[Jake] What is you doing?
[Papa] I really messed up with Maisha.
So I gotta come correct with my apology.
I heard you taking Jemma to the Spring Fling.
It needs to be special.
Look, just get her some flowers and something sentimental.
You can't go wrong with that.
A'ight, love doctor, thanks.
Babe.
Oh, my goodness.
Would you go to the Spring Fling with me?
I would love to.
Hey. What's your name again?
Lynae.
[Kevin] Can I at least play with you?
-[Lynae] You good? -Watch this.
-Boy, shut up. -This is game right here.
[video game announcer in background]
-Green! -[cheers, murmurs in crowd]
[Lynae] I can't believe you beat me.
[Kevin] Why do you sound so surprised?
Want to go to the movies tomorrow?
You asking me on a date, nigga?
[Kevin] Maybe.
Just hit me whenever.
[Tiff] We were supposed to work this sex party,
but now Dom's saying she can't go.
I don't like you going to no sex party without me.
You can come if you want.
Welcome to the Swingset. Let's have some fun!
[crowd whooping]
Can I ask you something?
Sure.
What's your secret?
Couples that play together
usually stay together.
-Did you have fun tonight? -[Emmett] It was interesting.
Kiesha. It's good to see you.
it's been a minute.
Yeah. I had a lot going on.
What'd you have? Boy or girl?
A boy.
You know, names are important.
They help tell our story.
And when you name your child for someone,
it's like your way of making sure their legacy never dies.
Welcome to the world, Ronnie. Mommy's here.
jazzy music
It seems like the whole city
Want the pie, want the cake
And want the pie too
My mama's the sweetest woman in the world
Dare you walk in her shoes
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Raise two kids on your own
Bill collectors calling the phone, shit
Weed only thing that we own
Landlord send five warnings
We've been ready to quit
But we can't stop now
It's just the life in The Chi
No, no, no
Nah nah nah
It's just the life
The life
In The Chi
[Emmett] Oh, shit.
[murmurs] Come on.
[line rings]
-[phone rings] -I was just gonna
-text you back. -[Emmett] You watching?
Oh, give me a second. Damn.
Our favorite part about to come up.
Our favorite part about to come up. Hold on.
Okay, okay.
[sighs] Ohh...
[man] I got your address from the check.
[Emmett] He about to give her the CD.
[man] ...down at the record store.
-[Kiesha] There we go. -[man] Look, look, I know
-that wasn't very cool... -[Emmett] Ooh!
-[Kiesha laughs] -[Emmett] "I'm sorry
to drop by like this.
But that CD you wanted just came in the store."
Yeah. Yeah, give it to her. Real playa shit.
Thank you for telling me this was on.
Of course.
I know you don't be watchin' TV like that.
Yeah, but something about this movie,
it always makes me smile.
I needed that today.
Yeah. You all right?
Yeah. Just stressed.
I'm sure. Uh...
I'm always here if you need me.
I know.
You ever wonder
if Nia and Larenz got together in real life?
Nah, I never thought about that.
Come on, now, them sex scenes look real as fuck.
Okay, boy, bye.
[soft groan] Uhh.
[phone thunks down]
[humming]
[voice mail beeps]
Hey, Lynae, um...
just calling you back in case you didn't get the first one.
Um...
Call me back whenever you can.
Don't be thirsty.
I'm not!
-Yeah, right. -It's not funny.
[laughs] Yes, it is.
Oh, so you saying I shouldn't mess with Lynae no more?
I think you like her, but I also think
you're using her to take your mind off of Jemma.
No.
I'm just trying to, you know, get out the friend zone.
Well, you do that by falling back.
Right. Question.
Out of me or Jake, who you picking?
-That's disgustin'. -[Kevin] Now, come on.
Just act like I'm not your brother or something.
I can't.
[small laugh]
You just saying that 'cause you'd pick Jake.
-Y'all like bad boys. Okay. -No. I don't.
Then why you ain't fuckin' with that corny dude
that works at your job?
Okay, stay out my business.
Look, all I'm saying is, don't tell me to act
like I don't give a fuck when I give a fuck.
Well, sometimes girls like dudes that don't give a fuck.
And that's your problem.
[cell phone ringing]
-Yo, where you at? -[Tiff] Don't bark at me.
-[Emmett] You been drinkin'? -I'm grown, Emmett.
You a little turnt. Look at you. Huh?
Who that?
Emmett. Emmett...
Should I be quiet? S-should I be quiet?
Shh. Shh.
Man, this nigga is dumb.
Shh.
I'll be home in the morning, okay?
No! No, you won't.
You bringin' your ass home tonight.
I can't drive.
[Dante] I can drop you off, Tiff.
Nigga, I swear if you pull up on me,
I will body slam you and take all your jewelry.
I'm too far to come home now.
If you don't get your ass in a Lyft right now...
I'll be home first thing in the morning, I promise.
Nah, fuck that. I'm comin' to get you.
I said no!
-She said no, nigga! -Shut--
-You heard her, she said-- -[Tiff] Stop, he can hear you.
[Dante laughs]
Man, fuck the both of y'all.
Shit.
[phone clatters]
Hello.
-Come 'ere. -[mellow hip-hop in background]
Did he just hung up on me?
It's either that or his phone died.
-His phone ain't died. -Huh?
And he got the nerve to be mad at me.
Well, if I was him, shit,
I woulda hung up on your ass too.
[rain pattering]
smooth jazz music
[rhythmic brushing sounds]
[cell phone chimes]
Look at this glorious queen.
Damn, Maisha looking good.
She always looked good. Don't just give her compliments
'cause she got on some makeup and a glossy filter.
She deserve your praise whether she glammed up or not.
A'ight. Damn.
I said she look good. Why you gettin' mad at me?
'Cause you simple, that's why.
Tch. [huffs]
She got some people hating in the comments, though.
Man, niggas always gon' hate.
[Papa] You think she seen 'em?
Of course.
I know Maisha be actin' tough,
but...she really sensitive.
Then check on her. See how she doing.
You right.
Damn, Jake. Being with Jemma
got you bein' the man we always knew you could be.
Man, whatever. This just me.
You better give that woman her credit
for making you a better man.
I'm the one doin' all the work.
But she gave you the reason to wanna do it.
Man, I don't know what you talking about right now.
Now, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
You just don't wanna admit it.
-Bye, Papa. -[laughing] A'ight.
smooth jazz music
[door opens]
-[door thuds closed] -Hey.
What's up?
[Emmett] You want some of this coffee?
-Yeah. -I'm making grits, too.
-Oh, shit. -[Emmett] You want some?
I got you.
[utensils clinking]
Why you cookin' breakfast with no shirt on?
Nigga was hungry.
[Tiff] But you usually ask me to cook when you get hungry.
You wasn't here.
I got that, uh, extra butter on the bread.
Cooked the eggs in bacon grease.
Figured you needed a little hangover breakfast.
No, no, no, no, no, no.
Take a hot shower first.
Let that steam, uh,
help get rid of some of that alcohol in your system.
And help you keep your food down.
So, you not mad?
Look, you can get new dick from anywhere.
But I'm the only one who knows how to make your eggs
just how you like 'em.
And I know to let the butter get soft
before I spread it on the bread.
I also know you like your coffee
the same color as me.
Perfect.
So them other niggas can sweat your perm out,
but I'm the only one who knows how to do this.
Well, damn.
Want me to turn the shower on for you?
Nah. I got it.
A'ight.
[Emmett clears his throat]
Hey, Papa.
Hey, queen.
Don't call me that.
I'm gon' always call you that.
I don't always feel like one.
I don't always feel my best either.
Yeah, but a lotta people ain't looking at you.
I got fans.
No, not like that.
I'm just sayin' women got a lot more to deal with.
People just hating 'cause you walking in your purpose.
What?
You're a reflection of what they wish they could be.
Wish they would get some therapy
and stay outta my comments.
You can't live a purposeful life
and not expect rocks to be thrown at you.
That's not how it works.
-Who told you that? -My dad.
Your daddy ain't always right, but that do make some sense.
Either that, or people just trash.
I hope it's the former.
Me too.
I miss you, Maisha.
I miss you too.
But, uh, I still need some time to myself.
Yeah. Yeah. Of course.
Just know I'm here if you need me.
Okay?
[Trig laughs/scoffs]
I do not know why you spend all day
customizing some shit you ain't gon' get.
[Jake] Don't kill my dreams.
[Trig] Look, I wouldn't if you had some sorta income.
[Jake] You told me to focus on school.
Yeah, and them Cs you bringing in here
means you ain't doing what I told you to do.
-I'm trying. -Yeah, well, try harder.
Did you work hard for your first car?
Nah, I stole that motherfucker.
[Jake] Then why you in here telling me to work hard for it?
Because I don't want you to be like me.
Look, I ain't trying to stunt.
I just wanna treat Jemma right.
You wanna treat Jemma right.
Mm.
Well, you ain't do Kev right.
I'm always gonna tell you to follow your heart,
but don't step on your boy in the process.
How come you and Shaad ain't cool no more?
Man, that nigga like my family.
Yeah, but when it came down to him and Imani,
you chose Imani.
-She's my wife. -Not yet.
You know what I mean.
All I'm sayin' is you in here telling me to do shit
you ain't even do yourself.
Okay.
I'll talk to Shaad if you talk to Kev.
Tch. All right.
Let me know when you talk to Shaad.
electronic music
[Trig] All right. I will.
-[Emmett] What up, Kev? -What's up?
This for me?
Mm-mm. You ain't got no money.
Where Papa at?
Why everybody always lookin' for him?
I should be the popular one.
You always dumping your problems on folks.
Little bro come with solutions.
Wow. Really?
[Emmett laughs]
Yeah.
What you need help with, man?
I'm having some woman problems.
I need Papa to talk me off the ledge real quick.
He beefing with Maisha right now,
so I don't know how much help he gon' be.
What? Him and Maisha havin' issues?
Yeah.
-What's going on? -[Kevin] I don't know.
I guess he's used to being the star,
and now he's in the shadows, something like that.
'Kay.
Why you need advice from us anyways?
-You grown-ass man. -Love is hard.
I thought when you get older love was supposed to be easy.
Oh, no. Who told you that lie?
Man, what you call me in so early for?
It slow as hell in here.
And whose food is this?
Look, I called you in early 'cause I need
some relationship advice, and this was, uh...
my peace offering.
This ain't no peace offering.
I eat here for free anyway.
True.
Could at least pay me for my time and expertise.
Don't be tryin' to charge me when your own house
ain't in order.
[both laugh]
Don't be puttin' my business on the street like that.
I thought everybody knew, man.
[Emmett] Sss.
Look, all I know is, I love my woman,
and I'm trying to get her back.
I want my woman back too.
Man, you got her.
Hey, y'all think I should get Jemma back?
Yeah, yeah. Fight for your woman.
I think that's a lost cause, G.
All right, y'all, y'all keep it real with me, all right?
In a fight, who you think would win, me or Jake?
You know I don't believe in violence.
Jake does, so just, you know what I'm saying,
be careful. [small laugh]
Just 'cause he got dreads don't mean he violent.
I ain't talking about this man locs.
I'm talking about his family lineage.
He come from a long line of fighters.
That's all I'm saying.
-I ain't scared of him. -Man, you should be. Shit.
[R&B music playing on speakers]
Hey, I got a plan to surprise Maisha, but...
I need your help.
Yeah, man, I got you, anytime.
Yes. I knew I could count on you.
[soft hip-hop playing]
It's somebody not just anybody
You ain't tryin' to be nobody else but you
That's why I really don't mind
Spendin' all my time with you
'Cause my future I see it's you...
-Welcome back. -Miss me?
What you think?
How's the baby doing?
He's not letting me get much sleep, but...
that's a good thing.
Just be careful.
I hear sleep deprivation can cause hallucinations.
Yeah. Think I'm hallucinatin' right now.
Nah, this is real life. You got a shitty job,
you just gave birth,
and you are madly in love with me.
I don't know about that last part.
Yeah, I'm still workin' on that last part.
Well, I'm flattered, but the only person
I'm madly in love with is my son.
I get that.
Do you?
[Christian] Yeah, you got a lot on your plate.
Yeah, a whole lot. [sighs]
I'm not trying to add to it.
I just wanna take you out for a couple hours,
get your mind off things.
You look like you could use a break.
-What you trying to say? -You look gorgeous.
You also look like you need a break.
-You know I'm lactatin', right? -Yeah.
I live with my mom, her wife, and my little brother.
I know that too.
Okay, and I'm not lookin' for a man to save me.
I don't think you need a man to save you.
I just like spending time with you.
And it'd be nice to see you
outside of these 15-minute breaks.
[music continues in background]
[indistinct chatter]
Yeah, I guess that would be nice.
So...
I'm down.
[whispers] Thank you, Jesus.
Was you even pricin' this shit?
-No. -[both laugh]
-Maisha. -Boy.
Papa send you here?
No.
You forget I used to date your ass,
so I know when you lying.
Okay, he sent me.
Wait, please.
Just give me two seconds, all right?
I did speak to Papa, but I've been wanting to talk to you.
Come on.
[liquid pouring]
[mellow jazz plays in background]
Thanks.
What?
I'm proud of you.
-[small laugh] Nigga. -No, seriously, I am.
It's like ever since we broke up, you done came up.
I been the shit. You just couldn't see it.
Okay. Let's be clear. I had a crush on you first.
And if it wasn't for me,
you wouldn't have the little bit of swag you got now.
-I give you that. -You ain't gotta give me shit.
That's the truth. I made you step your game up.
'Kay. And I'm grateful.
As you should.
Jemma left me for my friend, so...
I guess karma real, ain't it?
I wouldn't wish heartbreak on nobody...
not even you.
You okay?
I guess so.
What you mean, "I guess so"?
I mean, I'm glad to be getting so much love.
But, as you know, that means hate gon' come with it.
First it was cool, but now it's so depressing.
Why?
'Cause folks treating me different.
People acting all weird
'cause I got a "few more followers."
All my friends are so used to me
being the sidekick that now,
when I'm in the front, they don't know how to act.
Don't listen to none of that shit, a'ight?
You shining right now. You earned it.
I appreciate that, but....
[Kevin] But?
You ain't gotta read these negative-ass comments,
Kev. Like--
I be looking at your comments.
Most folks are cool.
You right.
Okay. What you need me to do?
'Cause you ain't come over here for nothing.
Oh, I need you to pull up to this party.
-Who all gon' be at the party? -Don't worry about it.
[Maisha whispers] Oh, my God.
Look, okay, to be honest, between you and me,
I'm not trying to overshadow Papa.
-I know. -But I'm not going to downplay
who I am to make him feel comfortable either.
Nah. You know he wouldn't want that.
-I'll think about it. -Cool.
-And don't slam my door. -[thud]
Thank y'all for coming to Smokey's.
Y'all have a good one.
-What up, Trig? -What's up, G?
What's going on?
Aw, man, I can't call it.
Yeah? Well, what can I get you, bro?
Let me get, uh, two number threes
with fries, extra crispy.
And fries...extra crispy.
Make sure-make sure this one is extra crispy.
A'ight. Yo, but look,
I told you, you ain't gotta pay for food.
And I told you I like supportin'
Black-owned businesses.
Bro, take my money.
A'ight. Tss.
No, for real, bro,
I-I really appreciate what y'all doing for the community.
It feels good to be appreciated by somebody.
You good?
Tryin' to be the best man I can be.
That's a lifelong journey.
Tell me about it.
My girl ain't come home last night.
And I woke up this morning,
tried to make her the best breakfast
on the planet, you know what I'm saying,
with hopes that she would start stayin' home more often.
Did it work?
We'll see.
What you mean "we'll see"?
We trying this, uh, open marriage thing.
-[light laugh] Word? -Yeah.
So, how's that working out for you?
It's not as dope as I thought it would be.
I mean, what, you basically get to fuck around
with whoever you want to, right?
Yeah, but so does she, and...
she fucking a nigga with money.
So?
I mean, Smokey's doing okay, but I can't take her
on no trips or take her to fancy restaurants.
Aw, come on, brother, listen.
You gon' lose if you play by his rules, a'ight?
You got home-court advantage. That's your girl.
You know her better than anybody.
Don't shit for her homeboy can't do.
I don't know, man. She like expensive shit.
Man, fuck all that.
Spoil her with your heart.
It's gon' mean more. Trust me.
[mellow R&B over speakers]
Appreciate it, man.
Thanks, bro.
[elevator music playing]
[dialogue inaudible]
Who was that?
That's my homie, from way back.
How far back?
Uh...I went to middle school with her.
Y'all was talking for a while.
Oh my God, no we weren't.
Y'all used to talk or something?
We went together as kids.
Still counts.
Anything before 18 doesn't count.
My ex from high school was always trying to fuck on me.
-Who? -Don't worry about it.
Is he still trying to fuck you?
-He's married now. -That don't mean shit.
[both laugh]
I know you've been through a lot, but you gotta trust me.
I'm not trying to hurt you.
Sorry.
What are you sorry for?
Accusing you of something you didn't do.
Oh, you don't gotta apologize for that.
If I were you, I wouldn't trust people either.
Jemma, um...
Hey, Kevin. What you doing here?
-I love you. -Okay.
And, um, I know you and Jake are together,
but I still want us to be together,
and I'm gonna keep fighting for you.
-Well, that's harassment. -What?
When guys say things like "I have to have you"
or "I'll never stop fighting for you"
or "I can't live without you,"
it's not romantic, it's harassment.
I just wanted to prove my love to you.
You've been trained to think that fighting
for your woman is noble, but the truth is, it's scary.
And I have the right to leave you, even if it's messy.
And...it was.
And for that, I'm sorry.
Hey, I'll always love you.
You were my first love.
But that doesn't mean you have to be my forever love.
-You still love me? -Of course I do.
Come with me to Papa's party.
I'm not coming with you to Papa's party.
- Aw, come on... -I'm not an accessory.
All right, then just meet me there.
Bye, Kevin.
spacey music
singer vocalizing
Feel so much better now
-[knocking on door] - I got you figured out
No longer stressing out
On you
Show me what you're about
Now I don't have to doubt
That's why I have to bounce...
Why you ain't use your key?
Sorry to drop by like this, but...
I found that CD you was looking for.
[laughs] Boy, what are you doin'? Like--
The Isley Brothers CD.
That's-that's the one you wanted, right?
Oh my God. Are we acting out Love Jones ?
-[both laughing] -Look at me. Look at me.
All right, hell, yeah, come on, let's do it.
-Come on, I'm ready. -[Emmett] I'll try to
hold it together--okay, okay.
All right, I'm Nia. Darius Lovehall.
[Emmett] Mm-hmm.
Uh, I'll come pick you up tomorrow, about 8:00, 8:15.
Call me when you on the way.
Yeah.
You got my number?
Yeah. I got your number.
Mmm...
[laughs]
-Okay, Larenz. -Got him now.
[baby cooing, snuffling]
[line ringing]
[Christian] Hello?
Dang, you ain't even let it ring good.
I've never been a fan of playing it cool.
I'm not trying to make it seem like
I don't give a fuck when I do.
Oh, you just laying it all out, huh?
[Christian] Yep.
[laughs]
That's new to me.
Well, get used to this shit.
May I take you out on a real date?
Yes, you may. Where are we going?
[Christian] Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you.
No, I don't like surprises.
[Christian] All right. I can tell you.
No, no, no, no. I'll wait.
I was hoping you'd say that.
[laughs]
So, how'd it go with Jemma?
Well, I basically learned that when a woman tells you
she doesn't want to be in a relationship anymore,
you should listen.
Wait, so am I making a big mistake
trying to win back Maisha?
Look, man, I think you just need to focus
on making the party lit. When she pulls up,
just make sure she has a good time.
That settles it. I gotta get the fog machine.
How's that gonna help?
'Cause she's gonna know
that I'm the type of guy that cares about the details.
[Kevin laughs]
[Kevin] Oh, God.
[Kiesha] I'm not gettin' on that thing.
Come on. I got ya.
I don't know.
Trust me.
Just hold on to me.
Let's tell everybody our name is Darius and Nina.
-It is. -Yeah.
My name Darius. What yours--Nina, right?
-Nina. -Okay.
-I said Nina. -[both chuckling]
Where's your motorcycle?
I ain't got money for all that.
Just get back in character.
Eh...you definitely a perfect Nina,
'cause you getting on my damn nerves already.
-Bring your ass. -Shut up.
Just gonna go to New York?
-Huh? -[Tiff] Shut up.
With some dude? It ain't like you got
-some ring on your finger... -[Tiff] You want me to go...
-or nothing like that. -to New York.
You know what I'm saying?
light rock music
You got a old soul, huh?
[Christian] You ain't gotta be old to appreciate good music.
Here, listen to this one. Reminds me of you.
[smooth music playing over headphones]
And I'll say pretty memories...
It's sexy.
It's also haunting and smooth.
I like it.
Me too.
-[Christian] Oh, shit. -[chuckling]
What you know about that?
Please, my mama love some good music to clean up to.
[Christian] Mine too.
Every time I hear Anita Baker's voice,
I know that old vacuum cleaner is gonna follow.
Why were they so loud, though?
-[giggling] -I wanna buy this.
Well, what if I wanted to buy it?
Music and memories go hand in hand,
and this is a memory I never wanna forget.
Why do I feel like I'm always
in an old cheesy rom-com with you?
-'Cause I'm your leading man. -Oh, is that right?
-Uh-huh. -[Kiesha] Okay.
[heavy electronic music playing]
[kid 1] See this bullshit?
[kid 2] Y'all know who that is?
[kid 1] Oh...shit.
[Maisha] Papa!
Where you-where you at? Oh!
Um...ha.
How are we supposed to enjoy the party
if we can't see each other?
I might have gone overboard with the fog machine.
And why would you go and buy a fog machine?
Love is in the details.
That's a detail you could have skipped.
And why ain't nobody in here?
I refused to let anybody walk in until you did.
So usually you get the party crackin' first,
so that way, when I walk in, it's already lit.
Ah. See? That's why I need you in my life,
'cause Kev don't know nothin'.
[Kevin] Damn, Papa.
Just let 'em in. Please.
[Maisha] Hey.
I ain't been to a comedy club in a minute.
I know.
Nigga, I thought you was gonna take me bowling.
Tch. You just got your nails done.
Can we do Love and Basketball next weekend?
[comic] Yo, what up, Black people?
-[cheers and applause] -[comic] Yeah!
How y'all doing?
Don't answer that. Nah, nah.
You know, when you ask Black folks how they doing,
they always gotta give you a real long-winded answer.
-You know? -[scattered laughs]
Niggas never say they just fine.
You know, "I'm good." Nah, they always gotta tell you
about they bad-ass kids, racist white people...
-That's right. -[comic] Sallie Mae.
-[laughter] -You know?
Y'all look good tonight, though.
-Whoo! -Yeah, yeah.
[comic] "Whoo" back to you.
"Whoo" back real good. How you doin'?
I see we got some couples out tonight.
Yeah. Couples came out. But y'all gotta help me out.
Y'all really gotta help me out,
'cause I don't know why dudes think it's romantic
to bring your girl to a comedy club.
For real.
My brother, comics ain't shit, okay?
All we do is just stand up here thinking about all
the freaky shit we want to do to your girl.
-Nah, nah. Hell nah, hell nah. -[comic] You know?
The more she laughs at my jokes,
the wetter she gettin'.
Nah, nah, nah, nah.
[comic] Hey, it's just like,
when she goes home to have drunk sex with you,
you know she thinkin' of my trifling ass.
Ain't that right?
-Nah, nah. -[comic] No? Come on.
Ain't that right my love? Mm? Huh? Why you looking?
I see you lookin'. You ain't slick.
Hey, hey look at these two, y'all.
Look at these two. My brother, be real.
I know niggas be after your girlfriend.
Oh no, this is my wife right here.
-This is my wife. -Oh, this is your--
-oh, okay! -[Emmett] Yeah.
[comic] Okay, wow. O--you know, look--
This is my wife.
How long-how long y'all been married?
[Emmett] 11 months.
-Oh, yeah. -Yeah.
-[comic] Wow. -[whooping, applause]
-Thank you. Thank you. -[Tiff] Thank you.
Y'all going through it, ain't you?
-No, no, we good. -Mm-mm.
You a lie and a half, bro.
Look, I've been through three marriages, a'ight?
And I ain't make it out the first year.
-[spectator] Wow. -[comic] Mm-hmm.
-[Emmett] My man. -Yeah, the cause was
my wives love fuckin' other people.
So I had to learn how to fuck myself.
Mm-hmm. But it's okay.
I'm better now, all right? I'm stronger.
Okay, what's-what's-what's your lady name?
-H-her name is Tiff. -Tiff.
Tiff, you want to link up after the show,
-tell me how good he is? -[oohing, murmuring]
-Nah. -Uh-uh.
-Nah, she good, bro. -Oh! Oh, okay.
-Yeah, she good. -Well, we'll see.
Yeah, let me know.
[spacey hip-hop music playing]
[singer rapping]
[singer] I'm a bad chick, bad as it get
Rubies on my earlobe
Strobe lights, see my neck glow
When my eyes hit the sunlight
Shades on, 'cause it's so bright
Paper high as a skyscraper...
Let me go talk to Kev right quick.
Hey. Why you lookin' like somebody stole your bike?
I was hopin' Jemma would be here by now.
Did she say she was coming?
She was still on the fence when I left.
You gotta keep hope alive.
Four wheels, better mine don't flip
I'm a bad chick, bad as it get
Hey, uh...
who's that dude, uh, dancing with Maisha?
I dunno. But I'm about to find out.
-Nah, man, just let her be. -I will.
Right after I introduce myself.
[singer] I'm a bad chick, bad as it get...
You got business with my lady?
-My bad. -Yeah, it is your bad, bro.
Papa, I am not your lady no more.
What?
You made this party for me, right?
Yeah, but you just can't be dancing--
Then let me enjoy it.
[singer] That's all I know I know, I know
[Papa] My bad.
[singer] Nascar in traffic
Vroom, vroom get past it
I'm a bad chick, bad as it get
See, this is some bullshit.
Man, remember what I said.
You gotta give women they space
so they can find time to find their own happiness, you know?
Since when did you become the preacher?
Learned from the best.
[different song begins]
She coming. Act cool, act cool.
I don't need you to save me all the time, Papa.
I know.
Do you?
Look, I'm still learning.
Yeah, w-we're...still learning. Ha.
Thanks for all this, though.
It means a lot.
[indistinct rapping]
[singer] Some of y'all need that
She just want a nigga who gon' treat her...
I'll be right back.
Wanna dance?
'Cause my little brother Charlie couldn't fight...
And fightin' the owners scare a flight into Miami
Spend a night with promoters
Who's been at the throne after refusin' my leverage
While you walk around rappers is playin'
Musical stretchers, my niggas out Vegas
I know there's more to be finished
I know my mama watched...
Who you texting?
My roommate.
I trust you.
[poet] Why must we always be strong?
Why must we always be resilient?
Why must we always be the phoenix
that rises from the ashes?
Why must we always smile and turn the other cheek?
Why do we always run away from what scares us?
Why can't we run toward it and claim it as our own
and never allow it to control us again?
Why must success always come with punishment?
Why do we spend our lives fighting
to save everyone we love while allowing ourselves
to drown in their hopes and expectations?
[panting]
melancholy music
What's wrong? W-what do you need?
Just some air.
Is it-is it okay for me to hug you?
Yeah.
I got you.
Wanna go home?
[Jai'Len Josey's "She Got It" playing]
[singer] She's got that cornbread
Thick on the side
Jiffy don't know what happened
God turned her into some sweet potato pie
Got so thick it made her happy
Got so thick it made the peanut butter cry
She probably got it from her mammy
Ain't no telling where she got it from, yeah
Whole family body banging...
[Jake] Why you keep lookin' over there?
Over where?
[Jake] At Kevin and that girl?
I'm not looking at them.
[singer] Her table manners never match her heels
Kissing pavement with a switch in her hips
And her curved outline
Matches her French tips, yeah
'Cause she got it, she got it, got it
Mama raised her right, yes she did
But she ain't gonna hesitate
To work that thing, yes, she will
If you trying to be her man
You better close the deal, yeah
[reggae music playing on gramophone]
[singer] Pure niceness.
Ay!
[laughs]
[singer] Oh na na na na na na
Make me shout I wanna go all night yeah
Oh la la la la la
Dim down the lights real low girl
Blllll, pretty girl, I want you come around
Bllll, like a quaker mean she shake the ground
And catch it, flash it
Paparazzi lens
Girl is hotter than the desert she was surfing
Oh na na na na na na
Made me shout I wanna go all night girl
Oh la la la la la
Turn down the lights real low girl
[Tiff chuckles]
Thank you for tonight.
Course.
Sorry that comic tried to play you.
-[laughs] -Man, fuck him.
Nah, but seriously. Tonight has been beautiful.
What you mean "has been"? We ain't done yet.
-Oh? -Mm-mm.
Not yet.
[peppy music playing]
-Ooh! -Hey!
-Hey. -Hey.
Hey...
[singers] Let's do some things...
You want something?
[singers] I can do the things
That you want me to
Baby let's do some things
That you wanna do
So maybe we should do some things
'Cause we ain't got time to lose...
I always knew you wasn't shit.
Excuse me?
Why you got Kevin and Jake
fightin' over you like this?
I didn't make them fight over me.
Mm. But you didn't choose to tell them to stop, either.
Look, I can't tell them what to do.
No, but you can make a decision.
I have.
Have you?
All right.
Can I have everybody's attention, please?
It'll only take one moment.
All right, I'm gonna try to make this quick.
All right, um, I just want to take a second
and thank everybody for comin' out.
I just wanted to take a moment...
-Hey. -What's up?
-Look, I'm sorry, a'right? -Yeah, you should be.
What you want me to do?
Look, when I said get a girlfriend,
I didn't mean mine.
[Papa] So I think it's just time...
Look, my bad, bro.
[Papa] Not just in private, but in public.
I just want her to be happy.
I don't want no pain to come to her.
Especially from you.
It won't. I promise.
[Papa continues in background under music]
Maisha is a queen. Always has been.
I'm just glad y'all finally catching up.
-As they should. -[laughter]
She's really special and will always have
a special place in my heart.
And tonight, I'm glad we get to celebrate her
and this amazing accomplishment.
So Maisha, come up here and receive your flowers.
[upbeat music playing]
[smooth jazz music playing on gramophone]
Let me take a picture of you.
No. I-I don't like taking pictures.
No...I'll make you look good, I promise.
Just trust me.
[Kiesha chuckles]
Thanks for the party, Papa.
You know I'm always down to celebrate you.
Yeah.
But I just--I gotta learn how to celebrate myself.
-You already do. -No, I don't.
What you mean?
I mean, I appreciate people lifting me up
and telling me I'm the shit and everything,
but I don't always feel like that.
I mean, just because I look confident don't mean I am.
What can I do to make you feel as good as you look?
Nothing. You can't change everything.
So I'm 'posed to just stand by while you suffer?
I just need you to be there for me.
I can't just do nothing.
Well, looks like you gotta learn.
Thanks. I-I appreciate that feedback.
You know I'm always gon' tell you the truth.
I know.
Where's your girl?
[scoffs]
That's not my girl.
That's not what it looked like.
It was just dancing.
Well, y'all was dancing a lot.
So were you and Jake.
Were you jealous?
Of course.
Were you?
Yeah. I was.
Guess it'll always be weird
seeing each other with other people, huh?
I'm sure it's really hard for you to see me with Jake.
It is.
I'm sorry, Kevin. We both are.
Nah, y'all-y'all good.
[small laugh] I just want to see y'all happy.
somber music
If y'all break up, don't be crawling back to me,
'cause I won't be waiting.
Well, I'm sure you won't be waiting alone.
I stumble sometimes
I lay awake at night
I drink and I cry
'Cause I'm only strong outside...
Thank you for tonight. I-I really needed that.
I hope we can do it again real soon.
Took less than my word
But everyone falls
It broke me inside...
Why we outside?
Baby, you don't remember this?
-No. -It's where we met.
-We did? -Yeah, we met at The Taste.
You was with your girls, and I was trying to get at you.
Oh...[laughing] yeah.
But, nigga, it was warm then, okay?
-Yeah. -Less...
Boy, if you don't get up... We already married.
Yeah, I know. I know that.
But I wanted to upgrade your ring.
Oh. It's so beautiful.
Tiff, I love you.
And I know I done fucked up...a lot.
But I wanna spend the rest of my life with you.
And only you.
Oh, baby.
Look.
I don't want to be open no more.
I want it to just be us again.
But I like our new arrangement.
I thought us being open would...
be like this dream come true.
Uh...the truth is,
when I'm fucking all these other women,
all I can think about is you.
But I like--but I just like having
a little variety in my life.
I can give you variety.
I can roleplay.
I can switch it up in the bedroom.
-Whatever you need. -I like not having to worry
about you cheating on me all the time.
If we close up our marriage,
I-I promise I will never cheat on you again.
-I heard that before, Emmett. -And I mean it this time.
You have the worst timing, you know that?
Look, I love you.
And that's urgent like a motherfucker.
We're not in a movie, Emmett. This is real life.
If you wanna keep being open then,
I don't know if I wanna be married to you no more.
Are you serious?
I gave it my all
I heard "wait I'm wrong"
Still I can't deny
I'm only strong
Sometimes, sometimes
I'm losing this fight
I fail when I try
Barely gettin' by
'Cause I'm only strong
Sometimes, sometimes