I winked at her, feeling more confident than ever. I placed a kiss on Nuri’s cheek. “Be right back,” I whispered in her ear before hopping on the low stage.
Applause erupted as I made my way to the center. “Don’t nobody got my heart like the east side. Wassup, family?” I greeted the crowd in a low voice.
Unlike other artists, my city loved me. They supported me without hesitation or hatred. It was what helped me get my big break in the music industry, so I would always be thankful.
“I want to thank my sister Jiah for putting together this amazing event. It felt good to see so many children excited aboutgetting books or coming up here to perform. So, this is for y’all… my heart.”
I looked over at the deejay working the event and nodded. My hit single “East Side Baby” blared from the speakers. I nodded my head to the beat, getting into my element. It didn’t matter that this was a free community event. I was still going to perform like it was a sold-out arena on my headliner tour.
“They said I would never be somebody
But I’m cruising down Prosper Ave and I feel like somebody
I remember walking to school with no socks, clothes bigger than my dreams, and a home-cooked meal wasn’t a normal thing
They laughed because I couldn’t speak, but I was too busy reliving violent murder scenes
Raised in a dark crack house
I saw plenty people come in and out
None of ‘em gave a fuck so I had to take my own route
To this paper
Fuck a hater and what they gotta say
Wasn’t none of them with me when I didn’t have a safe place to lay
I might be quiet, but I’m deadly like a lion
For my fam know I’m clutchin’ that iron, ain’t no talkin’, ain’t no fightin’
And that’s my story, and I don’t give a fuck who judge
I’m still here, standing tall, money good, so my family up
East side baby for life.”
Nothing could’ve prepared me for the moment I glanced over at Nuri to see her rapping along with everyone else. She looked at me with such awe that it knocked all the air from my lungs. She had to be listening to my music on repeat to have my lyricsmemorized. I couldn’t describe how the realization made me feel, but I knew this woman had a special place in my heart. I performed two more popular songs before thanking everyone for coming out. When I hopped off the stage, Nuri rushed into my arms.
“Wow, you were amazing!”
I wrapped my arms around her waist. I distracted myself by inhaling her perfume instead of displaying the goofy smile I really wanted to. “Thank you, Legacy.” Unable to stop myself, I kissed her on the cheek. “I see I really made a fan out of you,” I teased.
She nodded without shame. “I told you that. I can only imagine what you’re like on tour.” She clapped excitedly. “Oh my God! I’m married to a fucking superstar.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. I tossed an arm over her shoulder as we walked away. Jiah was staying behind to clean up. Jah took up the rear as we walked back to the big house. Lazer and Burg had faded back to the block. We were quiet at first, but there was something I was curious about.
“Why did you hum India Arie while putting that baby to sleep?”
Nuri glanced up at me and smiled, but I could see some sadness in the depths of her brown eyes. She gulped and began twiddling her fingers. My arm was still around her shoulder, so I pulled her closer for support. “My mom used to sing that to me whenever she was putting me to sleep. Even when I was a grown woman, I would lay my head on her lap while she hummed or sang that song to me.”
I kissed the side of her head and nodded. I loved all the ways Nuri found to keep her parents alive. She thought she was alone, but it was clear to me that they were still living inside of her. When we made it to the big house, she sat on the porch to watch the sunset while I went to check on my sister.
When I came back out half an hour later, Nuri was on the steps, swaying from side to side, still humming that India Arie song. I didn’t need to see her face to know she was crying. I hated that I’d even left her alone. Closing the distance between us, I walked down the steps. When she looked up, she saw my hand reaching for her. Her tear-streaked face nearly brought me to my knees, but I held it together for her.
“Ready?”
