' 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡 ' › D. SWING

08.

| two weeks later.

RHONDA.

Death Row had transformed into something bigger than I had expected after merging my label with his. It was no longer called 'Death Row', for starters. The label grew out of that name when Suge passed. So along with him, the name and 'legacy' he had left behind was no more.

The label was now titled 'THE PEOPLE', representing those in the ghetto who couldn't represent themselves. The label's name also drew inspiration from the one and only James Brown, who has a label titled 'People' that he created back in 1971. With his blessing, we were able to launch our label under the new name without a problem, signing multiple artists who were tired of being taken advantage of.

Artists such as Adina Howard, 702, Deborah Cox, Monica, En Vogue, Fugees, TLC, Monifah, Pharrell, and The Roots —And that was just the beginning. Apparently I had a meeting that Pac had scheduled  with an artist that was eager to sign with us. I must say, even though he was behind bars, he got shit done. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. But then again, I'm no slacker and when I put my mind to something, things tend to get accomplished.

Everything seemed to be working out for me, aside from how distant Donald had gotten lately since I had announced my ownership of the label and working with Pac, along with the artists I'll be working with. If you ask me, he seemed kind of jealous and he had no reason to be. He had talented artists on his label, too. He just failed to do anything with them.

I can't believe I'm saying this but his label's failure was no longer my concern. I had too much going on with my own label to be focused on his. However, I still call and check on him even though he doesn't answer. I figured he just needed space and in time, he'd come around. I couldn't help him if he wouldn't tell me what was going on, so I decided that maybe I could get his parents to reach out to him instead. Specifically his father, since they never had the relationship he had always wanted. And honestly, it seemed like he needed fatherly advice. Things that only a man could give him.

Brushing thoughts of Donald out of mind, I focused on the task at hand and that was explaining the contract and rules of 'THE PEOPLE' since there wasn't much convincing to do. The mention of Tupac alone would convince anyone.

I headed into the lobby, glancing around as the men hung up the last bit of artwork along the wall, feeling content with how things were coming on while I made my way what had become our 'conference room' to see Snoop and Dre standing by the door, whispering amongst each other as they looked through the small window that allowed them to see into the room.

"Man, she probably can't even sing. Just a cute face, like all of the girls labels sign these days",  I heard Snoop say, furrowing my eyebrows and clearing throat while folding my arms over my chest and looking at the both of them. Once they realized I was standing there, they glanced around awkwardly before scurrying off, pretending to be talking about something else as they brushed past me, "Yeah, them cantaloupes are real nutritious."

"I agree. Delectable", Dre said.

They disappeared down the hall and I rolled my eyes, turning the knob and walking into the room to spot a young girl that looked to be at least 16 sitting at the table along with Barry Hankerson, whom I assumed was her manager. I offered a smile while walking around the table as she stood up, pulling her into a hug, "Hello! It's such a pleasure to finally meet you!"