Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“Wait, I think if you change the ‘you can’ts’ out for ‘don’ts,’ that will make it fire,” he says as his eyes light up.
I start to sing it his way. He’s right, it does the trick. I like it. It isn’t light, but if he has lyrics already, I’m not going to change the vibe on him.
“You gonna get in the booth?”
“For the reference track, yeah.”
“No, I love your tone. You have to sing the hook.”
“I thought you had a singer.”
“Yeah, my little sister is coming in, but you’ve felt this kind of pain. She knows loss but not the pain you’re singing about.”
“I’ll have J double your pay. Please.”
He gazes at me through hopeful eyes. I don’t normally sing for the final production; I make more writing. Besides, he shouldn’t be promising other people’s money.
“You sure about that, kid? I don’t come cheap. Maybe you better check with your label first.”
He chuckles. “It’s not my label. J is more like a big brother. He’s doing this to keep me out of trouble.”
“I still think you should consult him first. I get paid in cash only. If you want me to sing, that’s going to be twice my going rate.”
“What’s your rate?”
“Ten grand for the session.”
He whistles. “I’m doing this wrong,” he says and frowns. “Are all writers paid like you?”
“The good ones who know their business.”
“So that’s what dude meant by the brown bag crew. You and your engineer get to the bag, bag.”
“Pretty much. Big T works all my sessions and makes sure I get paid and get home after. You know?”
“That’s dope. My bad, I’m True. My rap name is True Barz. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Lex. This your first time in a studio session?”
“Yeah. A professional one. We have one back at the house, but I’m still learning how to use it and I only get to on weekends every now and then. J is trying to get us a studio at the center, but the director is a dick.”
I nod and jot down some new lyrics. I still have a few more songs to go before I’m done. Big T already has the next track lined up.
“Look, here’s my big brother and my sister now.”
I look up expecting to find some chocolate brother, but who I find makes my heart race. I know his face right away. It’s the blond, Ven’s friend Kelex, the ex-model.
I’ve written some things for him before I had AJ. Not him per se, but the artists he backs. Usually, young kids like this one. I was told he does charity work, and the kids are from the programs he sponsors.
Why have I never put two and two together? I guess I never had a reason to place him and Vander together, so it never occurred to me before now. My mouth has gone completely dry.
The kid goes over to talk to him and Kelex looks up from his phone and smiles. I chew on my lip. He’s always come off nice but with a hint of danger. I don’t think anyone else picks up on it the way I do.
When your father is Lester Smith, you know the bad guys when you see them. I start to remember seeing him around Bridge Lake a few times as well.
I think I might be sick. He’s part of Ant’s circle. I try to remember what Kid has told me about this one. I believe she said this guy is always MIA from their crew, but still.
One slip and I could have an angry Ant at my door. Not to mention he’s currently in possession of my son. A fact I don’t want to come out while he has AJ in Vander.
“Ms. Lex,” the kid calls and waves me over. “Come on. He said it’s cool for you to sing the hook. Let’s get to it, I have the verse in my head.”
I’ll admit, his excitement is contagious. I collect my things and hurry into the booth before Kelex can engage with me. It takes me no time to get the hook laid down.
When True Barz goes into the booth and lays his verse, I’m in awe. His words have so much feeling and heart. He’s really good.
I can see why he wanted me to sing the hook. My voice matches his mature lyrics. I find myself bobbing my head and singing while he’s in the booth.
“He’s good, isn’t he?”
“Yeah, he has real talent,” I say before I turn to look at who’s talking to me.
When I see it’s Kelex, I stiffen. My mind goes back to Ant and AJ. I want to interact with this guy as little as possible.
“Hey, J, did you order something to eat?”
“Yeah, it should be here in a bit.”
“Good, I’m starving.”
“What’s new?” True says as he steps out of the booth. “You’re always hungry. I don’t know how you stay so skinny.”