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Rap Race
by Chad E Taylor (celliotttaylor@live.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Comedy   User Review:
NOT YET
RATED

A down-on-their luck, a local Queens hip-hop group decide to take a road trip to Las Vegas to compete in an American Idol-style competition for rappers hosted by Sean "Diddy" Combs. Unfortunately, a powerfully crooked record mogul, complete with crazed henchmen, has his sights on signing the group to his own undignified record label to help clean up his tarnished image. Slapstick comedy meets social satire in this face-paced, road trip adventure.


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



FADE IN:

EXT. LIVING ROOM - FULLER HOME - DAY
                                                            
CARL FULLER, AFRICAN-AMERICAN, late 20's, tough, muscular,
and WAYNE YOUNG, AFRICAN-AMERICAN, late 20's, even-tempered,
graceful, are sitting at their music production console.
They going over some rhymes and beats they need to polish up
for a show. Carl is working the machine. Wayne has a notepad
out. On the other side of the living room sits Carl's
grandmother, MAMA PEARL, 70'S, AFRICAN-AMERICAN, who sits in
her favorite chair, watching CNN.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
And that's when I come in, and
say, Shredding lies like a cheese
grater. I'll bake ya brain like a
microwaved potatah.
                                                            
                       CARL
      (concerned)
A microwave potato? (Shaking
head.) Nah fam, that's corny as
hell.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Corny?
                                                            
                       CARL
Just take that whole line out.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Why? I like it. I mean, it's
not...
                                                            
                       CARL
It's not meshing with this beat.
                                                            
                       MAMA PEARL
And I'm not meshing y'alls
conversation with Anderson Cooper.
Keep it down please.
                                                            

2.

                       CARL
All right Mama Pearl.
(Whispering.)
For an old lady, she got some
bionic, artificial intelligence
ears.
                                                            
                       MAMA PEARL
Who you talking bout? Who got
artificial intelligence ears?
                                                            
                       WAYNE
      (Nudging Carl)
He's just talking about one of our
friends.
                                                            
                       MAMA PEARL
You paid that light bill Carl? You
know how the city gets after you
go past the extension period.
                                                            
                       CARL
I know Mama Pearl. I'm gon' get to
the 7-11 and pay it today. But
Wayne and I, we working right now.
                                                            
                       MAMA PEARL
Punk ass need to be working on
those dishes.
                                                            
Carl looks at his grandma with disapproval.
                                                            
                       CARL
      (Lowered voice to
       Wayne)
That's that dementia coming on.
                                                            
                       MAMA PEARL
I ain't got no god-damn dementia
nigga.
                                                            
                       CARL
Yes ma'am.
                                                            
 

3.

INT. MARCUS'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
MARCUS HAMILTON, 17, African-American, lean, clean-cut, has
a mic to his mouth. He focuses on his reflection in the
mirror as he busts lyrics to a phat instrumental.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
My rhymes formulate slowly like
solving an equation.
They way over ya head,
Like a pigeon invasion.
They call me salted caramel,
The cinnamon stallion,
More handsome than white Jesus,
More gangsta than an Italian...
                                                            
Marcus just notices mom, MRS.CATHERINE HAMILTON,
AFRICAN-AMERICAN, sweet, all business, 50's, standing right
behind him.
                                                            
                       CATHERINE
I just don't know where you come
up with all this stuff. More
handsome than white Jesus?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I don't really think like that
mom. It's just to pull you in.
                                                            
                       CATHERINE
That's nasty.
                                                            
Marcus puts on his shirt.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Mom, it's just a rhyme.
                                                            
                       CATHERINE
Words are powerful tools Marcus.
They speak us into our existence.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Mom, you watch too many Oprah
reruns.
                                                            

4.

                       CATHERINE
Aren't you going to see your
father today?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (off guard)
Yeah. Yeah, I am.
                                                            
                       CATHERINE
Are you serious? You forgot?
                                                            
Marcus sighs. Catherine eyes him disappointingly.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I didn't forget mom.
                                                            
                       CATHERINE
      (beat)
Most kids your age don't even know
what it's like to be in an office,
let alone, City Hall. Don't mess
this up. John would be really
disappointed.
                                                            
Catherine hugs her son.
                                                            
                       CATHERINE
Get cleaned up and get some
breakfast. (Hugs Marcus.) You
don't know how proud I am of you
son.
                                                            
Catherine leaves and shuts the door.
                                                            
Marcus stares in the mirror, grabs a nearby tie and puts it
around his neck.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (in British voice)
Marcus, oh Marcus? Could you
please take some dictation for
your father? Ok, let's start.
First, I'd like to say, please
take this pole out of my butt.
It's soooo big. Oh, thank you so
much!
                                                            
 

5.

INT. QUEENS COUNTY BUILDING-LOBBY - DAY
                                                            
Marcus struts into the lobby and toward a metal detector.
OFFICER GERONIMO KELLY, AFRICAN-AMERICAN, MID 40's,
OLD-SCHOOL, assists foot traffic at the metal detector. He
may take his job more serious than necessary. Other people
are exiting and entering. A RECEPTIONIST, 30's, sits idly at
a desk.
                                                            
                       OFFICER KELLY
Mister Marcus Hamilton, King of
the Ivy Leagues! I haven't seen
you little ass in ages boy. What
you doing here?
                                                            
Marcus smiles and daps up the officer.
                                                            
                       OFFICER KELLY
I'm so proud of you lil' man.
(Hurrying up Marcus)Put ya shit on
the tray man!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Oh, right. My bad.
                                                            
Marcus steps under the metal detector, placing personables
in a plastic bowl.
                                                            
                       OFFICER KELLY
You going to Piston correct?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
No, Princeton. Princeton.
                                                            
                       OFFICER KELLY
Oh my bad. You don't have to be
all..."Princeton" (sounding
gayish) Betta watch that shit,
getting all uppity. Ha! I'm
playing with you dog!
                                                            
Marcus smiles as he eyes Geronimo, who doesn't smile back.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Dad is still down the hall on the
right?
                                                            

6.

                       OFFICER KELLY
Nigga, where you been? He's now
assistant D.A. That's upstairs to
the left. Your daddy's moving on
up lil' man. You should be proud
of him.
                                                            
A distinguished, older WHITE MAN in a nice suit walks under
the security checker and it buzzes. Officer Kelly
aggressively pushes him back under the checker.
                                                            
                       OFFICER KELLY
      (slow, using sign
       language)
Put ya shit in the tray. You just
got off the short bus?
                                                            
Marcus winces at Geronimo's choice of words.
                                                            
                       OFFICER KELLY
Go head Marcus. Your dad's been
waiting on you. Hey, welcome back!
                                                            
 
INT. JOHN HAMILTON'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
A knock on the door, as JOHN HAMILTON, 50's,
African-American, sits at his desk. His assistant, ANDREW,
Caucasian, 20's, smug, stands nearby.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Come in.
                                                            
Marcus enters.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Dad.
                                                            
John looks at his watch and back at his documents.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Marcus, this is Andrew.
                                                            
Andrew looks Marcus up and down.
                                                            

7.

                       ANDREW
Nice to meet you Marcus.
Congratulations on making
Princeton.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Thank you.
                                                            
                       ANDREW
Jeff Bezos, the Amazon CEO, went
to Princeton.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Yes, I know. And so did Michelle
Obama.
                                                            
                       ANDREW
      (deflated)
Yeah, the First Lady of nutrition.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Marcus, Andrew heads the Legal
Projects Department. I would like
for you to work with him.
                                                            
Marcus is visibly upset. He lets out a big sigh. John stands
up and approaches his son.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Son, there are no breaks. There is
no time off. You are a Bronx
School of Science graduate. You
have been destined for great
things for a long, long time
Marcus. And this is a damn good
place to spend your summer!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
But where's my say in this?
                                                            
John looks at Andrew.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Andrew, give us a minute.
                                                            

8.

                       ANDREW
      (breaking tension)
Oh sure, sorry!
                                                            
Andrew leaves and smirks noticeably while closing the doors.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
That guy already gets on my
nerves.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Son, you will be paid well for
this. And all you have to do is
sort, scan, print, type a few
things...Oh my god! Black kids
your age don't get this
opportunity! Kids your age are at
bagging groceries at The Big Apple
Meat Market!
                                                            
Marcus sighs and rolls his eyes.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Look Marcus, I get it. I get it.
(Grabs his shoulder.) You want to
rest, be free, stay up all night,
watch Skinemax late night movies.
Son, those nights don't exist
anymore. You have to be on your
game when you get to Princeton.
There is no time to slack off!
                                                            
Marcus gazes at his father disappointingly.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
What do I need to do?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Three doors down on the right side
is the Legal Documentation
Department. You go in there, find
Andrew, he'll get you started.
Next week, you'll be in a
different department. (Smiles at
his son.) You see, we're going to
make this fun.
                                                            
 

9.

INT. PARALEGAL DEPARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
Andrew demonstrates scanning technique to Marcus. Marcus
nods and stares at his watch.
                                                            
 
INT. CLUB OASIS MAIN FLOOR - NIGHT
                                                            
Hundreds of club-goers dance. A small hip-hop group is
performing on a stage. Marcus makes his way through a small
crowd and observes for a few seconds. THE HIP-HOP GROUP,
20'S, are performing with energy. Marcus chuckles, and
pushes his way through the crowd once again. He finds
himself at the doorway of a roomy make-shift dressing room.
                                                            
 
INT. DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
THE LONG ISLAND RIOT, a local hip-hop group, are prepping
for their show. CARL HAMILTON, Marcus's cousin, EARLY 30'S,
IMPOSING, AUTHORITATIVE, is putting on his Nike's. WAYNE
BRADFORD, early 30's, NICE-LOOKING, CLEAN CUT, is fooling
around with a CD player radio. CHARLIE THOMAS, MID 20's, too
handsome for his own good, physically fit, is texting on his
cell. TERRENCE DAVIS, EARLY 30's, JAMAICAN, is arguing on
his cell phone in the corner.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Carl, you got to bring it. These
fools are weak!
                                                            
Marcus parades inside the dressing room.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Well if it ain't lil' cousin. What
up lil' cuz?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (giving Carl dap)
Please don't call me that.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Lil' cuz?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Yeah Charlie. I'm not a child.
                                                            

10.

Charlie stands and walks toward Marcus.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Well technically, you just 17. You
ARE still a child. And you still
pretty little.
                                                            
Wayne walks over to Charlie.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
But what about the grown ups who
act like they are children?
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Stop coming to Marcus' rescue.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
      (laughing)
You the one who needs rescuing
Charlie.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
      (walking away)
Whatever fool.
                                                            
                       TERRENCE
      (still on cell)
Hold on, hold on. Charlie, leave
Marcus alone, bomboclad!
                                                            
Carl, Wayne and even Terrence laugh. Terrence continues to
crack up and points at Marcus. Marcus points back.
                                                            
                       TERRENCE
      (back to the phone)
Oh, sorry. What were we talking
about?
                                                            
EMCEE FREDDY, AFRICAN-AMERICAN, EARLY 50's, gregarious,
pokes his head inside the dressing room.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
Five minutes boys! (Starts to
leave but eyes Marcus.) Mr. Marcus
Hamilton! Good to see you young
man. How's your dad?
                                                            

11.

                       MARCUS
Still same old, same old.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
      (laughing)
Yeah, okay. Well tell him he's
always welcome to visit. (Exits
but we can still hear him walking
down the hallway.) He acts like he
can't see nobody.
                                                            
 
INT. CLUB OASIS-MAIN STAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
Emcee Freddy walks up to a microphone on center stage.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
Okay, give it up for The Opium
Musk Crew. Sounds like something I
bought on 142nd Street last night.
Anyway, without further ado, let's
give it up for Club Oasis' best
and brightest, Long Island Riooot!
                                                            
The Long Island Riot trounce onstage with confident swagger.
Charlie starts rapping first. Marcus enthusiastically
watches from the sides. At the bar, sipping on a whiskey on
ice, is BERNARD WILSON, 50's, AFRICAN-AMERICAN, old school
mack daddy. His bodyguard, CRAIG, AFRICAN-AMERICAN, 30-40s,
retired Jets lineman, flanks Wilson's side, keeping a
watchful eye.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
      (rapping)
And I see this fine honey she got
so much class...
I approach her with a joke just to
make her laugh...
                                                            
                       WAYNE
      (rapping)
He said what do you think...
I say about what?
The little shorty by the bar with
the real big bu...
                                                            

12.

                       TERRENCE
      (rapping)
Watch your mouth, you know, that's
a queen, you know...
A beautiful razclad princess who
may be the dearly beloved bro...
                                                            
As they rap, Wayne and Terrence are mimicking Kid and Play's
signature kick-touch dance move. They do the move a couple
of times, but Wayne keeps going toward the edge of the stage
with every move. As Wayne takes a final step back, he
accidentally kicks a young woman in the face. SMACK! She
falls straight to the floor. Her friends watch in horror. A
couple of them crawl up on stage and start accosting Wayne,
and they are winning . The ANGRY FEMALES, 20's,
AFRICAN-AMERICAN, start wailing on poor Wayne. No one
really wants to retaliate against women, but then there's
Carl. Carl angrily dives into the women, and uses his full
strength to push them until they ALL fall off stage, right
onto the recovering first woman who was kicked. There are
screams and more horror as EMCEE Freddy covers his face.
Bernard Wilson watches in slight concern, then begins a sly
laugh. Security rushes over to the mess.
                                                            
                       CROWD
BOOOO!
                                                            
 
INT. CARL AND WAYNE'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
SUPERIMPOSE: THREE WEEKS LATER
                                                            
At Carl and Wayne's crib, Wayne and Terrence are arguing.
Carl's stereo plays in the background.
                                                            
                       TERRENCE
I'll be thirty-five in a month
Wayne. This isn't how I planned
this group to be.
                                                            
Carl, wearing boxers, comes in from his bedroom.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Carl, are you hearing this?
                                                            

13.

Carl passes silently toward the kitchen, scratching himself.
He grabs a box of Froot Loops. He sits down with his food
and picks up the newspaper.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
What do you mean, plan to be?
We're doing pretty damn good T!
Our suspension from Oasis has been
lifted, we perform tonight, we're
also on FACEBOOK, live streaming
tonight!
                                                            
                       TERRENCE
I know Marcus. It's all good man.
I love you guys, but I'm not
helping my family mon. They come
first!
                                                            
                       CARL
      (eating cereal)
Damn, ain't no come back for that
line.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
So you have to start the new job
tonight or you're starting at all.
That right?
                                                            
                       CARL
Island boys always got five jobs.
You slacking off Terrence.
                                                            
                       TERRENCE
      (approaching Carl)
Tell me something, does it give
you pleasure to dive on a group of
girls like you some WWA wrestler?!
You're the reason I have to quit!
                                                            
                       CARL
      (not looking at
       Terrence)
Wayne is my boy. I protect all my
boys at all times. WE supposed to
be boys, But I didn't see you do a
damn thing. As far as I'm
            (MORE)

14.

                       CARL (cont'd)
concerned I saved his damn life.
                                                            
                       TERRENCE
Bombocla-- Dying from some girls?
You always want to be fighting
somebody Carl. Not everything's a
war!
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Terrence, we need you for
tonight's show man. It's going to
be off with only three of us.
                                                            
                       CARL
      (Eyes on newspaper)
Maybe we should all be looking for
a normal job.
                                                            
Wayne disappointingly eyes Carl.
                                                            
                       TERRENCE
Exactly. (Beat.) You are my
family. But I am a father now.
Hope you understand.
                                                            
Terrence walks toward the front door.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Terrence! (At Carl.) You just
gonna let him walk out like that?
                                                            
Terrence stands at the door, and looks back momentarily.
Carl doesn't look back. Terrence shakes his head and exits.
The door shuts, and Carl flings his cereal box across the
room. Captain crunch flies everywhere. He gets up and heads
for his bedroom. Wayne throws his hands up.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Really Carl?
                                                            
Wayne takes a moment for himself, and then walks toward a
table. He picks up a picture of himself with the other
members in the rap group. He takes hold of the picture. It
shows Wayne, Terrence, Charlie and himself years ago, happy

15.

and smiling. INSERT: RIGHT-ON MAGAZINE "LONG ISLAND RIOT-THE
NEW SOUND OF HIP-HOP 2010."
                                                            
Suddenly on the stereo, a commercial advertisement airs...
                                                            
                       RADIO ANNOUNCER
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and
girls! Get ready for the ultimate
hip-hop contest of the century!
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and FOX--
                                                            
Wayne turns off the stereo and heads for his room.
                                                            
 
INT. BERNARD WILSON'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Bernard Wilson is sitting opposite ROD HAMILTON, late 20's
to early 30's, AFRICAN-AMERICAN (Carl's brother.) Wilson's
office is decked out in high-end decor, some semi-offensive
machismo art, and posters of famous hip-hop artists. An
ATTRACTIVE WOMAN, 20', offers Rod a glass of champagne, but
Rod waives it off.
                                                            
                       ROD
No thank you honey.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
You waiving off Crystale? Come on
Rod, live a little.
                                                            
                       ROD
Mr. Wilson, you are very generous.
But actually sir, I don't drink.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
      (Reaching into
       drawer)
Well, what's your poison? Weed?
Ecstasy? (beat.) Crack?
                                                            
                       ROD
I'd just rather get to the bottom
of things.
                                                            

16.

                       BERNARD
      (Amused)
Now that's the kind of man I need
around here! (Approaches Rod.) I
like that!
                                                            
Bernard snaps his fingers. Craig, who was standing idly by
the window, goes over to a cabinet and pulls out a slide
projector. Rod looks up at Craig and nods. Craig catches the
nod but doesn't return it.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Craig, how long has Rough Edge
been in business?
                                                            
                       CRAIG
It's been approximately 24 years
and six months Mr. Wilson.
                                                            
Bernard starts the slideshow.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
24 years and six months. Damn!
(Drinks the entire glass of
Crystale.) What hip-hop record
company now a days has almost 25
years in business?
                                                            
                       ROD
Def Jam Records, over 30 years.
                                                            
Bernard laughs.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
This nigga here.
                                                            
Craig stares silently at Rod. Rod scrunches his brows.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
There, there, settle down Craig.
This is an educated man, much more
so than most morons that sit in
that chair each day.
                                                            
                       ROD
But why...
                                                            

17.

                       BERNARD
I'm getting to that. You see, Rod,
I like the Long Island Riot. I
like Carl. Wayne is cool too. And
I love Rough Edge Records. But, it
need a change. We're not growing
new audience members. We need to
broaden our repertoire to
different types of sounds, so we
can bring fresh new talent on an
old, aging label.
                                                            
Rod sits a bit confused. He looks at Craig and then Bernard
and breaks out laughing. Bernard and Craig look at each
other and then start laughing too.
                                                            
                       ROD
Why in the hell would Rough Edge
Records want to sign Long Island
Riot? Last summer, your hit song
was "Can I Grab Yo Booty, Booty?"
                                                            
                       BERNARD
You liked it?
                                                            
                       ROD
Mr. Wilson, we didn't vote for
Trump.
                                                            
Wilson starts laughing, points to Craig.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
He didn't vote for Trump. (Beat.)
This man thinks he's funny. (Beat.
Serious.) You think you funny>
                                                            
                       ROD
I don't really ask myself that
question, sir. I don't really
know.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Which is why I would like for you
to join Rough Edge. Don't you get
it?
                                                            

18.

                       BERNARD
      (head hurting)
Okay, okay. (Beat.) And who knows,
maybe in the future, they can rap
about better things, money, fine
ass women, power, maybe a little
violence! Real shit!
                                                            
Rod frowns.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
What? You find my opinion
distasteful? What if I could offer
you guys a $500 thousand dollar
contract?
                                                            
Rod accidentally SPITS his Crystal, some of it landing on
Bernard's shoes. Bernard is completely dismayed. Craig
aggressively approaches but Bernard waives him off.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Roxy, could you please find a
towel?
                                                            
                       ROD
Damn, I'm so sorry Mr. Wilson.
                                                            
The same woman comes over and wipes Bernard's shoes.
                                                            
                       ROD
No one's ever offered that kind of
contract for us before.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
      (smiling)
I know. Thank you Roxy.
                                                            
Bernard heads back behind his desk.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
I guess I could've stayed behind
my desk like most executives. But
Rodney, I'm not like most
executives. I'm 100% involved in
each and every artist I sign. I
make sure they put in their all,
and give their all to JJ&E. We
            (MORE)

19.

                       BERNARD (cont'd)
take care of our talent.
                                                            
                       ROD
Bernard, one thing, they don't
really know I'm here, meeting with
you. I wanted to meet just to get
an idea of what you can offer us.
(Happy.) I can genuinely say that
it's a deal. You can count on us,
sir.
                                                            
Bernard looks at Craig and back at Rod.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Pleasure doing business with you
Rodney Hamilton. I'll see you guys
later tonight at Club Oasis and we
can seal the deal.
                                                            
                       ROD
Oh, you know about the show
tonight too?
                                                            
Bernard opens his desk and pulls out a magnificently large
hand gun. He grabs a cloth and begins cleaning it. Rodney's
body language has changed.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Well, they got kicked out for
three weeks for defending
themselves and this is their first
time back. I'm sorry, I don't care
of it's five preschoolers
attacking me, I'm going to fight
back. (Looks at Rod.) Oh, mind me,
I'm off to the range. Gotta get my
aiming skills back again. I've
been a little rusty lately.
Anyway, Craig, show Rodney to the
door.
                                                            
Rodney smiles and makes his way toward the exit.
                                                            

20.

                       BERNARD
Rodney, we'll show up tonight with
a contract.
                                                            
                       ROD
What? Well, I thought we'd just
discuss tonight and decide later.
The fellows will need some time.
We have to review everything will
our lawyer. This isn't final yet,
Mr. Wilson.
                                                            
Bernard look at Rodney and back at his gun. He eyes the
chamber and closes it. He walks over toward Rodney with the
gun still in his hand.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
I thought you said we had a deal?
                                                            
                       ROD
Well, I don't see why we won't
after they hear about what you
have to offer. But there's a lot
of things we have to look at
first.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
A lot of things you have to look
at? I just offered you $500
thousand dollar contract. I think
it just went down to $475
thousand.
                                                            
Rod frowns.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
And it's going to keep going down
every time my offer is rejected.
The sooner you accept, the better
for you all. (Beat.) If they don't
take my offer tonight, it's going
to be $400k. That means a much
cheaper budget for music videos.
Think about it.
                                                            

21.

                       ROD
Okay (smiling) Okay. We'll do it!
I mean, I'm going to try my best
for them to sign tonight! Thank
you Mr. Wilson! Thank you!
                                                            
Craig escorts Rod outside the door.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Craig looks at Rod in silence.
                                                            
                       ROD
See you later. Thank you. Oh,
don't you validate parking?
                                                            
Craig closes the door on his parking ticket. He barely gets
it out the door and walks away.
                                                            
                       ROD
      (whispering)
Jerk.
                                                            
The door opens and it's Craig again.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Did you say something?
                                                            
                       ROD
      (surprised)
No man, I didn't say anything. But
you don't validate?
                                                            
Craig closes the door once again.
                                                            
 
INT. JOHN HAMILTON'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Marcus and Mr. Hamilton are standing, eating breakfast
muffins.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Andrew tells me you're not really
focused over there.
                                                            

22.

                       MARCUS
What's to focus on? It's the same
thing over and over. Copy, scan,
copy, scan. Review.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (sighs)
You know, kids in my day were just
happy to have a job Marcus. Be
thankful you have this and you're
not working at some El Pollo Loco
or something like that.
                                                            
John walks back to his desk and sits.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I'll let you go home early today.
Catherine says she needs a lot of
help with dinner tonight.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I'm supposed to be seeing Carl and
the Riot at Club Oasis dad.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Here we go again. Club Oasis. You
know what real music is kid? I've
been playing OJ's, Cool and the
Gang, Gap Band, Peabo Bryson and
all those cats, and yet you think
Hip-Hop is real music?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
It is real music. It's got
instruments, beats and a rhythm
and it's got poetry and lyrics and
meaning that's a lot more than how
a pretty woman makes you feel or
how the sunset reminds you of your
eyes.
                                                            
John laughs.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Where did I go wrong?
                                                            
 

23.

INT. CLUB OASIS-MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Night-clubbers are jamming to the sounds of two young
rappers on the main stage. BERNARD "THE WARDEN" WILSON,
African-American, mid to late 40's, intimidating, sports a
flashy suit and cape. Two beautiful women hang on each arm.
His bodyguard, CRAIG JACKSON, African-American, bald, early
40's, ripping muscles, protectively walks in front. ROD
TRUMAN, mid-20's, Carl's younger cousin and group manager,
is passing out CD's of Long Island Riot's latest song. Rod
brushes against Bernard. Rod, identifies Wilson, and
carefully walks away.
                                                            
                       ROD
Sorry.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Could I see one of those?
                                                            
                       ROD
Five dollars.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
I just want to see it.
                                                            
Rod hands him a CD and looks at Craig. Craig frowns back.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Thank you.
                                                            
Bernard walks away. Rod goes after Bernard, but Craig puts a
hand on his chest.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
While you're in Mr. Wilson's club,
everything IN it belongs to him.
                                                            
                       ROD
Get yo hands off me. This is Emcee
Freddy's club!
                                                            
Craig cracks a laugh.
                                                            

24.

BACKSTAGE
                                                            
The Long Island Riot watch the act from behind a curtain.
Marcus is visibly nervous. Wayne observes.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
You all right?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I'm good.
                                                            
Marcus nods.
                                                            
CENTER STAGE
                                                            
The hip-hop group rap about CARS, GIRLS, MONEY, etc. The
crowd dances.
                                                            
BACKSTAGE
                                                            
Charlie notices the situation with Marcus.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
This fool is scared. Courageous
One my butt.
                                                            
Carl squeezes Marcus's shoulder.
                                                            
                       CARL
You cool right?
                                                            
Marcus nods nervously, containing himself.
                                                            
CENTER STAGE
                                                            
Moments later, the song ends and Emcee Freddy takes the
stage.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
Thank you, Gucci and Gabana
Brothers. Gucci and Gabana
Brothers. Give it up. Man, we got
a lovely crowd tonight, don't we?
(Points to lady.) Look at that
sister right there. Looking good,
looking good! You know where to
            (MORE)

25.

                       EMCEE FREDDY (cont'd)
find me.
                                                            
A well-dressed, blushing FEMALE, 20'S, rolls her eyes.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
Anyway, ladies and gentlemen. We
have a brief announcement before
we get to our last act. As you
probably all know, Club Oasis has
been up for sale for a while now.
And we finally have a new owner.
                                                            
                       RANDOM VOICE IN CROWD
BOOOO!
                                                            
Bernard Wilson finds the booer and glares.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
Hey, be nice. Anyway, the new
owner says the club will be used
as a vehicle to scout new,
cutting-edge talent in Long
Island's up and coming hip-hop
scene. Let's welcome the founder
of Magic Pimp Records, Bernard
Wilson!
                                                            
Bernard raises his hand to SCANT applause and another boo.
He becomes incensed at the booer.
                                                            
BACKSTAGE
                                                            
Wayne is pouring water down Marcus' throat. Carl is fanning
him with paper.
                                                            
                       CARL
Give him room!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I'm okay!
                                                            
Marcus barely stands on his own two feet.
                                                            
FRONT STAGE
                                                            

26.

                       EMCEE FREDDY
On to the the last act. These cats
have been performing at the Oasis
for nearly 10 years, and always
move the crowd. They're brand new
member, The Courageous One, is
here for his debut. Please welcome
the one and only...Long Island
Riot!!
                                                            
The Riot dashes onstage, with Marcus being pushed through
the curtains. Carl begins rapping. From the audience,
Bernard Wilson's interest grows.
                                                            
BAR
                                                            
A young African-American female, DAPHNE MILLS, 20,
attractive but hard, walks next to the bar, carrying a
duffel bag. She notices an abandoned cash tab on the bar.
The bartender is busy with patrons, on the other end of the
bar. Daphne grabs the loot and runs for the exit. The
bartender slowly comes around.
                                                            
                       BARTENDER
Hey! Come back here!
                                                            
A security guard approaches the bartender.
                                                            
                       BARTENDER
She took my money!
                                                            
The security guard runs after Daphne.
                                                            
STAGE
                                                            
Wayne is rapping. Marcus is more comfortable but still
anxious. He attempts to dance, but nervously trips on top of
Wayne, shoving Wayne completely off the stage and onto an
NFL-TYPE athlete.
                                                            
                       LARGE MAN
What tha? How you gon' step on my
Armani's like that?
                                                            

27.

                       WAYNE
I'm so sorry! I'm in the middle of
a show.
                                                            
On stage, Charlie begins his verse. Wayne tries hard to pull
himself onstage, but the NFL man quickly grabs Wayne by the
belt, flinging him to the dance floor, knocking over
innocent patrons.
                                                            
                       LARGE MAN
My Armani's cost more than what yo
mamma make in a year!
                                                            
                       WAYNE
What you know about my mama?
                                                            
                       LARGE MAN
More than you'll ever know!
                                                            
                       WAYNE
      (Angry)
WHAT?!
                                                            
In rage, Wayne attempts to TACKLE the large man to the
ground. The large man doesn't budge. More NFL friends
arrive-they're giants! They commence to rhythmically
flinging poor Wayne around like a rag-doll. Charlie and Carl
leap off the stage to rescue Wayne. Bernard Wilson looks on
with amusement. On stage, Emcee Freddy takes the microphone
from Marcus, who was just about to begin his verse.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
Long Island Riot everybody! These
cats are the next big thing. Give
em' a hand!
                                                            
                       CROWD
BOOOOO!
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
Someone get security.
                                                            
BOOS permeate the club as Charlie gets punched in the gut by
two of the large men.
                                                            
 

28.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
Daphne is jumping into a car, with the security guard
running behind her yards away.
                                                            
 
INT. OLD CAR-CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
Old woman, 50's, smiles at Daphne.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Where ya going young lady?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Away from here! Go please!
                                                            
Daphne closes the door. They drive away.
                                                            
 
INT. CLUB OASIS-DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Carl nurses a knot on his head with ice. Wayne wears a
bandage on his nose. Charlie rubs coco butter on his
bruises. Marcus looks on quietly without a bruise as Emcee
Freddy pokes his head inside the doorway, smiling brightly.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
You guys lucky to be alive.
                                                            
Carl slams his ice-pack to the ground.
                                                            
                       CARL
This is bullshit! I'm 34 years
old! Wayne will be 32 next year!
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Old bastards.
                                                            
                       CARL
      (Eyes Charlie
       meanly)
And I'm rapping in a club and
getting into fights with NFL
scrubs? I supposed to be signing
autographs, making videos, pushing
away the honeys!
                                                            

29.

                       WAYNE
Carl, it'll happen. Don't worry.
                                                            
                       CARL
      (Mockingly)
It's gonna happen. We'll be
touring Europe next summer. We'll
be famous next year. Wake up
Wayne! This is the real world. If
you don't sound like 50 Cent or
the Ying Yang Twins, record
companies don't want you!
                                                            
Carl winces and puts the ice-pack back on his head.
                                                            
 
INT. CLUB OASIS - NIGHT
                                                            
BAR
                                                            
Craig Johnson forcefully brings Rod Truman, nursing a drink,
next to Bernard.
                                                            
                       ROD
      (To Craig)
I'm not a toy!
                                                            
                       BERNARD
So Mr. Truman, Long Island Riot is
your group, huh?
                                                            
                       ROD
What's it to you?
                                                            
                       BERNARD
I've seen them here a few times
before. I like their style. Airy,
light, fresh. Like a crisp white
zinfandel.
                                                            
                       ROD
Zinfandel? Come one man, more like
a double shot of Petron! Smooth
and strong.
                                                            

30.

                       CRAIG
Jay-Z is like a double shot of
Petron. Your group is like Boone's
Apple Wine.
                                                            
                       ROD
      (Gets in Craig's
       face)
What?
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Not even the ice-cold kind.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Enough of the liquor metaphors!
(Beat.) You see son, the way I see
it, Long Island Riot has
potential.
                                                            
                       ROD
That's why I'm their manager.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Wanna-be baller.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Craig, will you SHUT YOUR FACE!
(Clears throat.) Look, as you may
know, my image is constantly
misunderstood by the public. They
call me a thief, a launderer, an
intimidator, plagiarist,
conspirator of revenge violence.
                                                            
Out of nowhere, a passer-by accidentally steps on Bernard's
foot. Bernard PIMP SLAPS the passer-by in the face, and
Craig shoves that person's head away.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
GET!
                                                            
Rod cringes.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Anyway...it's not really me. But,
with the Riot on my label, it
could add that golden touch Magic
            (MORE)

31.

                       BERNARD (cont'd)
Pimp records needs. That white
zinfandel.
                                                            
                       ROD
Mixing white zinfandel with 40
ounce bottle of ripple you been
on?
                                                            
Bernard stares coldly and steps closer to Rod.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
When the Long Island Riot become
the next best thing, my life will
be renewed. Old sins, and
so-called crimes against humanity
will be washed away with their
platinum sales. And me? I'll be
wonderfully resurrected. As for
you and your boys, does a $500,000
contract catch your interest?
                                                            
Rod SPITS his drink directly on Craig's suit.
                                                            
 
INT. DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
                       WAYNE
We'll find a way. We always do,
Carl. Right?
                                                            
Marcus sighs and walks into the bathroom, closing the door.
Charlie turns on the CD player radio. A song fades out and a
commercial airs.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Marcus takes a good look at himself in the mirror. He can
clearly hear the radio ad as it plays.
                                                            
                       RADIO ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and
girls! Get ready for the ultimate
hip-hop contest of the century!
Sean "Diddy" Combs and FOX will be
hosting the first All-American
            (MORE)

32.

                       RADIO ANNOUNCER (cont'd)
Hip-Hop Competition! No matter
your age or where your're from...
                                                            
A light shines in Marcus's eyes and he quickly dashes out of
the restroom.
                                                            
 
INT. CLUB OASIS-DRESSING ROOM-CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
                       RADIO ANNOUNCER
...you have a chance to win a
major recording contract with BMG
Records worth hundreds of
thousands of dollars! This will be
a live, televised event airing
JULY 4TH at the MGM Grand Hotel in
Las Vegas! (Now speaks super
fast.) Register now at
AllAmericanHipHop.com and make
your hip-hop dreams come true!
Only 300 auditions allowed. Must
be 18 years or older. Void where
prohibited, stupid.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
That's it!
                                                            
                       CARL
What are you talking about?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Were you listening? The TV
contest!
                                                            
                       CARL
Fox TV? Please.
                                                            
Wayne catches on, enthusiastically.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
He's right.
                                                            
                       CARL
Wayne.
                                                            

33.

                       WAYNE
He's right. When was the last time
we took a risk like that?
                                                            
                       CARL
We take risks when we go on that
stage every Thursday night.
                                                            
Emcee Freddy approaches Carl.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
No Carl. You take risks by going
where you haven't gone before.
Being here week after week, year
after year, isn't very risky to
me. It's pretty damn safe if you
ask me.
                                                            
                       CARL
Freddy.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
No Carl. Wayne and the kid are
right. It makes me sick to my
stomach seeing you here, year
after year, performing for the
same old crowd. And for what? To
get your asses kicked in by some
wanna-be athletes? You have
something special, and this is
your chance to do something about
it!
                                                            
Charlie stops tweezing his eyebrows and turns around.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
You know he's right.
                                                            
                       WAYNE AND MARCUS
Yeah!
                                                            
                       CARL
      (Standing up)
Taking a risk such as selling this
place to Bernard Wilson?
                                                            

34.

                       EMCEE FREDDY
I know Carl. I held out as long as
I could. No one else was
interested in a beat up hip-hop
club except for Wilson.
                                                            
Carl silently pats Emcee Freddy on the shoulder.
                                                            
                       CARL
This is crazy! Even if we wanted
to do this, how we gonna get to
Vegas in three days?
                                                            
                       CARL
Look, this is crazy. Even if we
wanted to do it, how are we gonna
get to Vegas in three days?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
We could drive!
                                                            
                       CARL, WAYNE, AND CHARLIE
WHAT??
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Las Vegas is about 2500 miles
away. A drive from coast to coast
takes about 36 hours going 70
miles per hour with no stops.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
That boy's a genius.
                                                            
Emcee Freddy places his hands on Carl's head.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
Carl, once upon a time, there
wasn't nothing you'd do to get
yourself out there.
                                                            
Carl sighs.
                                                            
                       CARL
All right.
                                                            

35.

                       EVERYONE
All right!
                                                            
                       CARL
Okay, everybody. We gotta be out
by tonight.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
      (Shaking their
       hands)
I'm proud of you guys. Believe in
yourself. Good luck. Good luck!
                                                            
They all exit the room except for Emcee Freddy. He walks
toward the mirror and talks to himself.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
Those boys gon' do good! Real
good! What's up playboy?
                                                            
 
INT. CLUB OASIS - NIGHT
                                                            
A semi-wet Craig has one hand clinched around Rod's throat.
Bernard is trying to pry his hands off of Rod's neck.
                                                            
                       ROD
      (Heavy breathing.)
Get him off me!
                                                            
Bernard finally gets Craig's hand off of Rod's sore neck.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
      (To Craig.)
Craig, you mess this up, I will
personally shave your head with my
carrot peeler!
                                                            
Craig frowns as Bernard slips a nice, healthy stack of 50's
in Rod's inside jacket pocket-easily a couple thousand.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
There'll be more. Much more. Have
the Riot in my office tomorrow.
Tell them this is the BIG TIME.
And tell them Bernard Wilson will
make them rich beyond their
            (MORE)

36.

                       BERNARD (cont'd)
wildest dreams.
                                                            
Rod ponders for a brief moment and touches the money.
Suddenly, he's really interested.
                                                            
                       ROD
You've got a deal! You've got a
deal!
                                                            
                       BERNARD
      (Smiling)
See you tomorrow.
                                                            
Rod nods but frowns at Craig as they walk away.
                                                            
                       ROD
      (Looking at money)
Tax free...Everybody, drinks on
me!
                                                            
                       BAR PATRONS
YAY!
                                                            
 
INT. DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Emcee Freddy is taking out his dentures and putting them in
a cup.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
Need to brush these up a little.
                                                            
Rod surprises him at the door.
                                                            
                       ROD
Damn! Triple damn!
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
Damn Rodney! Doesn't anyone knock
anymore??
                                                            
                       ROD
The door was wide open Freddy.
Those look real as hell! Anyway,
where's Carl and Wayne?
                                                            

37.

                       EMCEE FREDDY
Just missed them. Why you smiling
like Sambo?
                                                            
 
INT. CLUB OASIS - NIGHT
                                                            
RESTROOM ENTRANCE
                                                            
Bernard and Craig are exiting the restroom, as the previous
BOOER is coming in. The BOOER gazes at Bernard, unafraid,
with a drink in his hand.
                                                            
                       BOOER
      (Drunken)
Magic Pimp in the flesh! He's a
straight up mack!
                                                            
Craig advances toward the man, but Bernard holds him back.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Are you a fan?
                                                            
                       BOOER
Yeah right, I'm a fan. I'm a fan
of real hip-hop. Real artistic
skills and poetry. Something you
know nothing about, pimp daddy!
                                                            
                       BERNARD
I'll tell you what, if YOU can
show me what real hip-hop is, I'll
give you my $4000 cape. If you
can't, Craig here will just have
to give you a beat-down.
                                                            
The booer frowns for a moment but a light shines inside him.
                                                            
                       BOOER
Okay, cool! I got my IPOD...let me
get it out. One second.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
No, no. You're not quite
understanding what I'm asking. I
want YOU to show me this
so-called, real hip-hop. I want it
            (MORE)

38.

                       BERNARD (cont'd)
original...freestyle.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
START RAPPING!
                                                            
                       BOOER
I'm not a rapper!
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Craig.
                                                            
                       BOOER
Okay! Okay!
                                                            
The booer clears his throat, and pops his collar.
                                                            
                       BOOER
      (Rapping)
Uh, my name is Gilliaume Johnson
and I'm a sweet M.C...The honeys
think I'm a man of the century...I
like a lotta girls and they like
me...My mama taught me how to
count to three...
                                                            
Bernard and Craig look at each other and stare at the booer,
bewildered.
                                                            
                       BOOER
Shit.
                                                            
The Booer runs for dear glory. Craig runs after him. The
picture fades out.
                                                            
                       BOOER (O.S.)
Ahhhhh!
                                                            
 
INT. HAMILTON HOUSEHOLD-UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
Marcus creeps from his bedroom to the hallway with his
backpack and a large duffel bag, wearing dark clothes, and a
black skullcap. A toilet flushes from the nearby bathroom
and out comes John Hamilton, yawning.
                                                            

39.

                       MARCUS
Damn.
                                                            
Marcus ducks inside a side closet and stays put. John turns
off his office light, walks to his bedroom, past Marcus, and
shuts the door. Marcus slowly walks out the closet and walks
downstairs.
                                                            
 
EXT. HAMILTON HOUSEHOLD - NIGHT
                                                            
STREET
                                                            
Carl and Charlie pull up to the curb in Carl's 70 DODGE
BROWN SUPER BEE. The large, majestic home is dark, and
Marcus carefully walks out.
                                                            
 
INT. SUPER BEE - NIGHT
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
I'd take that house on a date it
turns me on so much.
                                                            
Marcus finally gets inside, and Carl resumes driving.
                                                            
                       CARL
Marcus, meet Elsa. My favorite
lady in the world.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (Looking around.)
Hello Elsa.
                                                            
                       CARL
I get the feeling no one knows
you're leaving?
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
The Super Bee rolls down the residential street.
                                                            
                       MARCUS (O.S.)
I'm grown.
                                                            

40.

                       CHARLIE (O.S.)
Grown, sneaking out the house like
you in middle school.
                                                            
                       CARL (O.S.)
Shut up Charlie. Let's get Wayne.
                                                            
 
INT. SUPER BEE - NIGHT
                                                            
                                         LATER
                                                            
It's starting to rain. All four of them in the car. Carl
turns on the windshield wipers. Carl's CELL PHONE rings.
                                                            
                       CARL
It's Hot Rod.
                                                            
Carl answers the call.
                                                            
                       CARL
What up.
                                                            
 
INT. CLUB OASIS - NIGHT
                                                            
The club is scarce. Rod is standing in at the bar next to
the same woman Emcee Freddy was hitting on earlier.
                                                            
                       ROD
Where you at?
                                                            
                       CARL (V.O.)
Was gonna call you. We're headed
to Vegas.
                                                            
Rod accidentally SPITS his drink on the woman. She gasps and
turns to grab an empty bottle. She cracks it over his head.
Rod almost falls over, wincing in pain.
                                                            
                       ROD
Carl? Carl? (Rubs head.) Hold up a
second. (In pain.) Carl, listen,
turn around!
                                                            

41.

                       CARL (V.O.)
We're gonna be in P. Diddy's
hip-hop contest.We gotta be there
by the fourth.
                                                            
                       ROD
Carl, we're being signed. It's a
done deal. All we have to do is
show up tomorrow.
                                                            
                       CARL (V.O.)
Signed? Show up where?
                                                            
                       ROD
Magic Pimp Records...
                                                            
 
INT. SUPER BEE - NIGHT
                                                            
In the middle of the street, Carl screeches to a complete
halt.
                                                            
                       CARL
Bernard Wilson's Magic Pimp
Records? Are you on some kind of
new, designer prizewinning crack?
                                                            
 
INT. CLUB OASIS - NIGHT
                                                            
                       ROD
Carl, listen. You've got a
mortgage. Wayne wants to go back
to school. Charlie...Charlie needs
to pay for his mud baths,
pedicures and gym membership fees.
Did I mention a $500,000 contract!
                                                            
 
INT. SUPER BEE - NIGHT
                                                            
Carl is silent, but pulls back onto the highway.
                                                            
                       CARL
      (To group)
Rodney tried to set us up a deal
with Bernard Wilson...Magic Pimp
            (MORE)

42.

                       CARL (cont'd)
Records! Talking about a five
hundred thousand dollar contract.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS!
TURN THIS DAMN CAR AROUND!
                                                            
Charlie swiftly dives for the steering wheel, and for a
moment, the car goes haywire. Wayne frantically helps to
pull Charlie off.
                                                            
                       CARL
Get your hands off the wheel
Charlie! Charlie! Charlie!
Charlie!
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Five hundred THOUSAND dollars!
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Charlie stop!
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
The super-bee zig-zags wildly on the road.
                                                            
                       CARL (O.S.)
Get yo hands off the wheel man!
                                                            
                       CHARLIE (O.S.)
I sin't going to Vegas. Not
without my $500 thousand dollars!
                                                            
 
INT. SUPER BEE - NIGHT
                                                            
                       ROD (V.O.)
What the hell's going on? Carl!
Carl!
                                                            
In all the chaos, Marcus can see that a pedestrian is
innocently trotting in the middle of the road, only a
hundred yards ahead.
                                                            

43.

                       MARCUS
Fellas!
                                                            
                       CARL
Let go Charlie!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
FELLAS!
                                                            
At the last moment, Marcus grabs the wheel and sends the car
to the other side of the road into a skid, barely missing
the pedestrian, who dives off the other side of the the
road. Marcus dashes out the car. Carl reaches over and grabs
Charlie's collar.
                                                            
                       CARL
Remember La El Chico? The last
great artist of Magic Pimp
Records? Know what happened when
he didn't sell 100,000 records his
first week? Huh?!
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
His name, was Le El Chico, and Le
El Chico couldn't handle the
pressure of sudden fame and they
put him away in an asylum and gave
him a lobotomy.
                                                            
                       CARL
Fool, they reported on the news
that La El Chico was lobotomized
BEFORE he checked into the asylum!
                                                            
 
INT. CLUB OASIS - NIGHT
                                                            
Shocked again, Rod SPITS out his drink once more, this time
in the bartender's face. The bartender slowly takes Rod's
drink from his hand, then quickly socks Rod square on the
jaw. Rod falls over backwards on his stool.
                                                            
                       BARTENDER
You need to stop spitting in
people's faces fool! I don't care
if you are Carl's cousin!
                                                            
 

44.

INT. SUPER BEE - NIGHT
                                                            
Carl lets go of Charlie's collar.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Carl, how do you know Wilson did
that? Anyway, aren't we gonna sell
records? You believe in us, right?
                                                            
                       WAYNE
I don't care how well we do
Charlie, we'd always be in
business with a bad man.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
Marcus helps the person on the side of the road, who's
brushing themselves off.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
You okay?
                                                            
Marcus, flustered, hears music in his ears as Daphne's face
comes to light. In romantic, slow motion, she vigilantly
shakes her shoe free of mud (or poop). In her other hand, a
taser.
                                                            
The music stops.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Please tell me that isn't dog
poop. Prolly possum poop. What you
lookin' at?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Why are you out here in the middle
of nowhere?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
I've got to get somewhere. That
your car?
                                                            
Marcus laughs.
                                                            

45.

                       DAPHNE
What's funny?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
You.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
I'm funny? You should look at
yourself. What's your name anyway
pretty boy?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Marcus.
                                                            
Marcus walks up and takes Daphne's shoe. He smells it.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
What's your name?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Daphne.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I think it's human poop.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
What??
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I'm joking.
                                                            
Daphne exhales and sizes up Marcus.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
You seem okay. But the minute you
try anything funny, I'm gonna taze
you in the face with this.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (Smiling)
Don't taze me sis!
                                                            
Daphne doesn't get the reference. She puts on her shoe, and
Marcus takes her duffel bag and they walk to the car. Daphne
lets a smile escape due to Marcus's good manners but then
sees the car.
                                                            

46.

                       DAPHNE
Those are a lot of dudes.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Just three other dudes.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
And you make four. Too many.
                                                            
Carl opens the door and steps out. Wayne and Charlie follow.
                                                            
                       CARL
And who's this?
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Cute as a button.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Unh-uhh.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Everybody, this is, Daphne. We're
gonna give her a ride.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Would be our pleasure.
                                                            
                       CARL
Shut up Charlie. Do you know her?
No. Didn't yo mama teach you not
to pick up hitch-hikers?
                                                            
Daphne smacks her lips.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Yeah. Like how do you know she
ain't from America's Most Wanted?
Y'all heard about Shamicka
Kincaid? She killed like five
people just out of Hackensack, New
Jer--
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
You know what? Don't even worry
about it.
                                                            

47.

Daphne turns around.
                                                            
                       CARL
The problem, Daphne, is that this
is my car, and no one offers rides
to strangers unless it's me. I'm
the leader.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Lead your ass down the road then.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Carl, come on, she's probably
barely out of high school.
                                                            
                       CARL
Did you search her purse Marcus?
Make sure she's not carrying any
weapons or knives?
                                                            
Carl walks over to Daphne, and takes her purse and begins
looking inside to everyone's amazement.
                                                            
                       CARL
I'm not getting robbed for nobody.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Oh, hell no! What is your problem?
                                                            
Next, Carl begins to pat-down Daphne, to a sudden TAZE on
the cheek. Carl screams and falss to his knees, wincing in
pain. Everyone runs to Carl.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Are you OUT of your damn mind
fool? Puttin' yo hands on me?
                                                            
Carl rolls wildly on the ground. All the guys shadow him,
wanting to help. Carl's voice is strange and different.
                                                            
                       CARL
      (raspy)
As you can see, you can't trust
everybody you pick up on the
street, Marcus. Never know what
they can do. Get out of here! You
            (MORE)

48.

                       CARL (cont'd)
ain't setting one foot in my car.
                                                            
 
INT. CLUB OASIS - NIGHT
                                                            
Rodney nurses a drink alone, with a bruised chin.
                                                            
                       ROD
      (To himself)
When you drive back to Queens in
that old, beat-up Bumble Bee,
Super-Bee, whatever the hell it
is, with no contract, no money,
don't say I didn't try to make
things happen. I'm trying. I'm
your manager but you won't let me
manage...gotta get out the
projects.
                                                            
Another ATTRACTIVE FEMALE, 20's, plants herself next to Rod.
He eyes her for a sparse moment and smiles slyly.
                                                            
                       ROD
Gotta get on my projects. Yeah. I
gots lots of projects to
do...tomorrow. Hey baby.
                                                            
 
INT. SUPER BEE - NIGHT
                                                            
Carl is in the passenger front seat, confronting Daphne,
who's in the backseat, next to Marcus and Charlie. Wayne is
driving.
                                                            
                       CARL
The next town, you're gone!
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Turn around!
                                                            
                       CARL
I ain't playing.
                                                            

49.

Wayne turns on the radio to a hip-hop instrumental. He
begins bobbing his head. Wayne begins rapping. Next is
Charlie. Marcus. Eventually Carl joins in. When he's done--
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
Oooooooohh!
                                                            
Outside, a large SUV speeds past them. We can see a young
Caucasian male, 20's, hat pulled backwards, give the urban
head-nod to Wayne as they pass.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
I like that track. Reminds me of
The Roots a little.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
What you know about The Roots?
                                                            
At that moment, a BRIGHT, COLORFUL LIGHT and a SIREN blares
from behind. THE POLICE.
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
Oh no!
                                                            
Daphne ducks in her seat.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
We gonna get capped! Five black
people in a car? Two o'clock in
the mornin'? Shiiiii---
                                                            
Daphne swallows as the police car passes.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
You okay?
                                                            
Daphne nods.
                                                            
Carl slows down. The officer has stopped the SUV. The SUV is
full of HIP-HOP DRESSED, young white guys. The white guys
notice them and put on a good show.
                                                            
                       WHITE GUY
You better CHECK YO SELF, punk-ass
copper, or I will put my
Timbalands up yo' ASS!
                                                            

50.

                       WHITE GUY 2
Word up!
                                                            
                       OFFICER
Get out the car you fairies! Hands
where I can see them!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
White people get away with saying
anything to cops.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
True that.
                                                            
 
EXT. DOWNTOWN-LONG ISLAND BUILDING - DAY
                                                            
Superimpose: Friday Morning
                                                            
 
INT. ROD TRUMAN'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Rod sits in a small, shabby office decorated with posters of
famous hip-hop artists, from Public Enemy to Tribe Called
Quest, to Eazy-E and Jay-Z. He looks through a stack of
Magic Pimp CD's.
                                                            
                       ROD
      (Rubbing head)
Crazy Eddie..." Da Mad
Lunatic"...Brass Knuckles
Nick..."Ghetto Beat-Down Tales
From Da Hood." Foot Long
Larry..."God's Gift to All the
Hoes".
                                                            
LOLA SPEARS, 30's, Rodney's secretary, knocks on the door
and enters.
                                                            
                       LOLA
Bernard Wilson's on line one.
                                                            
Rodney realizes he hasn't figured out how he'd break the
news.
                                                            

51.

                       ROD
Did you tell him I was actually
here?
                                                            
                       LOLA
Of course I told him. I also told
him it's been a long time since
you made some money and paid me on
time.
                                                            
Rod gives Lola the eye. Lola rolls her eyes and exits. Rod
picks up the phone.
                                                            
                       ROD
      (Happy voice)
Bernieeee? What's crackin' man?
                                                            
 
INT. BERNARD WILSON'S OFFICE. - DAY
                                                            
Bernard sits at a pricey mahogany desk inside a very large
office. Two attractive women, dressed in sexy cat-suits, fan
Bernard and feed him grapes. Several well-suited bodyguards,
including Craig Johnson, stand nearby. Two mean-looking
rottweilers, IKE and SPIKE, sit near Bernard's desk.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Looking forward to seeing you and
the boys today. Get ready for
riches like you've never seen.
                                                            
INTERCUT BETWEEN ROD AND BERNARD
                                                            
                       ROD
Look Bernard, I was going to call
you earlier. How can I put this?
(Rod looks at his 50 Cent poster
pointing a gun) Um, Carl shot
somebody last night.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
What?
                                                            

52.

                       ROD
And the group...needs to lay low.
Yeah, uh, it was, ah, self
defense. Yeah.
                                                            
Bernard takes out a MANILA FOLDER from his desk, labeled
"Long Island Riot." He pulls open the folder and turns to
Carl's file. The photo of Carl displays him with a "hard"
look and tank top.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
This little softy didn't shoot
nobody. Who told you this?
                                                            
                       RODNEY
      (Sweating)
Who told me? Wayne told me.
Somebody tried to rob them.
Really. They were...in the 99 Cent
store...
                                                            
                       BERNARD
99 Cent Store?? Wayne? Wayne
Bradford?
                                                            
Bernard shuffles through the files and turns to WAYNE'S
folder, which shows an actor's head-shot sporting a
clean-cut smile.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Ain't that sweeeet...
                                                            
                       ROD
Yeah, yeah. Look, Bernard, they
have to stay out of sight for the
next few days...I think they said
they're gonna drive to ah,
Vancouver...so, try not to worry
about them right now.
                                                            
Bernard knocks a grape out of one of the women's hands.
                                                            

53.

                       BERNARD
Something's not quite right here
Rodney Ezekiel Truman, cause if
there's a shooting on the streets
of Long Island, I'd know about it!
                                                            
Bernard calms down and motions for more grapes.
                                                            
                       ROD
How do you know my middle name?
Never mind, look, just relax.
                                                            
Bernard tosses the folders in the anger.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
You see son, I'm doing a major
overhaul. Everything's changing.
Booty songs and hard-core gangsta
acts aren't cuttin' it in the
mainstream like they used to.
(Stands up.) I need The Riot.
They're clean, socially
Confucious, and none of them have
felonies! That group belongs to
me.
                                                            
Ike barks.
                                                            
                       ROD
Bernie, we haven't signed
anything. Like I said, take a
chill pill and relax.
                                                            
Bernard looks at the phone with complete disdain. An icy
stare covers his face.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Who said you can call me Bernie?
                                                            
Bernard hangs up.
                                                            
 

54.

INT. ROD TRUMAN'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
                       ROD
Bernie come on? Uhhh...Bernard?
(Beat.) Mr. Wilson?
                                                            
Rodney hears the dial tone and hangs up. He stares uneasily
into space.
                                                            
 
INT. BERNARD WILSON'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Craig.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Yes, Mr. Wilson?
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Get Condi Rice on the phone. Tell
her I need access to real-time
global satellite imaging. She owes
me a favor.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
      (Amused)
Yes she does.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
What a rotten little liar you are
Rodney Truman. I'm gonna find out
everything.
                                                            
 
EXT. NED'S DINER - DAY
                                                            
The Super Bee drives into the parking lot of NED'S DINER, a
place no one would call home about.
                                                            
 
INT. SUPER BEE - DAY
                                                            
Wayne is at the wheel. Everyone else sleeps.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Rise and shine, folks. Let's eat.
                                                            
 

55.

INT. JOHN HAMILTON'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
John is getting off a phone call. A knock on the door. It's
Andrew.
                                                            
                       ANDREW
Is Marcus coming in today, cause
we're really backed up.
                                                            
Visibly upset, John looks at his watch, and grabs his cell
phone and dials. Marcus's cell goes straight to voice mail.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Tell Liza to hold off on the
DeSouza project and help you.
                                                            
                       ANDREW
But that's due in a few hours.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Just do it.
                                                            
                       ANDREW
Yes Mr. Hamilton.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (under his breath)
Your mama ain't gonna save your
little butt now.
                                                            
Andrew exits the room, with concern.
                                                            
 
INT. BERNARD WILSON'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Bernard is on the phone, Craig enters.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
      (On Phone)
Look, I only visited your mother
because I wanted to convince her
to get you to sign with Magic Pimp
Records.
                                                            
Craig stands in front of Bernard's desk.
                                                            

56.

                       BERNARD
Come on, Kee Kee, I never pointed
a gun at your mother's cat. She's
lying. Look, I gotta go. You WILL
hear from me...yeah...bye nigga.
                                                            
Bernard hangs up.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Carl's big ass super bee turned up
on Interstate 80, just past
Illinois, sir!
                                                            
                       BERNARD
I want you and the men to get Carl
Truman and his rappin' misfits
back to New York. Just as I
thought. Those starry-eyed
runaways are going to
Vegas...(beat)...All-American
Hip-Hop Competition.
                                                            
Bernard stands up, and glares at Craig.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Make sure they never make it to
Vegas. And take that terrible liar
Rodney Truman with you.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Yes sir!
                                                            
Craig and other men exit. Bernard walks over to a cabinet to
get himself a drink. He pours a glass of ripple and sips.
Reflecting deeply, he pleasurably gazes at an oil painting
of himself on a the wall.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Puff Daddy ain't shit.
                                                            
 
INT. NED'S DINER - DAY
                                                            
Everyone's eating. Marcus studies the map. A waitress
approaches.
                                                            

57.

                       WAITRESS
Anybody need anything?
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Yeah, this coffee tastes like New
Jersey tap water. Can you make me
a fresh batch?
                                                            
The waitress smiles and pops her bubblegum.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
That was the fresh batch homie.
                                                            
She walks away.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Is that racist? Was that racist?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
So, Daphne. Where is your last
stop exactly?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
You all nosey.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Aw come on. I'm just saying, if we
could help, we should be able to
help.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
      (Sighs.)
If you must know all my business,
I'm headed for Sin City.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Vegas?
                                                            
                       CARL
Aw damn!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
We're going to Vegas.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
You going to Vegas?
                                                            

58.

                       WAYNE
It's true.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Why you going to Vegas? Bachelor
party?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
I know how to count numbers.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
You play black jack?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
That's not all I play, son.
                                                            
Marcus is amused.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Let me guess why you're going-
bachelor party?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
We're going to be on TV.
                                                            
                       CARL
You don't know that. Stop telling
her all our damn business.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
We're a hip-hop group, love. And
we're competing in a rap-off.
                                                            
At the same time, Carl says yes, everyone else says no.
                                                            
                       CARL
Yes.
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
No.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (to Daphne)
Come with us!
                                                            

59.

                       CARL
You want to be with her so bad,
both of y'all be walking to Vegas.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Carl, Marcus is family now. As for
Daphne, she's just not as
fortunate to have a car.
                                                            
Marcus smiles at Daphne. Carl begins to laugh out loud.
                                                            
                       CARL
Very eloquent Wayne. You reminding
me too much of Gandhi, Wayne.
Should I call you Gayne. Wandi?
                                                            
His cell phone rings. The caller ID says HOT ROD. Carl
answers.
                                                            
                       CARL
      (Into phone)
You tell him no yet?
                                                            
Charlie BELCHES and excuses himself from the table.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
That was ignorant.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
      (Walking away)
Excuse me.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTROOM-CONTINUOUS - DAY
                                                            
Charlie enters the restroom and takes a deep breath.
Frowning, he takes out his banaca, and sprays it in the air.
Charlie tries to open a window, but it's stuck. He looks
under the stall, and sees a black slacks and shiny shoes.
Charlie steps inside the next stall and closes the door. He
takes the sanitation paper from the wall. A subtle sound of
flatulence comes from the next stall.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Ehhhh.
                                                            
 

60.

INT. ROD TRUMAN'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Rod is stuffing a small suitcase with clothes from a file
cabinet.
                                                            
                       ROD
I hope you're happy with you and
your group's asinine decision.
                                                            
INTERCUT BETWEEN CARL AND ROD
                                                            
                       CARL
Are you calling me an ass Rod?
                                                            
                       ROD
I said asinine. That doesn't mean
ass. WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU MAN??
                                                            
                       CARL
I'm everywhere but yet no where
too. I'm in the east, but yet I'm
in the west.
                                                            
                       ROD
Now you're being an asshole. Just
turn around and forget about that
fake FOX TV wanna-be American Idol
crap! You hate FOX.
                                                            
                       CARL
I hate FOX News, not FOX.
                                                            
                       ROD
Whatever man, I'll call you from
the islands in a few days.
                                                            
                       CARL
The Islands? The hell you talking
about Rod?
                                                            
Lola walks in the office with some forms.
                                                            
                       LOLA
Where you going?
                                                            

61.

                       ROD
Never mind where I'm going. Don't
forget to water the plants.
                                                            
                       LOLA
Uh uhh, you better pay me! I've
been working hard this past week
and I sho' ain't going without no
money this weekend! Pay me!
                                                            
                       ROD
Calm down you wench!
                                                            
Rodney takes out some cash from his wallet. He stuffs it in
Lola's hand. She accepts. Rod exits.
                                                            
                       LOLA
Punk ass.
                                                            
 
INT. SIDEWALK-CONTINUOUS - DAY
                                                            
Rod walks to the parking lot.
                                                            
                       CARL (V.O.)
You really skerred!
                                                            
                       ROD
This funny to you?
                                                            
                       CARL (V.O.)
Stop being a punk Rodney. He can't
do nothing to you.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTROOM-NED'S DINER - DAY
                                                            
Still sitting, Charlie is whistling a tune. Suddenly, a pair
of shiny shoes break the stall barrier and touches Charlie's
foot. Surprised, Charlie stomps on the foot.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Get that wide stance back over
there! Scoot!
                                                            

62.

                       VOICE
Ow!
                                                            
Rod steps on the foot a couple more times. The foot tries to
get back, but Charlie prevents it from retreating.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
What's wrong with you? I ain't gay
man! Damn!
                                                            
 
INT. NED'S DINER - DAY
                                                            
                       ROD (V.O.)
You running from our future.
                                                            
                       CARL
Little cuzzin, I am running to my
future. The future is about taking
risks.
                                                            
                       ROD (V.O.)
HEY!!
                                                            
Charlie sits back down at the table, out of breath.
                                                            
                       CARL
Rodney? Rodney? Rodney!!
                                                            
Carl stares at his phone. Signal's gone.
                                                            
 
EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY
                                                            
Rod's cell phone is being crushed inside a large, muscular
hand, as several of Wilson's men push Rod into a flashy
BLACK HUMMER.
                                                            
                       ROD
What the hell man!
                                                            
 
INT. HUMMER - DAY
                                                            
Rod is being shoved into the front seat, uncomfortably
squished between Craig, who's on the passenger side, and

63.

another henchman, VERNE, stocky, African-American, 30's,
who's driving. Two other henchmen are in the back.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
      (Looking at bags)
I hope you packed some underwear.
                                                            
                       ROD
This is kidnapping!
                                                            
                       CRAIG
You better hope that's all it is.
                                                            
Rod sinks in his seat as the driver pulls away.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Drive!
                                                            
 
INT. NED'S DINER - DAY
                                                            
Carl is making attempts to call Rodney back.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
What's wrong with you?
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
I think that dude tried to hit on
me, yo.
                                                            
At that very moment, a burly STATE TROOPER, Caucasian, 40's,
complete with crinkled pants, shades, and shiny boots,
stands outside the restroom for a moment to scan the diner.
He then struts toward the front. Charlie shrinks in his
seat. Daphne covers her nose/mouth.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Oh damn.
                                                            
The trooper does at double-take in their direction. In SLOW
MOTION, the trooper scans each person at the table. Carl
stares back without fear. Daphne purposefully looks away.
Charlie picks up a newspaper and pretends to read. The
trooper finally passes.
                                                            

64.

                       CARL
We're the only black people in the
diner, and he looks at us like we
did something. (Beat.) What did
you do Charlie?
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
I didn't do anything.
                                                            
                       CARL
You ran out the restroom like you
were Michael Vick running from the
SPCA.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
I wasn't running no where. I just
told him to scoot his damn feet in
some. (Beat) Acting like a two-bit
Congressman.
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
Charlie!
                                                            
ENTRANCE
                                                            
The white boy posse from earlier burst inside the diner
doors. They approach the young hostess.
                                                            
                       WHITE GUY
What up baby?
                                                            
The white guy slaps the host on the butt, to which she
quickly returns with a RIGHT HOOK. The kid falls back into a
super-sized trucker. The big-boned trucker takes it
personal, and shoves the kid onto the rest of his posse, all
of them falling like dominoes.
                                                            
                       WHITE GUY
You crazy fool? You done messed
with the wrong niggas!
                                                            
A HUGE FIGHT breaks out. The wanne-be white boy crew and a
few truckers go tete-a-tete. The state trooper finds his way
into the middle of the fray, but no one is backing down. The
white boy crew take the very best of the beating.
                                                            

65.

BACK AT THE TABLE
                                                            
                       CARL
The last thing I wanna be is the
innocent black man going to jail
for something I had nothing to do
with. Let's go.
                                                            
Agreeing, they all put money on the table, and pick up and
go! Daphne is last to leave. She stands and eyes the $20 tab
from the nearby table. Marcus watches her curiously.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Ready?
                                                            
Daphne nods. Charlie and the trooper catch eyes. Charlie
lets out a chuckle. In a split-second, the trooper's face
goes red.
                                                            
 
INT. VIGO COUNTY JAIL - DAY
                                                            
A set of metal bars SHUT over Charlie's open jaws. All of
the Long Island Riot are in the cell, the wanne-be rapper
white boy crew with them. A couple of truckers are in a cell
opposite them. Daphne is in an adjacent cell. The leader of
the white boy crew, JAKE 38, 20's, yells through the bars
toward the sheriff's offices. Also in the posse are RATTLER,
20's, and MIKEY P, 20's.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Get us out of here, pigs! Wait
til' I get my hands on these
redneck crackers.
                                                            
Jake 38's demeanor changes seeing the others.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
      (Calm)
S'up kinfolk. I'm Jake 38.
                                                            
                       CARL
Carl.
                                                            

66.

                       JAKE 38
Why y'all in here? I ain't see you
fightin'.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
All we did was eat breakfast and
get up and go. I'm Marcus
Hamilton.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Wazzup Marcus. Jake 38, B. The
only thing you did wrong was be
black in town full-o-some
shake-n-bake, pumpkin-pie,
asparagus eatin Caucasoid racists
who have nothing better to do but
oppress the Black and Brown man
til they succomb to the evil white
power corporate elite!
                                                            
Jake 38 catches his breath. He sees Daphne and steps over
next to her cell.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
      (Sensual)
Hmmm. But it's visions like you,
that make all that stuff obsolete,
yo. Chocolate butter... Who might
you be?
                                                            
Marcus follows behind Jake 38 to Daphne's cell.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Can I help you?
                                                            
                       CARL
      (To Charlie)
You and your big mouth. This is
all your fault.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Oh, it's my fault? (Beat.) If you
weren't too scared to run away
from Long Island, our city, we
wouldn't be in this stupid jail
cell with these fake ass Vanilla
Icesees. Iron out your panties,
            (MORE)

67.

                       CHARLIE (cont'd)
son. I'll get us out of here.
                                                            
Carl LUNGES for Charlie. Wayne, Marcus, and Jake 38
intervene.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Watch the black on black. Can't be
havin' that.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Chill out Carl. Charlie can't help
being an ass.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
I know y'all ain't from here.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
We're Long Island, headed for Las
Vegas.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Word? Get the hella! WE'RE headed
to Vegas.
                                                            
                       MIKEY P
We got tickets to see the
All-American Hip Hop competition!
P. Diddy! That shit's gonna be da
bomb!
                                                            
                       RATTLER
Da shiznit for real.
                                                            
The sudden sound of sliding doors open from the
administrative offices. SHERIFF RYLES, Caucasian, mid 50's,
clean-cut, approaches. He sports an American flag pin on his
uniform.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF RYLES
Carl Truman. Wayne Bradford.
Marcus Hamilton. Charlie Thomas.
You can go.
                                                            
Daphne lowers her head in anguish.
                                                            

68.

                       SHERIFF RYLES
      (Looks at paper)
Oh, and Daphne Mills can go too.
                                                            
Daphne joyfully raises her head in much needed relief.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF RYLES
Unfortunately, Officer Tillman
made a bad mistake.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Racist pig!
                                                            
                       SHERIFF RYLES
      (To Jake 38)
YOU and YOUR fellow thugs aren't
going anywhere just yet.
                                                            
                       MIKEY P
Why? Cause we're black in
Ameri-KKK?
                                                            
Ryles opens Daphne's cell door.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF RYLES
      (To Daphne)
I'm really sorry mam'. Tillman can
be over zealous at times.
                                                            
Daphne walks out. Ryles opens the men's cell.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
My dad's the assistant D.A. of
Queens County. We could sue.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF RYLES
Excuse me?
                                                            
                       CARL
He saaaaid we should sue you and
your whole damn sheriff office for
holding us for undue cause!
                                                            
                       RATTLER
Sue his cracker ass!
                                                            

69.

                       SHERIFF RYLES
You have our sincerest apologies
boys.
                                                            
                       MIKEY P
He just called you boys! You gon'
take that?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF RYLES
      (Red)
Will you shut that trap or I'll
cut out your freakin' tongue!
                                                            
Everyone stares at Ryles with concern. Ryles gathers
himself. They head for the exit.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF RYLES
Yep, exits just up ahead to the
right. Have a good day and drive
carefully.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Hey! Don't forget a brotha-man!
Holla at your boy!
                                                            
They all leave, and Ryles turns around and faces the white
boy posse. His charming smile turns into a GLARING SCOWL.
                                                            
                       RATTLER
What you lookin' at pig?
                                                            
The sheriff's deadly gaze goes unchanged.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Damn, this nigga's trippin'.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
                                                            
At supersonic speed, the Black Hummer races down the highway
without regard for speeding laws.
                                                            
 

70.

INT. HUMMER - DAY
                                                            
Rod, has a hard time finding space between the two muscle
men. The CD is playing a Michael Jackson song. Craig is
bobbing his head, while Verne is singing to the song. Rodney
looks around in bewilderment. The other men in the backseat,
KEVIN, African-American, 30's, and OTIS, African-American,
30's, stare back.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
What?
                                                            
                       ROD
You can't do this. I demand to
know where are you taking me?
                                                            
Craig eyes Rob, but ignores him. Craig turns up the radio. A
loud SIREN blares from behind. No one hears it at first
except Rodney. He smiles. But then Craig turns around, and
notices the squad car. Rodney is disappointed.
                                                            
                       ROD
Yes!
                                                            
Craig stares down Rodney.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Say a word, and you AND that cop
will be eating a Kenneth Cole
sandwich. Everyone, secure all
weapons!
                                                            
At Craig's direction, the driver, the two men in back, and
Craig take their PERSONAL HANDGUNS and other weaponry and
place them in SECRET, AUTOMATED COMPARTMENTS. Rod is
fascinated.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
                                                            
OFFICER HUGHES, white, late 30's to mid 40's, the same
officer who pulled over the white-boy posse, slams his car
door and marches to the Hummer.
                                                            
 

71.

INT. HUMMER - DAY
                                                            
Hughes taps on the window, and Verne lowers it. Hughes peeks
inside. Michael Jackson's song is still playing.
                                                            
                       OFFICER HUGHES
Did you know you were going 134
miles per hour back there? I mean,
are you an insane person or are
you just plain out of your diluted
mind?
                                                            
Verne turns to Craig, and begins to speak, but is
interrupted by Craig.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Shhhh. (To Hughes) I'm responsible
for this man's offense, officer.
I'm Craig Jackson, the--
                                                            
                       OFFICER HUGHES
The new lead singer of The Jackson
Five? (Begins pointing at the
others.) There's Marlon, Jermaine,
Jackie, Tito, and Craig. Oh, (at
Rodney) and that must be LaToya in
the middle. Turn that crap off!
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Don't be talking like that about
the Jacksons sir...just don't.
Okay? As for me and my men, we're
just-
                                                            
The officer mocks Craig, sounding like a female's.
                                                            
                       OFFICER HUGHES
Officer, officer. Please forgive
us. My men and I were going on a
journey...a journey of discovery
and growth. We like hanging out
with each other all the time,
looking for male strippers,
officer. (Normal voice.) Just save
us some time and give me your
god-damn driver's license and
            (MORE)

72.

                       OFFICER HUGHES (cont'd)
registration! Now boy!
                                                            
Everyone, including Rod, looks at Hughes as if he lost his
mind.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
The black hummer takes off and Otis, in the the police car,
pulls behind. A police boot wiggles from the trunk of the
squad car.
                                                            
 
INT. OFFICER HUGHES' SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Otis is driving Officer Hughes' squad car, and finds a ham
sandwich from Officer Hughes' lunch sack and starts eating.
A muffled voice is coming from the trunk, but Otis ignores
it. A sudden voice from the radio blares.
                                                            
                       VOICE ON RADIO
What's your 20 Hughes, over?
                                                            
Otis doesn't answer.
                                                            
                       VOICE ON RADIO
Hughes? Come in Hughes.
                                                            
Otis decides to pick up and answers to his best ability to
sound like Officer Hughes.
                                                            
                       OTIS
Well, ah. I'm headed for lunch.
Okay? Over and out.
                                                            
                       VOICE ON RADIO
Hughes? That you? You just had
lunch an hour ago, over? Hey
Hughes, you okay? You don't sound
so good.
                                                            

73.

Otis realizes he can't quite pull off the impersonation, and
he takes out his HANDGUN and shoots the CB radio once. Then
complete silence.
                                                            
Beat.
                                                            
                       VOICE ON RADIO
Hughes? You okay? What's that
noise?
                                                            
Otis takes out his gun again and shoots the radio again FOUR
MORE TIMES, sparks flying from the CB unit. Nothing.
Happily, Otis continues to stuff his mouth with food.
                                                            
                       VOICE ON RADIO
Hughes?
                                                            
                       OTIS
WHAT THA...!!
                                                            
In a blind RAGE, Otis lets go of the steering wheel and
takes hold of the CB unit with his hands, and with the aid
of his right leg, pulls on the unit with all his might,
strenuously yanking it from the panel and tossing it out the
window. He shoots it one or two more times while it's
rolling on the ground outside. Otis then reaches inside the
sack again and munches on a carrot stick.
                                                            
 
INT. SUPER BEE - DAY
                                                            
Wayne is at the wheel. Carl is in front, studying a map.
Wayne puts in a CD, to a nice, instrumental hip-hop beat.
Wayne begins rapping.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Flying down the country-side in my
gangsta ride-
Trying to make it glide--
It feels good to see in my
country-t'is of thee--
Amber waves of grain--
                                                            
                       CARL
      (rappin')
My car's not gangsta, but old
school for ya--
            (MORE)

74.

                       CARL (cont'd)
I love ya, but the car's taste is
above ya--
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Feel that leatha, smooth as
genuine pleatha'.
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
Ooohhh!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
And you forgot to mention the rice
chex on the dash-
All this trash will make a brother
crash--
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
And don't forget to mention,
This ride is guzzling all my
tuition-
Might as well bring a well, of
gas, to fill this boat-I hope we
can make it,
Cause this ride is making me feel
jaded--I hate it...
And it smells like---
                                                            
                       CARL
Yo, yo, yo!
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
Come on! Don't stop!
                                                            
                       CARL
You can get out my car if you
don't like it.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Carl got his feelings hurt!
                                                            
                       WAYNE
      (to Daphne)
You got skills.
                                                            

75.

                       MARCUS
You do have skills.
                                                            
The car is completely silent. Marcus stares at Daphne with a
big smile on his face.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
      (pleased)
What?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
You rap?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
A little bit.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Can we hear a little more?
                                                            
Daphne starts messing with her make-up, putting something on
her face. She stops and looks at Marcus.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
I'm good.
                                                            
                       CARL
That's what I thought. Amateur.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
I know you didn't, wanna-be Ice
Cube.
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
Oooh...
                                                            
                       CARL
What? You wanna battle? You wanna
batttle? Let me know right now!
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
Yeah! Oooh!! Nice!
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
You gon' get your feelings hurt.
                                                            

76.

                       EVERYONE
Ooooh!! Battle! Battle!
                                                            
 
INT. CLUB OASIS - NIGHT
                                                            
DRESSING ROOM #2
                                                            
Emcee Freddy is adjusting his high-top toupee/wig in his
private room. The bartender and John Hamilton enter. The
bartender jumps in surprise.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
Knock dude! Knock!
                                                            
                       BARTENDER
There isn't a door Freddy. Anyway,
this is John Hamilton.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
I don't sign autographs anymore.
My hands got the arthritis-itis.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I need to know where I can find my
son, Marcus Hamilton.
                                                            
Emcee Freddy stands, wig somewhat crooked.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
      (Pleased)
The Courageous One. Yep, you're
his daddy all right. They're
headed for Vegas Mr. Hamilton.
                                                            
                       JOHN
With the rap group.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
They're going to be on TV. Like
American Idol, but much better!
                                                            
John looks Emcee Freddy up and down as Emcee Freddy finally
looks into the mirror and straightens his wig.
                                                            

77.

                       JOHN
How old are you?
                                                            
Emcee Freddy doesn't respond. John begins to walk out.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
Mr.Hamilton? Have you ever heard
your son?
                                                            
John turns and faces Emcee Freddy.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I hope I don't have to.
                                                            
                       EMCEE FREDDY
He's good. He's got talent. And
just to think, he's been rapping
all this time, and nobody knew!
Boy, I wish I coulda found out-
                                                            
John turns and walks away.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Thank you Mr. Freddy.
                                                            
 
EXT. GAS MART - NIGHT
                                                            
The Super Bee pulls into a gas station.
                                                            
 
INT. SUPER BEE - NIGHT
                                                            
                       CARL
We drove straight into 1995. Gas
is only $2.75 a gallon. Loot
everyone.
                                                            
Daphne begins to look in her purse for money, but Marcus
places his hand on her hand. He assures her it's okay. He
takes out a few dollars and gives it to Carl. Everyone else
gets out.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
I don't need help Marcus. I can
pay my own way.
                                                            

78.

                       MARCUS
That so?
                                                            
Daphne eyes Marcus curiously.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
What's that supposed to mean?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Relax. I just want you to know if
you need assistance...
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
What am I, a welfare queen?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
No, you're not a welfare Queen.
Don't say that. It's just that...I
saw you looking at that tab like
you were gonna take it.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
What are you talking about??
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I'm not a dummy Daphne.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Look, just mind your own business
okay?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Okay.
                                                            
 
INT. GAS MART - NIGHT
                                                            
Carl is standing at the counter, patiently waiting to pay,
but the cashier, OMAR, Middle Eastern, late 20's, is wearing
headphones, rapping along with a popular rap song, with a
strong Middle Eastern accent. He's doing an inventory count,
and rapping "I Need Love" by LL Cool J.
                                                            
                       OMAR
      (Rapping)
...and I'm not saying no names.
Then the thought occurred, tear
            (MORE)

79.

                       OMAR (cont'd)
drops made my eyes burn,
As I said to myself look what
you've done to her.
                                                            
Omar takes off headphones.
                                                            
                       OMAR
LL Cool J. From the Old school.
How can I help you my brotha?
                                                            
                       CARL
$20 on #2.
                                                            
                       OMAR
Twenty on two, girl you know it's
true. Ooh, ooh, ooh, I love you!
                                                            
Carl catches Wayne's eyes as he approaches the counter with
food items.
                                                            
 
INT. SUPER BEE - NIGHT
                                                            
                       MARCUS
So, when did you start rapping?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
When I was little.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
How little?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Officially, it all started this
one day in May. I was in the 6th
grade. There was this kid named
Greg Jones. He was in the 8th
grade and he had a thick mustache.
He called himself The Eliminator.
He was scary.
                                                            
                       MARCUS (V.O.)
You? Scared? Naah.
                                                            
                                         FADE TO FLASHBACK
                                                            
 

80.

EXT. SCHOOL GROUNDS-FLASHBACK - DAY
                                                            
A group of black and Latino kids surround two boys. THE
ELIMINATOR, 15, imposing, ashy, second-hand clothing, is
watching his opponent, another scrawny kid, TODD LITTLE, 13,
AKA, Little Toddster. Todd sports thick glasses and nerdish
clothing.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE (V.O.)
Greg Jones, who's real name was
Gregorian, was the best rapper in
school for three years in a row.
Little Todd wasn't very prepared.
                                                            
                       TODD
      (Rapping)
You're at the bottom of your
class, cause you don't study.
When you open up book, your mind
goes muddy.
So don't mess with me, you big old
chump.
If you think you so bad, try and
make me jump.
                                                            
                       RANDOM VOICE
Go Todd! Whoooo!
                                                            
                       DAPHNE (V.O.)
Todd was a brave kid to say those
things to Greg. He was, like, half
his size.
                                                            
                       THE ELIMINATOR
That was the WORST shit I ever
heard! Yo, Timmy T, give me a
beat!
                                                            
The Eliminator's sidekick, TIM, 13, begins beat-boxing.
                                                            
                       THE ELIMINATOR
      (Rapping)
Step off nerd, with ya ugly plaid
shirt,
Tell yo mama to dress you in her
slutty mini-skirt.
Cause this is a man's circle, and
            (MORE)

81.

                       THE ELIMINATOR (cont'd)
you just a lil' mouse!
Go back to the little girls room,
and play in your doll house.
                                                            
                       CROWD
Oooohh! Awww! Eliminator wins!
                                                            
Todd stares at crowd silently as they taunt him. He starts
crying and runs off. YOUNG DAPHNE, 11, shakes her head.
                                                            
                       THE ELIMINATOR
Sissy! Is there no one who can
challenge me? I am once again, the
king! I am once again the best
rapper of Wilson Middle School!
                                                            
                       DAPHNE (V.O.)
That's when I did it.
                                                            
                       MARCUS (V.O.)
Did what?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE (V.O.)
Stood up to that idiot.
                                                            
                       YOUNG DAPHNE
By my standards, I wouldn't say
you're all that. Actually, you're
below average.
                                                            
                       RANDOM VOICE
You go girl!
                                                            
                       THE ELIMINATOR
WHAT! Who the HELL are you?
                                                            
                       YOUNG DAPHNE
Daphne Mills.
                                                            
                       THE ELIMINATOR
Your rap name!
                                                            
                       YOUNG DAPHNE
Oh. I'm ahh...ahh...
                                                            

82.

Daphne eyes someone's McDonald's styrofoam box.
                                                            
                       YOUNG DAPHNE
MC Daphne Deluxe.
                                                            
                       MARCUS (V.O.)
Daphne Deluxe?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE (V.O.)
Don't ask.
                                                            
                       THE ELIMINATOR
That's a stupid name. You wanna
challenge me little girl?
                                                            
The crowd yells and eggs them on. Daphne gulps.
                                                            
                       CROWD
Battle! Battle! Battle!
                                                            
The Eliminator gives Tim the cue, and he begins beat-boxing.
                                                            
                       THE ELIMINATOR
      (Rapping)
Look at this girl who wants to
hang with the boys.
You need to go back to mama, and
play with ya Barbie toys.
I should yank your pig tails right
out of your head,
For boring me to death, I want to
jump in bed!
                                                            
                       CROWD
Ooohhhh!
                                                            
                       DAPHNE (V.O.)
His skills were so 2nd grade.
                                                            
                       CROWD
Eliminator! Eliminator!
                                                            
The crowd gets quiet. Daphne eyes Tim, waiting for him to
give her a beat.
                                                            

83.

                       YOUNG DAPHNE
      (To Tim)
Well?
                                                            
Tim, confused, looks at The Eliminator. The Eliminator nods.
Tim begins beat-boxing for Daphne.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
My name is Daphne Mills and I'm
from Philly--
                                                            
                       CROWD
Boooooo! Boooo!
                                                            
Daphne stops.
                                                            
                       THE ELIMINATOR
Don't waste my time little girl!
START OVER!
                                                            
                       DAPHNE (V.O.)
It was do or die.
                                                            
Tim begins beat-boxing again. This time Daphne closes her
eyes and bobs her head to the beat.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE (V.O.)
At that moment, something just
happened.
                                                            
                       YOUNG DAPHNE
      (Rapping)
They call you Eliminator, but
you're more like a masturbator.
Your breath smells like the balls
of an alligator.
Your real name is Gregorian,
sounds like a Catholic monk,
You should've graduated twice, but
you can't help but flunk.
With ya uneven fade and mismatch
socks.
(Everyone sees that his socks are
blue and the other brown.)
Halitosis breath needs to drink
clorox.
                                                            

84.

There is complete silence as Greg looks at Daphne, and
Daphne at Greg. The crowd is completely quiet. Then
suddenly:
                                                            
                       RANDOM VOICE IN CROWD
Damn. She won.
                                                            
                       CROWD
Ooooooh, she won! Daphne Deluxe!
Daphne Deluxe! Daphne Deluxe!
                                                            
The Eliminator stares at Daphne for an awkward moment, then
he LUNGES for her. Suddenly five or six people from the
crowd surround her, tackling The Eliminator to the ground.
                                                            
                       THE ELIMINATOR
It's not fair! She's smart! I know
where you live, you itch!
                                                            
                       MARCUS (V.O.)
Itch?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE (V.O.)
I just don't like saying that
word.
                                                            
                       MARCUS (V.O.)
Ohhhhh.
                                                            
                       FEMALE IN CROWD
I know you didn't.
                                                            
The females in the crowd gang up on The Eliminator. One girl
delivers a swift kick in the ribs.
                                                            
                       THE ELIMINATOR
I take it back! I'm sorry!
                                                            
                                         END OF FLASHBACK
                                                            
 
INT. SUPER BEE - NIGHT
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
He got a beat-down from all the
girls there for calling me that
word. Anyway, you're looking at
            (MORE)

85.

                       DAPHNE (cont'd)
the undefeated champion of Wilson
Middle School.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (Impressed)
So you've been rapping ever since?
                                                            
Daphne smiles but stays silent.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
You're not going to Vegas to
gamble are you?
                                                            
Daphne and Marcus share a smile.
                                                            
 
INT. GAS MART - NIGHT
                                                            
                       OMAR
Fellas, what brings you to
Nowheresville, Nebraska?
                                                            
                       WAYNE
We're going to be in the
All-American Hip Hop Competition.
                                                            
                       OMAR
      (Excited)
Vegas? The MGM Grand with Sean the
Diddy Combs! I was going to ask if
were a rap group when you walked
in the door, but I did not want to
appear racist!
                                                            
                       CARL
I'm Carl, that's Wayne, and
Charlie. We're the Long Island
Riot.
                                                            
                       OMAR
Wow, a real rap group in my
god-damn store! This is cool!
                                                            
                       CARL
Thank you. Come on fellas.
                                                            

86.

                       OMAR
Well, good luck my brothas of
hip-hop. My brothas of the
Revolution! I will be rooting for
you!
                                                            
They all leave through the door, and Charlie finally
approaches the counter with tweezers and some nail files. He
looks at Omar's headwrap.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
How much?
                                                            
                       OMAR
Oh no, no! You take it. Go ahead!
Take the nail files and the
tweezer! You are a part of the
Revolution! Go my hip-hop brotha!
Go!
                                                            
Charlie runs out the door.
                                                            
 
EXT. GAS MART - NIGHT
                                                            
The super bee drives away, and the white boy crew pulls into
the gas station in their SUV. They strut out the car toward
the station, looking somewhat bruised.
                                                            
 
INT. GAS MART - NIGHT
                                                            
                       RATTLER
Yo, Osama, I need some Black and
Milds.
                                                            
                       OMAR
Excuse me? My name is Omar. Omar
Malik Habibi, and I am the
ultimate gangsta! Don't F with me!
Get it straight homeboys!
                                                            
The white boy posse look at each other, impressed.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Damn.
                                                            
 

87.

EXT. HIGHWAY 81 - NIGHT
                                                            
On a rural, empty road, the Super Bee is being pushed along
by everyone in the group except for Daphne, who's inside
steering. They're trying to find a signal on their cell
phones.
                                                            
                       CARL
I don't understand how you can run
over a chair Charlie.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
A fold-up chair! Why was it in the
middle of the road?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Seriously, if you had a spare
tire, we wouldn't be in this mess.
                                                            
                       CARL
You know, it's my turn to steer.
Get out!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I got a signal!
                                                            
 
EXT. HAMILTON HOUSEHOLD-LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Catherine is on the couch, watching 106 and Park on BET.
She's annoyed that she's interrupted. She answers the phone
nearby.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN-CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
Catherine answers the phone.
                                                            
                       CATHERINE
This better be good. Camron is on
after the commercial break!
                                                            
                       MARCUS (V.O.)
Mom?
                                                            

88.

                       CATHERINE
Marcus? I was worried about you.
And your father's really upset.
Where are you?
                                                            
                       MARCUS (V.O.)
Somewhere in Oklahoma.
                                                            
John, in pajamas, enters the kitchen. Catherine winces.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Who's that?
                                                            
                       CATHERINE
Who's who?
                                                            
John grabs the phone.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Where are you?
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 81 - NIGHT
                                                            
Static permeates throughout the conversation.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Dad, I don't have time to explain
right now. I'm about 50 miles
south of Kingfisher, Oklahoma on
highway 81. We need a tow and a
couple tires.
                                                            
INTERCUT BETWEEN JOHN AND MARCUS
                                                            
                       JOHN
You really blew it this time
Marcus. We barely managed getting
the damned project to the mayor!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I'm sorry dad. But I never wanted
to do that job in the first place.
                                                            

89.

                       JOHN
You spoiled little chump. I'm the
one paying for your college. I put
food on your plate. I pay the rent
where you have a bed! (Phone
static.) Marcus? Marcus!
                                                            
More static.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 81 - NIGHT
                                                            
Marcus is making phony static sounds through his cell.
Charlie is cracking up.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I can't hear you dad!
                                                            
Marcus hangs up. Charlie can't stop laughing.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
      (quietly)
That's sad.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
It's not funny Charlie.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
      (Mocking)
It's not my job, dad.
                                                            
                       CARL
What about the tow Marcus?
                                                            
Marcus shrugs.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
      (Laughing)
Daddy's gonna whip that ass!
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
Shutup Charlie!
                                                            
                       CARL
Everybody, the phones should be
working.
                                                            

90.

Daphne catches Marcus's eye while still in the driver's
seat. She gives an empathetic smile. Marcus smiles back.
                                                            
 
INT. HAMILTON HOUSEHOLD-LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
                       JOHN
I'm going to Vegas.
                                                            
Catherine is watching 106 and Park.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Ah-hem! I'm going to Vegas.
                                                            
                       CATHERINE
Vegas? For what?
                                                            
John dials out on his cell phone.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Triple A please. (Looks at
Catherine.) To bring his black-ass
home.
                                                            
 
INT. GAS MART - NIGHT
                                                            
Jake 38 and his boys smoke a FAT JOINT with Omar. The
gas-mart sign has been turned to CLOSED. Outside the window,
a clear view of a Black Hummer and Hughes' squad car pulling
over. Otis gets out of the squad car and opens the trunk,
tossing Hughes to the ground. They then drive away. As Omar
and Jake 38's posse continue their conversation, Officer
Hughes manages to get to his feet, though he has tape around
his legs. He hops like a rabbit to the gas station entrance.
                                                            
                       OMAR
You see, Slick Rick brought the
element of storytelling to the
hip-hop mainstream. Most people
don't know that he was from
Britain. Hip-hop is so
international!
                                                            

91.

                       RATTLER
Hip hop has always been
interracial, fool. Look at Ice T.
He got this fine broad with a nice
set of--
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
International, not interracial,
suckah. International means
world-wide, as in international
playah, like me. And don't hate.
                                                            
                       OMAR
This herb is very potent. But yet,
Jake, number 38, it seems to
over-inflate your ego. It reminds
me of that time I was smoking the
blubonic chronic in Dr. Dre's
South Central mansion one
summer...talk about big heads, Dr
Dre is-
                                                            
Officer Hughes BURSTS through the front door.
                                                            
                       OFFICER HUGHES
My name is Officer Hughes with
Ohio Highway Patrol, and I've been
kidnapped! Call the FBI! Call the
sheriffs! Call 911! (Beat.) WHAT
IS THAT SMELL!?!
                                                            
                       OMAR
Oh sheet.
                                                            
 
INT. GAS MART - NIGHT
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Officer Hughes is sandwiched in between Jake 38 and Mikey P,
still in his taped bondage. Jake and Mikey blow continuous
marijuana smoke to his face. Omar is standing at the door,
on the look-out.
                                                            

92.

                       OMAR
This isn't right. I'm going to
earn karma for this one.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Yeah baby. Fun karma!
                                                            
                       OFFICER HUGHES
Untie me at once! Untie me boys or
you're really gonna get in some
serious trouble with the law!!
(Beat.) Oh, gimme a twinkie
damnit!
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 81 - NIGHT
                                                            
In the distance, just over a hill, a bright light emanates.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Look! A light!
                                                            
 
EXT. RALLY - NIGHT
                                                            
A huge crowd of white men gather around huge torches. A
large flag of a cup of tea flaps behind the podium. THE
LEADER sports a mask in the image of the late, great RONALD
REAGAN.
                                                            
                       CROWD
Right power!
                                                            
                       LEADER
Right power!
                                                            
                       CROWD
Right power!
                                                            
                       LEADER
We, the pure and delicate American
conservatives are being
systematically eradicated. Taxes
are being raised for the rich! The
guv-ment is stealing our money to
pay for health-care for children
and the poor! We are slowly being
            (MORE)

93.

                       LEADER (cont'd)
brought to ruin by the
liberal-minded, overly-educated
elitists of the Democratic party!
It is time for a change!
                                                            
                       CROWD
Change! YEAH!
                                                            
                       LEADER
For over three hundred years, the
Republican Party has led this
nation into what it is
today...traditional, strong,
conservative!
                                                            
JESSE TRAVERS, 30's, the leader's assistant, stands next to
the leader. He quickly places a hand over the mic and
whispers.
                                                            
                       JESSE
Um, the Republican Party began in
1854 and was created by activists
who wanted to stop expansion of
slavery into the frontier. So,
actually--
                                                            
                       LEADER
What's wrong with you Jessie?
Never mention slavery at a
Republican rally. Focus son.
                                                            
The leader yanks Jessie's hand from the microphone stand.
                                                            
                       LEADER
Where was I? Anyway...
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 81 - NIGHT
                                                            
The road inclines somewhat as they push harder. The light of
the torches suddenly reflect on the car's windshield, and
superimpose over Daphne's surprised face. Everyone sees at
the same time but Charlie reacts first.
                                                            

94.

                       CHARLIE
THE KKK! WE'RE GONNA DIE!
                                                            
                       CARL
      (Covering up
       Charlie's mouth)
Shutup Charlie! That ain't the
KKK.
                                                            
Carl sighs and points to the giant flag.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
      (Still fearful)
Oh shit! Not the Tea--
                                                            
Carl covers his mouth again. Daphne jumps out the car and
runs to the rally.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Daphne! Daphne!
                                                            
 
EXT. RALLY - NIGHT
                                                            
From the podium, Jesse eyes Daphne from a quarter mile away.
Jesse pulls out a pair of BINOCULARS from his person and
gazes through, licking his lips.
                                                            
                       JESSE
Mmmm.
                                                            
                       LEADER (O.S.)
Who among you are willing to fight
for no taxes, and be able to carry
firearms to church. Who wants the
right to arrest school teachers
who teach the theory of
'revolutions'? Huh? Is that you??
                                                            
                       RANDOM VOICE
Yeah!
                                                            
                       LEADER
Let's all bow our heads and pray
to the Great S.P.
                                                            

95.

The leader sees that Jessie is distracted.
                                                            
                       LEADER
Put those down and bow your head.
                                                            
No response.
                                                            
                       LEADER (O.S.)
I said put that down.
                                                            
Jesse finally sees Carl and the others pushing the car
several yards behind Daphne. Consumed by a terrible fear, he
assumes the very worst. He pushes The Leader aside and yells
frantically into the microphone, pointing.
                                                            
                       JESSE
It's a CAR BOMB!
                                                            
                       CROWD
AHHHHH!
                                                            
Jesse shoves the leader, who clumsily topples over a few
podium chairs. Jesse runs toward the street, in a courageous
attempt to stop them. The rally-goers blndly follow.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 81 - NIGHT
                                                            
A fearsome group of ANGRY WHITE MEN are running their way.
                                                            
                       CARL
Oh my god! RUN!
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
      (high pitch)
AHHHHHH!
                                                            
As they all begin running, the Super Bee begins to roll
BACKWARDS down the hill. Daphne chases after the car.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
The car!
                                                            
Carl, Charlie, Wayne, and Marcus run full speed. Jesse and
the angry mob see them and target them.
                                                            

96.

                       JESSE
It's them! Get em'!
                                                            
The mob begins chasing.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
These are some fast white people!
                                                            
An athletically gifted right-winger closes in on Marcus.
                                                            
                       RALLY MEMBER
Stop terrorist!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (Panting)
What? I'm American!
                                                            
The sprinter tackles the slower Marcus. Carl sees and runs
back. More rally members catch up. Carl pushes off one and
socks another in the chin. More rally members accost them as
Carl ELBOW-PUNCHES, HEAD-BUTTS, and KNEES a couple more.
Wayne lands a punch, and sucks his knuckle.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Ow!
                                                            
Carl is beating up one guy really bad. He pleads.
                                                            
                       RALLY MEMBER 2
Stop Mr. Terrorist. Please!
                                                            
                       CARL
Will you stop calling me that??
                                                            
Two ment take turns DOUBLE PUNCHING Charlie. Meanwhile,
Carl, Wayne and Marcus are overwhelmed by seven, eight, and
more until its too many to handle. The Leader catches up.
                                                            
                       LEADER
Calm down everybody. Calm down.
Bring the terrorists here.
                                                            
The group are brought closer to the leader, but...
                                                            
...a THUNDERING baseline cuts through the darkness like
butter. Powerful headlights and a PHAT HIP-HOP BEAT permeate

97.

the air. A large, detailed Escalade rolls into Right Wing HQ
like an Imperial Walker...
                                                            
 
INT. ESCALADE - NIGHT
                                                            
T.I.'S music is THUMPIN'! Daphne sits in the passenger seat
of the white boy posse's ride. Officer Hughes is passed out
in the back.
                                                            
                       RATTLER
It's a god-damn Hee-Haw reunion.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 81 - DAY
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (Concerned)
Tillman...TILLMAN!
                                                            
From the center of the restless crowd comes tight-butted,
shades wearing, Officer Tillman. He pushes his way through
the crowd, protectively keeping a hand on his .45.
                                                            
 
INT. ESCALADE - NIGHT
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
There they are.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
      (To Daphne)
We got this. (Beat.) Honk the
horn.
                                                            
Rattler honks the horn.
                                                            
                       RATTLER
Get out the way white boy!
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 81 - NIGHT
                                                            
The rally-members catch a glimpse of the passengers and
their eyes grow wide. They trip over themselves clearing the
road for the BOOMING Escalade. Tillman, like a guard dog,

98.

stays in front of The Leader and the others. Braver
rally-goers keep the Long Island Riot captive.
                                                            
The Leader nervously looks around. The Escalade stops.
Daphne and the posse get out. Many of the rally goers seem
genuinely afraid.
                                                            
                       MIKEY P
Let's kick some cracker ass!
                                                            
As they step up, Tillman takes out his gun and points. Jake
38, Rattler, and Mikey P grab bigger guns and point back!
                                                            
                       LEADER
It doesn't have to go down this
way...boys.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Three guns to one. You lose chump.
                                                            
Mikey P. yanks the gun from Officer Tillman. Slowly, memory
creeps back.
                                                            
                       MIKEY P
This the same fool that was
kickin' our black asses back in
Indiana!
                                                            
Jake 38 yanks off the leader's Ronald Reagan mask...it's
Sheriff Ryles.
                                                            
                       CARL, WAYNE, CHARLIE, DAPHNE, AND MARCUS
SHERIFF RYLES!
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
You going to hell for what you did
to us. Time to tear yo punk-ass a
new one!
                                                            
Jake 38 marches to Ryles, who backs up. Daphne runs up and
grabs Jake's shoulder.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Jake 38?
                                                            

99.

                       JAKE 38
      (Calming down)
Yeah sweetness?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
We don't need any more violence.
(Beat.) We have to show them we're
better than they are.
                                                            
A light goes off in Jake 38's head.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
You right brown sugar. You right.
Cuz we're a LOT bettah than these
cracker-jacks!
                                                            
                       MIKEY P
Fuckin' A.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 81 - DAY
                                                            
SUPERIMPOSE: SATURDAY MORNING
                                                            
It's dawn. An engine of a beautiful, souped up Ford F250
with MONSTER wheels is being revved.
                                                            
 
INT. FORD F250 - DAY
                                                            
Daphne is in the driver's seat. She's in love with the F250.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
      (To Carl)
Nothing's gonna happen to your
car.
                                                            
                       CARL
How you know that?
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Cause it needs two wheels, idiot.
                                                            
In the back seat, Carl grabs Charlie's neck, but Wayne peels
him off.
                                                            

100.

                       CARL
I outta strangle you!
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Get off me!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (To Daphne)
You think you'll be able to handle
this?
                                                            
Daphne gives Marcus the eye of confidence. Jake 38 appears
at the window. Daphne lets the window down.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Anything else shorty?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Thanks Jake. You did great.
                                                            
Jake 38 goes in for a kisseroo...Daphne winces, placing her
TASER on the dashboard.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Thank you.
                                                            
Jake 38 notices the taser and backs away.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Thank YOU, shorty.
                                                            
Daphne smiles and drives off.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 81 - DAY
                                                            
Jake 38 watches the F250 drive off. He thinks of Daphne.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Damn...(Turns around.) Okay, I
want all car keys and all cell
phones!
                                                            
                       CROWD
No! What??
                                                            

101.

Rattler cocks his gun and shoots the tire off a rally
member's car. The crowd is shocked.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Let's do it the easy way, folks.
                                                            
Rattler and Mikey P begin collecting keys and cells in a
bag.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF RYLES
You can't just leave us stranded.
                                                            
                       RATTLER
Watch us.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
What's the longest you've ever
walked Sheriff?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF RYLES
What?
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
It's a simple question. What's the
longest you've ever walked?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF RYLES
One day, at a Tea Party rally, I
walked three miles.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
They'll be twelve miles down the
road.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF RYLES
What?
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Your keys. Three miles of Tea
Party. Three more miles you need
to walk for Free Health Care. Walk
three more for a flat tax for all
big businesses. Another three for
Reparations for my black brothers
and sisters.
                                                            

102.

                       SHERIFF RYLES
Reparations? Oh come on!
                                                            
Rattler shoots another tire.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF RYLES
Okay, okay!
                                                            
They finish collecting all the car keys. The white boy posse
give each other fives, and walk to their Escalade. They get
in and drive a few yards. Jake 38 slows down, and speaks
from the driver's window.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
We almost forgot...The
legalization of marijuana makes
another three. That's fifteen!
Start walking fools!
                                                            
They drive off laughing.
                                                            
 
INT. TOW TRUCK - DAY
                                                            
A Latino male, 50's, hums along to Ranchero Mexican music
playing in his truck. He watches the Escalade pass by and
sees the Super Bee.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 81 - DAY
                                                            
Slowly, the tow truck driver cuts the engine, and carefully
gets out of his tow truck with a LUG WRENCH. He cautiously
observes the situation around him, so he reaches inside and
retrieves a RAKE. Everyone is extremely silent. The driver
has a thick Mexican accent.
                                                            
                       TOW TRUCK DRIVER
Flat tire anyone?
                                                            
Silence.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF RYLES
      (Long stare)
May I see your identification?
                                                            

103.

                       TOW TRUCK DRIVER
Identification? Beso mi culo.
(Kiss my ass.)
                                                            
                       RALLY MEMBER
Illegal immigrant!
                                                            
                       TOW TRUCK DRIVER
Mierda!
                                                            
                       CROWD
Get em'!
                                                            
The tow truck driver runs for his life with the rake in
hand. The crowd chases.
                                                            
 
INT. HUMMER - DAY
                                                            
Rod is waking up from a nap. Craig is finishing a cell phone
call.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Okay, thanks Browne. (Hangs up.)
Browne traced Carl's car back on
Highway 81. But they ditched it
for a black Escalade. We can get
on Highway 40 to cut them off.
                                                            
Kevin looks at a map.
                                                            
                       ROD
How in the hell do you know where
they are?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Got a hook-up in the Pentagon...
Browne. Condi Rice's brother.
                                                            
Rod mouths "Brown Rice". He shakes his head.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Yeah, makes me hungry too. Look! A
Jack-n-the-Box! Pull in!
                                                            
 

104.

EXT. WELCOME TO THE SOUTHWEST - DAY
                                                            
MONTAGE
                                                            
A phat hip-hop song plays as they drive through southwestern
landmarks in the F250. They pass beautiful red rocks, and
see Native American Reservations. There's a diner they walk
out of, called Little Green Man Cafe. Outside the
restaurant, Charlie is talking on the phone with someone,
but he smiles and hangs up when he sees Wayne.
                                                            
 
INT. BERNARD'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Bernard looks at his cell phone quizzically. He walks to a
closet and begins filling a carry-on.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Never ask somebody to do something
you gotta do yourself.
                                                            
 
INT. JFK AIRPORT - DAY
                                                            
John Hamilton and Officer Kelly, who's wearing a loud
Hawaiin shirt, are in line, buying plane tickets. In line, a
few people behind them, is Bernard Wilson.
                                                            
 
INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
                                                            
John gets up to go to the restroom. He really has to go. The
restroom for coach is taken. John walks quickly toward the
first class restroom. The door opens and Bernard walks out.
He looks at John up and down.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Can I help you?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Excuse me please. Gotta go.
                                                            
Not budging, Bernard stares at John, but a stewardess
approaches. She eyes Bernard, who steps aside to let John
in. Bernard gives a "look" to the stewardess.
                                                            

105.

                       STEWARDESS
      (smart)
Can I help you?
                                                            
Bernard frowns and goes back to his seat.
                                                            
 
INT. ESCALADE - DAY
                                                            
                       OFFICER HUGHES
I'm never gonna find that damn
car. The chief is gonna kill me.
                                                            
Rattler begins smoking a joint.
                                                            
                       OFFICER HUGHES
Oh come on! Not agaaain. Is this
all you do, is get high, eat,
listen to Jay-Z? Get high, eat,
listen to Lil' Wayne?
                                                            
                       MIKEY P
      (Eating something)
What's wrong with that?
                                                            
                       OFFICER HUGHES
Do you have ANY brain cells left?
Remember I am an officer of the
law! It's my duty to keep drugs
off the street! I could report
you!
                                                            
Mikey P hands a hot dog to Officer Hughes.
                                                            
                       RATTLER
And you'd never find your car,
man. We're here to help you!
                                                            
Rattler hands the officer a hot dog.
                                                            
                       OFFICER HUGHES
Thought you'd never offer. Thanks.
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Just chill out and eat and be
merry. Life is good my brotha.
                                                            

106.

Officer Hughes sighs. Outside, a police siren blares.
Everyone looks back. Hughes does a double-take.
                                                            
                       OFFICER HUGHES
Whaddya know?
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 40 - DAY
                                                            
Otis is driving Hughes' squad car, and the black Hummer
behind it. Otis pulls up alongside the car, wearing an
officer's hat and motions for the driver to pull over.
Surprised, Otis sees the real officer Hughes yelling at him.
                                                            
 
INT. ESCALADE - DAY
                                                            
                       OFFICER HUGHES
No, you pull over! That's my ride
you imposter!
                                                            
Officer Hughes takes over the wheel and rams the Escalade
into Otis.
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
Hey man! Noo!!
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 40 - DAY
                                                            
The squad car tumbles to the left side of the road and
flips.
                                                            
 
INT. HUMMER - DAY
                                                            
Craig watches all the action from the Hummer.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
      (calmly)
Sucks to be you Otis.
                                                            
The Escalade slows down to a halt. Craig gets excited.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Ah, beautiful! Here we go!
                                                            

107.

The automated compartments open, and they grab their guns.
Rod tries to grab one, but Craig slaps his hand. They pull
over in front of the Escalade.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 40 - DAY
                                                            
The white boy posse and Officer Hughes get out the car.
Officer Hughes runs toward his squad car. Craig, Kevin, and
Verne run full speed to the Escalade, waving their guns at
the white boy posse.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
      (to the posse)
Where are they?
                                                            
Kevin searches the Escalade. He looks at Craig and shakes
his head.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
      (Red-faced)
Damn it!
                                                            
Just behind them, a loud screech! The Hummer swiftly pulls
away. Rodney has escaped. Slowly, Craig looks at Verne.
Verne looks up at the sky and begins whistling. Craig chases
him and Verne runs.
                                                            
 
INT. HUMMER - DAY
                                                            
Looking in the rearview, Rod is elated!
                                                            
                       ROD
Ha! Ha! Yes!
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 40 - DAY
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
      (Watches Craig
       chase Verne)
Damn hood-rats. Come on, let's
bounce.
                                                            

108.

The white boy posse get back in the Escalade and drive off.
Craig stops chasing Verne, and looks around. The Escalade is
skidding off. He notices Officer Hughes trying to get into
his car. Otis has the doors locked.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGHWAY 40 - DAY
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Officer Hughes' feet wiggle from the trunk of his squad car,
as it pulls on the road.
                                                            
 
INT. FORD 250 - DAY
                                                            
Everyone is silent, and awake, but resting. Daphne is still
driving.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
You gonna let everyone know why
you're going to Vegas?
                                                            
                       CARL
Yeah, I've never seen anyone in a
hurry to play black jack.
                                                            
All the truck's occupants observe Daphne.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
I'm going to be in the
competition.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
I knew it!
                                                            
                       CARL
So, we've been giving our
competition a ride. That's like
if, on the way to L.A., Shaq picks
up a hitch-hiking Kobe Bryant
cause he felt sorry for the kid.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
I would've found a way.
                                                            

109.

                       WAYNE
Amen. I like this girl.
                                                            
 
EXT. LAS VEGAS BLVD - DAY
                                                            
WELCOME TO VEGAS-MONTAGE
                                                            
Vegas is noisy. Tourists are touring. Cabs are honking. We
see views of famous Vegas icons, like The Luxor, Tropicana,
and others. The truck drives into the MGM Grand parking lot.
People are lined up outside the building.
                                                            
END OF MONTAGE
                                                            
                       MARCUS
We gotta hurry.
                                                            
They all get out the car quickly.
                                                            
 
EXT. REGISTRATION DESK - DAY
                                                            
Outside MGM, two SECURITY GUARDS stand behind a long desk.
The registrar, HERBERT SIMONIS, white, 40's, chubby and
balding, wears a RED suit. Herbert is closing up shop. He
sees Marcus approaching and looks at his watch. He rolls his
eyes.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (Out of breath)
We came to audition!
                                                            
Herbert stares. He reluctantly opens a LARGE BOOK.
                                                            
                       HERBERT
Name?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Long Island Riot.
                                                            
                       HERBERT
      (show-tunes
       singing)
Long Islaaand Rioooot. Let me
guess where you're from. How many?
                                                            

110.

                       MARCUS
Four.
                                                            
The registrar hands Marcus some forms and four audition
passes. They hug each other and start for the audition line.
Daphne walks to the desk and waits.
                                                            
                       HERBERT
How can I help you?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
      (Attitude)
Am I invisible? I'm auditioning.
                                                            
                       HERBERT
Well charm school, The Long Island
Riot makes three hundred, and
three hundred is the magic number.
Didn't you hear the radio ad?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
      (in his face)
I am NOT turning back now after
hitch-hiking two thousand miles
from home, missing out on the
greatest contest P Diddy has ever
done! Are you crazy or just out of
your diluted mind?
                                                            
One of the security guards, 30's, wearing shorts, approaches
Daphne.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Watch it Speedo.
                                                            
The security guard stops. Marcus turns to see Daphne being
accosted, and runs back to her rescue. Carl, Wayne and
Charlie follow.
                                                            
                       CARL
What's going on?
                                                            

111.

                       HERBERT
You and your group makes three
hundred. Thems the rules. Ms.
Rough Edges can come back next
year.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
There is no next year.
                                                            
                       HERBERT
      (singing again)
Exaaactly.
                                                            
                       CARL
Stop! Just stop.
                                                            
There is momentary silence as Carl looks at the other group
members and at Daphne. Everyone waits for Carl.
                                                            
                       CARL
What do you say, guys? Does five
sound like a nice, even number to
you? (Daphne smiles.) I mean, nine
is too much. The Wu-Tang Clan had
nine...that's a lot of dudes--
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
Yeah! She's in!
                                                            
Daphne runs to Carl and gives him a hug.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
I don't know what to say.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Just say thank you.
                                                            
Daphne remembers how good it was to say those words. It's
been a long time since she's been happy and faithful.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Thank you. Thank you guys.
                                                            
The registrar smacks his lips and hands Daphne an audtition
pass. Marcus and Daphne look into each other's eyes. Herbert
starts to pack it in again.
                                                            

112.

                       HERBERT
      (mimicking Carl
       quietly)
Does five sound like a nice even
number? No, five is an odd number,
dillweed.
                                                            
 
INT. AUDITION ROOM - DAY
                                                            
The Riot are sweaty and worn, finishing up the auditioning
process. They stand before a THREE JUDGE panel.
                                                            
                       JUDGE 1
Well done. Thank you very much.
                                                            
                       CARL
What happens now?
                                                            
                       JUDGE 3
You wait.
                                                            
Security guards open a set of doors, and they head for the
exit. The judges look at each other and nod in approval.
                                                            
 
INT. BALLROOM - DAY
                                                            
They enter an MGM BALLROOM. Hundreds of diverse, aspiring
rappers wait for the verdict. A sudden clatter of applause.
SEAN COMBS, and the three panel of judges appear on a small
stage in front of the room. The crowd goes nuts.
                                                            
                       CROWD
PUFFY! PUFFY! PUFFY!
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
All right, all right. Thank you.
Thank you. (Beat.) All right, calm
down. Thanks! Okay...SHUT UP!
                                                            
Complete silence.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Sorry. Okay, I first want to say
that I'm so happy for all of you
to come to compete in the
            (MORE)

113.

                       SEAN COMBS (cont'd)
All-American Hip Hop Competition!
We're so happy with the turnout.
We got rappers here from all over
the country! Texas, Mississippi,
California...Idaho, you name it!
                                                            
                       CROWD
      (clapping)
YEAH! WHOOOO!
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
The judges and I are truly
impressed by the level of talent
here today. But we can only choose
ten finalists for tonight's live
broadcast.
                                                            
                       CROWD
YEAAHH!
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
When I read the names of the
finalists, please check in with
Herbert (points to the registrar),
the man in the loud-ass red suit
in the back. You can't miss em'.
                                                            
The registrar waves from a far-off doorway.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Good luck to each and every one of
you.
                                                            
Carl silently nods to Wayne, as he nods back. Daphne grabs
Marcus' hand.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Our first finalist is, Greg "The
Gregorian Monk" Jones!
                                                            
A young black man, 20's, bushy mustache, looks older than he
is, waves his arm in the air. Daphne can't believe it. Is
that her former Middle School rival? Applause.
                                                            

114.

                       SEAN COMBS
Number 2! They're French!
LES...LES FRERES DU HIP HOP. LES
FRERE DU HIP-HOP.
                                                            
A group of four young EUROPEANS, 20'S, wearing sports-gear,
give each other high fives and hugs.
                                                            
MONTAGE-FINALISTS-CONTINUOUS
                                                            
More names are mentioned. A Latina female waves her hands. A
white male, 20's, kisses his hands and waves. An
African-American female, teens, waves. A group of five very
rough and tough young females dressed in MILITARY garb give
each other belly bumps and high fives. One of the women
threatens a nearby guy with her muscles. The guy back-pedals
several steps. Next, a mixed group of five black and white
young men, give each other high fives and hugs.
                                                            
                                         END OF MONTAGE
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
This says #8 is Curtis Blow's son?
That true? Well, okay. Number 8 is
Bob! Bob Blow!
                                                            
A black man, late 30's, jheri curl, and Member's Only
jacket, with very intense and serious look. He points
directly at Sean Combs. Sean nods.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Number 9... THUGALICIOUS!
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Thugalicious?
                                                            
Five young black men, 20's, decked out in with baggy jeans,
gold teeth, skull/wave caps and Timbalands. They give each
other high fives, wag their tongues, and dance. One of them
takes a gold chain off and throws it in the crowd.
                                                            
                       RANDOM VOICE IN CROWD (O.S.)
It's pyrite!
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Only one left.
                                                            

115.

                       CARL
All we need is one.
                                                            
The Long Island Riot hug each other. Marcus grabs Daphne's
hand. Sean Combs shakes his head and looks back at the
judges.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Last but not least. The tenth
finalist...Kanye West!
                                                            
                       CROWD
Kanye West? What? Huh?
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
      (Laughing)
SIKE! I better stop messing with
y'all. Y'all serious! Anyway, the
last finalist, is...LONG ISLAND
RIOOOOT!
                                                            
Carl, Wayne, Daphne, Marcus and Charlie JUMP up and down in
frantic EXCITEMENT. Others smile and congratulate them.
Thugalicious passes by, and one of them bumps Carl on the
shoulder. Carl looks around agitated, but decides to
continue his happy moment with the rest of the group.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Long Island Riot, Congratulations.
And congratulations to all the
finalists. And to everyone else,
get the hell out.
                                                            
Sean laughs.
                                                            
                       VARIOUS CROWD MEMBERS
Booo!
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
I'm kidding. Damn, y'all serious.
Everyone else gets tickets to
tonight's show. Don't be late.
                                                            
                       CROWD
Yay!!
                                                            

116.

Sean leaves the stage with the judges.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
We did it.
                                                            
 
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Carl and Wayne are discussing tonight's song. Daphne and
Marcus are conversing intimately with each other.
                                                            
                       CARL
Then you come in with your verse.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
I should probably go after Charlie
about Michelle Obama.
                                                            
                       CARL
Where is Charlie?
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
      (Overhearing)
He said something about gift shop.
                                                            
They all look confused.
                                                            
 
INT. GIFT SHOP - DAY
                                                            
Charlie is on the phone, browsing the shop.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
I don't care what you have to do.
Make me rich. And I want to have
my videos directed by F. Gary
Gray.
                                                            
 
INT. AIRPORT BAGGAGE CLAIM - DAY
                                                            
Bernard is on his phone, standing near the conveyor belt.
John and Officer Kelly are nearby.
                                                            

117.

                       BERNARD
As far as I'm concerned, you ARE
the new lead rapper of the Long
Island Riot. More money, more
press, more ladies. (Snickering.)
Not necessarily in that order.
                                                            
INTERCUT BETWEEN CHARLIE AND BERNARD
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
And speaking of ladies, we have a
girl in the group now.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Will she look good in a bikini?
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
      (shaking head)
Yeah, right. Look, I gotta go
before they suspect something.
MGM. Room 316. Later.
                                                            
John, overhearing Bernard's reference to Long Island Riot,
confides in Officer Kelly.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Softly)
Did you hear that? He mentioned
Long Island Riot. (Beat.) I've
seen him somewhere before.
                                                            
                       OFFICER KELLY
Yeah, he's the restroom blocker.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I know Geronimo. But I've seen him
from somewhere else.
                                                            
Bernard glances over to John and Officer Kelly unfavorably,
retrieving his luggage. He looks at them again on his way
out. They get their luggage and follow.
                                                            
 

118.

INT. NEVADA TROOPER SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
A NEVADA STATE TROOPER, 30-40's, reads a paper with a clear
view of the state line into Nevada. The Black Hummer passes
and registers 95 on his radar.
                                                            
                       NEVADA TROOPER
Geez Louise.
                                                            
He starts the car's ignition, and is about to pull out until
he sees a squad car...an OHIO PATROL CAR...chasing fast!
                                                            
                       NEVADA TROOPER
OHIO!? What in tarnations?
                                                            
The trooper takes off after them.
                                                            
 
INT. HUMMER - DAY
                                                            
Rod is focused and hears a siren behind him. He looks back,
and sees Craig and the others!
                                                            
                       ROD
Really?
                                                            
Rod puts the pedal to the metal and gains ground.
                                                            
 
INT. OFFICER HUGHES' SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Verne is at the wheel.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
      (To Verne)
Go! Go! Go!
                                                            
 
INT. NEVADA TROOPER SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
The Nevada Trooper is gaining on the Ohio Patrol car. He
notices a boot wiggling about in the trunk.
                                                            
                       NEVADA TROOPER
Uh boy.
                                                            

119.

The officer grabs the radio.
                                                            
                       NEVADA TROOPER
Ah, this is Freeman 50651, Freeman
50651. I'm northbound 93, 2.5
miles north of Temple Road exit. I
have 207, 503, 510, 848, and
possibly a 721 in progress. Over!
                                                            
                       VOICE ON RADIO
      (Beat)
Give me a second. I'm looking
those up. Hold on.
                                                            
                       NEVADA TROOPER
Just get me some back-up please!
                                                            
                       VOICE ON RADIO
Roger that officer. Dispatching
two units.
                                                            
The Nevada trooper pulls up alongside the Ohio patrol car,
and observes Verne driving. Craig is yelling something at
Verne. Kevin and Otis look back expressionless. Verne looks
over and suddenly side swipes the trooper. His car goes
careening to the far right side of the road.
                                                            
 
INT. MGM LOBBY - DAY
                                                            
Bernard walks into the lobby and heads for the elevators.
John and Officer Kelly follow at a distance. They watch as
Bernard gets on a glass elevator and gets off on the 3rd
floor. John tries to get his son on the phone again.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Answer the phone Marcus. (hangs
up.) Look, third floor. Let's go.
                                                            
 
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY
                                                            
A knock on the door. Marcus peers through the peephole and
opens the door. Charlie walks in.
                                                            

120.

                       CHARLIE
What up!
                                                            
                       CARL
What's up with you is what up.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
      (Looking at watch)
Where you been?
                                                            
Charlie flops on a bed.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Guys, relax. We're in Vegas dog!
                                                            
Everyone stares at Charlie.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Carl, it's time to pull it out
that two by four up your behind
and take a chill pill.
                                                            
Carl lunges at Charlie and the others try to break them up.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
Bernard is coming off the elevator towward 316. As he
prepares to knock, a door opens from across the hallway,
315. Out pops a member of Thugalicious. GOLDIE, 20's, gold
teeth, stares at Bernard. Bernard very reluctantly looks
back. Goldie puts on his pair of glasses and is star-struck.
                                                            
                       GOLDIE
Bernard the Warden Wilson? THA
SHIZNIT!!
                                                            
Bernard sighs long and hard. Other members of Thugalicious
come to the door.
                                                            
                       GOLDIE
      (Jumping)
I knew that was you! Man, I LOVE
Ghetto Beat Down Tales from the
Hood!
                                                            

121.

B.J.D.J, 20's, TRIGGER FINGER, 20's, and BO-BO, 20's, all
thugged out, holding chalices with drink in it, are in total
awe.
                                                            
                       TRIGGER FINGER
Daaaamn!! Get the Courvoisier son!
We drinking with this nigga.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Thank you, but I've got business
to attend to.
                                                            
Their eyes become like puppy dogs.
                                                            
                       BO-BO
You know, Foot Long Larry's video,
Shake, Rattle and Rob, was an
inspiration, Mr. Wilson.
                                                            
                       B.J. D.J.
And La El Chico's
classic...Drilling Me Softly.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Le, El Chico. Yes, God rest his
soul.
                                                            
                       B.J. D.J.
He ain't dead.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
No? Get out.
                                                            
                       GOLDIE
Everything you do turns to gold.
                                                            
Goldie smiles with a mouthful of gold teeth. Down the
hallway, John and Officer Kelly approach. The star-struck
Trigger Finger and Goldie don't take no for an answer. They,
along with Bo-Bo, and BJDJ, man-handle Bernard inside their
room.
                                                            
                       GOLDIE
Just one drink!
                                                            

122.

                       TRIGGER FINGER
      (Like Lil' Jon)
Yeaaahh!
                                                            
The door shuts. John and Officer Kelly reach 314. Officer
Kelly puts his ear to the door.
                                                            
                       OFFICER KELLY
I don't know Mr. Hamilton. I don't
hear your kid in there.
                                                            
Opposite the hallway, Daphne comes out of 316. Marcus
follows. He stands in the doorway, smiling. John turns
around.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Hi son.
                                                            
 
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
                       MARCUS
You cannot control what I do with
my life!
                                                            
                       JOHN
Someone's controlling it! (Looking
at the others.) You've never just
picked up and left home like that.
Let alone, all the way to Vegas
with no communication! You to to
Columbia! You're getting a degree!
A degree!
                                                            
Charlie laughs. John and Officer Kelly stare hard at
Charlie.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
Bernard opens room 314, and reefer smoke comes billowing
out. He waves away the smoke and aoproaches 316. He puts his
head to the door and listens.
                                                            

123.

                       JOHN (O.S.)
This man, Bernard Wilson. You
doing business with him?
                                                            
 
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY
                                                            
                       CARL
      (Alarmed)
Bernard Wilson? Why would you ask
that Mr. Hamilton?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Cause he's across the hallway in
314.
                                                            
Everyone is stunned.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
Wilson still listening, is now angry.
                                                            
 
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY
                                                            
                       JOHN
At the airport I overheard him
telling someone they'd be the new
lead rapper of Long Island Riot.
                                                            
All of them are clueless. Slowly, with disgust, they face
Charlie.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
      (Playing innocent)
What?
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
Angry, Bernard pulls away from the door and huffs toward the
elevators. He grabs his cell phone and dials.
                                                            
 

124.

EXT. HIGHWAY 40 - DAY
                                                            
The Ohio Patrol car is being chased by seven or eight state
troopers.
                                                            
 
INT. OFFICER HUGHES' SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Nervous, Craig answers his phone. He looks behind and in
front. Nothing but the Blues. He's toast.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Mr. Wilson.
                                                            
INTERCUT BETWEEN BERNARD AND CRAIG
                                                            
                       BERNARD
      (On elevator)
Where in heaven's name are you?
                                                            
                       CRAIG
      (positive)
We're in Nevada.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Get your big-head ass to the MGM
Craig. Now!
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Mr. Wilson sir, small problem.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Problem? (Beat.) Another problem?
I have too many problems now,
Craig. Really. I'm so tired of you
and yo damn problems. You know
what? YOU'RE the problem. And now,
I'm free of my problem.YOU'RE
FIRED!
                                                            
Bernard hangs up and dials another number.
                                                            
 

125.

INT. OFFICER HUGHES' SQUAD CAR - DAY
                                                            
Craig looks at the cell phone, and frowns. Verne looks at
Craig.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
      (Bewildered)
I'm not going back on
unemployment. You know how hard it
is to find a good steady job these
days?
                                                            
                       VERNE
You don't have to tell me.
                                                            
Craig frantically searches the glove compartment and
searches for something...anything! He pulls out spike strips
wrapped up nice and neat. Craig can't believe his eyes. He
climbs outside the window with the strip in
hand.Super-pleased, he proceeds with his plan.
                                                            
                       CRAIG
Steady Verne. Steady.
                                                            
A sudden bump makes Craig drop the strips, and they fall
directly under their back tires. POP! More police cars
unknowingly drive over the strips too.
                                                            
 
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Carl is dangling poor Charlie over the balcony to screams
from Charlie and some from Daphne. Officer Kelly, Wayne,
John and Marcus run over to rescue Charlie.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Let me up! Let me up!
                                                            
                       CARL
What's wrong with you? You try to
cut a side deal? Wilson? Wilson?
Are you on something!?
                                                            
Officer Kelly, John, Wayne, and Marcus are successful in
countering Carl's strength and overpower Carl and pull
Charlie up and over the balcony.
                                                            

126.

                       OFFICER KELLY
He ain't Vanilla Ice. Calm down
boy!
                                                            
Everyone's out of breath.
                                                            
                       JOHN
This isn't any way to settle your
differences son.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Yeah fool.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
What were you thinking Charlie?
                                                            
Charlie begins packing his things.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
      (sarcastic)
Oh, nothing much. It's just that
Bernard is gonna give us $500
thousand...
                                                            
                       WAYNE
And we gotta pay that back by
selling a lot of records.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
You never believed in the dream
Wayne!
                                                            
                       CARL
You know what Charlie? All you do
is go after what know, what you
see. And all you see is money,
fame, women! Your dreams aren't
worth a dime if that's all life
means to you.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Do you have a way to get back
home?
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Bernard's got my back.
                                                            

127.

Charlie exits. John stares at his son.
                                                            
                       JOHN
This is why you've run away? You
nearly cost me a delay on the
County Allocation Project! I
BARELY got it done. You're
supposed to be--
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Excuse me? Mr. Hamilton? It's nice
to meet you, but ah, Marcus is
grown. (At Marcus.) I mean, am I
missing something?
                                                            
                       JOHN
This isn't your business young
lady.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Dad, it is her business. She's my
business partner. And my friend.
They're all my business partners.
And we, have a dream! We want to
be the best hip-hop lyricists,
rhythm poets to have ever walked
the earth. That's the dream.
                                                            
John is silent. Officer Kelly smiles.
                                                            
                       OFFICER KELLY
He grown John. He grown.
                                                            
Daphne gazes at Marcus. Marcus notices and smiles.
                                                            
 
EXT. STAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
The competition has begun. Hundreds of screaming fans scream
and applaud. Cameras are everywhere. On stage is The
Majestics, a multi-ethnic group, like the Black Eye Peas.
                                                            
 

128.

INT. AUDIENCE - NIGHT
                                                            
The white boy posse arrive in the audience, yelling in
excitement.
                                                            
 
INT. BACKSTAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
The Long Island Riot are watching the group from backstage.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
They're pretty good.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Not as good as we are.
                                                            
 
EXT. STAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
The Majestics finish amongst a loud applause.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Thank you Majestics. Yeah! Okay,
act #9 are from (reading card) it
says they're from the Nasty South.
Don't they mean the dirty south?
Anyway, they are Bo-Bo, Goldie,
Trigger Finger, and B.J.D.J...give
it up for...Thugalicious!
                                                            
Thugalicious run onstage and begin their set.
                                                            
 
INT. BACKSTAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
Bernard Wilson makes an entrance from a side door. The door
almost closes, but Charlie catches it. He follows behind.
                                                            
                       CARL
We're next. Let's show America
what hip-hop is.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Let's do it!
                                                            
Bernard claps his hands in mock applause.
                                                            

129.

                       BERNARD
Nice speech. All you have to do is
put that pep talk crap to use, and
make us some damn money.
                                                            
                       CARL
Oh my God, are you kidding me?
Wilson, can't you take no for an
answer?
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Why don't you open your eyes,
young buck? Look at what I have?
(Shows off bling/cash.) This is
what life is about!
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Yeah, man! Anyway, Rod already
accepted a deal with Wilson by
taking his money.
                                                            
Rod suddenly enters from another side-door.
                                                            
                       ROD
But Rod doesn't want your damn
deal anymore. Here's your
stinking money back!
                                                            
Carl is surprised to see his cousin, who appears somewhat
haggard. Carl runs to his aid. Rod is pulling out all the
money Bernard gave him and throws it. Daphne eyes it
carefully.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
That's a lot of money.
                                                            
                       ROD
      (Pointing to
       Bernard)
He, he, he had me kidnapped. There
were these big bald-headed dudes.
Big.
                                                            
Bernard laughs.
                                                            

130.

                       BERNARD
Boys!!
                                                            
Henchmen arrive from out of nowhere. The Long Island Riot
are surrounded.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Too bad they couldn't do a simple
job. But who cares when you have
back up?
                                                            
 
EXT. STAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
                       TRIGGER FINGER
      (Rapping)
So I told my teacher to shut the
hell up--
I told my teacher I'm gon' touch
her butt--
                                                            
                       GOLDIE
      (Rapping)
And I will slap any ho that steals
my cash,
I will slap any ho that makes me
get a rash--
But its all good because money
is king--
                                                            
                       THUGALICIOUS
      (All)
And if you mess with my money, you
mess with my dreams.
                                                            
There is thunderous applause, but there are boos as well.
Sean Combs keeps face. John and Officer Kelly enter the
auditorium and find empty seats.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Thank you. The last act is from
one of my favorite places, the
best place in the world...New York
City! They are Daphne, Marcus,
Wayne and Carl. They are the Long
Island Riot!
                                                            

131.

Curtains open to reveal Bernard Wilson and his henchmen
surrounding The Long Island Riot. Sean Combs does a
double-take. In the audience, John and Officer Kelly become
alarmed.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Bernard Wilson? What are you doing
here?
                                                            
Bernard is reluctant to speak but does.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
It's not really any of your
business, junior.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
I told you not to call me that. I
hate that.
                                                            
Wilson approaches Sean and grabs the microphone.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
I'm sorry, but this group is
forfeiting their turn. Long Island
Riot is a part of Magic Pimp
Records.
                                                            
                       CROWD
Booo! Booo!
                                                            
Carl tries moving, only to be held back by Wilson's men.
Combs realizes they're being held against their will. John
and Officer Kelly make their way to the stage.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
What's wrong with you Wilson?
Didn't yo mama ever teach you how
to make friends? Oh, I forgot you
were an orphan. Maybe your mama
left you cause you were an ugly
baby.
                                                            
The crowd laughs. Bernard glares angrily at them.
                                                            

132.

                       JOHN
      (from off stage)
Tell your men to let go of my son!
                                                            
                       BERNARD
You? I remember you, always
sticking your weiner where it
doesn't belong.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
      (To audience)
Is this what hip-hop turned into?
Is it all about money, power, fame
and fortune? Is it about the
bling, at the cost of losing our
dignity and our respect for one
another?
                                                            
Officer Kelly is drop-kicking the stage barrier.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Hip-hop is about living your
purest dreams. It's about honor
and integrity. It's about
celebrating your heritage and
showing respect for our peoples'
struggles. I ask you, are you
gonna sit by and let Wilson and
his bunch of henchmen bully this
group of artists so he can get his
power-trip on? I for one, ain't
gonna let that happen!
                                                            
Combs drops the microphone and puts his dukes up. Bernard
looks at Combs and laughs. From the audience, another person
speaks up.
                                                            
                       RANDOM VOICE IN CROWD
NO!
                                                            
                       JAKE 38
Me neither!
                                                            

133.

                       JAPANESE RAPPER
      (From earlier
       audition)
I kick-a your ass!
                                                            
 
INT. GAS MART - NIGHT
                                                            
Omar is staring at the television.
                                                            
                       OMAR
We won't have it in any way!
                                                            
 
EXT. STAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
Wilson's men grow uneasy as the crowd grows angrier. Sean
Comb's security guards arrive, with sharp uniforms. One of
them has num-chucks. P. DIDDY'S LEAD BODYGUARD, 30'S,
clean-cut, approaches WILSON'S LEAD BODYGUARD, 30'S,
ghetto-scruffy.
                                                            
                       P. DIDDY'S LEAD BODYGUARD
What's your problem?
                                                            
Wilson's head bodyguard lunges for Diddy's head bodyguard,
but is quickly dealt with by two powerful judo-like strikes
with the num-chucks. He doesn't break a sweat. He then
stares at the rest of Wilson's men. Another brave guard runs
at P. Diddy's Lead Bodyguard but then is tackled by Officer
Kelly. Kelly wallops the guy hard until he's out cold.
                                                            
                       OFFICER KELLY
Who next!
                                                            
Kelly and the Lead Bodyguard, allied, stand side by side.
Wilson's other henchmen back up. And then all-together,
scatter for the exits. Comb's bodyguards chase after them.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Get back here you cowards!
                                                            
Bernard takes out an old-school switchblade.
                                                            
                       OFFICER KELLY
Can I handle this?
                                                            

134.

                       JOHN
No Geronimo. Let me. (To Wilson.)
Where'd you get that? A Dolemite
movie?
                                                            
John takes off his blazer and wraps it around his right
forearm. He then takes off his leather belt from his waist
and makes a lasso.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Dad!
                                                            
                       BERNARD
From the moment I laid eyes on
you, I've known that I would truly
hate you.
                                                            
Bernard takes a swipe and John dodges.
                                                            
                       JOHN
From the moment I met you, I've
known I would eventually kick your
ass.
                                                            
Bernard takes another swipe and John dodges again.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Attempted assault with a with a
deadly weapon, hmmm, six years
easy.
                                                            
John snags the belt over Bernard's hand and yanks it hard
enough for the knife to come out. He yanks the belt another
time to send Bernard directly into his fist. Bernard
recovers and catches John with a quick right hook, who falls
back into Marcus and Wayne's hands.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
You okay dad?
                                                            
John looks back at his son, and smiles.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Call your mom Marcus. She's
worried about you.
                                                            

135.

John gets back up and gathers himself. He puts his fists up
and gets in a fighter's stance.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Come on weiner-man!
                                                            
John and Bernard exchange two punches. Bernard gets one in
John's gut. John seems to be falter a bit, but he comes back
and quickly punches Bernard, who falls back into Officer
Kelly. Officer Kelly secretly punches Bernard in the kidney.
John notices Bernard reacting, and moves in for a one, two
punch. Bernard is down, half conscious. The police enter the
side-doors and Bernard is being handcuffed under Comb's
direction.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
Don't let them perform. Officers,
that's my group! That's my group!
                                                            
                       JOHN
Not all parties knowingly agreed
to the contract. Won't even make
court.
                                                            
                       POLICEMAN
      (To Combs)
We would've been here sooner, but
we had to arrest hundreds of angry
fans for disorderly conduct at Le
El Chico's Lobotomy Anniversary at
the Luxor.
                                                            
                       BERNARD
      (Terrorized)
What? Don't take me there! Come
on! No! No!
                                                            
Wilson is dragged off kicking and screaming by the police.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
      (To John)
You okay?
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Nursing wounds)
Couldn't be better Mr. Diddy. (To
Kelly.)
            (MORE)

136.

                       JOHN (cont'd)
I owe you Geronimo.
                                                            
Officer Kelly does the "lips are sealed" motion.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Oh, dudes, this isn't over. You
still have to perform!
                                                            
                       WAYNE
We can still perform?
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Of course. Get out there!
                                                            
Marcus looks out at the audience and sees a lot of
restlessness. Daphne notices his anxiety and puts her hands
on his shoulders. She gives him a kiss. Marcus is surprised.
Marcus, now confident, marches on stage like a king. John
looks on happily.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Go get em' kid.
                                                            
Carl looks at the audience who seem to be calming down.
                                                            
                       CARL
Testing.
                                                            
The crowd becomes silent. He looks at the crowd and puts his
fist in front of him. Wayne walks beside him and places his
fist next to his. Marcus and Daphne join them. A phat beat
blasts on the sound system.
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
Forever tight, Forever the Riot.
                                                            
                       CARL
      (Rapping)
Testing one, two, three and four,
My crew is knocking at your door,
We just wanna shot at a prize
whats just beyond that curtain,
Will do what it takes to win
that's for certain.
                                                            

137.

                       WAYNE
      (Rapping)
This is our last shot my fans,
A contract to advance, and send us
down the road to a prosperous
land,
We are so grateful to be here on
our own volition,
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
      (Rapping)
And yes, we are on a mission,
To compete with true convictions.
The Long Island Riot writes rhymes
with no inhibition.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (Rapping)
It's my turn son, it's the
Courageous One, burning up the mic
for the umpteenth turn.
My ego doesn't allow my mind to
shut up sometimes,
But when I rhyme, my spirit
shines,
And I forget the old lines-
So ya gonna vote for us cause our
skills are the best,
We offer the world a nice break
from the rest.
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
      (Rapping)
And we mean it, when we say we
deserve the top prize,
Listen to your ears and look
through your eyes.
Don't settle for less, the most
talented should have a voice,
So vote your conscience and please
make your choice.
                                                            
Huge applause. Sean forgets himself and runs over and hugs
them. He remembers and quickly lets go.
                                                            

138.

                       SEAN COMBS
Oops. I'm not biased. No sir. But,
they were good. Huh? Long Island
Riot everybody!
                                                            
 
EXT. HOTEL DRIVEWAY - DAY
                                                            
                                         NEXT DAY
                                                            
Carl is looking over a 57 BEL-AIR pleasingly, wiping dirt
off several places with a towel. Wayne is placing luggage
inside the trunk. Rod is on his cell phone.
                                                            
                       CARL
Did you know they put a 350 HP
engine in this thing?
                                                            
                       WAYNE
I don't get the old car thing
Carl. I mean, don't you have to
buy expensive spare parts, and
stuff?
                                                            
                       CARL
Stop and smell the sweetness of
life Wayne. This is one of the
sweetnesses of it.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Is that a word?
                                                            
Rod gets off the cell phone.
                                                            
                       CARL
So? What did they say about Elsa?
                                                            
                       ROD
They...found Elsa broken up into
140 pieces over a three mile
stretch. Like somebody was mad at
you or something.
                                                            
Carl nearly faints, but Wayne and Rod grab him. Marcus and
Daphne arrive.
                                                            

139.

                       CARL
My baby!
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Everything all right?
                                                            
                       CARL
My baby!
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
What's wrong with Carl?
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Elsa's been dismembered.
                                                            
John and Officer Kelly arrive.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Drive carefully fellas.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
We got here, didn't we?
                                                            
                       JOHN
You know Marcus. (Beat.) I'm proud
of you. You did good.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Wow, that means a lot.
                                                            
They share a hug.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Let me know when you're performing
at Club Oasis again.
                                                            
Marcus' eyes brighten.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Really?? I will.
                                                            
John and Officer Kelly begin to get into a cab.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I'm sorry I was hard on you.
(Beat,) The job is still there
when you get back. There's no
            (MORE)

140.

                       JOHN (cont'd)
rush.
                                                            
Marcus nods.
                                                            
                       CARL AND WAYNE
Ultimate CD.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Ultimate CD?
                                                            
                       CARL AND WAYNE
Cool dad.
                                                            
 
INT. CHEVY BEL-AIR - DAY
                                                            
                                         LATER
                                                            
Still in the hotel driveway, Carl starts the ignition. As
he's putting the shift in drive, a hand knocks on the
passenger window. Wayne rolls down the window and Sean Combs
looks inside to their surprise.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
P. Diddy!
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
Wow!
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Just Diddy okay? Just wanted to
say that I really liked you. I'm
sorry you didn't take the prize.
Thugalicious? I actually threw up
after the show.
                                                            
                       CARL
America voted right?
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Doesn't make you less worthy of a
recording contract. Listen, I want
you to call me when you get back
to New York. Let's set up a demo.
I think you can go far in this
business with the right record
            (MORE)

141.

                       SEAN COMBS (cont'd)
label backing you up.
                                                            
They look at each in awe. Combs quickly hands them a card,
and everyone bursts into bright smiles.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
I'm not saying I'll sign you,
but...I'm not saying I won't
either. Holla.
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
We will!
                                                            
 
EXT. HOTEL DRIVEWAY - DAY
                                                            
Sean Combs walks away as they look on.
                                                            
 
INT. CHEVY BEL-AIR - DAY
                                                            
                       CARL
Daaaaaamn!
                                                            
                       EVERYONE
Yeah! Awww man!!
                                                            
Carl and Wayne share a proud glance at each other.
                                                            
                       CARL
We did it man.
                                                            
Carl looks at the fuel gauge.
                                                            
                       CARL
These cheap fools put a quarter
tank of gas in here! I'm broke!
                                                            
Daphne pulls out a pile of cash from her purse, to stunned
eyes.
                                                            
                       DAPHNE
I got it.
                                                            
 

142.

EXT. END CREDITS-STAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
Johnny exits humbly and waves good-bye. Long Island Riot
stand next to Thugalicious, both groups in high
anticipation.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
And now, for our last two
finalists. Second place will be
the brand new owners of a
classically restored 1957 Chevy
Bel-Air. First place will be the
owners of a professional recording
contract worth $350 thousand
dollars! Concerts, videos,
television spots, you name it.
America has voted, and 2nd place
goes to...Long Island Riot, which
means first place goes to
(disappointed) Thugalicious? I
mean...THUUUGALICIOUS!
                                                            
There is loud applause but lots of boos too. Thugalicious
hug each other and give each other fives. Judges 1 and 2
shake their heads. Judge 3 is loving every moment. In the
audience, Mikey P and Jake 38 are fuming and throw hot dogs
at the stage. Rattler is in a shoving match with an audience
member.
                                                            
 
INT. END CREDITS-HAMILTON HOUSEHOLD - NIGHT
                                                            
Catherine, upset, throws a shoe at the televsion.
                                                            
                       CATHERINE
You GOT to be kidding! Ignorant
Negroes!
                                                            
 
INT. END CREDITS-STAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Thugalicious are celebrating the audience clapping. One of
them walks to Judge#3 and pours wine over him from his
bling-chalice. Judge#3 raises his hands, and closes his eyes

143.

as the wine falls all over his face and clothes. Judge#2
jumps away to avoid getting wet. Sean Combs is disgusted.
                                                            
                       SEAN COMBS
Can we get...can we get some
napkins or something?
                                                            
 
EXT. END CREDITS-BACK OF IMMIGRANT TRUCK - DAY
                                                            
Charlie is riding amongst a lot of immigrant workers and
eyes one of them eating a baloney sandwich. Tries hard to
speak Spanish.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
      (Points to mouth)
Ahh, el alimento. (Food.) Umm,
tengo ganas el alimento (I am
horny the food.)
                                                            
The migrant worker does a double-take.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Ah, um, besame el culo. (Kiss my
ass.)
                                                            
                       MIGRANT WORKER
Bobo, yo mataria tu! (Dummy! I am
going to kill you!)
                                                            
Leans over to next migrant worker.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Did I say something bad?
                                                            
                       MIGRANT WORKER #2
He likes you senor.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
That's what I thought. Everyone
likes Charlie. Just watch. I'm
gonna come back with my own group.
I'll call it Charlie's
Angles...like you know, I have a
new angle on life.
                                                            

144.

                       MIGRANT WORKER #2
Bobo.(Dummy.)
                                                            
Charlie smiles, puts on his headphones, and closes his eyes.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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