Toxic Harmony (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[door opens then closes]

[footstep approaching]

[suspenseful music playing]

[keys jingle]

[door closes]

[ominous music playing]

[screams]

What are you...?

[tense music playing]

[knife swishes]

[suspenseful music playing]

[muffled screaming]

[instrumental music playing]

[car engine revving]

-[upbeat music playing]

-[door alarm chimes]

[door alarm chimes] -Hi.

Hey, girl. Hey.

[cover rustles]

[Darla] Cash this?

You have your ID?

No, I don't-I don't have one.

They didn't give it back.

They?

-Yeah, they.

They are evil.

Sorry, can't cash it unless you have an ID.

Say what?

No, please, sister girl, I need my money.

Sorry.

[door alarm chimes]

I'm lost and need direction

Don't know If I can trust my senses

The path is getting narrow

The arrow's going around in circles

I'm on the hunt I'll find the truth

I've had enough someone cut me loose

On and on it goes

Every time I get ahead

Turns me back around again

On and on it goes

Fending with my eyes closed

I'm stuck in a cycle

It's time. -[woman] Did you tell her?

Tell me what?

[man] Girls wanna do the

song that they wrote.

You mean that song where we sing about our

vaginas for three minutes straight?

We don't actually say the word "vag*na".

I know.

Didn't we...? -Hey, hey, hey, hey!

Like I told you, Tonya,

we already got the song

track loaded in with the DJ.

And if y'all gonna do the new song,

it got to be unanimous.

I'm not singing a song

called "Loosey p*ssy".

And it doesn't even rhyme.

Look, behind the curtains,

some of the top ARs in LA.

And they came here to see y'all.

Come on, please keep it together.

This is your moment.

Fine.

After that, can we start

singing some new songs?

Sure. Come on, let's go.

[man] Let's go, ladies. Come on.

You're so dysfunctional.

-[man] Come on.

It's your moment.

[DJ] Ladies and gentlemen,

put your hands together for the group...

Gemini!

[upbeat music playing]

You can come on in

Just promise not to bore me uh-huh

If you turn the tail I'll

add you to my story uh-huh

Won't complete me oh-oh

Leave me needing oh-oh

Someone I can hold

Stay for a while

But don't dare cramp my style

'Cause I am the star Of the show

In the chain of girl,

yeah I'm a headliner

Make on the billboard

[indistinct]

In the spotlight oh-oh

You are the song writter

oh-oh having a good time

[groans]

Hell, are you doing?

-Me.

Girl, girls, come on, girls.

What the f*ck you still dancing for?

Uh... Y'all, give it up for Gemini, y'all.

Here we go, there we go.

Thank y'all for coming and uh,

make sure y'all stop by the bar, too.

Thank y'all.

I know it's a marathon

I know we gotta carry on

[Tyree] Yo, how you doing?

Can I please have a beer?

[bartender] That'll be nine dollars.

Was this a cash bar?

-[bartender] Mm-hmm.

Corny a*s showcase, man.

Keep the change. -I

agree about the showcase.

The sh*t was coop.

Oh, that was you. [laughs]

My bad.

Well, it was one-third me.

The other two just quit.

Hmm.

But don't feel too bad.

I go to hundreds of these things and,

they're all usually pretty...

-Corny?

Hey, you said it.

No, you said it. I just repeated it.

No, you agreed to it.

Touche.

That was actually the name of the group

that I saw last week.

What? Stop it.

Even had the accent on

the name and everything.

[scoffs] -It's crazy.

Yeah.

At least they still a group.

Well, damn, damn!

So what's next, one-third me?

I don't know. I was thinking

maybe a lemon drop martini.

Come on.

Honestly, I haven't thought about it much.

I mean, my group literally

just broke up minutes ago.

That's not gonna cut it, one-third me.

So when I was coming up,

I had to be strategizing

every second of every day.

Ain't nobody gonna do it for you.

I was thinking maybe I could

just focus on my solo career.

Um, can we go?

Nah, we gotta kick it with J for a minute.

Let's kick it...

and then go.

Well.

Babe, you talked to Tyree McCall?

What did he say?

What exactly could he say

about that performance?

How are you gonna strike up a conversation

with the Head of A&R of Arbor Way

and not plug Gemini?

Did you not just see that

sh*t show on the stage?

That was ten minutes ago.

Now is now. When else can you gonna talk

to both the CEO and A&R in one place.

Lucas, no.

I'm the manager, right?

I'm the manager.

[glasses clink]

Hey, Ty. Hey-hey, Ty.

Hey, can I holler at you for a minute?

[chuckles]

Let's hear it, man.

I don't know if you heard my girl,

Constance up there, but...

she's the lead singer of Gemini.

[laughs]

That's not something

to be proud of, my guy.

[chuckles]

Like I'm saying, she represents

the talent of the group,

and that's a fact.

You know what, I can get the

ladies to come to the studio

and they can show you what they got.

Ah, man, we heard enough already.

J, admiring the man's tenacity. [laughs]

But now, if I'm being honest,

your girl ain't ready.

Lucas...

My brother...

I get it. Dude, but like I just said...

It's not a problem. I get

to DJ to cue another song.

Yo, are you deaf?

I said we good. Now you

just bein' ignorant.

Can we please just go?

Move.

Y'all have a good night, man.

The performance was cute, girl.

[all laughing]

Nah, he is tweaking, though.

Tell 'em we are good.

[Lucas] So you gonna have

an attitude all night?

Why would you embarrass me like that?

You knew that...

performance was trash,

and yet you still insisted on

talking to J-Money and Tyree.

Because I believe in you

and I'm gonna do whatever

it takes to support you.

I'm gonna talk to Vicki and Tonya,

get them back on board,

and I'm gonna get you

another showcase schedule.

After tonight,

I don't want Tonya back.

[sighs] Look, I know she can be a...

b*tch?

I was gonna say "a bit much,"

but just give her a few days.

She'll come around.

I don't want to be in

the group anymore, babe.

You suggested it and I tried it for a year.

I really just want to go solo.

Then I wouldn't have to worry about things,

these disasters that happened like tonight.

I hear you,

but if you don't want Tonya,

we'll find a replacement.

A group is easier to sell.

So you don't think that

my talent is an easy sell?

I didn't say that.

But as a group's manager,

I just know what works best.

But as my boyfriend, I need you to know

what works best for me.

You know, I'm always

look out for you. Right?

Come here. I love you.

I love you, too.

[mellow music playing]

Oh, good morning. Hello.

Hello. How can I help?

Hi, I have an appointment

with Tyree McCall.

And you are?

Constance Reed.

Constance Reed.

What time is your appointment?

Um... now.

I'm just gonna tell you like this,

you are more polite and more put together

than the other singers who

try to sneak in to see Tyree.

Okay, I'm coming clean here.

Uh, no, I think we just

established that I caught you.

Here's the deal.

J-Money and Tyree came down to a showcase

that I performed at last night

and it was absolutely terrible.

This is the best sales

pitch I've ever heard.

Please continue. -It

was terrible because...

well, it wasn't me.

The music, the look, everything.

I just want Tyree to see the real me.

That's it. I just need five minutes.

I appreciate the honesty.

I do, and you seem really

sweet, but I can't.

I'd be fired before you

even got to the office.

Plus he's not here.

-Thanks anyway.

[door opens] -[man] It's all right.

[security] You have a good day.

[vocalizing]

- Raheem, what's the deal?

-[security] What's goin' on?

[laughing]

Well, if it isn't one-third me.

Well, thanks for reminding me.

I never actually introduced myself.

Constance Reed.

So what, you sneaking into labels now,

Constance Reed?

-[security chuckles]

All jokes aside, you inspired me.

Is that right?

Well, sh*t.

Guess I gotta invite you to my office now.

Follow me, Constance Reed.

How can I go broke

When I give this Give this money

Then I like it go

When I give this Give this money

Oh, yeah, we go and get it

[indistinct chatter]

I don't know what you heard

But we are out here

Getting his money, baby

Ooh, you're money Is my money

No money, oh, money

All right. I'll call you back.

So...

Uh, so, um, I-I-I had this

whole spiel prepared...

And?

-And I realize it sucked.

[chuckles] You don't have a filter, do you?

Honest to a fault, as my mom would say.

She was a singer too, by the way.

So you come from one of those

singing and dancing families.

Uh, no, no, I did not dance. [chuckles]

That was obvious.

The other night.

No, I am a singer.

Period.

So, why don't you just

send me a demo or something

then we can...

-No.

No.

I am a singer...

like you, and I'm not doing

this for-for fame or for money.

I am doing this because this

is what I'm supposed to do.

This is what I am meant to do.

Well, I hope all of what you

just said is in your demo.

Close your eyes.

-What?

I promise it'll be the last

favor I ever ask you for.

[sighs]

Jesus.

Baby, go hard, no brakes

Making the same mistake

How you gonna know who to listen to now

With the whole world

looking like snakes

We ain't got no time for all this

No, we ain't got no time for nonsense

I'm right here where I'm supposed to be

I'm on my own come float with me

I'm gonna do

What I wanna do

Not listening to you no more

To feeling excited

Why'd you stop?

Uh... still working on it.

Where?

How do you mean?

Do you have a recording studio?

I don't even have a parking space.

Constance Reed...

Put your number in my

phone, Constance Reed.

I might have a studio

that we can use, but...

no promises.

This is amazing.

Thank you so much for giving me a shot.

Can I have my phone back?

Oh! Yes, sorry.

Every second of every day, right?

And you know that thing that I said about

not ever asking you for a favor again?

You know I was lying, right?

I will see you around, Constance.

[chuckles]

Yes.

See you around.

See you soon, Mr. Tyree McCall.

Go, go, go, let's go

We own a mission maybe it's ambitious

Hold up, wait a minute, how

we get in this position?

Are we trippin'? Baby,

it's a rollercoaster

We're just gettin' over

We're moving forward hey

[indistinct]

- I know what this is up to.

- You've got to...

I know what they do to artists.

[security] Would you please stop flailing?

[woman] And I'm gonna told them off.

[grunting]

Just... just... just, miss,

don't make this any harder

then what it already is.

-[woman yelling]

[security] Put your hands to yourself!

Is she gone?

Oh, yeah, she took off

runnin' down the street.

Welcome to the industry.

[upbeat music playing]

There she is.

What's up?

I know you've been to a

recording studio before.

Why you acting like you at the dentist?

I don't know.

It's... it's different.

Feels heavier, you know.

Heavy? Check this out.

This is actually the same studio

where I recorded my very first single.

Is that supposed to make

me feel less nervous?

Nope. Not at all.

Should hop in the booth. Let's get started.

I'm gonna be honest.

I couldn't get your song out of my head.

Really?

-Really.

The thing is I don't know if it's the hook.

Whatever it was, I dug it.

It just needs to be a little bit faster.

Faster? It... like a pop song?

No, not pop.

[mellow music playing]

[music stops]

I like it.

-Good.

Now this time, sing to it.

[mellow music playing]

Baby, go hard, no brakes

Making the same mistakes

How you gonna know Who to listen to now

With the whole world

Looking like snakes

We ain't got no time For all this

No, we ain't got No time for nonsense

I'm right here Where I'm supposed to be

I'm on my own Come float with me

I'm gonna do What I wanna do

Not listening to you No more

And I'm feelin' excited

Gotta make my own choices

Like that. That's how you sing.

I've never... -No, please don't do that.

Don't do that. This is a space

where we can just let it all out.

Okay?

I've never felt like that -[Tyree] Whoo!

Singing before.

Yeah.

Do you have any formal trainer?

Um, no, just inspired by my mom and church.

That's what it is.

That's what what is?

You're singing like you're praising.

Isn't that a good thing?

It's a great thing.

But not at the top of the song.

Constance, you got crazy, crazy talent.

But your breath control is light.

While singing, it all needs

to come from right here.

Why are you breathing hard right now?

I'm-I'm just nervous.

Good.

Okay, so now inhale

twice through your nose.

[inhales]

[inhales]

Again.

[breathing softly]

[chuckles]

I think it worked.

Worked?

It's a breathing exercise.

It's one of many.

Let's get through all of them tonight.

Oh, we're not gonna record again?

We weren't recording the first time.

Girl, you gotta relax.

I'm hyped you took the initiative

and that you want me but we

can't slack on technique.

'Cause if this is your coming out party,

you gotta bring the Cristal.

There's no way you didn't rehearse that.

Just keep breathing.

[singing indistinctly]

My man, Ty.

-Hey, man.

[sighs] Gotta holler at you.

-Okay.

I'm listening.

So I think I want to sign Constance Reed.

Constance Reed?

Who the hell is Constance Reed?

The girl, she was in the Gemini group.

We heard her sing at the showcase.

That trash-a*s group?

Not a chance.

-J...

you have not heard this

girl sing, and I mean...

really, really heard her sing.

We don't have anybody at the label

with that type of sound.

And probably for some good damn reason.

If it's anything like what I witnessed,

folks be laughing at her just

like they did to the club.

You placed me, head of A&R

to find marketable artists, right?

I put you over A&R so I could

keep an eye on you, young buck.

To keep an eye on me, what the hell for?

Ty, how long we've been friends?

20 years.

For 20 years, I've always treated you

like a kid brother, haven't I?

When you went to jail for

that little stealing thing,

who was there with the little bail money?

[tense music playing]

And now we're even.

Nah. See.

You owe me.

I was there when you didn't have anybody.

Gave you a job

when, nobody would even

glance at your resume.

And in return.

Your loyalty and dedication is obligatory.

That's f*cked up, J.

What was that? -I said

that's f*cked up, J.

[keypad ticking] -Hold up. Look.

Hello.

Send me a record contract

for Constance Reed.

I'm signing her.

Thank you.

[sighs]

[bird chirps]

[Lucas] To my girl and

the newest artist signed

to Arbor Way Records.

It's only up from here, baby.

Mm-hm. And to my man,

the best manager and boyfriend

a girl could ask for.

Stop it.

-Cheers. [chuckles]

Mm, that's good.

So, how does it feel?

Mm, God, feels like a dream.

I'm just waiting for somebody

to pinch me so I can wake up.

Ow! [laughs] -Ow! It's real.

See? It's real.

All your hard work's finally paying off.

I'm so proud of you, babe.

Oh. Umm...

so, this is the song I sing for Terry.

Still working on it, but what do you think?

Mm-hmm, mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

Oh, yeah.

They're gonna like this.

You definitely coming out strong.

I got to. I want the people to remember me.

Oh, you come here. Give me some.

Mm. [kiss] -Mmm.

Okay. Yup.

-Here we go.

That's my baby. That's my baby.

-Mm-hmm.

We don't care they don't care

It's all out we're out here

So you come near you didn't miss

Real quick with the fitness

I'm puttin' one right between the eyes

And I don't miss oh! nd he really know

Don't really know nobody like this

I got the game in my

veins I'm cool ice chips

Word is bond to myself

I pledge allegiance

I'm still staying fly up in the trap

No finesse being froze I

don't know what this be it

It's about the love that fits

[indistinct]

Don't know who own my side

[indistinct]

[Tyree] Hey, V. V, V, V, V, V.

Hey, V! Hold them up.

My bad, I wanted you to meet somebody.

V Shaw, meet Constance.

Constance, I'm sure you know who V is.

I figured since she signed with us now,

you two will be working together a lot.

I love your music.

Thanks.

Uh, babe, I really want

to get that last run.

What do you think?

I actually wanted to try something.

Constance, why don't you get

in there and give it a shot?

Me?

Ty, what are you doing

putting her on my song?

She's just getting the feel for it. Relax.

Get in now.

I feel...

Okay, Constance, I'm gonna

play the first track first

so you can get a feel for it.

Okay.

[upbeat music playing]

Look at my superstar. How

are you, love? Excited?

Um, nervous.

-Don't be.

You're about to take over the charts.

Me and Tyree already got your rollout plan.

We do things big around here.

Well, I was up all night

going through my songs.

I was thinking the song

that I sang for Tyree,

"Choices", could be my first single.

He played it for me.

It's actually pretty good, but...

I have something else in mind for you.

I've been tryin' a little

But tonight You're actin' thirsty

You hittin' me up

It's kinda early for a first day

If only you could spruce it

Tell me what you feel for

me how to write a story

Show me that you love me beat beat

But every time you come around

You just cheat cheat

I swear you acting like you are

For the street street

But tell me if you're

down on the beat beat

Mm-hm

Something we wrote especially for you.

What do you think?

Wait, I-I won't be writing my own songs?

You will.

Just not yet.

Need to build your brand up first.

So we're gonna give you the

songs we want you to sing.

J...

You mind if I handle this?

You want me to leave my own office.

[J sighs]

It's all good.

Gotta go downtown anyway.

[gloomy music playing]

What's wrong?

I write my own songs, Ty.

Nowhere in the contract did it say

that I will be singing

somebody else's lyrics.

First of all, everybody

sings other people's lyrics.

Second of all, J-Money is right.

We only have one shot at this.

We need to make a song with

enough commercial appeal

that will take over the charts.

That song is radio-ready.

But that's not who I am as an artist.

Constance, you got to play the long game.

The label knows what people

wants to hear, what's trending.

Now, once you develop an audience,

you can write whatever you want.

Trust the process.

And can I play you the song one more time?

No.

[upbeat music playing]

Hold that. There we go. Good.

Not bad, not bad.

[laughs] What up?

Man, this is... this is all so crazy.

- It's happening so fast.

- And I told you it would.

Arbor Way is fast-tracked.

-[laughs]

So listen, we're want to get

some solo shots of you and V,

then we're gonna get

some of y'all together,

because you two are the...

newest artists at Arbor Way,

and J-Money picked these out himself.

Who's this supposed to be for?

[chuckles] It's just for the brand photos.

Yeah, but...

I'm-I'm not really...

I know where you're coming from, trust me.

I don't always agree with

J-Money and his tactics,

but he knows the business, man.

He wants you to personify empowerment.

Listen, if you're uncomfortable,

you know I won't force you

to do anything you don't want to do.

Fine.

[sighs]

- I'll do it.

You sure?

[sighs] I mean, do I really have a choice?

Look, I will be with you

the entire time. Okay?

If you want to pause

and take some breaks to

regroup in between takes,

you can, trust me. Hmm.

It'll be over with before

you know it, trust me.

Let's get you in there chop chop.

Time is money.

[Tyree] V, okay, now listen.

[tense music playing]

You got this.

So now go ahead and k*ll this.

[camera shutter clicking]

She looks like she's taking a class photo.

She'll get it. You know how it is

when you're first startin' out.

No, I don't.

Never had that problem. -I

guess I'm gonna have to...

fix this little attitude of yours, huh?

I don't have a attitude.

I'm just not with this new girl.

How does she even fit in?

Just give her a chance. She's good.

She can't even stand in them damn heels.

[V sighs] -[camera shutter clicking]

Not doing that bad, if you ask me.

How's she doin'?

Just needs to warm up to it. All right.

- That's not gonna cut it.

- You wanna let me handle this?

Not if that's what I'm gonna get.

V Shaw, go in there,

show her how it's done.

Hold up. What are you doing?

My job.

Turn around.

Get in close, Constance.

You two work together.

Sexier, ladies.

Girl, you got to sell it.

It's just a show. Here, give me some.

Perfect!

That's what I'm talking about.

That's the money shot right there.

I told you.

[laughs]

That is a lot of ketchup.

Yeah, I like them bloody.

[Constance chuckles]

Is J-Money always like that?

Yeah, he likes to be in

control of everything.

- It's always been that way.

- God, it's so frustrating.

He should listen to his artists more.

I wanna feel comfortable.

I mean, who knows me better than I do?

[Tyree] I agree.

So how did you start

working with him anyway?

We've known each other for a long time.

J-Money's dad had us both

growing up in the business.

So, when he passed, he gave the label to J,

asked me to come on board.

[chuckles] He's better behind the scenes.

I'm more of the people person.

Mm. In another world,

you would make a great car salesman.

[laughs]

[both laugh] -V always says that.

Yeah, I hope she doesn't

see me as a threat anymore.

We're all hustling towards the same thing.

[cellphone chimes]

Everything okay?

Just Lucas, working late again.

He hasn't been able to make

it to any of my sessions.

Speaking of sessions,

you're going to hear some new...

accompaniments in this mix.

Yeah?

Go on jump in the booth.

I'm ready if you're ready.

All right.

Play the track.

All right, Constance, let's get it.

[mellow music playing]

Baby, go hard, no brakes

Making those same mistakes

How you gonna know Who to listen to now

With the whole world

Looking like snakes

What's up?

I feel like we need to change

a key after the second verse,

like a B minor or something.

Can you do that?

I need a reference.

Umm...

[mellow music playing]

Okay, let me jump up in there real quick.

We ain't got no time For all this

No, we ain't got no time For nonsense

I'm right here Where I'm supposed to be

I'm on my own Come float with me

I'm gonna do What I wanna do

Not listenin' to you no more

And I'm feeling excited

Tell more choices

Gonna be where I want to be

This time I'm choosing me

There's just too many voices

Gonna make my own choices

Gonna be where I want to be

This time I'm choosing me

There's just too many voices

Gonna make my own choices

Choices, choices, choices

On my mind A sign of a line

I'm on my grind It's destiny

Take a picture Where I'm supposed to be

I know it's naked and

live What goes to me

What does it feel

To say one thing one day And time to go

I'm gonna do As I wanna do

Not listening to you no more

And I'm feeling excited

Gotta make my own choices

[vocalizing]

[sighs] -[chuckles]

Something like that.

-Yeah?

I've missed your voice.

I loved your last album.

And everybody's gonna love yours.

You know, I...

What?

Nothin'.

Should we go again?

Actually, you want to

see something real quick?

Stiff-assed door.

Watch your step.

-[laughs]

Wow.

Wow is right.

And tell me this ain't the most L.A.

sh*t you ever seen.

[Constance] Well, the meth

heads on Hollywood Boulevard,

I'd say, is a close second but this?

Gorgeous.

Absolutely.

You know I want this for you, right?

Why?

'Cause I see you.

I should go.

-Yeah.

You should go.

[tense music playing]

You're Constance Reed, right?

The new artist?

Yeah...

I'm Darla. You know me.

No, I'm sorry, I don't.

Yes, you do. Come with me

so we could talk in private.

Hell, no. -You have to listen to me.

You have no idea how

much trouble you're in.

Ty.

[car engine rumbles]

Did that b*tch just run me?

[cellphone chimes]

[indistinct] -You good?

Just drive.

[car alarm blaring]

-[car horns honking]

You haven't said a word this whole time.

You really did nothing wrong.

If anything, it was my fault.

[Constance] It's not that.

Do you know a woman named Darla?

Darla Stevens?

She didn't tell me her last name.

Who is she?

We were supposed to sign her at one point,

but she got heavy on drugs

so that didn't happen.

Last I heard she was...

in rehab. What did she want?

I'm not sure.

She just kept demanding that I talk to her

but it was kind of freaking me out.

You can't really trust

anything that she says.

[sighs] I'll let Raheem

know we need to up security.

[cellphone vibrates]

I should go.

[car door closes]

[door opens then creaks]

[door closes] -[lock clicks]

[footstep approaching]

[Lucas snoring]

[Lucas] Babe.

Babe.

-Mm?

[Lucas] Look at this.

[mellow music playing]

Oh, my God. Babe,

J-Money said it would happen fast,

but I had no idea that it

would happen this fast.

It's kind of wild, right?

-Yeah.

Gosh, why?

I mean, look at the likes.

The likes?

-Mm-hmm.

[sighs] I mean...

not exactly what I had in

mind, but it's working.

Look, I'm peeping the game, babe.

Don't let them slick

talk you into this trap.

What trap?

Changing you.

Come on, Lucas, this is my shot.

One post from Arbor Way

and I've already had more traction

than I've seen in years.

Let's just see where this goes.

Fine.

If I play their game,

then I'll be able to make my own music.

I'm thinking of the long term.

Are you?

I gotta go. I'm late for work.

[door opens]

[door closes]

[sighs]

[reporter] Constance,

you must be so excited.

Your life has changed

in the span of a month.

How does it feel?

This journey has been a whirlwind

and I am just so grateful for the ride.

[reporter] That clip of your single,

"All Around Me" is trending

and fans are hoping your

whole album has the same vibe.

Would you say this is

the real Constance Reed

or an alter ego?

Umm, I guess it's a little bit of both.

I've never been afraid of

embracing my sexuality.

I find it liberating

but I do think there's a

time and a place for it.

[reporter] And do you

think this self-assurance

could present you with challenges

on being taken seriously as an artist?

Well, I hope to be taken

seriously as an artist

because I can sing.

Period.

[J] Superstar.

Look at you.

I'm telling you, the moment

I heard this young lady sing,

I knew she would be one of a kind.

[upbeat music playing]

[truck engine revving]

Hey, Constance.

Darla.

-[sighs]

- What are you doing here?

- I'm trying to help you.

I don't need your help.

Everything you're telling me was a lie.

What?

What they're doing to you, they did to me.

Sold me promises of being

Arbor Way's next best thing.

That was nothing but bullshit.

Tyree told me you were strung out on drugs.

Of course, he will say that.

They're the ones that

got me hooked on them.

I don't expect you to

believe but it's true.

We were always getting lit,

doing drugs, partying, having

fun, all that bullshit.

I thought I had to do all that

to get a f*cking record deal.

I know that that's the

story for a lot of people

and I'm sorry that that

happened to you, but...

that ain't got nothing to do with me.

No, you just don't get it.

It was more than just that.

J-Money was really controlling

at first, but it got worse.

He made me compromise myself.

My soul, girl.

After all that he blackballed me.

Spread all these rumors about me,

destroyed my career

before I even got started.

Didn't you just get out of rehab?

It's not what you think.

I checked myself in rehab

because I was scared.

Scared of what?

It was gonna k*ll me.

Come on, you don't actually

believe that, do you?

I got proof.

There's another girl they tried this with,

and she got some kind of evidence on him.

She's even suing 'em.

So go talk to her.

She doesn't want to talk to me.

See, I knew you was a little off,

and now I know it was right. You crazy.

Don't say that to me.

Right, I just need you to believe me,

if you only know what they have done to me.

Go call the police.

I can't. They don't believe me.

It's others. I'm not the only one.

Aye!

[door opens] -[Lucas] Babe!

[door closes] -You here?

[Constance] Yeah.

I thought you were going to watch the game

with the guys tonight?

Man, the fellas bailed on me,

so it looks like I'll be

watching it from home.

I stopped and got dinner.

You want the chicken or the shrimp?

Aw, babe, I wish I would have known.

I could've stayed in.

-Damn.

Where are you going?

Oh, just this little

industry thing at Tyree's.

You weren't gonna tell me about it?

You can come if you want.

You said you're gonna be out so.

So you just thought you would

sneak out and I wouldn't notice.

Okay, first of all,

I don't sneak, I'm grown.

And second of all, since

when are you tripping

about stuff like this?

You know that this is all

a part of the business.

Here we go again. It's always the business.

How are we supposed to have a

relationship if you're too busy

running around Tyree and

J-Money every chance you get.

Well, I guess I'm not supposed

to have a relationship

because there is no way

that my man would be this insecure.

[upbeat music playing]

Flexing my moves and grooves

When I walk through the door

Party's gettin' started

may you already know

Music in a club got me jumping

Bass in my ear and it's bumping

Get up on my way 'cause I'm coming

I'm about to do a little

something, something

We're gonna dance tonight

Move your body left to right

Clap your hands and feel the vibe

Let's go crazy a little tonight

We're gonna dance tonight...

-[V] Hey, you made it.

- Yeah, we missed this.

Okay. Oh, ladies, I'm sure you know Ms.

Constance Reed.

[laughs]

Me and my girl are about to,

you know, cook up some big things.

Okay.

To us.

The two ladies, who are

about to take over...

Arbor Way.

-Mm. Yeah.

- I would drink to that.

-[shot glasses clinks]

I'm sure he's here somewhere.

Who?

Stop.

-Stop what?

[chuckles] I have no idea

what you're talking about.

Look, I'm a big girl and I

see the way you look at Tyree.

V, I have a man.

I don't... I don't roll like that.

Like what?

Like me.

I didn't say that.

You don't have to say much.

Your eyes alone are telling me

that you think you're better than me.

V, I don't think that.

Yeah.

Enjoy the party.

Bartender, I'll have another.

[mellow music playing]

I put you on a pedestal

Was ever better optional

I never think you were more in love

Surrounded by a crowded...

I think it's time we take our place

Too many men in the same place

For you

For you high

[indistinct]

High

To the sky

You and I

High, high

Fly in high

To the sky

You and I

And I

Just like a crane on an another floor

It's not hard to be alone

[mellow music playing]

Look like somebody's having

themselves a good time.

[laughs]

It's been a while since I

had a good time like this.

All right.

So... do I need one of these?

What?

A listening party.

Eventually.

Eventually.

Don't be like that.

So what exactly does that entail?

You gonna make me walk to Encino

and I'll bring you some cheesecake?

[both laugh]

[Ty] I would never make you do that.

I'm actually lactose intolerant.

[laughs]

But we can start with this dance.

[Lucas] Yo, move out the way.

Man, move, fool.

Man, Constance. Where Constance's at?

Constance.

Lucas, what the hell are you doing here?

Man, getting you out of here. Look at you.

[Lucas] What is all this sh*t?

-[Ty] Damn.

Stop it. You're embarrassing me.

You need to leave.

I'm not leaving with you, Lucas.

Man, take your a*s on with that sh*t.

Clearly, she doesn't want to go with you,

so it looks like you'll

be leaving by yourself.

I will take shits bigger than you.

Lucas.

-Mm.

Still think you haven't changed.

You okay?

[door closes] -Yeah.

I'm sorry about that.

Why?

You didn't do nothing.

I know. I...

That was because of me.

I just feel like it's my fault.

He's just been tripping lately.

Yeah, I can tell.

Don't worry about it.

Oh.

-[clears throat]

Where's your, uh, your, uh, bathroom?

It's right down the hall to the left.

Can't miss it.

Thanks.

-Of course.

[indistinct chatter]

All right, everybody, he's gone.

Let's party on.

-[sniffs]

Let's party on. Come on. Give me a drink.

[ominous music playing]

[door opens]

Oh!

Look at you.

My superstar.

You came to party with us?

Uh... I-I came to check on V.

You good, Sis.

Hell yeah, she's good.

You wanna watch?

-Excuse me.

I don't mind an audience

but there's always room for a co-star.

You gotta relax.

That'll help.

Leave her alone, J.

She's not with it.

Baby, you do something for me

and I'll do something for you.

It'd be easier for you

once you realize that.

You're disgusting.

[laughs]

V doesn't think so.

We don't need her.

Just go.

[footfalls] -[door opens]

Why you had to be like that?

Because I can.

Let's just get this over with.

[suspenseful music playing]

[cellphone vibrates]

Hello.

Hello. Man, where you at?

You told me to be on time and you

I'm here on time. Hello?

Man, don't play with me. Hello?

Why you gotta call me off the blue

and tell me you got some new sh*t,

then you gonna flake!

Come on, man. You junkie-a*s flake!

Hello?

Hello?

Hello.

[Darla screams then groaning]

[tense music playing]

Damn, brother.

I told you to mind your

m*therf*cking business.

That's all you needed to do.

Not so f*cking smug now, are you?

Lucas, what the hell are you doing? Huh?

I've been following around

all night, waiting for you

to be alone so we could talk man-to-man.

I've been following you and watching

what you've been doing to this suspect.

You shouldn't have followed me.

I'm gonna tell you this

one time and one time only.

Stay the f*ck away from Constance.

All that bullshit you

feeding her, stops right now.

I know exactly what you doing.

You threatening me?

-[Lucas] Yeah, I am.

Consider this a notice.

We're done with the label.

I'm letting everybody know

what Arbor Way really about.

The f*ck.

Is that blood? -Oh, that ain't nothing.

What you mean that's nothing?

-Oh.

[Ty grunts] -[Lucas cough]

[Ty grunts] -[Lucas groans]

[exhales]

Why he gotta be so g*dd*mn big.

[ominous music playing]

[keypad ticking]

Hey, it's Lucas. Leave a message. [beeps]

Hey, babe, I know you're

probably still mad at me

about last night. I'm sorry.

I'm on my way home.

V?

What are you doing, girl?

Where's Tyree?

Ty, ain't here.

I'm fine.

No, you're not.

[sighs]

What happened last night is not okay.

How long...

I don't wanna talk about it

because don't nobody care.

I do.

sh*t.

There was a girl that

was trying to talk to me

about this very thing.

Who?

Somebody named Darla.

Darla Stevens?

Yeah.

I just read about her 20 minutes ago.

They just found her body in a dumpster.

What?

-She approached you?

A couple of times.

I remember her,

from a few months back.

She ain't last that long.

V, she was saying that people

were trying to k*ll her.

It was on the news?

Oh, sh*t.

What?

She tried to airdrop me,

but I didn't accept it.

Huh?

-[cellphone beeps]

[tense music playing]

Why didn't she take this

video and expose him?

Remember when you signed your record deal.

Well, there was some pretty

hardcore NDA language.

Open your mouth and they will own you.

I'm talking millions in damages.

It ain't right.

It's the music business.

You don't think J-Money would...

Look, I don't know about all that

but with J, you never know.

And where is Tyree in all of these?

Look, if you asked me a year ago,

I would have said his hands are clean,

but now I don't know

girl, he's different.

Hey... I'm heading home.

You should come with me.

Lucas is probably still pissed at me

and, honestly, I deserve it.

I don't wanna put you out.

I'm not gonna leave you alone.

Besides, I need a ride.

Oh.

Nice place.

-Girl, please.

Tyree's pool cabana is

bigger than my whole studio.

Lucas.

Lucas.

He still mad?

I don't know.

Just doesn't seem like

he was here last night.

Girl, he probably got drunk

and hung out with his boys.

I guess.

-[keypad ticking]

Hey, it's Lucas. Leave a message. [beeps]

Baby, can you please call me back?

I know you're mad, but I'm

starting to get worried.

Call me back.

I love you.

[sighs] -So...

Darla mentioned some

girl was suing J-Money.

Oh, yeah, uh.

She's actually suing

J-Money and Tyree both.

Tyree can't stand her.

Said she was all about the clout.

And why is Tyree a part of the lawsuit?

Tyree is the head of A&R.

Guilty by association.

And what was the girl's name?

Omni.

Omni Edwards.

[cellphone vibrates]

Finally. Hello.

Yes, this is she

What about Lucas?

Oh! [whimpers]

What?

[tense music playing]

[upbeat music playing]

[sighs]

Look who's still here past 7 p.m.

Brushin' up on your engineering skills.

Well, somebody here's gotta make some hits.

[wine glugs] -[glass scrapes]

I like to think I had

something to do with that.

[wine glugging]

You did.

Until you got sloppy.

You think I got sloppy, J?

You are the one who started all of these

extra curriculars.

So? Everybody does that sh*t.

I'm talking about Omni.

You was just supposed to figure out

what type of evidence she had on us.

I still think about it.

Well, get over that sh*t.

I just did what you asked me to do.

Nah. You're on a different level now.

Once this doesn't work out,

you might have a whole other career path.

[laughs]

[sniffs]

Oh, and that, uh, Constance girl,

let's just freeze her out.

Let her contract run its course.

I'm sick a' her.

She's no fun.

[coughing]

Maybe. Maybe not.

I'll take care of that myself, though.

Hey, J.

You remember Fisher?

The junkie who used to supply the drugs

for all our parties back in the day.

Well, it turns out...

fentanyl...

was one of his top sellers.

Gotta be careful with the doses though.

Son of a b*tch.

-[Tyree] Steve.

[groans]

Oh.

Now I realize what you've

been trying to teach me

for the past 20 years.

[J gagging]

sh*t's business.

[door opens]

I need him to disappear.

Good looking out with Lucas, too.

He was bigger than both of us put together.

[laughs]

I appreciate you. Always.

Hey.

What about Constance?

At this point, she ain't a threat.

She might just crawl herself

in a hole in the fadeaway.

I'll call you.

[suspenseful music playing]

Thank God you're on wheels.

[gloomy music playing]

[Tyree] I'm so sorry about Lucas.

The last time I saw Lucas was right here,

in this house.

And he was in a fight with you.

I'm sorry about that.

I'm not blaming you.

[sniffles] I was just saying

that my last memory of him,

I was telling him that

he was an embarrassment.

I just can't get that out of my mind.

He loved you though.

Should have been better.

A better girlfriend.

A better person.

Constance, don't beat yourself up.

His death is not...

your fault.

Oh, I know.

[sniffles]

It was J-Money's fault.

You feel strongly about that.

Makes sense.

Constance, I got to tell you something.

J-Money is missing.

What?

Yeah. He hasn't returned any

of my calls or text messages.

He didn't show up to the office today.

He didn't even go home last night.

He did this, didn't he?

It looks that way.

Tell me the truth.

Did you know that he was

this much of a monster?

He has always been a foul person.

But all this?

Nah. I can see that.

You know I'm not, right?

-I figured.

And honestly, that's for the best.

You need to go take care of yourself.

Just try to let all of this go.

Heal.

Start anew.

-Let it go?

Yes.

Because if not, it'll fester.

Like cancer.

Constance, you ain't got to leave.

Yeah, I do.

[sniffles]

Thanks for everything.

Heal.

[sighs] -Yeah.

[knocking] -[sighing]

Hi.

Hey, I'm Constance Reed.

-Constance.

Yeah. I see you on my socials.

[baby babbles]

I was wondering if I could talk to you

about your roommate, Omni.

Yeah. Come on in.

[door creaks]

Sorry for the mess.

You're moving?

I'm sorry. Do you not know about...

Yeah, she was m*rder*d, right?

Yeah, right here.

I was the one that found her.

I can't actually live here after that.

I'm sorry.

How do you know her again?

Umm... I don't directly.

She and I were signed to the same label.

Can I ask you something?

-Yeah.

Did she ever talk about J-Money

or anything that was

going on with the case?

She was suing him, right?

Yeah. I mean she didn't

talk too much about it.

She said she had a strong case, though.

Things didn't really turn

out the way she thought

when she signed

but I had an idea what was going on.

Tough business y'all are in.

Did she ever mention a Darla Stevens?

Darla

I think so, um...

She's kinda all over the place, right?

Something like that.

Same thing happened to you.

Something like that.

[Constance clears throat] -Damn.

I'm sorry.

Um...

Can I ask you a favor?

-Mm-hmm. Yeah.

If Omni's stuff is still here,

do you mind if I take a look?

Yeah, have at it.

And f*ck those guys.

Her box is right there.

Thanks.

-[sighs]

Hey, Kia?

Yeah.

You wouldn't happen to have

Omni's password, would you?

I loved Omni but her memory was sh*t.

She always complained about

not memorizing her lyrics.

Two, four, six, eight.

That's the password.

Dumb, right?

-[scoffs]

Yeah, thanks.

I feel sick.

-[laughs]

I feel sick.

J-Money, you sick m*therf*cker.

Say you're fine.

Say it.

I'm fine.

I am fine.

[laughs]

Light weight.

-[laughs]

Big J, they never can, can they? [chuckles]

You be all right, baby.

She just needs you to little pick me up.

You'll feel better after that.

Tyree.

-[Omni sobs]

Oh, I don't want to take no more.

Yes, you do.

[sobs] No. -You ready for round two?

[sobbing]

Say it.

Yeah.

-Yeah.

I'm ready for round two.

-Yes.

[laughs]

[tense music playing]

- It's just me and you now, baby.

- All right.

It's just only me and you.

-[sobbing]

You lying son of a b*tch.

Find everything okay?

You have no idea.

Hey, Tyree.

Can you meet me at Arbor

Way Records tonight?

I gotta get out of town

to just clear my head

but I, at least wanted to say goodbye.

Great. See you then.

Because I love you

And all the things that you do

There she is.

Mm.

What's this?

I guess this is goodbye.

And this is champagne.

Is that supposed to be the Cristal

you were talking about?

-[chuckles]

Not quite, but it's close.

Well, I'm not drinking tonight, but...

congratulations, J-Money's gone.

And the kingdom is yours.

Uh... [chuckles] Not that simple.

If he really disappeared, then

the board of Arbor Way will have to meet

and, elect a new CEO.

And that'll be you.

Maybe.

They might as well be.

You know you two are very similar.

You think so?

Yeah, I mean you have the

same taste in music, right?

Somewhat.

And you definitely have

the same taste in women.

Like V Shaw...

and Omni.

Omni?

You know Omni?

We both know Omni, right?

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

[Constance] Oh, I think you do.

J-Money has been having

a little too much fun

with these new artists

selling them pipe dreams.

Meanwhile, he's been throwing

wild parties, making sex tapes,

and getting the girls hooked on drugs

running this label into the ground.

One woman found out.

Tried to speak up.

Constance...

You shut her up quickly, didn't you?

Was J-Money pulling your

little puppet strings?

Or for the first time in your life

were you not acting like his little b*tch?

I suggest you watch the way

you speak to me, Constance.

Is this what you were looking

for when you k*lled her?

[Omni] I feel so sick.

Or what about Darla? Huh?

Was J-Money controlling you with her too?

You couldn't do anything

without him telling you

where to jump or how high.

And then finally you had your

first independent thought

and decided to take the

big boss out himself.

[sighs]

Like I said, I have no idea

what you're talking about.

But you're out, right?

You're not an Arbor Way artist anymore.

Why don't you just...

go off and focus on your

relationship with Lucas?

Whoops.

Lucas is no longer with us.

[glass shatters] -[screams]

[suspenseful music playing]

[panting]

[Ty groans]

You're dead.

[panting]

sh*t.

Hey, Constance!

Constance!

[dramatic music playing]

It's after hours, baby.

You need a keycard to access the doors.

Looks like you're stuck with me.

There. There you go. There you go...

Constance!

Constance!

[Tyree] I heard you. I heard you.

Do you have any idea...

of what I have done to be here?

What I have sacrificed?

The life that I built from the ground up

with these hands?

No, you don't.

You see, Constance, you just

wanted it all given to you.

You ain't got the heart.

Do you know who does what is necessary?

A hero.

I'm the hero in this

f*cking story, Constance.

I'm the hero, and you're the villain.

And it is the hero's job to

defeat the f*cking villain.

Oh, no, b*tch! f*ck.

sh*t! Constance!

You b*tch! f*ck it.

Hello?

Hello?

Raheem!

Hello? Can I help you?

Is anyone here? Hello?

-Raheem!

Is anyone here?

Constance?

-Raheem, help me!

Tyree, he's a m*rder*r!

It was always Tyree.

It wasn't always him.

[Constance grunts]

-[Raheem groans]

[Constance screams]

-[Raheem groans]

Stop. Stop. Stop. Mm-hmm. Yeah.

Don't fight it. Don't fight it.

Don't fight it.

There we go. Don't.

There we go. She'll shut up.

[gagging]

Shh-shh. Not your f*cking business.

Police! Get off of her!

Here, take him, man.

Let me go, man.

Look at my damn foot!

Look at my foot!

[sobs]

[officer] We received a call

about an attempted m*rder.

Is that you?

[Constance] That was...

That was me. I knew he k*lled those women.

And he wanted to k*ll me, so...

I set him up.

[sobbing]

[indistinct]

I swear to f*cking God!

I should have been f*cking k*lled you!

I swear to God, this is

the last time we did it.

Every time you f*cking close your eyes...

[indistinct]

You gotta bluff to the cops!

There are no heroes in this story.

Only survivors.

-[indistinct chatter]

-[car engines revving]

[DJ] Ladies and gentlemen,

give it up for the award-winning

music artist of the year,

Constance Reed!

[crowd applauding and cheering]

Thank you. Thank you so

much for being here tonight.

Tonight, I'm going to be starting off

with one of my favorites as well as yours

and this song just won Rhapsody Music's.

Single of the Year Award

and just hit Diamond status.

[crowd cheering and applauding]

And now,

I want to bring out one of

my very, very best friends.

Who is going to be joining

me on the Mosaic World Tour,

Ms. V Shaw.

[crowd cheering and applauding]

[man 1] Whoo!

[man 2] Yeah!

-[man 3] Yeah!

[man 4] Yeah!

[man 5] Yeah!

[man 6] Whoo-hoo-hoo!

[indistinct]

[man 8] Whoo-hoo! [man 9] Yeah!

[mellow music playing]

Ah-ah

Hey-yeh, yeah

Baby, go hard, no breaks

Making those same mistakes

How you gonna know who to listen to now

When the whole world

looking like snakes

We ain't got no time for all this

No, we ain't got no time for nonsense

I'm right here where I'm supposed to be

I'm on my own come float with me

I'm gonna do what I want to do

Not listening to you no more

And I'm feeling excited

Gotta make my own choices

What I will wanna be

There's time to choose me

there's just too many voices

Gotta make my own choices

What I will wanna be

There's time to choose me

There's just too many voices

Gotta make my own choices

Choices, choices, choices

I gotta make my own choices

choices, choices, choices

It's time I'm on my own

Choices, choices, choices

It's time to make my own choices

Choices, choices, choices

It's time I'm on my own

[crowd cheering and applauding]

[mellow music playing]

I just need you to know

When you're not around

it's not the same

A life's lost its color

it's dim and faded

Living but I'm not awake

And I need you to know

More than anything

I need you I need you close to me

You mean the world to me

And I'm reaching out for you

For you

All of you

And I'm reaching out to you

For you

All of you

You know I never lied to you

I never run and hide from you

It's better if you let me know

Please don't let me go

Because you're my love

I knew it from the start