Original subtitles

You fired.

I'm happy to have my one and only baby back home.

Shouldn't be burying no 22-year-old

'cause he went out to a club.

I'll see you in court, Counselor.

If we lose the civil suit,

the insurance ain't gonna cover that.

Smoke always said you was funny.

Damita, let me holler at you.

Yeah, what do you--

Takes a real tough motherfucker

to hit a lady, right?

Imani X is ready.

Well, you tell her to leave her demo.

Geronimo ain't coming back, Bruce.

This shit ends today. Truce.

Number three.

Run, bitch.

Long as the law know how dope we was a few weeks back,

when we was here, recording all day.

Else there ain't no "we."

I don't know, just something about you.

Loyal, aren't you? I try to be.

It'll carry you far.

That's my girl.

Mom.

Striking. Thank you.

I know you've gotten calls from Cory Robbins

and Bill Stephney.

And Russell Simmons and Will Socolov,

just to name a few.

Yeah, the difference between them and you

is they know rap.

Well, we know how to take rap to the next level.

We can get your client's music on the radio.

They can't.

And those independents...

they're not prepared to create what I believe will be

the biggest phenomenon since MC Hammer.

Atlantic made us an offer too.

We'll beat it.

Totally stay with me as long as you like.

Thanks. Yeah.

So, what are you gonna do for work?

I don't know, I'll figure it out.

I have no choice.

You love me long time.

That lyric sets Asian feminist discourse

back like 20 years.

It doesn't do much for the sisters either.

Yeah. Oh, speaking of,

Damita getting Uncle Luke as her first cover, huh?

She's interviewing Luther Campbell?

Oh, you haven't talked to her?

I left a couple messages, all of which she ignored.

You should keep trying.

For real. Call her.

Why do I have to call her?

Come on, just do it. She played me.

Ow.

I told you to stay out of it.

Whatever.

Ow, Damita, what the fuck?

That hurts you?

Gordy could've killed you.

Whatever.

Wait, where are you going?

You just got here.

Yeah, I wanna get there early and prep for my interview.

Wish me luck?

I wish you could stay a little longer.

Why?

So I could wish you good luck.

Damn... you're just dope.

Mother, journalist...

Shitty nurse. Horrible nurse.

What don't you do?

Waste time.

Hm.

Ow, ow. Oh-- oh, sorry.

I'm sorry. It's fine, it's fine, it's fine.

Like... so what's the holdup?

Hashim is the only reason why I even got

booked tonight because he invited me.

Nah, Hashim is not the reason

why you got booked tonight.

Your talent got you the gig.

You're doing Mr. Hashim a favor.

And I'm down. Lil Ray, Josie and me,

we're gonna be in the house tonight.

Okay, so where's Nikki?

Miss Jones and I parted ways.

So, when you getting me in the studio?

That's what I wanted to talk to you about. I'm checking on it.

I'm waiting to hear back from this particular studio.

They got Living Color in there,

so we're gonna get you in there real soon--

Barry, you know I don't care about

what studio I record-- Yeah, but I care

about the studio. I care about it.

Man, when's shit gonna pop?

I need shit to pop.

I know, right, right, right, right.

So listen, when you get on the stage tonight,

I want you to spit fire out there.

Kill the crowd. Can you do that?

I always do.

You do. You do, you do, you do.

Good, good, good, good, good, good.

That's what the deal is.

Thanks.

Yo...

John, John, John, John, John.

I need five aspirins.

Five, yeah.

Let's just say he knows what he's holding.

Yeah, I heard it.

I'm telling you, it's really--

This way. I'll call you back in a minute.

Miss Jones, how can I help you today?

Thank you so much for meeting me.

Please, take a seat.

To what do I owe this pleasure?

I'm not with Fouray anymore.

I'd like to inquire about a possible position.

A&R, right? To start.

How's your ear for talent?

I'm told it's good.

Hm.

So, bring me an artist worth signing

and we'll talk about a future for you here at EBJ.

Thank you so much. I-- I--

Let's just see what you come up with first.

Now, if you'll excuse me?

Mm-hmm.

Thank you. And you're welcome.

Well, wait, what do you mean, you've closed the books?

That's still my photo on the album cover.

You still owe me the money.

No... no, I can't wait three more months, Larry.

Film stock, new lenses. I need the money now!

You-- you know what, Larry? Fuck you!

Whoa. What's up?

That dick at Choice Records won't pay me.

That's the money I needed to finish

shooting the video tonight.

So, why don't you just call Barry

and have him pay for it?

Barry just-- Barry just needs to see the video.

We'll get it on Music Box

and then he'll understand how much he needs this.

Fouray is just like the rest of them.

He make a whole bunch of promises

and never come through.

I'm-- I'm really sorry.

It's not your fault. It's my fault.

Oh, no.

Look, I'll figure something out.

Don't worry, I got this.

I'm gonna get you your video.

Ladies and gentlemen,

you are listening to the sounds

of the one, the only...

Ahm...

...and super producer DJ DeeVee!

Yeah, rest in peace.

My man David.

Yeah, always remember this moment, baby.

Uh-huh, hey, yo, Ahm.

Yeah.

Talk to 'em one time. Yeah.

Let 'em know...

Hey.

I'm sorry for tripping.

My landlord is wiling,

and my sister's all up in my face,

talking about my mom need new insulin needles,

and I ain't know who else to call. You good.

You need something, you call me, all right?

I'm working a double on Saturday

so I'm gonna hit you back.

You don't need to do that.

I got some Chinese in the fridge.

You want some soda?

Yeah.

All right, well, I'll try to stop by later

if my mom can take the baby.

Please do.

Okay. Okay.

Wait, wait, wait, wait.

Rest up.

Okay.

Goodness.

That woman.

Couldn't wait? Mr. Van Putten?

Detective Purdell, NYPD. Got a minute?

Name was Tina.

She crossed paths with your friend,

Ahmed Harris, and someone else

you might know, goes by Scooby.

Poor lady. She was intimidated.

Refused to work with the NYPD,

and things still didn't go so well for her.

I can protect you,

but you gotta make a decision,

sooner rather than later.

What? Nothing.

I'm just surprised that you called.

You know, I heard you went back home

and I didn't think you'd be coming back so soon.

Me neither.

Okay, so why'd you come back?

I don't know, it just didn't feel right.

Nah, I feel you.

Sometimes it takes a minute to figure out what's right.

Right?

Yeah.

What, you looking for work?

Looking.

How are things?

You know... Fouray's a mess, like usual.

Yeah? Yeah.

Yo, homey, OD'd. I had to call in a favor

and everything to get him squared away.

Shit, he okay? He's cool.

You know, he's all right.

How's Imani? Is she recording?

Is she in the studio?

Nah.

So, we gonna talk about what happened or what?

I can't.

Not yet. Not yet.

All right. Cool.

I do like the hair, though.

Oh, I know you like the hair. Oh, you know I like the hair.

I know you like the hair. That's why you did it, huh?

Hey, Dad. It's, uh, it's me.

Uh, hopefully you get this.

I think you're right about Onondaga.

I think-- I think I gotta leave... today.

Something crazy just happened

and I'm a little shaken up,

so, uh, when you get this,

can you please just meet me at the "Village Voice"?

I gotta go say goodbye to somebody.

Peace.

Yo, Prep School.

What's up?

You know, man, we was just rolling by

your pop's crib, we was in the neighborhood.

That's-- that's dope. I'll-- I'll see you around.

Where you headed, man?

I'm just going to the Ride.

The radio!

We was just going that way.

Hop in.

Nah, I can make my--

Come on, man. Get in the car.

No, bitch, where you been?

And this hair.

Got a new cut and shit.

I had to go back home to help my mom.

Oh, word? Is she good? She good.

All right.

Yo, you need to get back with Fouray.

What the fuck is up with him?

He been holding off on me getting in the studio.

Yo, really? Word.

He... he was short on my check last week,

but I didn't think it was affecting his artists.

No worries. I'm sure he'll be cooking

the books by tomorrow, I'm sure.

Yeah, he better get his shit together.

Yo, it's been a minute. What's up with you?

You know, me and Hashim going to Carwash tonight.

Put you on this list or what?

Yes, count me in.

Yo, I would love to get a plus-one if I could.

I'll see what I can do.

21 letters. Ronald Daniel Henricson.

And I was hoping to add "Junior"

and a coma, so that's another seven.

Also, birthday, date of death.

I never figured a headstone inscription

would be so costly.

Hm.

I wanna settle.

A settlement is a compromise.

The incident needs to be heard in court

for a determination of final justice.

What about forgiveness?

Your brother deserves a full reckoning.

Ronny deserves to be buried.

Shit, man, you don't need the money?

What you doing this for?

A lawsuit ain't gonna bring no one up out the grave.

Ernesto Sierra, line one.

Take a message. Okay.

You should take that. I'm not interested.

Sierra's artists is wack.

Well, Mattie Taylor doesn't think so.

Listen, like I told you, man, I'm not feeling this plan.

Well, be that as it may, sir,

you don't have much of a choice.

So, whenever you decide to settle on a name

for the label of the company or whatever,

just make sure it doesn't include "Fouray."

So, what am I supposed to call it then? Anything but "Fouray."

But Fouray is my name. Exactly.

Listen, I came in this world a Fouray,

I'm gonna leave this world a Fouray, too.

Fuck this bankruptcy bullshit.

What I need is some cash.

I was supposed to have Imani in the studio yesterday.

It ain't a good look.

First step: bankruptcy.

Second step-- No.

The first step is Imani.

I'll find the money.

You have to be realistic, man.

Look, I'm not gonna go bankrupt.

Since when do I like bank on failure?

I'm trying to help you.

It's not about banking on failure.

Good. Then we done.

Let's be clear.

You lose this case, it's over.

You lose everything.

Well, that means you better win this damn case.

And if for some reason, you're feeling like

you're not capable of winning this case,

then, Mr. Anders, you need to let me know,

'cause then I'll get my ass out there

and find a lawyer who can.

Sure you will, Barry. Good day.

It's like a fucking Rubik's cube.

Figure out one side, the other side all fucked up.

I feel you. Yeah, but, look,

SRR needs an extra $1,600 for tonight's showcase,

and hair and makeup says they need an extra room to set up in.

Yo, look, B, maybe I can come back

another time, all right? No.

Now is the right time. Right now.

Actually... I need you to call your man, the hookup.

No, no, no, you don't wanna do that.

That's some serious shit, B.

This is some serious shit!

Are you crazy?

You don't have anybody else that you can call?

Nobody?

Shit.

Hey, Mattie, it's Nikki.

Uh, I was calling to invite you to a show tonight.

Sounds lovely, but I'm already booked

for 2 Live Crew.

How funny.

That's the show I was talking about.

Maybe I'll see you there.

Hope so.

Hmm... you know what I miss?

What?

When things was nice.

Yeah.

Smoke used to always talk about your skills.

How you be spitting. His eyes would light up.

The only other time I seen that twinkle in his eye...

was when it was just me, him and the baby.

I should've took a photo or something.

So, what you got going on after this?

You meeting up with anyone?

Nope. Good.

'Cause I'm taking it upon myself to get you

to the police station, all right?

Time to quit procrastinating on all this alibi business.

You feel me?

Yeah, no doubt.

Hey, you just missed the ex--

He knows where he's going.

So, you and Ahm, y'all about to put out

a record together or something?

Nah.

I don't know, maybe.

What you mean, you don't know, man?

Hey, I could, uh, get to the station myself.

Relax, man. We good.

You must've really fucked with that nigga Ahm, yo.

'Cause you about to put it all on the line

with that alibi.

Shit.

You know, that's appreciated.

I know many a nigga who stood tall

and still got murdered.

'Cause motherfuckers got worried

they was gonna cop a plea

even after they signed the paper.

See, some niggas would rather dime

than even think about the possibility.

But our Prep School,

he gonna do the right thing 'cause he know Ahm

gonna do right by him.

Ain't that right, Prep School?

Yeah.

Hey.

Hey.

What are you doing here?

I'm here to meet, uh...

Oh my God, what happened?

Turns out that Gordy didn't like my article either.

He-- what the fuck?

I'm over it. No, fuck that.

Nah, I just wanna move on.

Did you press charges?

I don't need a pity party.

You need to tell the truth.

Really? A lot of good it gets me.

This is not about the article.

No man should put their hands on you-- period.

Look... I am really sorry about what happened.

Don't be. You spoke the real.

Fouray's a shithead.

Let's just put it behind us, cool?

Cool.

You wanna get a drink?

Yes. I really need one.

Me too.

You've done a lot with the place.

All these people working for you.

I'm impressed.

Mm, actually, that's...

that's why I wanted to bring you down here,

so you can see what I've been working on.

Oh, please. I'm an old man.

What else do I have to do?

You know, I have to stop your mother

from telling everyone

about the big check our son gave us.

That woman and her mouth.

We're gonna get robbed.

You know, Pop, about that money, um,

like I said, you know, you can tell,

I've been working like crazy down here

to get this going and...

I know I told y'all not to worry about

all the stuff you've been seeing on the news.

But, uh, it's just...

What is it, son?

Well, I'm gonna need to borrow

some of that money back, but just for a little bit.

You know, I've got this artist--

my artist, my label,

and-- and-- and with all the things

that's going on right now,

I'm just a little short on cash.

You missed Sunday dinner.

The last time that happened-- I know.

I told you, I'm sorry, Pop, but those days are done.

Now I'm focusing on my label, and that's it.

I just want you to be okay.

I'm okay, Pop.

I just need this money to cover my bases

for the next few weeks,

and then I'm gonna sign my distribution deal

and... and then I'll be fine.

Okay.

How much do you need?

We say dirty words, but everybody say dirty words.

Obscenity.

You can't talk about pussy, dick or asshole,

but I can go to the movies and watch a man's head

get blown off. Isn't that obscenity?

Not legally, but according to

Federal District Judge Jose Gonzalez,

your material is.

Man, fuck Judge Gonzalez.

I should be able to say what I damn well please.

That's freedom of speech. That's what the United States of America

is supposed to be all about.

You sound very patriotic.

Patriotic? I am America.

Uh-uh, play that back from the beginning.

Super producer DJ DeeVee!

Who that?

It's one of DeeVee friends.

He one of the ones that got killed

at that Rex Boogie thing.

Your boy DeeVee, I heard him on the radio, right?

He got radio connects, you need to get this tape over there--

Nah, we ain't doing all that. Why?

'Cause this music shit is just for me.

I ain't doing it so people get to know me.

Oh, that's some bullshit.

You ain't white. You need to do this shit,

and you need to do it for one reason only,

so you can get out of this shit hood.

That ain't never gonna happen. Why not?!

Me and Smoke used to always talk about getting out.

Smoke used to promise.

He...

Hey.

Hey, hey, hey, hey.

I gotta bounce.

Stay as long as you want.

Ooh, this is my jam! Ooh, yeah.

Yeah, you like it, you like how...

Ooh, hey! Hey...

So, baby, you got what you need to write something dope?

Yeah, one last question.

What would you say to your female fans

that listen to you rap about women in a degrading way?

What would I say? I wouldn't say shit.

And first of all, I ain't degrading women.

I ain't talking all women anyway,

just certain women.

But don't all women deserve respect?

Not the ones who don't respect themselves.

So, you mean like prostitutes don't deserve respect?

I mean prostitutes, I mean hoes--

Like ones with multiple sex partners,

or ones whose baby daddy ran off?

Why are you tripping?

Because I don't know why the fuck you deserve a cover.

Who the fuck are you to determine

what woman deserves your respect?

If you wanted to sit on my lap,

all you had to do was ask.

I got everything that I needed.

Thanks.

Oh, no. Oh, don't be mad.

Come on, baby, there's-- there's room on this lap now.

Don't-- don't be-- don't be mad.

Fuck you. Oh, okay.

You'll be back.

Hello. Dad?

Junior, what's wrong?

Nothing, I'm all right. I just, uh...

Look, I-- I got a...

Some detective came by the house today,

showing me pictures of a dead witness,

and then one of Ahm's boys just picked me up off the street.

What? Where are you? I'm on my way!

No, no. I still have to do my show.

Your show?

Boy, don't nobody care about your show.

Dad, Ahm's boy is still outside waiting for me.

Okay? If I leave right now, he'll know what's up.

Please, just meet me here after my show.

I finish at 10:00. Yeah, all right, yeah.

I'll be downstairs by 9:55.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you. All right, bye.

So, you're really gonna help these guys get bigger?

It's a business.

Yeah, but they perpetuate the worst stereotypes.

It's just a spectacle. Spectacle sells.

But you're a woman who has power, you don't--

Nikki, every label needs to have a few cash cows.

That's how we keep the lights on, pay the bills.

But then after that, you can take a risk?

On? On a rookie.

Who's really got something to say

that's both empowering and uplifting.

The one and only Mattie Taylor!

When they told me you were coming yourself,

I made sure to put my good drawers on.

Luther, looking forward to the performance.

Yeah, I knew you was a freak.

Better watch yourself, you might end up on that stage.

Well... Y'all want some drinks?

Hey, yo, Roscoe!

I got this good pussy over here, man.

And this one, she swallow every drop.

Yo, that's right. Let's go.

You think he gonna sing?

I just hope he don't piss on my seats

before we get to the station.

Nigga, did you fart?

That was you, nigga. It wasn't me.

Man.

Woman.

Verse.

Infinity.

95 FM The Ride.

I told Luther to go fuck himself.

Damita?

Yeah, I did.

I don't believe you.

I did. I lost my shit.

Well, maybe you got, uh, I don't know,

something that you gotta say.

I do, and I will.

What's up? You blew up my pager.

Yeah, I, uh... I just, um...

I wanted to tell you, uh...

Are you okay?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, most def, I...

I-- I just wanted to tell you

that this morning was--

Amazing.

What you doing later?

I don't know, I just... you know, I gotta go.

I gotta go.

Uh, I'll-- I'll talk to you in a minute.

Okay. No, I'm sorry.

I gotta change the records.

Uh... bye.

Yo, she's dope, right?

Yeah. Yup.

This girl's gonna be a star. Hope so.

I robbed my mom's safe just so I could film her.

You get her for me, you'll be my new A&R.

Yeah.

Ladies and gentlemen,

you are listening to the sounds

of the one, the only...

Ahm...

...and super producer DJ DeeVee!

Yeah, rest in peace.

My man David.

Yeah. Yeah.

Always remember this moment, baby.

Uh-huh, hey, yo, Ahm. Yeah.

Talk to 'em one time. Yeah.

Let 'em know... one time.

Killed that. Imani X, you loud.

Word, loud.

I'm just a mirror.

That's it.

That was dope!

Thank you.

Imani, please meet Mattie Taylor.

It's so refreshing to hear a young artist

who's got something to say.

Someone who defies stereotypes,

who's empowering and uplifting.

Damn. Thank you.

Why don't you stop by my office?

I'd like to bring you on board EBJ.

I don't even know what to say.

Think about it. But don't think too long.

Bitch, you a company girl now?

Yo, Mattie has reach.

And from what you told me about Fouray...

Wait, where is Barry?

Nah, I ain't seen him.

But if EBJ is getting into rap,

you definitely going to the top of that pyramid.

See?

Nikki... what you doing?

Yo, what you thought about tonight?

Oh, check it. I talked to the guy

about the studio, we definitely getting you

in the studio tomorrow. Are you?

Yeah, stay away from my artists.

This one right here, you gotta watch this one.

She kinda slippery.

Fuck you, Barry.

I've always had her best interest at heart-- always.

Oh, her best interest? How?

Mattie Taylor, who don't know shit about hip-hop?

I'm what's best for Imani X.

You wouldn't even listen to her demo, remember?

Wouldn't let her audition.

Hold up. What?

I'm gonna tell you something...

you better watch yourself.

You keep playing games with my artists,

I'm gonna play games with you.

You do that, Barry.

Don't judge me.

So, is that why you met me today?

Hmm?

This doesn't change anything I said...

about us.

Except you didn't say anything about us.

Assassins everywhere.

Yeah, but it was probably more Mattie than Nikki, though.

Yeah, fuck 'em. I'm gonna take EBJ down.

Fuck Nikki Jones.

And what's up with that Ernesto Sierra dude?

Did they close on anybody yet?

No, I don't think so. Good.

Tell Tamika I said set up a meeting.

I'm going after Vanilla Ice.

Please tell me you're kidding me.

I'm going after Vanilla Ice.

Run, Junior!

Come on!

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no...

Turn around, get against the wall.

Turn around. Me?

Whoa, whoa!

Oh... okay, all right.

Don't make this any harder than it has to be.

What are you doing? Let's go.

I didn't do anything, Dad.

That's my son. Where are you taking him?!

He's under arrest! Get out of here!

I'm gonna come get you, Junior!

He just left.

Somebody's shooting out here!

I see him, I see him! Yo, get him, he's running!

He's moving, he's moving!

Around the car, around the car!

He's at the back of that car!

Fuck.

Get inside, get inside!

Jesus Christ!

Yo, give it up, Ahm!

Come on.

Next time on "The Breaks"...

This is the biggest night of my career

and it's game time, baby.

You only have one chance to break an artist.

You don't need to explain that to me, Nikki.

Do I gotta keep looking over my shoulder?

It's New York City, man.

Do you know how many people spend their entire

miserable lives, wishing for a chance at greatness?

What's up? Everybody's talking about that song you did with DeeVee.

Ain't no protection nowhere in this game!

Ain't you figure that out by now?

Darryl Van Putten, Junior,

charged with obstruction of justice.

Yo...