Page 49 of Verse Two
“His working title for his debut album isBrixton Ellis: Verse Two. This is the theme we want to work around for his rollout, because this is not really a debut. As you said, he’s already given so much to the culture. This is more of a reintroduction or a second take. A reclamation.” I smirked as she dove into the pitchthat she had been working on for the last few weeks. My woman was a visionary, and she wasn’t playing when it came to my career.
We had been talking about where I saw myself going and how involved I wanted to be in the logistics. I was a wordsmith, and at this point, I didn’t care to do much more than write and perform my words. I was leaving the aesthetics to Dy, and she was running with it. I was just enjoying witnessing her flourish in her element.
Her ideas were detailed, from starting out with a single that was an undeniable hit, doing a multi-week build-up of behind-the-scenes content, to the mini docuseries about my songwriting history. She wanted to let people know what I was about, while getting them hype about what was to come.
“Once we’ve successfully built hype around Brick the artist, we’re going to put the icing on the cake with a birthday slash homecoming concert in Chaney atPulse Point. His birthday is in about three months, so we have plenty of time to execute.”
“A hometown premier, huh?” Siah asked with a raised brow.
She nodded. “I’ve already been speaking with the mayor’s executive assistant, and they are excited about the opportunity to host a big event like this. I may have mentioned that we would possibly have the weight of a major label behind us. It’s a good look for the city and for Brick’s career.
“There are plenty of big names in the sports world to come out of Chaney, too. With this record label behind us, and both mine and Brixton’s contacts, I think we can create a pretty high-profile event. Chaney is home for us—for him—and it’s the first place he was ever heard. It’s only right that we double back and make it the first place he’s fully seen.”
Siah hadn’t said anything yet, but I could tell he was impressed. Hell, I was, too. I mean, I knew she was a genius, so her masterfully laid out plan wasn’t surprising. I just loved thatshe understood the core of who I was, and she made it a point to embedmein every aspect of the creative vision. My lyrical journey didn’t start in a studio. It was stated on porches, parks, and corner stores.
“Plus,” Dy continued, “birthdays are symbolic. It’ll be like a full-circle moment—closing one chapter and opening the next. A new era.”
Siah was speechless for a minute. Then he smirked and started a slow clap. Shaking his head, he said, “Damn, Brick. She’s good. I mean, you’re good too, but damn. You done messed around and made the best decision of your life by linking with this young lady.”
“No doubt about it,” I said, glancing over at a blushing Dylan.
By the time the meeting was over, we had a strong foundation for this rollout. This was really happening, and it was all kind of surreal, but the truth was that my mind wasn’t really on business anymore.
I couldn’t stop admiring my lady. I enjoyed watching her in business mode, and I loved witnessing how hard she was going for me. I appreciated Dy more than she’d probably ever know, but I was going to do my best to convey the message.
Once it was all over, we shook Siah’s hand and headed out of the building. Dylan slipped her hand in mine and squeezed.
“How are you feeling?” she asked, looking up at me.
“Good as hell.”
She smiled. “You should. It’s all happening, and you deserve it.”
Lifting our hands, I kissed the back of hers. “Yeah, it is, and it’s all thanks to you. I used to feel like this shit was so out of reach for me. Like it would never be more than just a dream. Turns out, I just needed my soulmate by my side to help me build it.”
She blushed right on cue, and I stopped walking and wrapped her in my arms. “I love you, Doll.”
Lifting on her toes, she puckered her lips, and I obliged by pressing mine against them. “I love you more.”
Eighteen
Dy
“Jai City is lit up for your man, D.”
Looking around, I nodded to agree with Wilder.
“I know. I can’t believe it.”
Pulse Pointwas packed, and the energy was crazy. The streetlights were draped in twinkle lights, I had set up some of Brick’s favorite restaurants to have food trucks lining the block, and in the center of the plaza was a stage.
There was a life-sized banner on stage that read in gold letters:Happy Birthday, Brixton Ellis: Verse Two. Every digital billboard in the city displayed the same message.
Wilder kissed her teeth.
“I can. Girl, you’re amazing at what you do. The fact that Brick’s debut and this concert are your first solo projects is a testament to how far your business is about to go. You’re the shit, D.”
Smiling, I shook my head, but I humbly accepted her words of affirmation.
