hip-hop music
[Lynae] Where you get this car?
[Bakari] Friend loaned it to me.
[Lynae] What kind of friend?
[officer] License and registration.
[Jamal] Keep my sister safe, you hear me?
[Bakari] I hear you.
You want to grab some coffee and catch up?
I don't think that's a good idea.
Keep your eye on the ball.
- [pins clatter] - Yes!
[Jackson] There's a lot of sin out there.
I need space to be myself.
Who this, your little brother?
He's my son.
You didn't like my Uncle Q, did you?
Your uncle had a lot of enemies.
- [thumping] - Fuck was that?
[gunshots]
I ain't got shit to say.
When the feds come knocking, it won't be long.
[Darnell] Why you hiding guns in your nightstand?
If you ever really need it, you come find me.
What do you do when a lion prowls your village,
looking to eat your young?
If we don't cast that devil out of our city,
he will devour us all.
- [all] Amen. - [applause]
Take care of him.
This team in LA is getting me a car,
sponsor all my events.
- It's just-- - That's fire.
Oh, hell no.
You won't have to hold it long.
We'll be back for it.
What the hell is this?
somber music
I'm holding it for Douda.
[Kiesha] You bringing dirty money into our house?
It's not even like that.
Then what's it like?
I mean, it's only for a little while.
What are you getting us into, Emmett?
I got you into a new house.
Who you think paying for therapy?
- Wow. - [Emmett] What?
With you losing your job, it's all on me.
You think these kids take care of themselves?
What I'm trying to say is, we living a lifestyle.
And it comes at a cost.
- Don't-don't do that. - Do what?
Act like Douda is the only solution
to us living a better life.
What are you worried about, Kiesha?
Niggas around Douda die, Emmett.
You know that more than anybody.
I told you about this nigga, and you didn't listen to me.
A'ight, you right.
But I'd never put our family in danger.
You already have.
[sighs] I'm sorry.
[Kiesha] You can't keep apologizing
and just expect me to forgive you.
I'm leaving.
I thought you said we couldn't leave each other.
Huh?
Look, I'ma make this right.
Okay, I'ma put a end to all this.
I promise.
[train rumbling]
Congrats on the inauguration.
Must be nice to make things official.
[sighs] Thank you.
Uh, like I said last night,
I don't know anything about Q's murder.
[Gorn] This photo says otherwise.
This was taken a few feet away
from where Quentin's body was dumped.
Agent Gorn, we have a meeting to get to.
[Gorn] One more question.
Why were you and Otis together?
It looks like you two were... headed somewhere.
tense music
Unless you're charging him with something,
he has the right to remain silent.
[Victor sighs]
I'll be honest with you.
I don't think you're a killer,
but I do think you might have helped dump the body.
So you can either confess now,
or we can find out later
and put you in prison.
somber music
I guess you're more like Douda than I thought.
[door clicks open]
[door clicks shut]
- Pop. - [Darnell] Oh. Yo.
[Darnell groans]
I need the gun.
Yeah? what you need it for?
Just give it back.
Boy, you better watch how you talking to me.
You told me if I needed it, you'd give it to me.
I need it right now.
Emmett...
you ain't built that way.
[Darnell scoffs softly]
tense music
Be careful, son.
[door clicks open and shut]
[breathing heavily]
Fuck.
Fuck, man.
I ain't no bitch.
Yeah, fuck.
[groans] Shit.
Fuck.
[exhales heavily]
I ain't no bitch.
I ain't no fucking bitch.
Ain't nobody gonna hurt my fucking family.
I ain't no bitch.
dramatic jazz music
hip-hop music
- Ay, yeah - Ay, ay, ay
Like an infomercial, I got offers
Since I was 18, I been working deals...
You still on punishment?
- Yeah. - Damn. How long?
I don't even know.
[sighs] It's a'ight.
They'll give you freedom soon enough.
I wish I had my own place like you.
Careful what you wish for.
These bills is killing me.
I'm paying for everything. Bank account low as hell.
Damn, what's taking so long?
We been standing here forever.
Why are you so pressed?
This year, my class photo gotta be... fire.
[Lynae] It's just a class photo.
What's the big deal?
People gonna remember this image of me
for the rest of they lives.
I gotta look good.
[Jake] I ain't stressed.
[sighs] Not everyone is born photogenic.
It's a skill.
Watch and learn.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I'm applying the pressure
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I'm applying the pressure
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I'm applying the pressure
Ay, need my flowers, I empty the vase
Like some crooked teeth, y'all need to brace
Airbnb but I be in the place
Boy, I'm on a run and it's more than a pace
No, Corona still ain't got no taste
[indistinct]
Damn.
[photographer] Smile.
[camera shutter clicks]
Smile.
[camera shutter clicks]
Can you give me a smile?
[camera shutter clicks]
Manifest, if I speak it, it stays
Ain't know where the hell I'ma raise
So ungrateful but still with the praise...
[camera shutter clicks]
But he's saying I gotta do better
Any option, I'll fuck with whatever
I'm pushing the scooter like never say never
Spraying pepper, I'm picking your pocket...
[laughter]
- [Maisha] Oh, my God. - [Kevin] Wait.
[Lynae] Y'all need to clean that up.
dramatic hip-hop music
[Douda] This is for losing my motherfucking car.
Homeys do what they say
Run it up, run it up, bang
Run it up, run it up, bang...
How we doing?
Run it up, run it up, bang...
We still haven't found anywhere to wash the money.
I tried hitting up a couple businesses,
but Pastor Jackson's sermon got folks scared.
I'll figure something out.
[Douda] That's what I like to hear.
There's no way you can tame us...
[Zay] What do you want us to do with Bakari?
Nothing.
He can clean hisself up.
Homeys do what they say
Run it up, run it up, bang
Lockdown, boom, make way
Run it up, run it up, bang
Lockdown, boom, make way
[Quincy] Look, I'm not a fan of lying.
But in this case, if you tell the truth,
everything you worked for can go away.
Lying to the FBI is dangerous.
What am I supposed to do?
Why don't you just cooperate,
see if they could cut you a deal?
You didn't kill anybody.
But I helped dispose the body.
You did?
I didn't know there was a body in the trunk.
I di--I didn't.
I heard a noise.
I forced him to pull over.
And then he opened the trunk, and...
there he was...
dying.
Why didn't you tell me?
What good would that have done?
I'm an accomplice. I-I-I didn't have a choice.
I may wear a suit right now,
but I'm a street nigga.
I--
Every time I try to fucking run from this shit,
I-I-I can't get away from it fast enough.
somber jazz music
[Fatima] Come here. Come here.
This isn't your fault.
Doesn't stop it from being true.
If you just tell the truth,
maybe they could cut you a deal.
A deal can still mean jail time.
Or they can force me to start working for them,
and I can't be an opp.
I-I think it's best I just say nothing.
'Cause if they really had something,
I mean really had something,
th-they would have arrested me by now.
Think about us.
Think about our future.
What's your favorite thing about being a father?
Watching you become the man
that I always knew you could be.
Everything I do in this life is for you, son.
What's your...
least favorite thing about being a father?
I have a fear that I won't be there for you when you need me.
I never want to let you down, son.
You never have.
What about when I got arrested?
You taught me that...
falling down is a part of life
and as long as I always get back up,
everything will be okay.
This watch has been in our family for four generations.
You're the fifth Jackson man to receive it,
few weeks from your 18th birthday.
I promise to always keep it safe.
Thanks, Dad.
Time is the one thing that we can never get back.
Always value it.
Amen?
Amen.
Thank you all for tuning in to what has been
a very special episode of Papa's Pulpit.
Till next time, y'all stay blessed.
[door clicks open]
- [Darnell groans] - [door clicks shut]
Hey.
What you doing up so late?
Can't sleep.
Yeah, what's wrong?
I'm worried about Emmett.
- What'd you hear? - Nothing.
[sighs] I just--
I feel like something's wrong.
Oh.
[groans]
[Jada] You know something?
No.
Where you coming in from so late?
Oh, I was just hanging with Shaad.
Hey, don't worry.
Come on. Let's go to bed.
pensive hip-hop music
[Bakari sighs]
- [knocking] - [Bakari sniffles]
[door clicks open]
Is Lynae home?
Lynae's on punishment.
She can't have any visitors.
I just want to apologize.
It wasn't her fault.
It was mine.
I shouldn't have had her in that car.
What happened to your eye?
It--
I'll be a'ight. [sniffles]
Are you sure?
Yeah.
Could you, um,
let Lynae know I stopped by?
I will.
[indistinct hip-hop music playing over speakers]
Damn, shorty, who fucked you up?
I fucked up.
So somebody fucked me up.
You know how it go.
Yeah, I do.
Get in the car, man.
[indistinct hip-hop music continues]
Don't be slamming my door and shit, though.
[reverent piano music playing]
What can I do for you, Victor?
I need your guidance.
Talk me through it.
Well, I'm, uh--
I'm in a situation
where I could tell the truth...
and face the consequences,
or...
I can withhold it
and stay focused on the work I'm doing.
Well, you are doing a lot for this city.
Look, honestly, I can't tell you what to do.
That's up to you.
I understand.
But I can pray for you.
And we can let God do the guiding.
That's what he does best.
[sighs]
I pray...
that you listen to the quiet voice inside of you.
That's the voice of God.
That's his way of guiding you on your journey.
solemn music
Don't be afraid to take the righteous path.
And when you do,
your path will always be purposeful.
Even if the road seems long,
continue to trust in God
and know that your steps are ordered.
Amen.
Thank you.
Means a lot.
Amen.
I'll, uh--
I'll get out your hair.
Uh, actually, I'm-I'm glad you came by.
Uh, there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about.
[sighs]
At a point, I judged you
for something that I shouldn't have.
And I wanted you to know that...
it wasn't my place.
God is the only judge.
Thank you.
I know we both want what's best for this city.
I plan on doing it through prayer.
You plan on doing it through politics.
But what I do know
is that as long as Douda is alive,
this city will be forever in the devil's hands.
I know.
Somebody has to do something.
dramatic music
- [equipment whirring] - [workers shouting]
tense music
[Douda laughs]
Have you lost your mind?
I think I found it.
Come on, now, Emmett. Playtime's over.
Let's put the gun away.
I wanna cut ties with you.
I'm done.
I am not gonna negotiate with you
with a gun in my face.
Your choice.
[Emmett groaning]
You want to part ways with me, hmm?
Then you part ways with the Benz,
with the house, with the clothes,
and all the fucking businesses.
You understand me?
You understand? Hmm?
Huh?
What if I paid you back?
So you want to buy me out?
Yeah.
Okay.
Get up.
Come on. Get up.
So listen, you, uh-- you pay me my money.
Then we'll talk.
No.
Then we'll be done.
Emmett, you do not call the shots.
If you play with me again,
I will put this motherfucking bullet...
through that thick-ass skull.
If you kill me, the whole city'd be on your ass.
Oh, you think you're that beloved?
I know I am.
Niggas fuck with me.
They just work for you.
I'm rooting for you, but you're on thin ice.
Why is my dad so obsessed with me
becoming a college graduate?
He's of a different generation.
Ain't y'all the same age?
Excuse me?
I'm a few years younger.
[laughter]
I can't make Maisha a star overnight.
It takes years to break in an artist.
Maybe you need to add somebody else to your roster.
I can barely handle Maisha.
Okay, the music game, it's a numbers game.
The more artists you have, the more chances you have
for them to break through.
If someone sparks my interest,
then maybe I'll consider it.
Good.
Sweetheart, graduation is here, and you're out of money.
- I know. - Good.
'Cause you need to fill out at least three
college applications before end of day.
Okay. Fine.
And don't phone it in either.
Dad, I can't pretend to care if I don't.
Well, if you don't get into any of these schools,
then you'll go to community college.
Oh, I actually wouldn't mind going to community college.
Don't do it to spite me.
It's just as good as the Ivy Leagues.
[sighs]
You do what you want,
but you're gonna have to go to class somewhere
if you want to keep living in this house.
Don't look at me.
Yeah
hip-hop music
I need a prayer...
Prison life ain't for the weak.
I know.
Treat you like a dog.
Somebody tells you when to eat, sleep, shit.
It's dehumanizing.
I ain't going to prison, a'ight?
Not only was you driving a stolen car.
You was speeding in that bitch.
You lucky your ass a minor, bro.
I already feel bad.
- I'ma make you feel worse. - What's that gonna do?
Nigga, at some point, you need to start
giving a fuck about your life.
That's what it's gonna do.
What the fuck you want me to do,
read the Bible?
Get on my knees and pray?
Talk to God like you?
That's what you want?
[hip-hop music playing over speakers]
I had to spend years in a cell to find God, man.
You done with your lecture or what?
I need a prayer...
I already fucked my life up.
Every day, I'm just begging for forgiveness.
I don't want that for you, man,
or my sister.
I need a prayer...
I'll be more careful next time.
[Jamal] How the fuck you know you gonna get a next time?
Pray for me, I need a...
She done with me?
You gotta ask Nae.
Where the loyalty...
Her moms won't let me talk to her.
They is dead to me, they like to mess with me...
Honestly, I think y'all need some time apart right now.
Till I'm in the hearse
Somebody pray for me
Please, God
I know I be flipping the kings
Give me some angel wings...
She's all I have to live for.
Wish I could fly away...
I know the feeling.
All I'm trying to say, I need a prayer
- [door clicks shut] - [Victor sighs]
I need to talk to you.
Douda came to my house
a few months back,
asked me to take a ride.
I ain't know where we was going or what was going on.
But while we was riding,
I heard a sound coming from the trunk.
Next thing I know,
he's pulling over.
We both got out to see what was going on,
and when he opened the trunk...
[sighs]
...I see, uh--
You see my uncle.
[Victor] Yeah.
Was he dead already?
[Victor] He was kicking and gasping for air.
And what happened?
Douda shot him three more times.
And then he got back in the driver's seat.
And what'd you do?
I got back in the car.
You ain't do shit.
There wasn't anything I could do.
Why he choose you?
'Cause he knew I wouldn't say shit.
So why you talking now?
[Victor] 'Cause he's your family.
- You deserve to know. - Fuck.
You told anybody else this shit?
[Victor] No.
Why you telling me now?
dramatic music
Does it matter?
You know what this mean, right?
[sighs]
foreboding music
[door clicks open and shut]
[Dre sighs]
- Hey. - Hey.
You been busy.
What you mean by that?
You just been slow to respond to my texts.
And when you do, you're a little short.
I'm just, you know, trying to be respectful.
I thought we were making an effort to be friends.
[Dre] I know.
And I'm enjoying that.
It's just--
Your wife is uncomfortable.
Look, she came into her queerness
a little late in life, and, you know,
she just doesn't realize that a lot of times,
lesbians can still be cool after they break up.
I understand.
Just give her some time, all right?
She'll get there.
So I'm gonna fall back until she's more comfortable.
[Dre sighs]
Look, I'm not trying to push you away.
It's just that we've dealt with some infidelity in the past,
and, you know, we're just in a healing space right now.
That's all.
I get it.
[indistinct hip-hop music playing over speakers]
Who that?
Got to make my life legendary
Now I get more love than February...
Oh, shit.
But also it's very scary
'Cause all my life, I felt secondary...
That's my sister.
Work like a secretary, I ain't tripping about it
I found my spot, it's crazy
It was right around the block
I'm ahead of time, I got a timeless clock
Still writing hits when I got writer's block
You know, even on my worst days...
[Bakari] Britney.
Finally.
[Bakari] How long you been sitting here?
[Britney] Not too long.
Hey, why you ain't tell me you was coming to the city?
Nigga, I ain't got your number.
I asked around, and somebody told me you were staying here.
My bad.
[Britney] So... this your spot?
[Bakari] Just staying with a friend.
[Britney] Damn.
You went from foster care to couch surfing.
One of these days, we gonna have our own shit, though.
Shit, I've been saving up.
You looking expensive.
Yeah. I'm a hustler. You know that.
I can tell by that black eye.
[indistinct hip-hop music continues]
Don't be embarrassed.
I know how it is.
- How long you in town? - For a while.
What kind of scheme you running?
- None. - [scoffs] Uh-huh.
Nah, I'm trying to do the music thing.
- Again? - Yes, again.
But recently, I ran into some money,
so I been bankrolling my own shit.
[scoffs] Where you getting your money from?
I'ma always find a way to the bag.
It runs in the family.
I missed you.
[Bakari] Missed you too.
[Britney] So is it cool if I could come in
so we could really catch up?
If was up to me, you could crash,
but it ain't my crib.
Don't sweat it.
I'll see you around.
Hey, G.
Give me your phone.
Look.
I ain't changing it this time, a'ight?
Hit me tomorrow.
This is that get back when that car rolls
With that window down and that pole cracked
But don't make no sound, just pillow tuck
And get your willow walk
And get the steelos popping, that's the girls running
'Cause they get to screaming when they see the gun
And got the black on black on
When the bullets humming but they seen nothing
No, we ain't bluffing
We know rats hush when they getting Gs
[Victor] I've been weighing out an option.
What options have you been weighing out?
Maybe I should tell the FBI the truth.
But what does that mean for us?
I don't know.
Look, I want you to be an honest man,
but if that means losing everything that we've built,
I don't know if it's worth it.
[door opens, creaking]
[door closes]
What's going on?
Nothing.
[Jake] I don't believe you.
Jake, give us a second, man. We-we handling something.
How come y'all don't ever tell me shit?
- I'm basically grown. - You're not grown.
- I'm about to graduate. - [Victor] So what?
You don't know shit about being an adult
- with responsibilities. - I run my own business.
- Out of my house. - I need to move out like Kev.
[Victor] No, you need to bring your ass to your room.
- I ain't no baby. - Jake...
just give us a second, please.
[sighs]
mellow music
Y'all friends with any of your exes?
Yeah, I married mine.
- Well, one of mine is dead. - [Dre] Mm-hmm.
The other one is a murderer, so, no.
- Damn. - I know.
[Dre chuckles]
Why?
Well, Tracy decided to hire my ex at Rock,
and it's causing a little bit of havoc in my marriage.
Mm. Hmm.
- Monica is your ex? - [Jada chuckles]
God damn, Dre, why didn't you say something sooner?
I'm not trying to break up your happy home.
You know that.
Honestly, it's been kind of nice
being around her again.
- [Jada scoffs] - Oh.
- Careful. - We are.
- Uh... - Uh-huh.
Don't have Nina mad at me.
Oh, see?
Now I understand why she ain't here.
Nah, nah.
She had to take Ronnie to a doctor's appointment.
- Okay. - [Jada] Uh-huh.
And would we be having this conversation if she were?
- Ooh, would we? - Mm.
Look, I just wanted some honest advice.
Mm.
- [both laugh] - You got feelings for this ex?
Nah.
I don't think so.
- Mm. - Mm.
- You don't sound too sure. - [Dre] We're just friends.
- Is that so wrong? - [Tracy] No.
As long as she not doing nothing
that you wouldn't do in front of Nina, you good.
Oh, she did something with someone when
- she wasn't in front of me. - Okay, Dre.
- Really? - Ooh. So this is revenge?
No, no, not at all.
This is just typical lesbian behavior.
Oh, cheating?
N-no, being friends with your ex.
I think that's okay, 'cause if I'm being honest,
I wish me and Douda could still be friends.
- [Jada] Mm. - Hmm.
I miss talking to him.
Y'all don't seem to be doing too much talking
- when y'all are together. - Damn, don't drag me.
Shush.
What you gonna do, Dre?
[sighing] I don't know.
I guess I'll just...
talk to Nina and make sure she knows
she don't have nothing to worry about.
Good, yes.
And then make sure you are absolutely crystal clear
about everything before you have that conversation, okay?
I will.
- Well, cheers to that. - [Dre chuckles]
- [Tracy chuckles] - Yeah.
[jazzy music playing]
Enjoy.
[indistinct chatter]
I hope you interrupted my lunch for a good reason.
I know who killed Uncle Q.
You're sure of it?
Yeah.
- You know what to do. - It ain't that simple.
- We have a deal. - I know.
But gangstas like him ain't that easy to just take out.
You think I don't know that?
I don't do this kind of shit every day.
But I do.
[sighs] Get some help.
I don't think you can handle this alone.
It ain't too many people I trust.
Well, that's your problem, not mine.
If you'll excuse me...
I don't want my lunch to get cold.
serious music
I think if you met her, you would really like her.
I don't want to hang out with you and your ex.
Babe, why does this have to be such a big deal?
Why y'all want to hang out anyway?
What can you do with her that you can't do with me?
You can't be everything to me.
I know. That's why you have Tracy and Jada.
[sighs]
What do you really think is gonna happen?
I have no desire to be with anybody else.
- Is that shade towards me? - No.
I'm just letting you know that I'm not gonna cross any lines.
Why is this so important to you?
Because I don't have any lesbian friends.
What am I?
You're my wife.
And that's not good enough for you?
I didn't say that. What I said--
[Kevin groans]
[Nina] Kevin, you cannot just barge into this house
anytime you want to.
Dre and I are having a conversation.
Uh, uh, I told Dre I was coming?
Oh. Oh, shit. I forgot to tell you--my bad.
I'm the last one to know everything in this house.
I could--
Kev, what is it that you need to talk to us about?
- Ah-- - [Kevin] All right.
Should I be sitting down?
- You might want to. - [sighs]
Come on. Come, come, come, come.
- Okay. - [Nina] Lord help me.
- [Kevin exhales deeply] - [Nina sighs]
[Dre clears throat]
Yeah, uh, right.
[chuckling nervously] Um...
I'm moving to Los Angeles.
- What? - Wow.
Ma, this big gaming team wants to sponsor me.
But they need me to move out to Los Angeles
so I can take this gaming thing full-time.
Congratulations, Kev.
When did this happen?
You know, a few days ago. [chuckles]
You've been sitting on this information for a few days?
Well, I had to decide if I wanted to go first, Ma.
You never thought it was important
- to talk to us about it? - [Dre] Babe, it's his decision.
Respectfully, Dre,
but I'm gonna need you to stay out of this.
Whoa. Dre is my mom, too.
What is this, gang up on Nina day?
No, Ma.
I thought you'd be happy for me.
Why would I be happy that you're moving so far away?
'Cause this is my dream.
And I want to see where it takes me, Ma.
This is crazy.
You can't play video games
for the rest of your life, Kevin.
[scoffs]
Dre, back me up on this, please.
Kev...
we're just gonna need all the information, okay?
And we're gonna need to at least know where you living.
And h-how you gonna get around?
I'll get that to y'all,
and they're providing me with a ride.
[Dre] Okay, Kev.
Let's go!
[Kevin] Thank you.
You-you okay, Ma?
I just need some time...
[inhales sharply] ...to digest all this.
Just give her some time.
Look, you're her baby, all right?
This ain't the easiest news to get.
- Can you talk to her, please? - I will. I definitely will.
[Kenya] Are you good with kids?
soft jazz music
I don't know.
I never really thought about it.
You know, you don't have to pretend to be okay
with all this.
I'm not pretending.
I think I'm still just...
processing everything.
[Kenya] Are you not ready for this?
Are you?
It's different. He's my responsibility.
I get it if you want to leave.
Look...
my feelings for you haven't changed.
Just because you have a son
doesn't mean I don't like you anymore.
But I come with a little extra baggage.
I don't care.
I still like you, Kenya.
We got this.
Why are you hogging the iPad, man?
We want to watch cartoons, too.
church organ music
How I give you a pocket watch and you still can't make it
to your appointments on time?
I'm only gonna be a few minutes late.
Victor's doing a very nice thing for you all,
letting you all join his men's group.
The least you can do is be punctual.
I was hanging with my girl and lost track of time.
Didn't I just talk to you about time?
It's not good for you to waste yours or anybody else's.
I'm sorry.
And since when do you have a girl?
She's the same one I asked to prom.
Oh, the one I never got to meet.
You can meet her and her son at some point.
What do you mean "her son"?
Don't be mad.
You're not allowed to date somebody
that's old enough to have a child.
She's only 19.
Who is this girl?
[Papa] Minister Bailey's daughter.
Oh, the same minister that passes
the collection plate around three times every Sunday?
The same minister that stepped out on his wife
more than once?
She shouldn't have to pay for the sins of her father.
But it's the same bloodline, son.
That's why she was in a family way as a child--
because he had his eyes on prosperity
and they should have been on his family.
At least he's never been in trouble with the law.
[Pastor Jackson] You're gonna stop throwing that in my face.
I'm still your father.
Now, you are not allowed to date that girl.
And if I catch you with her,
you gonna be working at the church full-time.
But I'm assistant manager at Smokey's.
Do I look like I care?
You're not old enough for that kind of responsibility.
Well, it's my decision, not yours.
[Pastor Jackson] If you disobey me,
you'll regret it for the rest of your life.
I'm not a child anymore.
[scoffs] Yes, you are.
Now go.
You're already late.
[sighs]
[Victor] So today we have some new guests.
So I want to remind everyone about the house rules.
What is said here...
[all] Stays here.
There's no judgment.
When someone is speaking, give them space to do so.
We're not here to fix anyone or offer advice.
We're just here to listen and to offer support.
That's it.
But I'm not gonna lie.
It's been a heavy few days for me.
But since I went first last time,
I'd like to open it up for someone else to start us off.
soft music
Fuck it.
I'll start it off.
[sighs]
Man, I feel like I'm starting to backslide.
You want to elaborate?
Well, just in terms of lusting after other women,
shit like that.
No, but I-I'm staying on the straight and narrow, though.
Glad I could help you out with that, too, dog.
Hey, and I appreciate that, too, D, for real.
[Darnell] For sure.
Hey, how can we support you?
I don't know. Just keep holding me accountable, you dig?
Like...
just make sure I ain't out here doing no dumb shit.
I'm glad the youth could join us today.
I know when I was younger,
I could've used an outlet like this.
Bakari, I'm glad you showed up.
I've been feeling terrible about forcing my daughter
to do something she doesn't want to do.
Yeah, 'cause she really ain't trying to go to college.
But it's my responsibility to look out for her.
She can look after herself.
Oh, hold up, Jake. I don't think you--
Hey, whoa, no judgment.
But it's my job to protect her.
Sometimes I feel like my dad's trying to protect me too much.
I just want space to...
grow and make mistakes.
Right, mistakes.
Sometimes something can feel like a mistake when...
it's really not.
Hmm. It's hard to know what's a mistake and what's not.
Even when you trying to do right by people,
it could have you in trouble.
I think I got myself in some deep shit...
just 'cause I wanted to be the big man.
Wait. What kind of trouble?
When we ask questions, it shouldn't be about the details.
It should be about how we can help.
Yeah, okay, fine. How can I--
how can we help you?
I just need everybody in here to have my back.
You got that.
Bakari, you good?
I seen...
...my sister today.
Wait, hold up, G. I thought you ain't have no family.
We spent our childhood together,
but as we got older,
our parents couldn't look after us no more,
so she went to one foster home, I went to another.
After a while...
we lost touch.
I thought I'd never see her again.
How come you ain't tell me?
I was still in shock.
Hey, Jake...
...how you feeling?
Look, man, I want to apologize to you
for not including you on the bigger conversations
that's been happening around the house.
I'm dealing with a lot, man, and...
I want to be careful.
I need to be careful about what I share with you.
What's going on?
Yeah, man. How can we support you?
I just need your prayers.
What if we don't pray?
[sighs]
I just need you to trust me then.
I do.
So I got to hear it in the streets
that you moving to LA.
Look, I-I was just trying to find the right time.
[Maisha] And we just got back together.
[sighs]
Look, come with me.
Are you crazy?
I-I can't just leave my life behind
to keep chasing after you.
No, you wouldn't be chasing me.
I mean, listen, you'd probably have more opportunities
if you was out there, anyway.
I want to make it in Chicago.
- Yeah, but what if you don't? - So you don't believe in me?
No, I-I do.
I just--I just didn't know you were trying to be
some local rapper.
And what's wrong with being a local rapper?
Nothing, nothing, nothing at all.
I just...
I just thought we were dreaming bigger.
Don't minimize my dreams
'cause you got to leave our city to chase yours.
I'm sorry.
dramatic music
So what about us?
I mean, there's always FaceTime.
[chuckles]
Look, I'll fly you out.
Huh? What you think?
First class only?
- Oh, you fancy. - [both chuckle]
I'm worthy.
You are.
Brandyn Burnette's "Inspired"
I don't have to know the answer
Every time
I don't have to feed the bad thoughts
In my mind
Yeah, I just wanna feel good
We just wanna feel good
I don't give no fucks today
Push my ego out the way
Yeah, you got me inspired
Yeah, I just wanna feel good
Start livin' my life
We just wanna feel good
Bakari, I need to have a word with you.
If you need to talk to him, we need to be present.
No, he doesn't need a chaperone.
Oh, but he got two of them right here, though, so...
Yeah, we used to have fun
Bakari, have a seat.
Yeah, we used to go out, yeah, we used to have sex
I'm gettin' used to the stress
If it's as good as it gets
Tell me what's comin' next
Yeah, I just wanna feel good
We just wanna feel good
I don't get much sleep these days
My dreams keep me wide awake
Yeah, you got me inspired
Yeah, I just wanna feel good
Start livin' my life
We just wanna feel good
You got me inspired
I'd like to start off
by thanking my counselors and teachers
for guiding me through these years.
I know I haven't been the easiest student.
[chuckles]
Shout-out to Mr. Branford,
who encouraged me to lean into the things I love.
To my classmates...
man...
serious music
...can't believe our journey has finally come to an end.
It's been a wild ride, to say the least.
But I'm grateful we had each other along the way.
Now, um...
as class speaker, I'm here to encourage you all
to follow your dreams,
and make the best out of your next four years of college.
And if you choose not to go to college, that's cool, too.
- [laughter] - Some folks think
it's a scam, anyway.
[exhales sharply]
I'm here to happily announce...
that I'll be moving to Los Angeles
to do what I love--gaming.
And while I'm up here,
I encourage you all to do what you love.
Even if everyone thinks you're crazy,
you blaze your own trail
And never let anyone tell you you can't do something.
I know the Chi is gonna be with me wherever I go.
And I plan on going all over the world.
So congrats...
to the class of 2023!
[cheers and applause]
Me and my brothers, we forever kings
You will never find a better team
My people call me, I won't let it ring
'Cause it's family over everything
Me and my brothers, we forever kings
You will never find a better team
My people call me, I won't let it ring
'Cause it's family over everything
Me and my brothers, we forever kings
You will never find a better team
My people call me, I won't let it ring
'Cause it's family over everything
Me and my brothers, we forever kings
You will never find a better team
My people call me, I won't let it ring
'Cause it's family over everything
[Papa speaking indistinctly]
I saw that girl and her son in the crowd today.
Oh, shit.
What girl?
- Papa's new baby mama. - [clicks tongue]
You are not supposed to see that girl--I forbid it.
Her name is Kenya.
And you can't control me anymore.
Excuse me?
You are my son, and you will do as I say.
Look...
Dad, I know you're trying to protect me,
but I know what I'm doing.
You are in no position to be raising somebody else's child,
and I'm still raising you.
I'm out.
- Sit down! - No.
dramatic music
Hey, Papa, come on--come on. Just--just chill.
I'm my own man.
And I can do what I want.
[Pastor Jackson] If you walk out that door...
you will not be allowed back.
[door opens, closes]
Lupe Fiasco's "Kick, Push"
Ugh
What up, y'all?
Yeah, Soundtrakk, what's poppin,' baby?
You know what I'm talking about?
So check it out, unh
First got it when he was six, didn't know any tricks
Matter of fact, first time...
[Bakari] Hey, Papa, what up? You good?
Technically, I'm homeless, but other than that, I'm good.
I'll sneak you through the back--you know that.
But shorty didn't quit, it was somethin' in the air
Yeah, he said it was somethin' so appealin'
He couldn't fight the feelin'
Somethin' about it, he knew he couldn't doubt it
Yo. What's up?
What up?
Hi. I'm Lynae, Bakari's girlfriend.
Oh. He didn't tell me about you.
Bro.
Listen, we just caught up for a few moments,
but, uh, you're meeting her now.
Yeah, when they said it's gettin' late in here
So I'm sorry, young man, there's no skating here
And so he kick, push, kick, push
Kick, push, kick, push, coast
Niggas on my dick, and I don't give a fuck
Mad 'cause I'm so fly, and they woman struck
I ain't tryin' to play games
I'm tryin' to run it up
Finally linked back with my brother
So you know what's up
Back down in the city on a mission, hey
'Bout to treat the studio like it's the kitchen, hey
Oh, what you cooking, dope nigga?
Oh, for real? Nope, nigga
I will never tell a soul
About the role I chose, nigga
Mama gave me up, Daddy did, too
Super-smart kid, I just trapped after school
Learned to survive with the guys, I had plenty
Lot of them gone, miss them all, but they with me
I should be a grimy motherfucker
All the shit that I've been through
Dead in the grave or losing my mental
But I cry on Benjis, I don't cry on no tissues
Niggas be a problem, but, bitch, I'm a issue
It's the illest motherfucker, G
And I'm going to just keep it real
A lot of y'all niggas can't fuck with me, hey
But I'm back in the city, what's up?
What's up? What's up?
[cheers and applause]
- Damn, that girl good. - She all right.
Wanna get it done, I can show you how
Baddest in the room, highest in the crowd
Show you how 'cause I took the crown
Yo, girl, I wanna be just like...
- You're amazing. - I know.
Okay, confident. I like that.
You're beautiful. What's your name?
This my girl, Jemma.
Nice to meet you, Jemma.
- Are you signed? - No.
- Do you want to be? - Labels are rough these days.
Yeah, true, but if you're gonna be independent,
you're gonna need some support.
Is that what you want to offer me, support?
Possibly.
Honestly, I'm just looking for a place
to crash right now.
Okay, well, I can't help with that,
but once you figure it out, hit me up.
- For sure. - A'ight.
[hip-hop music playing]
Travon Potts' "Dry My Tears"
Tired of the struggle
Tired of the pain
Tired of the heartache
Tired of the strain
Lord, I really need Your guidance,
now more than ever.
With all my fears
Jesus, dry my...
Lord, I really need You to protect my son.
Burden's heavy
Dry my tears
Oh, Lord, this burden's so heavy
Dry my tears
[Pastor Jackson choking]
Oh, please, Lord, help me
With all my fears
- Jesus, dry my - Dry my tears
Dry my tears
Oh, I'm so weary
Dry my tears
Oh, Lord, I get so weary
Dry my tears
Oh, please, Lord, help me
With all my fears
Jesus, dry
- Jesus, dry... - Dry my tears
- Tired of the struggle - I'm tired
- Tired of the pain - Oh, I'm tired
Tired of the heartache
- Oh, Lord - Tired of the strain
- Please, Lord - Please, Lord, help me
- With all my fears - With all my fears
- Jesus - Jesus, dry my
- Dry... - Dry my tears
- Jesus, dry my - Jesus
- Dry... - Dry my tears
I've been crying all night long
Jesus, dry my
Dry my tears