great, just great.

I'm so proud of you.

["He Is My Friend" playing]

How'd it go'?

Good.

I was great.

She was flat.

No, Tamar was flat.

No, I wasn't. I don't want to hear all that noise today.

We're about to leave, Michael. You ready?

Yes, ma'am.

Toni'?

After you finish Sunday's program

come straight to bible study.

Don't be late. Ok?

Ok.

[pop music playing]

[Phone rings]

[pop music stops]

Hello?

Toni?

Yes, this is Toni.

Toni, how are you doing? It's LA Reid from LaFace Records.

Mikey, stop playin' on the phone.

Toni, this is really me. This is LA Reid.

How are you doin"?

I'm sorry, sir. I thought you were my brother.

That's Ok. That's quite all right.

Listen, Toni, I'll jump right into it.

Babyface and I were really impressed

with the audition the other night

and we would like to offer you a recording contract

with LaFace Records.

How's that sound?

Thank you, sir!

Oh, my God!

My sisters and I are gonna be so excited...

Toni, um...

Yes, sir?

I'm sorry, so sorry. Listen, the only thing is we only want to sign you,

not the Braxton sisters.

Wait, what'?

Look, listen. It's nothing against the other girls, you know.

We think you're all so very talented.

It's just that we already have a female singing group.

I can't do that to my sisters.

Yeah.

No, I... no, I understand.

I mean, I...

You know, I'm sure Michael Jackson felt bad

when he left the Jackson 5, too.

Listen, Toni, you said this is a dream come true, right'?

Well, tell me something.

In that dream, when you saw yourself singing on that stage,

did you see yourself singing in a group

or by yourself?

Be honest.

I just need to discuss it with my family first.

Take whatever time you need to make whatever decisions

you need to make.

So uh... listen, I look forward to hearing from you soon, Toni.

(Toni) That was the beginning of my guilt.

What should have been one of the happiest moments of my life

became the hardest decision I've ever had to make.

Lord, I put all my hope in you.

And we boast in the hope of the glory of God,

but also we"

Come on in, Toni, and sit with your sisters.

We're reading Romans 5, verse three and four.

But we also glory...

You're late.

I'm sorry.

Because we know that sufferings produce perseverance.

And perseverance, character.

And character, hope.

Now, what do we all think that means?

Traci?

The bible is telling us that, like,

our trials can work for us, not against us,

but only we can determine the course.

Ok.

Toni.

What do you think it means?

It's saying God wouldn't give us a burden heavier

than we can carry.

And hope does not put us to shame.

The devil is raging.

LaFace Records only wants to sign you'?

But we're a group.

They said that they just signed another girl group

and can't take on another one.

So they just went and picked you'?

So this means we're not gonna be famous?

Braxton, do you see what's happening?

Evil has come crashing into our house.

Evelyn, calm down.

Calm down'?

The enemy is trying to break up our family!

I don't have to take it. Ok?

I'll call them and tell them right now that it's all of us

or none of it.

No.

Traci, you give your sister the phone.

Mommy.

This is the chance of a lifetime.

Toni has to take it.

Traci's right.

Toni needs to take the deal.

And remember Evelyn,

you were in the exact same situation once.

Yeah, your mom was in a singing group when she was young

and she was offered a solo deal.

And I said no.

I know.

And how many more shots you got after that'?

Do you promise that you will come back and help your sisters?

Yes, I promise.

She's never coming back!

Tamar. Let her go. Let her go.

I'll talk to her.

Thank you. Thank you.

[Radio] What's up Atlanta!

We're live in the studio one of my favorite artists,

the lovely Miss Janet Jackson!

We are going to play some of her tunes from her latest album...

What the heck?

Yeah, that's right, backstage with Janet!

Toni'?

Hi, I'm Pebbles.

LA's wife and CEO of Pebbletone.

Oh, yeah, Pebbles, I'm such a fan.

It's so nice to meet you.

Come on in.

Dang!

LA will be down in a minute.

In the meantime I want to give you the address to your place.

Oh, no, that's cool. I've got a reservation at a hotel down the street.

Cancel it. LA's set you up in an apartment already.

Oh.

Oh... I can't afford this.

Yes, you can. It comes out of your artist budget.

Artist budget?

It's in your contract?

No lane's ever talked to me about that.

Toni Braxton.

Welcome to Atlanta. How was your drive down from Maryland?

It was good.

Listened to the radio. This is a beautiful house y'all have here.

Oh, well thank you.

Thank you. Listen, my beautiful, lovely wife Pebbles

will have your stuff sent off to the apartment for you

so that you and I can get to the studio.

How's that sound?

Hey, baby-

Hey, sweetie.

I'll see you later.

Bye.

This is amazing.

Mmm-hmm.

So many hit records.

Yeah, well maybe we can get you on that wall next.

You think'?

No, you better think.

You're here because Babyface and I believe in you.

Now you need to believe, too.

Got it'?

Mmm-hmm. Ok.

LA, I have a question.

What's up? What exactly is an artist budget?

Ok, well, it's pretty standard, actually.

It's a part of your record deal.

It's everything.

It's your rent, money you spend, clothes you buy.

It's all recoupable. Well, at least some of it is.

But hey, look.

We don't have to talk business right now, Ok?

Mmm-hmm. I just want to finish showing you around. All right?

Ok. Ok, come on.

I like that.

Hey!

There she is.

Welcome.

It's amazing.

How are you? I'm fine, thank you. How are you?

Good, good. Toni, this is my writing partner, Darryl Simmons.

It's nice to finally meet you.

Nice to meet you, too.

What were you guys working on'?

It sounded great.

Uh, we're not sure yet.

But um... maybe something for you.

How was the drive?

Long. But I had the radio to keep me company.

What kind of music do you like to listen to'?

I don't really know the name of too many albums.

We weren't allowed to listen to secular music...

But when I had the chance I would sneak a listen

to the R&B station, so I like En Vogue, LL Cool J, Fresh Prince.

Oh, yeah'?

I love Prince.

What's your favorite album?

"Parents Just Don't Understand".

She meant the fresh, not the purple Prince.

Oh, come on, Face.

[Laughs] Oh, Ok.

But uh, Anita's my favorite.

Anita Baker?

Yeah. When I first heard her I was like finally,

someone with a singing voice as deep as mine.

We were actually working on a couple of tracks for her.

Really?

Yeah. Producing a new soundtrack for the new Eddie Murphy movie,

"Boomerang".

Hmm.

You know, we're looking for a singer to demo it for Anita.

So, you're interested?

Oh, you want me to do it'?

We think you've got the right talent.

Anita Baker is gonna hear me sing?

["Love Shoulda Brought You Home" playing]

♪ Should I even listen ♪

♪ Should I even try'? ♪

♪ Will I just be hearing the same old lines'? ♪

♪ Baby... ♪

Hold it a sec, Toni. [music stops]

Toni, this song is about love.

Loss.

So you gotta bring that.

I gotta hear all that in your voice.

How?

What do you know about love'?

Toni, we're selling pain here. Ok?

That's it.

Pain.

Ok, let's try it again.

All right. Let's take it from the chorus.

[music starts again]

♪ You say things aren't the way they seem ♪

♪ But still you can't come straight with me ♪

♪ How can you think that you're in love ♪

♪ When you don't know the meaning of.. ♪

[Laughs]

So, you've never seen Star Wars'?

I told you, my family is very religious.

We weren't allowed to watch movies.

[Phone rings]

Ok, well we gotta fix that.

Hello? Face, what you doin'?

Just hanging out with Toni.

Say hello.

Hey.

So Anita called.

She liked the demo, but she can't do the "Boomerang" soundtrack.

Why'? I don't know, scheduling or something like that.

Anyway, listen.

I asked her who she thought should sing it

and she said, "Get the girl in the demo."

Really?

Whoa, Ok, well, I like the idea

but the movie is coming out soon so...

if we're gonna do this we need to get Toni ready.

Well, let's do it.

[Laughs]

Hey, baby-

Hey.

How's it going?

She's a little country, but she's cute.

I can work with that.

Ok.

I know you got it.

You know I do.

All right, babe.

Ok, get back to...

Girl, don't look so scared.

This is the fun part.

Let me see you smile.

There you go.

So what are we doing today'?

Cut it short.

Real short.

Ok, honey, here we go.

Yeah, there we go.

It looks so good.

It looks great.

It's bad, huh'?

I just started breaking out out of nowhere.

It's stress, honey.

Here, try this.

It's no joke. Clears up your skin like that.

Really?

You're not trying to have kids soon, right'?

I'm not even dating.

Just focusing on my career.

Why? You don't want to be on that if you're trying to get pregnant.

Raise her hemline.

Shorter than this? You're performing for MTV, not Sunday service.

Much shorter.

Meet Chanel, your new best friend.

Hey, Chanel.

[R&B recording plays]

It's good.

Ok, I think we need to go to the next one.

Oh, look at you, Toni.

I'm liking the new out.

Oh, thank you. Yeah, Maria's trying something different.

I love it. So what do you want your stage persona to be?

I was thinking sexy diva.

[Clears throat]

What'? What's wrong with that'?

I can be sexy.

I'm not really seeing that. We see you more like the girl next door type.

Right. More like the sister girl.

Go to the next one. ♪ It's just another sad love song... ♪

Oh, what's that playing?

No, not that one.

I was feeling that. What's it called?

It's called "Another Sad Love Song".

(Toni) Can I do that one next for the album, Kenny?

What'? You keep saying you want me to sell pain.

What's more painful than another sad love song'?

She might have a point there, Face.

And pout the lips, more pout, more sex.

Less pout. A little less pout.

Have you ever considered getting a boob job'?

All the time.

Can I take that out of my artist budget?

Yes.

Kenny, I was thinking about the lyrics in the chorus, right.

What if we- The lyrics are fine.

Trust.

Ok.

"Love Should Have Brought You Home" is in the top ten.

[gasps]

Congratulations. Most artists take years to hit the charts.

Which means that by the time we come out with your debut album

I think you got a pretty good chance of going gold,

Toni Braxton.

Gold?

I'm going platinum.

Double platinum.

Oh, Ok.

Really? Ok.

Y'all said I better believe, right'?

Ok, I'll tell you what. You go double platinum and I'll buy you a car.

Any car you want. How about that'?

What about a BMW'?

Wait, no.

A Porsche.

Oh, you're ser-Ok.

Ok, deal.

You sure you want a Porsche?

The way you drive?

I'm sorry Mommy, I thought I was going to be able to come up this weekend

but we have to rehearse for this Arsenic show.

Your sisters are gonna be very disappointed.

I know. I'll make it up to them.

How's the album going?

Oh, we're just about getting started.

What we have so far sounds really great.

Listen, your sisters are writing songs.

Some good ones, too.

Sang one at church the other day,

had everybody up on their feet.

Mommy, it's church. Everybody's up on their feet.

Oh, shush.

Toni, maybe you can have LA and Kenny hear some of their music.

I'll see what I can do.

Kiss them for me.

I love you.

I love you too, baby.

BYE bye.

Toni, hey.

Relax, you're gonna be fine.

Just be yourself, all right'?

Breathe. [breathes deeply]

Tonight on Arsenic, Babyface Edmonds and featuring Toni Braxton.

Oh, it's about to start.

Turn... turn it up. Turn up the volume.

[Applause]

Are you Ok?

I gotta pee.

{Man} Please give if up for Babyface featuring Toni Braxton.

[Cheering and applause]

♪ Your love's so exciting ♪

♪ Boy, I can't deny it.. ♪

Oh, there she is!

That dress is a little short, isn't it'?

Nah, I like it. ♪ Ooh, It's such a thrilling ♪

♪ I pray that we never will fall ♪

♪ Oh, give me just a minute ♪

♪ I'll jump right on in it ♪

♪ We can make love under the stars ♪

♪ Boy if that's your pleasure ♪

♪ I'll be yours forever ♪

♪ Girl I'll never leave you ♪

♪ I'll be there to please you ♪

♪ We won't have to worry at all baby ♪

♪ Oh, baby ♪

♪ Oh, oh ♪

Thank you.

All right, we here live in the studio

with the singing sensation, the lovely Miss Toni Braxton.

What's going on, Toni'?

What's up, Atlanta? All right, now is it just me or did you come out of nowhere

and zoom straight to the top'?

I mean, your debut album is selling huge with hits like

"Another Sad Love Song", "Breathe Again"...

now that lane's my jam.

Every black woman I know wants your hair out, girl.

Critics is already comparing you to the great Anita Baker.

I'm sayin, how's that feel?

Like a dream.

Oh, no doubt.

What y'all can't see is that she's blushing up

in the studio right now. It's beautiful.

Oh, my"

I have never been more happy to lose a bet before in my life.

Toni Braxton, you have gone platinum four times over.

Congratulations.

Thank you!

Now, who wants to ride in my new whip?

["Seven Whole Days" playing]

♪ Seven whole nights ♪

♪ And I'm just about through ♪

♪ I can't take it, won't take it ♪

♪ Can't take it no more ♪

And out.

That was great.

Toni, you can take five. Ok.

Seeing my girls like this all together...

it's just like I always hoped it would be.

Well, you have Toni to thank for that, Mrs. Braxton.

She insisted to include all her sisters in the video.

You know, I was thinking... it might be"

Oh, Oh. Excuse me just for one second, Mrs. Braxton.

Just one second.

Yeah, sure.

Toni, you doing great.

Oh, thank you.

Beautiful. Yeah.

Listen, you see that guy standing over there'?

Yeah? He's thinking about trying to manage me.

Oh. I want you to meet him.

Ok. You like his vibe?

All right, we need you back. Yeah.

Ok. Toni'?

I'll talk to you soon.

Go get 'em. You're a superstar.

So you know, I was thinking each of the girls should have a solo.

Ok.

And Mr. Reid, you know my girls write music, too.

A million dollars?

Mmm-hmm.

That's only the beginning.

Wow!

Y'all, I think we need to sing a little hymnal.

It's beautiful, baby.

I am so glad you love it, Momma.

So why didn't Daddy come, again?

He's witnessing the saints this weekend.

He'll be here next time, Toni.

Ok.

Come on.

♪ This is the note ♪

[All] ♪ Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus ♪

♪ All for grace ♪

♪ All for grace ♪

♪ All for grace ♪

♪ To trust ♪

♪ Him more ♪

Ooh, I'm gonna need to see this on me.

Take it. I didn't buy most of this stuff, anyway.

Designers just send it to me.

What? Wait, so all this stuff was free?

I guess what I wear means something.

I don't know.

Miss Toni'?

Flowers have arrived.

From who'?

Wesley Snipes'?

[Screams]

Can you set this on the kitchen counter for me'?

Thank you.

Are you dating Wesley Snipes'?

Never even met him.

I'll go outwith him.

What's different about you'?

I can't quite place it.

[All gasp]

Your boobies!

I want me some new boobies.

What!

[Screams]

They bring you out here and tell you how much they love you,

then all they try to do is change you.

You let them out on your body?

That's a sin before God.

I like 'em.

Thank you. You know, it's actually a good thing that you left.

I know it doesn't seem like it but Mommy's loosened up.

Really?

[Phone rings]

Hello?

Oh, hey LA.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Thanks for letting me know.

All right.

Everything Ok, Toni'?

I've just been nominated for three Grammy's!

[Screaming]

[Man] And the Grammy for Best New Artist goes to... Toni Braxton!

[Woman] Best Female R&B Vocal Performance...

Toni Braxton!

(Toni) At that moment, it felt like a dream.

I'm thinking, is this real?

Kenny G?

Kenny G has one of the best-selling albums in history.

He's gone platinum twelve times over. Yes.

Open up for him on tour and you get that fan base.

Look, I feel you on the exposure,

but I think it's being risky with her core fans.

Scott, the label loves the idea.

Exactly. So it's pretty much a done deal.

Listen, just start with the Kenny G tour,

then follow with your own world tour.

Can I say something?

Of course, Toni.

What's on your mind'?

Well, if we really want to go younger,

I was thinking I need to go sexier.

Exactly.

No, Toni.

No. No. You don't sell sex, Ok?

You?

You sell pain.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

What about the Diane Warren demo?

"Unbreak My Heart"?

Yes.

I don't think it's sexy.

I think you need to listen to it again, Toni.

I don't know, Ken.

You know, Toni, can you just...

can you just trust us on this one'?

Please? Have we ever steered you wrong?

All right, I'll listen to it again.

But I ain't really feelin' it like that.

[Rehearsal music plays]

["Unbreak My Heart" plays]

♪ La, da, di, da... ♪

♪ Aahhh ♪

♪ Don't leave me in all this pain.. ♪

Ok, Toni. Thanks, that's good.

Thank you.

Keri.

I like what you added there,

but it's a little too busy for the intro.

Just keep it simple.

Huh, Ok.

Like this'?

Yeah, that's better.

But when you play the e-minor seven,

play the second version.

Do you mind'?

No, go ahead, Miss Braxton.

Ok, so you go here...

♪♪

There you go, good.

That's better.

Ok.

See, if you start off simple

then we'll have somewhere to go in the end.

Hey, Tony. Um... I just wanted to thank you for bringing my band on tour.

Oh, it's my pleasure.

I'm a huge Mint Condition fan.

But have a great show.

Don't you just love being in Paris'?

[Applause]

[Cheering]

["Unbreak My Heart" plays]

♪ La, da, di, da.. ♪

♪ Ahhhhh ♪

♪ Don't leave me in all this pain ♪

♪ Don't leave me out in the rain ♪

♪ Come back and bring back the smile ♪

♪ Come and take these tears away ♪

♪ I need your arms ♪

♪ To hold me now ♪

♪ The nights are so unkind ♪

♪ Bring back those nights ♪

♪ When I held you beside me ♪

♪ Unbreak my heart ♪

♪ Say you love me again ♪

♪ Undo this hurt that you caused ♪

♪ When you walked out the door ♪

♪ And walked out of my life ♪

♪ Uncry these tears ♪

♪ I cried so many, many nights ♪

♪ Unbreak my, Unbreak my heart ♪

♪ Oh baby ♪

♪ Come back and say you love me ♪

♪ Unbreak my heart ♪

♪ Sweet darlin' ♪

♪ Without you I just can't go on ♪

♪ I can't go on ♪

♪ Say that you love me ♪

[Applause]

Thank you!

Hey.

Oh, hey.

Um, listen.

I don't really know how to say this, but uh...

none of my guys have been paid for a minute.

Seriously? Yeah.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Why don't I go figure out what's going on'?

Whoa.

Whoa, are you Ok?

Yeah, just a little exhausted, that's all.

You need to sit down'?

No, no. Take some deep breaths.

No, trust me, I'm fine. It's Ok.

I'll go talk to the tour manager Ok.

And figure out what's going on, Ok?

Cool. I appreciate it.

[Phone rings]

Scott, what's going on'?

I checked info if

and you should think about canceling the tour.

No, I can't flake on my fans like that.

Then we need to make some cuts.

Travel, hotels, sets... your sisters.

No, my sisters stay.

Mint Condition, too. I'll pay them out of pocket.

Toni, you don't have sponsors.

You're already paying for the tour out of pocket.

Your shows are selling nut but you're losing money.

Scott, the show has to be huge.

Look, Arista gave you some tour support.

It's not enough to cover the expense of a show this size.

They're saying if you want them to give you more money

you're gonna have to take out a loan.

Fine. Borrow the money to finish the tour.

All right. I'll just have to pay them back.

I'm expecting a big royalty check coming soon.

We'll be fine.

$1,992.00'?

Where's the rest of my money?

That's all that's left of your royalty check.

What? Arista recouped all their expenses plus interest.

You signed a whack deal, Toni.

I'm calling LA and Kenny.

It's not them.

It's coming from way higher up than them.

This tour's put you almost $4 million in debt.

Your only play here is to sue LaFace Records

and declare bankruptcy.

Oh, my God, Miss Braxton'?

Can I have an autograph?

Yeah, what's your name'?

Arlina. Arlina.

Nice to meet you.

(Arlina) Nice meeting you.

(Tom) There you go. Thank you.

Of course.

Sorry, Miss Braxton. This card is declined as well.

I'm so sorry. I have another one.

Toni, let me treat for a change.

No, no. Really, this one works just fine.

T, you take us out all the time.

Thank you.

Come on, let's go.

Where are Miss Braxton's right?

Come on.

Really?

[Sighs] Follow me.

Should have hid them.

Ooh, smells like bleach.

They touched everything, including my underwear.

These people really think that I'm out here

just spending my money shopping?

Like I'm some spoiled pop singer

living a crazy lavish lifestyle.

You know these rags didn't even bother interviewing me

to figure out what really happened?

You just gotta make your voice heard, baby.

I sold twenty million records.

I was on a world tour performing for packed houses every night.

Shouldn't I assume that money is coming in'?

So you admit that you were spending money

that you didn't even have'?

I was spending money on the tour.

I had to pay for costumes, rallies, lights, the bus,

everyone's salaries.

Most artists at that level have sponsors, but not me.

Miss Braxton, is it true that you own Gucci silverware?

Objection.

Relevance? He's just trying to make the witness look irresponsible.

Overruled.

Miss Braxton, please answer the question.

I'm sorry, I don't understand what this has to do with anything.

Yes or no'?

Could you just answer the question please?

Yes, I treated myself every once in a while, but...

Thank you.

It only cost two thousand... No further questions, your honor.

Witness is excused.

We had a little money saved.

Almost twenty thousand.

You need money, we can help you, Toni.

Thanks, Mommy, but I'll figure it out on my own.

You keep your money.

What's most important right now is for me to clear my name.

[Knocking]

I'll get it.

Who is it now'?

Keri.

What a nice surprise.

Oh, these are beautiful.

I heard what was going down

and thought you could use a hand.

Oh, you said it.

Follow me.

So... what's going on with you and Keri'?

Nothing.

Mmm-hmm.

Toni's got a boyfriend.

No, I don't.

You know that song'?

I do, how does it go'?

[Singsongy] Toni's got a boyfriend,

♪ Toni's got a boyfriend. ♪

No, I don't.

(Toni) My relationship with Keri began to blossom

during my first tour.

We both slowly realized our connection

was more than just friendship.

Open your eyes.

Happy birthday.

Oh my goodness, Keri, this is beautiful.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

[Phone rings]

I'm sorry, I have to get this. It might be my lawyer about the case.

Hello?

I'll find it before we leave.

♪♪

Tom, we have to get the judge to declare her contract

null and void. Look, I know you're trying to change the way

the entire record industry does business,

but I'm focused on winning this case as it stands.

I just want to make sure that Toni,

and other artists like her, get the compensation they deserve.

It's important.

Not just for me.

Mr. Edmonds, you're also an artist'?

Correct. If you were offered the recording contract

that Miss Braxton was offered, would you have taken it'?

No.

No, I wouldn't have.

Congratulations, Toni.

Thank you.

The label is paying what they owe,

plus the renegotiated amount on your new contract.

With that money you can buy back all your belongings.

Grammy's, Soul Train awards, American Music awards,

all of it.

There's just one condition.

You can't discuss the suit.

No one can know you've received $22 million.

Are you serious?

No, we have to talk about this.

I need to clear my name.

Not for ten years.

Look, Toni, you won.

We know it, they know it.

And you're back in the game. That's all that matters.

Right now the most important thing is to get to work.

A hit record is the best way to clear your name.

Kenny, I never got a chance to tell you,

but I really appreciate what you did for me in court.

Hey, I just told the truth.

You know?

So what do you think about the tracks'?

Oh, yeah I love that last one.

That beat was hot.

Come on, the melody was just whatever

and I don't like how long it takes for the hook to kick in.

I don't know.

Let's just go with the first one.

I don't like the first one.

I want to do an uptempo song.

Can we find another?

Toni'? Toni'?

Toni!

You're pregnant.

Yeah.

You sure'?

I peed on, like, ten sticks. I'm sure.

I thought it was a mistake.

Let me see'?

Look, I know it's soon and everything.

You don't seem too into it.

You don't want to have my baby'?

No.

No, that's not it at all.

There's this acne medicine that I've been taking.

Apparently, it causes birth defects.

They made me sign this letter

promising that I wouldn't take it

if I was trying to get pregnant.

I don't know what to do.

Whatever you decide, I'll support you.

No matter what.

I love you.

The doctor will be right with you.

I can't.

Sorry, but we're gonna have to cancel.

Happy New Year to Paris, and Happy New Year to Europe.

We'll have a healthy, beautiful baby

when the time is right.

["He Wasn't Man Enough" playing] ♪ If you don't know ♪

♪ Now here's your chance ♪

♪ See I've already had your man ♪

♪ Do you wonder just where he's been, yeah ♪

♪ I'll be worried about him, yeah ♪

♪ Now, it's time to know the truth ♪

♪ I think he's just the man for you ♪

♪ What are you thinking? ♪

♪ Do you know about us back then? ♪

Welcome back, Toni Braxton.

♪ Girlfriend, I'm not thinking 'bout him ♪

♪ But you married him'? ♪

♪ Do you know I made him leave ♪

♪ Do you know he begged to stay with me? ♪

♪ He wasn't man enough for men. ♪

♪ So many reasons why our love is through, yeah ♪

♪ What makes you think he'll be good to you ♪

♪ It makes no sense, 'cause he will never change ♪

♪ Girl, you need to recognize the game ♪

[Phone rings]

Hello?

What'?

Come out! Come out, you lying, no-good, son of a...

[Beating on the door]

I'm not coming out of here!

Well, you have to come out of there sometime!

You liar!

You liar!

Toni, thank God you're here.

It's bad.

What's happening?

Mommy found out Daddy was cheating on her.

Daddy bolted himself in the bedroom.

[Glass smashes] We can't get them to stop.

Mom'? Mommy'?

You went around and you humiliated me! [Smashes glass]

That man, the reverend, took a vow before God!

And for nine years he's been running around with that whore!

Nine years!

Come out of there!

I will out it off! I will out it off!

Oh, God.

Oh, God.

Oh, God.

Take" take it off! Here, take... please take it off!

Get it off!

Get it off!

Get it off!

(Father) Toni.

Why, Daddy?

Toni, you know it was never my intention

for things to turn out this way.

Don't you?

Dank go.

(Toni) I knew my Daddy wished he could fake it all back.

And I knew he loved my mom.

But from that moment my family would be changed forever.

Yep, this is next level superstardom.

Streisand, Celine Dion, Elton John.

I can't think of one single black artist

that's done a residency in Vegas like this.

I mean, I know it's a big deal,

but honestly, after my last two albums,

I can't wait to just get off the road

and be in one place and spend time with my boys.

I hear you.

Let's go.

["Breathe Again" plays] ♪ ...if I never feel your tender kiss again ♪

♪ If I never hear "I love you" now and then ♪

♪ Will I never make love to you once again ♪

♪ Please understand if love ends ♪

[Heartbeat quickens]

[Singing continues]

[Alarm goes off]

Five shows a week is harder than I thought.

You regret giving the nanny mornings off yet'?

Uh-uh.

Well, this morning, yeah.

I took this gig so I could take the boys to school every day.

Sometimes I feel like I'm not as connected to them

as I used to be.

Toni.

The boys don't feel that way at all.

They are loving every moment of this.

Thanks.

I'm gonna go wake them up.

No, don't leave yet.

Diezel'?

Wake up.

Denim? Diezel, why are you not brushing your teeth?

Oh, come on. Let's go brush our teeth.

Look, you got your new sweater all wet.

Come on, Diezel. Eat your breakfast.

I don't think he likes it.

You're not hungry, Diezel'?

Diezel, look at Mommy.

Ok, boys, come on.

We're gonna be late.

Let's go.

Come on.

All right, you be good in school. Come on, let's go.

Let's get you all settled.

Bye, Mommy loves you, Ok?

Have fun.

Miss Braxton, do you have a minute'?

Sure.

Please.

Oh, I'm fine, thank you.

Miss Braxton, I need to speak to you regarding Diezel.

He can no longer attend our school.

I'm sorry, did something happen?

Actually, my concern is

that he doesn't interact with his classmates,

he doesn't engage with the teacher or respond to requests.

He prefers to be alone

and struggles with making eye contact.

Diezel's just shy.

He's always been a little quiet.

I think it's more than that.

Your child may have special needs,

and we cannot support his needs at our school.

Have you seen this'?

Diezel shows many of the symptoms.

Diezel doesn't have a behavior problem. He's fine.

Autism doesn't always mean behavioral problems.

Every child is different.

In Diezel's case, the symptoms are mild.

He's young, and with early detection,

it could make all the difference.

My husband and I have already seen two pediatricians

about this who agree that Diezel's a little delayed

but he'll catch up. Miss Braxton, I think you really need to get him tested.

["You Mean The World To Me"] ♪ My heart wants to receive you ♪

♪ Just make me know that you are sincere ♪

Stop. Take it down.

I'm sorry.

Today I found out that my baby boy is autistic.

I just... Can I have a moment?

[Man] Yo, we love you Toni!

I love you, too. [Applause]

We can take it from the top,

but I want to dedicate this to my son.

Diezel, you mean the world to me.

[loud cheering]

[music begins]

All right, so you hold it up at eye-level

but you make sure he looks you right in the eye

before you give it to him.

Oh, good job, Diezel.

Good job.

You know, that's the first time he's looked at me in along time.

Angela is a godsend.

He's making so much progress.

Well, we have to get going.

I need to take him to his next lesson.

Honey, why do you have to do everything?

Where's Keri'?

He helps, but I'm the mother.

And the bread-winner.

And his employer.

Look, I'm just saying, Keri is so talented he could be contributing a lot more.

You been keeping an eye on him'?

I mean, he's not out...

Seriously, Momma?

All men cheat.

All men cheat.

Except Obama.

There you are.

How was your day'? Good.

Yeah?

Got some good stuff.

[Heartbeat racing]

Toni! Toni!

Toni.

Toni!

Help me!

Help me! My wife can't breathe!

Come on Toni! Stay with me, stay with me, T!

What's her name'? Toni.

She might be going into cardiac arrest.

Get the defibrillator ready.

Hold on T! You're gonna be Ok!

Breathe, Toni, breathe!

(Keri) is she gonna be Ok'? Is she gonna be Ok'?

My chest...

Whoa, T. You had a heart attack, you gotta stay in bed.

We got you in to see a specialist we found.

He's supposed to be the best.

Listen, if I don't get on stage

there's hundreds of people who won't get paid.

So I think it's best I start pushing myself.

["Seven Whole Days" plays] ♪ I can't take it ♪

♪ Won't take it Can't take it no more ♪

♪ Had about enough of you ♪

♪ I'd rather be on my own, yes ♪

[Doctor] You're one strong woman, Toni.

I can't believe you've been performing night after night with your condition.

Braxton blood. We're built tough.

Have you ever heard of Lupus?

Maybe.

It's an autoimmune disorder.

In your case, it's affecting your organs.

Other forms of the disease

attack the body in different ways.

The form you have, it attacks your heart.

Which is why you've been having chest pains,

shortness of breath, and other heart attack symptoms.

Now you've said that you've always had trouble breathing?

Yes, but I can't think of anyone in my direct family

who has it.

Maybe you've had the disease along time

but working so hard is what has made your body weaker.

And frankly, from your test results,

you're lucky to be alive.

Ok, so how do we fix it'?

Unfortunately there's no cure.

But there are things you can do to help control the disease.

The first thing you need to do is rest.

Ok, I guess I could take a couple days off.

I'm not talking days.

I'm talking months.

Years. Maybe even the rest of your career.

You can't go on tour and do big shows like this anymore.

I need you to take a rest...

No, no, no. You don't understand.

Everyone depends on me.

My family, my fans.

I just renewed my contract with Vegas.

They're expecting me for another year.

And then we have the kids and those bills...

T, slow down.

I can't.

I can't slow down.

You don't have a choice.

I need you to start chemotherapy immediately.

I don't want anyone to know that I'm sick, Ok?

No one can know I have Lupus.

Promise me.

I promise.

I promise.

["He Wasn't Man Enough" playing]

[Heartbeat racing]

[Gasps]

Somebody help!

Toni! Baby, wake up!

Go get somebody!

(Toni) I dealt with my anxiety by staying in survival mode.

I just worked and worked and worked

until one day my body stopped working.

You're being sued.

What'? By who?

All the vendors at the Flamingo.

Why? After you cancelled the Vegas show the insurance company

refused to cover the expenses.

Now the hotel vendors are coming after you for missed revenue.

How much are they suing me for'?

Millions.

You two need to figure something out.

Work out some deals with some people. Something.

Hey, bud.

Mom, when are you gonna make the cupcakes for tomorrow?

Marta was supposed to make them for you before she went home.

Go see if you can catch her and remind her.

Keri'?

Can you...

Where are you going?

To the studio.

Don't forget you gotta take Diezel

to his therapy in the morning.

Oh, right.

Seriously?

No. No.

I'm on it.

How are your studio sessions coming'?

You finish that track for Kenny Latimore'?

Not yet, but I'm gonna work on it tonight.

You've been working on it for three months.

And I'd be finished if it wasn't for all the stuff

I gotta do for you.

What's that supposed to mean'?

It means that I'm so busy doing everything for you

I don't have time to work on my own stuff.

I gotta go-

Oh, so it's my fault.

What do you want from me, Toni'? Hmm'?

I've worked for you for the last ten years.

What gig can I possibly get that's gonna make enough money

to solve all of our financial problems right now'?

You know we have to declare bankruptcy again, right'?

I thought we worked this all out with the banks.

Yeah, well the Vegas vendors reneged.

We gotta pay.

Damn.

We'll figure it out, Ok?

No, stop saying "we".

It's me who has to figure it out.

The vendors aren't coming for you.

My name is the one that's up there.

They're coming for me and you can't help.

T?

T.

T?

Ker.

You should be in bed.

I could say the same about you.

Sometimes I feel so alone.

What do you want to do'?

I can't do this anymore.

This is not what I wanted.

Me either.

(Toni) Marriage can be challenging.

But when you're also faced with an illness that can be deadly,

there's an even bigger struggle.

There was always a lot of love between us

but sometimes love just isn't enough.

["Pulse" playing] ♪ They say that from the looks of it ♪

♪ That you and I probably won't make it ♪

♪ I know that somewhere ♪

♪ The love is still there ♪

♪ They can say what they want to ♪

♪ That's why I'm feeling for a pulse ♪

♪ 'Cause I can feel his breathing ♪

♪ Feel my heart beatin' ♪

♪ Seems a little weak here ♪

♪ But I know that we can come back to life ♪

♪ I'm feeling for a pulse ♪

♪ 'Cause I can feel his breathing ♪

♪ Feel my heart beatin' ♪

♪ It seems a little weak here ♪

♪ But I know that we can come back to life... ♪

Mommy?

Towanda'?

Whoa, Whoa, Whoa, Whoa.

T. Why are you out of the bed'?

It's fine.

You should be resting.

Can I get you something?

Uh-uh.

Ok then, come sit down.

The Grammy's are upstairs.

I feel like my heart is gonna explode.

Right. Hold on.

They say they can reschedule but you'd have to perform the same night you arrive.

I can't. I need at least a day in between to rest.

Toni, why don't you just tell the world that you have Lupus?

And then people will understand.

I won't work again, Mommy.

That's not true.

You will always work, Toni.

Just forget it.

Let me call you back.

Let's let Toni get some rest.

(Toni) I finally had enough.

I was so tired.

I was hiding the truth for years.

Today I decided to face my truth.

Hi.

My name is Toni Braxton, and I am a Lupus survivor.

[Applause]

Wow. That was the first time I admitted it publicly.

I was afraid that if people knew I had it

they wouldn't hire me.

Lupus didn't stop me from living my life,

but I did allow it to stop me from living my truth.

But no more.

No more hiding.

I want to take back control of my life.

I don't want to be a victim.

I am an overcomer.

Thank you.

Oooh, why you got us in those ugly dresses?

Why would you do that to us'?

Listen, the dresses, the hair, all of it.

Y'all looked perfect.

Mmm-hmm.

So perfect you brought it back twice.

What'?

[Clears throat]

What'?

So... we want to do a reality show.

"We" who'?

Me, Trina, Towanda, Traci-Ann.

Oh, hell no, I ain't doing no reality show.

Why not'?

See'? Told you.

Now, hear them out, Toni.

My life is a reality show.

Yeah, your life, T.

Not ours.

Ok, just listen to this.

We gonna call it The Braxton Family Values

and it's gonna be the bomb.com..

And she, being about her business,

even found a network who's gonna put...

Wait, your business?

No. Yes, my business.

I'm the one that made the phone call No, no, no.

We are a family.

No, that's not even a point.

Lies.

Ok, so the point is

they ain't gonna do it if you ain't in it.

You're the name, T. Look, all you gotta do is just say you'll be attached.

Yeah, we'll be the focus.

I mean, everybody always helping you,

why can't you help nobody else?

That's enough. For real, it's always gotta be about Toni.

I said that's enough, Tamar.

Ugh.

Mommy, I can't.

With the Lupus and everything, how am I just gonna expose myself like that?

There are days that I can't even get out of bed.

How am I gonna have cameras around me 24/7'?

I understand.

But your sisters need your help.

Mommy, when does it end'?

I got them the record deal. I put them in videos,

brought them on tour, took them to Vegas,

put them in meetings. I've done everything in my power to help.

Yeah.

Yes, you have.

I'm sorry, Toni.

For what'?

For being hard on you all these years.

I see that I put a big burden on your shoulders,

making you feel responsible for your sisters.

But I guess I was just terrified of losing my family.

But I hope that you know

that I have always been proud of you.

And not just an artist,

but the woman, Toni Braxton.

And I love you.

Come here.

I mean, this is stupid.

This is my story.

That ain't funny. ♪ This is my song ♪

That ain't funny.

♪ Praising my saviour... ♪

I guess there's some singing going on.

♪ This is my story ♪

♪ This is my song ♪

♪ Praising my saviour all the daylong ♪

♪ This is my story ♪

♪ This is my song ♪

♪ Praising my saviour ♪

♪ All the day ♪

♪ All the day ♪

♪ All the daylong ♪

[Man] So what makes you want to do a reality TV show?

For my family, although they're all stars in their own right.

I need to stop'? Y'all need to stop attacking me.

'Wall were just sayin' last week

that Toni get all the attention...

No!

No one said that.

To get your life.

You know what? You gonna make me slap the piss out of you.

New, I gaffe ask. Can we expect any new music any time soon'?

Are there plans to release an album?

Toni Braxton stunned the music world

when she announced in an interview

she's retiring from the music biz.

You know, I just haven't felt connected

to making music anymore.

I guess you could say I've fallen out of love with it.

Your fans are going to be very disappointed to hear that.

I love my fans. They're everything to me,

but music just hasn't felt right in a long time.

Are you telling the world that you're retiring?

Yeah, I guess I am.

T, the phone has been ringing off the hook.

Prince, Anita Baker, Madonna, Barbara Streisand...

What are you talking about'?

Here.

"Don't quit singing, Toni. The world needs you.

Love, Anita."

Mmm-hmm.

"Don't quit." Madonna.

"We've all been where you are, sing away."

Prince.

Yes. Prince.

Your fans are calling the radio and the entertainment shows

begging you not to quit.

Your interview created quite a commotion.

Aw, it's really sweet.

"AW"?

That's it'?

I'm done, Noba.

[Doorbell rings]

You mind seeing who that is for me'?

Hey! Hey.

Ken'? Oh my goodness!

Hi!

It's been too long.

Come in. Come sit.

Thank you.

So, how are you feeling?

Today is a good day.

Come on, it's me, Toni.

Ok, some days are better than others.

The flare-ups aren't predictable, so you never know.

So um... what is this I hear about you quitting music?

I'm tired, Ken.

I have nothing else left to give.

Remember when you first came to LaFace'?

I was so country.

Uh huh. I didn't know a thing, I just wanted to sing.

Yep.

And success, record sales, branding,

none of that stuff meant anything to you.

You need to get back to that place, Toni.

What if no one cares'?

As long as you have that voice

there will always be fans who want to hear you sing.

And I'm one of them.

Sucker. Come here.

Wait, how about... here.

No, I don't like that.

I think that we should just keep it right here in A,

right there. So let's just keep it at that.

Kenny, I love you,

but I'm not just here to do

whatever you tell me to do anymore.

So either we're gonna really collaborate, or...

I don't know.

All right.

Go ahead.

Show me what you got.

Ok.

So as I was saying, we can try here,

then maybe going into the E-flat back into your A-minor.

Ok, yeah.

Yeah, I like that. I like that.

But add your part.

At the same time.

["Hurt You" playing] ♪ Here we go.. ♪

♪ Damn, here we go again ♪

[Woman] I love you, Babyface!

♪ Loving you has caused me so much pain ♪

♪ But you don't see it ♪

♪ You never see it ♪

♪ So why apologize ♪

♪ I was just doing what I had to do, baby ♪

♪ An eye for an eye ♪

♪ God knows I never meant to hurt you ♪

♪ I never meant to break your heart ♪

♪ Your heart baby ♪

♪ God knows I never meant to turn you on ♪

♪ Turn you out ♪

♪ Never meant to take it that far ♪

♪ That far, baby ♪

♪ God knows I never meant to hurt you ♪

♪ Hurt you ♪

♪ Hurt you ♪ ♪ Hurt you.. ♪

[Cheering and Applause]

Toni Braxton!

And Babyface!

[Cheering]

(Toni) It's truly a blessing to have all your dreams come true.

But as I've learned the hard way,

even the most blessed life is not without pain.

There's Mom.

Hi, Mom!

[Cheering]

She is amazing! Yes, it's her!

She looks amazing!!

She is amazing!!

[Reporter] This is the first time in years you two have collaborated.

Tell me, what was different this time around?

Well, why don't we let Toni answer that'?

Well, this time...

[Announcer] And the Grammy for best R&B Album of the year goes to...

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Toni Braxton.

(Toni) For so long I tried to hide my pain.

Tried to ignore it, tried to push it away.

But pain is a great teacher.

My pain has made me wiser and more than anything

has made me the woman that I am today.

♪ Unbreak my heart ♪

♪ Say you love me again ♪

♪ Undo this hurt that you caused ♪

♪ When you walked out the door ♪

♪ And out of my life ♪

♪ Uncry these tears ♪

♪ I cried so many, many nights ♪

♪ Unbreak my ♪

♪ Unbreak my heart baby ♪

♪ Come back and say you love me ♪

♪ Unbreak my heart, sweet darlin' ♪

♪ Without you I just can't go on ♪

♪ Baby, baby, yeah ♪

♪ Can't go on, no ♪

♪ Unbreak my heart ♪

[vocalizing]

♪