06x05 - Stronger Than My Rival

[bunniefuu]

LUCIOUS: Previously on Empire It fits you, but remember, I'm back now.

We need you to make a public statement clarifying what you said about abortion.

We don't need the I was pretty clear.

I'm a Bossy lady now.

You signed her behind my back.

Philly Street used to be hot back in the day.

He's a nobody.

LUCIOUS: Philly Street.

I heard you've been talking about me.

Therapy's for white people, girl.

You need to deal with this before you get fired.

COOKIE: I can't sleep.

Why can't I sleep?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(DOOR CLOSES)

(HEELS CLICKING)

(KEYS JINGLE, THUD)

(BREATHING HEAVY)

(GRUNTS)

(expl*si*n BOOMS)

COOKIE: Ain't nothing in this world I haven't fought long and hard for: My freedom, my family, my life.

(GLASS SHATTERS)

Never in a million years did I think it would end like this.

Boy, did I underestimate your weak ass.

(FOREBODING MUSIC)

(SNIFFLES)

What I wouldn't give to see your beautiful smile again, baby.

I am so sorry I let that lying bitch steal your heart.

(SNIFFLES)

Cookie stole everything from me.

Everything.

I promise you, my darling, I will take back what's mine.

(HUMMING)

Uh (CHUCKLES)

Lucious, what are you doing in here?

This is the master bedroom, and I'm the master.

Fine.

I thought you was comfortable over there in the guest wing.

You've been hiding out over there for days.

Okay, now, why is my stuff in these cheap-ass boxes?

'Cause I'm moving back into my bedroom, and I want you out of here by the end of the night.

You can move into any room that makes you feel comfortable.

You can be the guest.

You must be out of your damn mind.

No, I'm tired of living in my house like I'm a guest.

Why are you coming at me like this, Lucious?

You know why I'm coming at you!

You betrayed me.

When I was good to you, you lied to me.

n*gro, I have forgiven you a million times for your dirty, little filthy lies, and you can't forgive me for once?

'Cause you don't deserve it.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

You humiliated me by confiding in that son of a bitch Damon.

Damon held me hostage, and sh*t me because of you.

No, because of you.

Juanita!

I got research for my show, and I have a fundraiser to host.

- I don't have time for this BS.

- LUCIOUS: Do me a favor.

Have the movers move these boxes into whatever room Cookie wants.

Juanita, ignore him.

He's on his period.

Why don't y'all just call me when you've made up your mind about what you really want to do?

Nobody asked for COOKIE: Nobody asked you nothing, Juanita.

Thank you.

Bye-bye.

That one-legged fool holds grudges like a toddler.

Hmm.

You talked a great deal about Lucious.

So, if Lucious is, in your words, the problem, why are you fighting so hard to stay in the house with him?

Well, because Empire built that house.

Damn right.

And I built Empire, so that makes it my damn house.

And Andre is there with my new grandbaby, and I'm not going nowhere this time.

That's the family house, and I shouldn't have to leave.

Nope, not this time.

Mm-mm.

So, it's not Lucious that's keeping you there?

No.

I didn't miss his ass when he was gone.

You know, when we were young, my sister Carol brought home this little mangy lost dog, and that little thing just, "Yap, yap, yap, yap.

" I just and he had nasty fur that he got all over everything.

And when his owner finally came and got him, I kind of missed him.

You know, like that.

DR.

WICK: Okay, so you're comparing your husband, the man you married twice, the father of your children with whom you built Empire to a mangy dog?

And I'm being nice.

But see, you would understand if you met him.

Okay.

Let's discuss setting up some clear and healthy boundaries while you and your mangy dog Mm-hmm.

Are under the same roof.

(UPBEAT HIP-HOP MUSIC)

LUCIOUS: Philly Street.

How you doing, brother?

PHILLY STREET: Huh.

You kicked me out of your movie.

Now you come all the way down here to rub it in my face?

No, you just popped up out of the middle of nowhere.

What was that about?

Everybody knows there wouldn't be no Lucious Lyon if it wasn't for Philly Street.

Oh, you think so, huh?

Oh, I know so.

(TENSE MUSIC)

Now I'm spitting with you.

(CHUCKLES)

Lucious, I was locked up for a dub.

I been let that go.

But this movie, that's your job, man.

Do whatever the hell you choose.

But I am honored that you took the time to come down and see me.

(CHUCKLES)

Ain't you full of surprises, man?

I thought I was gonna come down here; you'd be all Bent out of shape, 'cause you blew up when I was locked up?

Hell no.

I meant no disrespect, man.

It's just this is the Lucious Lyon legacy.

Philly Street deserves his own damn movie, man.

Nah.

Lucious, there's not one day that I don't regret laying that boy Khalil down for robbing me.

He got me for a mil.

But, man, if I wouldn't have picked up that g*n and pulled that trigger, I could have got that back!

Lucious, I could have got that back 100 times.

That's on me.

Look here, man.

I want you to come by the studio.

And you and me, we gonna chop it up in front of them boards the way we should have done a long time ago.

- For real?

- Real talk.

(EXHALES DEEPLY)

Thank you, man.

You're welcome.

(EMOTIONAL MUSIC)

ANDRE: Tiana's departure hurts, but it also affords us new opportunities.

We need to fast track Treasure's album.

She's poised to be an even bigger star than Tiana.

Wait, Treasure ain't no way near ready.

We still have a few tracks to record.

Let's get her in the studio today and knock it out.

LUCIOUS: Wait, hold on.

Forgive me for interrupting, son, but why have we moved up Treasure's release date?

Jamal's in London, and Hakeem is filming.

But to the audience, that's gonna look like we replaced our most beloved female artist with just another female artist.

Looking at the marketplace and our competitor's release schedule, Pop, well, this is the best move.

No, no, no, no.

We never go chasing after competitors.

We lead the pack.

What we need to do is go with Devon, something new.

Um, everybody take ten, please.

Empire is breaking records worldwide and on my watch, okay?

So, you can trust me.

No, no, I know, and I'm so proud of how you've led this company while I was gone.

I appreciate that Pop, okay?

But Treasure has a massive following.

There's no controversy surrounding her.

Her metrics mirror Tiana's.

Metrics, metrics.

My God, you sound like Kingsley.

I mean, I taught you better than that.

Look, why don't we have a little contest?

Now, we'll have Treasure and Devon both record the same single, and we'll put it out and see what the fans like.

So whoever gets the most streams, gets Tiana's release date?

That is if you're up for a little father-son challenge.

Always.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

("thr*at" PLAYS)

GISELLE: Bossy is bold.

It's bracing.

It's badass.

It's a brave new venture.

It's truly a first for women in music.

Bossy is bank, which is why I'm proud to say Bossy Media is my brand-new home.

Trying to settle the score GISELLE: Tiana is a phenomenal talent.

We are proud to have this iconic female artist as our premiere act.

Lala is her name, Our debut artist who's unlike anything you've ever heard.

She's fresh talent who allows Bossy to curate our own stage.

So watch out, world.

Apologize if you think my beauty is a thr*at "Bad or Bossy"?

- What the hell is this?

- Just turn it off, please.

How did an exclusive turn into a bashing?

Well, actually, I really blame them, the way you out here trotting around Empire's ex as if we're breaking brand-new ground.

Becky, we talked about this.

Tiana was the get we needed to kick our girl-boss goals into high gear.

It is not a good look when the two women in charge aren't on the same page.

Oh, okay, then won't you tell me what is a good look, then, sis?

Because it certainly is not the cover art that you chose for Lala's album.

Well, it definitely isn't those three interns you hired who work about as hard as Lala sings.

All right, I'm gonna take an early lunch.

Come on.

What are you doing, running away?

- We have to talk this out.

- BECKY: Uh-uh.

I need to go before I say something disrespectful to my elders.

Elders?

Really, sis?

(STOMPING)

(SOFT R&B MUSIC)

Lately, you've been up to your neck in stress So, what do you think?

Yours to record, a bona fide Empire hit.

Yeah, written for Tiana, right?

World up on your shoulders Breaking you down (MUSIC STOPS)

I'd like you to record this as your first single.

I don't wanna clout chase off of her leftovers.

I'm my own artist.

And an incredible one.

Which is Empire is prepared to put all resources behind your debut.

A hit single, appearances, promotions It's because you can do with this song what Tiana couldn't.

You can elevate it.

I just wanna elevate music that tells my story and my sound, you know?

I want that for you too, which is also why I've already set up your session.

The sooner you record, the sooner your album's released.

(SOLEMN MUSIC)

Porsha's waiting for you in studio three.

Oh, I'm not done here.

Yeah, but he is.

(SCOFFS)

Hey, Juanita.

Ooh, that look good.

Hi, Ms.

Cookie.

Uh, Juanita Yes?

What the hell is this?

Mr.

Lucious said anything with his name on it was off limits, and he left very strict instructions.

The horseradish?

(COOKIE SCOFFS)

He's so petty.

You can tell Mr.

Lucious that he can kiss my black ass.

Is everything all right, Cookie?

Ooh!

Everything is perfect now that my little angel is here.

(COOKIE SNIFFS)

Walker is getting ready for his first wellness checkup.

Oh.

Have you seen Andre?

He was supposed to meet us here and he's late.

Oh, you know that boy.

He's probably already at the doctor's office waiting for y'all.

If you hear from him, tell him that we had to go.

COOKIE: Okay.

Uh, really, Juanita, right in my face?

Well, Mr.

Lucious said that Teri and Walker were on his list.

Oh, you finna end up on my list.

You his hitman now?

I'm sorry, Cookie.

That's (SIGHS)

Let's just hope Andre didn't get petty from his father.

He already got cra never mind.

Have a good day.

- Thank you, Cookie.

- COOKIE: Mm-hmm.

(SOFT R&B MUSIC)

I know your world is moving fast, but Let me put you in cruise Enjoy the ride Let me kick back with you BACKUP SINGERS: Let me kick back with you Okay, that's hot.

Turn it up just a little bit more.

I got you, mommy.

I got you.

Cruise Let me get you right You deserve to feel cool BACKUP SINGERS: Baby Cut, cut.

I'm sorry.

I'm not feeling this whack-ass track.

Here we go.

Can you give us a sec?

Not a problem.

(SIGHS)

(DOOR OPENS)

- You know what I'm not feeling?

- (DOOR CLOSES)

Your whack-ass attitude.

But guess what.

I'm here anyway.

You wanna know why?

Because I got a lot to prove as a new A&R.

Okay, and I have a lot to prove as a new artist.

Keep playing with Andre, and he gonna cancel the both of our asses.

Porsha, listen.

All I'm trying to say is that when the fans hear this song, they're gonna know that Empire just threw me one of Tiana's tracks, because she flew the coop.

And that's not okay.

It's creative su1c1de.

Then breathe some life into this joint.

I can play with the track, throw some bass on it, and you can make it your own.

Okay.

- Okay?

- Yeah.

DEVON: Let me put you In cruise Enjoy the ride, let me kick back with you Late night feelings on cruise Let me get you right You deserve to feel cool All these good vibes We can put that on cruise BACKUP SINGERS: Cruise Glad you could make it.

(SIGHS)

What else did I have to do?

DEVON: To catch all your fears And for every day goes by PHILLY STREET: Oh, that boy phenomenal.

Where'd you find him?

Actually, in a junkyard.

DEVON: Wearing wings Have a seat, man.

DEVON: I can put you in cruise Enjoy the ride And let me kick back with you Man, it's been a while since I've been in a lab.

I can't lie.

I miss it.

DEVON: You deserve to feel cool All these good vibes I can put it on cruise Yo, why don't you throw some harmonies on that junk?

Why don't you do it?

Seriously?

Absolutely.

Youngblood could use a little old school, don't you think?

Yeah.

And if it works out, I always could use another hit-maker on the squad.

DEVON: Late night feelings on cruise BACKUP SINGERS: I'll get you right Every time, baby DEVON: Let me get you right You deserve to feel cool BACKUP SINGERS: Girl, you deserve it You deserve it DEVON: All these good vibes I can put it on cruise Cruise Yeah, yeah - I just wanna cruise - (MUSIC STOPS)

Now, I'm sure you guys can all agree we've just witnessed another Empire classic in the making.

So let's get this Just dump it right there on the table, fellas, right in the middle.

- Hello, everybody!

- Wait, what are you doing?

COOKIE: Christmas has come early.

You get a Gucci.

You got Prada, girl!

Take your pick.

There's Gucci.

Oh, baby, that'll look good on you, honey.

- Go ahead, make yourself - Everybody, out, out.

- Everybody, out right now.

- COOKIE: Okay, everybody, out.

LUCIOUS: Out!

"Everybody out.

" Why didn't you take them Gucci shoes?

They match your jacket.

Have you lost your damn mind?

I might have.

You don't want my stuff in the house, Lucious, so I figured your stuff is better off here in your Empire.

Let me tell you something, Lucious.

You don't wanna feel like a stranger in our house.

That's fine, but I will be damned if I'm made to feel like I don't belong there.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Now, pick up your peg leg and match your suit, you damn pirate.

(SULTRY MUSIC)

(LAUGHTER)

What gives?

Apparently, you do.

A lot, according to Hey Girl Hey.

"Devon 'swangs' that 'thang'"?

(SCOFFS)

I don't even get down like that.

You rocking and knocking somebody boots up in here.

And it's not your girl Tiana, so Wait, hold up.

That's not that's not even me.

Okay.

I'm not mad if it is.

Are you, sis?

No, not at all.

I mean, Tiana might be, but I'm good.

I don't get how a video of me goes viral, and it's not even me.

LUCIOUS: Listen, you just gotta understand that nobody in this room is above a little controversy.

I swear on my life.

I don't need to pimp my junk to sell records.

My music speaks for itself.

One would hope.

LUCIOUS: I've got the head of tech working overtime trying to figure out who's behind this whole thing, and I bet you it's some little kid up in Russia doing the whole damn thing.

But Publicity has put out a statement.

All you need to do is just keep working on your music, and this whole thing is gonna blow over.

- I promise you.

- Of course.

- Just fix it.

- I will.

You'll be all right, man.

I been through worse.

(CURIOUS MUSIC)

So, the Russians are not only trying to undermine our democracy; they're trying to derail Devon?

Well, if the goal was to derail Devon, they have failed miserably, because he's about to become a household name and his single it's already breaking the Top 10 as we speak.

How's your Treasure doing?

(PEACEFUL MUSIC)

CANDACE: Hmm.

"Visuge" steaming, Cookie, really?

All right, sis, we really could have rescheduled the fundraiser meeting.

Okay, look, both of y'all.

I said that I have research for hot topics, okay, while we finalize the fundraising details, all right?

Don't burn out on me now.

No, it's kind of hard to do that when you feel like you got fire up your coo ALL: Ooh.

- (CANDACE LAUGHS)

- Ooh.

I mean, sis, she getting real ready down there.

You sure you're not prepping for a little Tea Talk with Lucious?

- CANDACE: Ooh.

- Child, please.

Me and that man haven't two-stepped to the same b*at in in a minute Anyway, he won't forgive me, so Shouldn't he be seeking forgiveness for what he put you through?

Hmm?

Yeah, well, my therapist said Excuse you.

Therapist?

Yes, I'm seeing a therapist, b*tches.

But, sis, you dumped Lucious' clothes all over Empire.

I'm not too sure the therapy is working.

It is called setting healthy boundaries, okay?

I'm not so sure that's what your therapist meant.

You need to take time for yourself.

Stop working so hard, and get out of that vicious cycle with Lucious.

CAROL: Hmm.

Sis, the cycle is called marriage, and it wouldn't be so vicious if she would just admit she wants Lucious back.

You know the man loves her dirty drawers no matter how much he acts out.

But it's not healthy.

All of this back-and-forth, it's like their twisted version of foreplay.

Why are y'all two sitting up here, talking about me like I'm not in the room?

Well.

All I got to say, sis, is you need to kick back and enjoy the steam, because that girl is about to go on a bumpy-ass ride.

Mm.

- You still a slut.

- (LAUGHS)

(REFRIGERATOR DOOR OPENS)

LUCIOUS: Ain't this a bitch.

There ain't nothing sweet in this damn house.

(CLATTERS)

Walker's breast milk is probably not the answer you're looking for.

Um you might try being a little sweeter to Cookie.

I promise you, darling, this is not a fight that you wanna pick sides with.

Please, that's the last thing I wanna do.

Now, she'd never admit this to you, but she missed you, everybody did, especially Andre.

And then you came back like a tornado.

I I wasn't expecting that.

Welcome to the Lyon pride.

You know, Quincy's father was a lot like you.

He was headstrong, yet sensitive.

When he was hurt, instead of talking to me, he lashed out.

And he didn't mean to, but he drove me away.

Teri I firmly believe that Andre lucked out with you.

Oh.

But unlike Quincy's father, I'm one of a kind.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(UPBEAT MUSIC)

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

Cookie, thoughts on the Yoni craze?

Well, this hot girl likes to keep it cool down under in the summer, honey.

So all you girls out there trying to sell this Yoni steam dream, it was a nightmare, honey.

(LAUGHTER)

Can we please say a prayer for the real hot girl who's not having such a hot time right now: My new fav, Tiana?

I mean, between the Left terrorizing her and this R&B star who is cheating on her in a video that I cannot take my eyes off of Oh.

So, let me get this straight.

So, you can do without black people, but it's okay for you to fantasize over the big, black I hear that we have a very special guest that's here to clear up the Devon sex tape controversy.

Oh, very special.

Please welcome to Tea Talk the founder of Empire, the legend himself, Lucious Lyon!

(EXCITING MUSIC)

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

Morning, ladies.

SPECTATOR: I love you, Lucious!

How y'all doing?

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

(TENSE MUSIC)

Okay, let's get onto our next hot chocolate um, topic of the day, and that is this sex tape.

Is it a win for Devon?

Um, what's a win for Devon is this new single.

It's an absolute win for his fans.

Well, I think it's a shame that that boy's talent is being overshadowed by his p*stol.

(LAUGHTER)

And it does cast quite a shadow.

(LAUGHTER)

When he say it's not him, I believe it's not him.

Okay, well, then, that makes me wonder who faked the video.

Devon, baby, if you're out there watching, you may wanna reconsider the record company you keep.

Speaking of company, Lucious, how is losing Tiana affecting Empire?

Artists do come and go from labels.

Oh, oh, no, no, not superstars.

See, Empire's loss is definitely Bossy Media's gain.

Oh!

They are also a sponsor for the Cookie Lyon Community Center Fundraiser I'm having this weekend.

Yes!

And I'm gonna stream live nationwide.

And I still haven't received my invitation yet.

Yes, and I'm waiting for your donation.

But I bought the damn place, and without me, you wouldn't even have the fundraiser.

What you're not gonna do, Lucious, is come up here and lay claim on my success, right, ladies?

ALL: Yes!

COOKIE: You know how men like to do that?

Lift up their leg like a little dog on a fire hydrant.

That's the last thing I'm trying to do.

What I really wanna say is that at that fundraiser, we're gonna have Devon perform his single and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the Cookie Lyon Community Center.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

That's a man.

That's a good man.

Generous.

It's just that Giselle barely ever listens to me, and we disagree on everything.

And who thinks that Tiana needs to be the face of anything right now?

- For real.

- Okay, okay, all right, Becky.

Did you not just see what Lucious did to me on national television?

Hmm?

- Oh, my God, Cookie, I'm - COOKIE: Jeez.

I'm so sorry.

I came all this way.

Please focus on me.

God.

(EXHALES DEEPLY)

- Okay.

- Sometimes All right, all right.

So, you're freaking out, 'cause you're all in and this is all you got.

Bossy is your dream, Becky.

You can't give up without a fight.

I'm just saying, like, am I wrong?

Because we're a brand-new label, okay?

We need to be launching fresh, new talent.

Maybe I'm just not cut out for this.

If it's that easy for you to walk away from your investment, your sacrifices then maybe the dream was never yours in the first place, Becky.

I really hate when you do this.

What, tell the truth?

- (LAUGHS)

- Yes, exactly.

I have the best idea.

Let me help Tiana on her road to recovery.

Have her come and perform at my fundraiser.

Okay, but that sounds like you think that I was wrong and that Giselle was right.

Becky, do you wanna be right, or do you wanna be a boss bitch?

What exactly is stopping me from being a right boss bitch?

Okay, I'ma leave that with you.

I'm wrong?

Well, well, well.

Hello, Lucious.

Your little reunion that you set up between me and Philly Street Hmm?

It really paid off.

The brother's pen game is tight, and so he's a producer here now at Empire.

Really?

What's wrong, Trace?

You look stunned.

Mm.

You didn't cut Philly Street from the script because of his pen game.

(SIGHS)

Something in this piss ain't pure.

You would know.

Yours never was, was it?

And by the way, if you're wondering, you're still not in the film.

- (CHUCKLES)

- (CLICKS TONGUE)

I'm the mother of your first-born child, Lucious.

You can rewrite a script, but you can't rewrite history.

Well, we all know that.

The winner always writes history, and we agree that's me.

(LIZZO'S "JUICE")

(LAUGHS)

Becky.

Okay.

LIZZO: Ain't my fault That I'm out here getting loose Gotta blame it on the Goose Gotta blame it That video is BS.

I would never play you like that.

I know you wouldn't.

LIZZO: I'm the pudding in the proof Gotta blame it on my juice Ya-ya-ee Ya-ya-ee, ya-ya-ee Ya-ya-ee, blame it on my juice Blame it, blame it on my juice Ya-ya-ee Ya-ya-ee, ya-ya-ee Ya-ya-ee, blame it on my juice Blame it, blame it on my juice Right there.

Oh, wow.

Tracy's here.

Uh, uh, uh.

- Keep it classy.

- Right.

Tonight's about second chances.

I thought NA meetings were on Wednesdays.

Really, Cookie?

You owe me.

Take some singles, ladies.

Let me talk to my friend Tracy here.

(BOTH FAKE LAUGH)

How long you gonna hold that over me, huh?

Besides, that debt's been paid, or aren't you enjoying running around Empire like you belong?

Oh, honey, can't we just get along?

I mean, we have so much in common.

Just look at our past.

Oh, no, see, my past holds a husband and multimillion-dollar music company.

Your past holds a cr*ck pipe Uh, Tracy, it's so good to see you again, honey.

- You look gorgeous, gorgeous.

- Thank you.

You know she just dropped 25,000 on a table, right?

Oh, well, excuse me.

I'm sorry.

- She's at table three, correct?

- Mm-hmm.

Carol will show you to your table.

- My apologies.

- Mm-hmm.

Oh, and Snow White, don't get it twisted.

You're not a major player here, okay?

You're just an addict with money to blow.

But we appreciate your generosity.

You look fabulous.

One of our donors.

This way, girl.

LIZZO: It ain't my fault that I'm out here Getting loose Gotta blame it on the Goose Gotta blame it on my juice, baby Look at you.

On point as always.

Hmm.

The more charm you throw, the more snake I know you are.

- What are you up to, Lucious?

- What's wrong?

Can't I show some appreciation to my beautiful wife and all the wonderful things you've accomplished?

I'm so proud of you.

MAN: Lucious, get an interview?

No, thank you.

Don't ruin tonight with your petty games.

Please, Lucious.

This is very important to me.

I promise you, tonight is all about you.

Hmm.

Ladies and gentlemen, Lucious.

(DRAMATIC HIP-HOP MUSIC)

- You're walking too fast.

- Girl, I'm Becky, what Listen, I wanna apologize for letting my beliefs get in between our business.

I really don't wanna fight with you no more.

Well, me neither.

Are we good?

- Okay.

- Good.

- COOKIE: Hey.

- Yeah, we're good.

Ooh, Cookie, listen.

Thank you for the lifeline for the Tiana performance.

Yeah, I'm sorry.

I'm gonna have to pull her.

What?

Yeah, the people over there in these T-shirts will act a fool and protest if Tiana gets on that stage.

Now, I can't have them ruining my fundraiser.

It's too important.

Yeah, but we can't afford to have Tiana cancelled again.

I am doing you a favor.

We are live-streaming this event.

If that girl gets up on that stage, the internet is gonna crush her, and my center will suffer.

I'm sorry.

This has damn Lucious written all over it.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

COOKIE: Whoo!

Welcome, everybody!

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

- (LAUGHS)

- PARTYGOER: Cookie!

Whoo!

Do we have an incredible performance for you tonight.

Uh, no, ladies, it's not Devon.

Please allow me to introduce Empire's own Treasure.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

(SLOW R&B MUSIC)

Oh A story never change When you keep it true And people never take time To read it through And that's why I do what I wanna do Do, yeah Wish I knew then What I know now But then again I'ma do what I want, yeah, do what I want, yeah Whatever I choose, baby It's not up to you, baby No, it's not up to you MAYA: She's k*lling it.

I ain't thinking of you And the b*at knocks thanks to me.

Babe, you won.

(BOTH LAUGH)

You, you, you Talk less, don't say much Live your life, your life I'm good You see me Live your life, your life BACKUP SINGERS: I'm good, you see me Live your life, your life Ooh, whoa 'Cause I ain't worried 'bout you (CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

COOKIE: Yes!

Let's give it up for Treasure.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

Whoo.

Because of your belief in second chances, this center will be able to give women and girls at risk a second opportunity in a world that so often dismisses them.

(APPLAUSE)

Mm-hmm.

Truth is, I benefitted from a second chance.

(SOLEMN MUSIC)

So I know how valuable they are.

Where's your father?

He's not coming to see you today.

Bam.

(LAUGHS)

You are not a part of my company.

You're not wanted here.

You're a ghetto rat.

- You'll always be a ghetto rat.

- A ghetto rat?

Don't you touch me.

Empire was mine!

You built this company on my back.

- (GLASS SHATTERS)

- Oh, you a (SMACKS THUDDING, g*nsh*t)

I can't take it anymore.

(SOBS)

I sold dr*gs for a man I loved.

(CROWD MURMURS)

And it was my $400,000 in drug money that started Empire (CROWD MURMURING INDISTINCTLY)

Tell it, girl.

And landed me 17 years in prison.

- Ooh!

- Oop.

The truth hurts.

Ladies, please, don't ever follow a man into a life of bad choices and sacrifices.

Thank you.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

That's right, Cookie!

(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES)

(HEELS CLICKING)

(COOKIE SIGHS)

I really hope you enjoyed making a mockery of me tonight.

You signed an NDA, remember?

So, sue me.

Did you even consider what your little "truth" would do to my legacy?

Our legacy is something I won't let you deny anymore.

This is our house, Lucious, our Empire, our legacy!

You want truth?

Well, I got some truth for your ass.

You violated a $4 million NDA, and I'm gonna sue you for every damn penny you got.

Come see me, Lucious.

I sweat that much on my day off, bitch.

(GRUNTS)

You knew how important this fundraiser was for me, and you still couldn't put Petty D away for the night.

You resent me (CHUCKLES)

Because I did this all my myself, and you didn't.

There it is: That little myth you take so much pride in.

What myth?

That 17-year myth, that $400,000 myth that you throw in my face every time you get on your little high horse.

That 400,000 was gone within months after they locked your ass up.

You're lying.

I had to pay producers.

I had to buy studio time.

I didn't know what I was doing, so I got raked by every damn vendor that printed or packaged my CD.

You weren't there to help.

So within a matter of months, I was broke.

That is until Bunkie told me about how Philly Street robbed banks in order to fund his career.

It was a genius idea; shouldn't have told me that.

(OL' DIRTY BASTARD'S "SHIMMY SHIMMY YA")

ODB: Shimmy, shimmy, ya, shimmy, yam, shimmy, yay Gimme the mic so I can take it away Off on a natural charge, bon voyage Yeah, from the home of the Dodger Brooklyn squad Wu-Tang k*ller bees on a swarm Rain on your college disco dorm (g*nsh*t CRACKS)

GUNMAN: Everybody on the ground, now!

- (SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY)

- (GRUNTS)

What?

What?

Shush up.

Where the money at?

I don't know what you're talking about.

(GRUNTS)

GUNMAN: Now you know what I'm talking about?

PHILLY STREET: It's in the closet.

GUNMAN: Get your ass up and show me.

(PANTING)

I'm just I'm going for the money.

(WOMAN SCREAMS)

(TENSE MUSIC)

Soon as I find out who under that mask, you getting rocked.

You sure about that?

(PANTING)

(GRUNTS)

Stay down!

Stay!

Huh?

Huh?

No!

(TIRES SCREECHING)

Philly Street did 20 years for murdering the man that he thought robbed him.

Khalil.

Yep.

So it was the $1 million that I stole from Philly Street that funded my first album.

I built this, not you.

So your 17 years is nothing but a fantasy.

And the 400,000 you put in that meant less to Empire than you do to me now.

So, you expect me to sit here and believe Petty-ass D held on to this all these years?

(SPOON CLANGS)

(SNIFFLES)

You're lying.

(BLUESY PIANO MUSIC)

(SNIFFLES)

I don't believe you.

The truth hurts, don't it?

What you think you about to do, huh?

(KEYS JINGLE)

It really challenges your manhood that I'm 100% that bitch behind your legacy.

(CHUCKLES)

Instead, you'd rather fool yourself with that BS story than face that the truth.

(OBJECTS CLATTER)

(SNIFFLES)

(EXHALES)

Klimt.

It's still ugly.

(CRICKETS CHIRPING)