“As long as we do this together, then yes.”
“Okay, perfect. First order of business, album launch. The guys are handling the production and financial part, we’re going to take care of how you want to put it out there into the world. Have you thought about it?”
Samari shook her head and removed her phone from her purse, smiling at the text that came through.
Asao: You good?
Samari: Yes
Asao: That one word was dry as hell. You sure?
Samari: I’m sure, now leave me alone. I’m working and my label rep said she needs my undivided attention.
Asao: Bet, you got that because I’m gonna need your undivided attention later.
She grinned and locked her phone.
“Oh that man has it bad.” Kolby said with a grin.
“He does but so do I?” Samari admitted before getting back to work. “But no, I haven’t thought about anything.”
“What about a silent listening party? I mentioned it to Niles and Dom as a way of introducing the album and the label. We could have it at Track Killaz.”
“I’m good with that.”
Samari had been to an event set up that way. The guests were provided headphones to hear the music. It hadn’t been a listening party or album launch but she loved the concept and felt it could work.
Kolby smiled brightly and reached for the tablet next to her. After swiping for a few, she handed it to Samari. Once she had it in hand, Samari scanned the screen.
“Swipe left to see the full layout.”
Kolby took the liberty of pulling out images of what she visualized for the listening party. There were clips of people in all white to set the vibe, white sheer silk hanging from the ceiling. clips from a club venue, and mockups of Samari’s album cover which was just a picture of Samari standing near the shoreline. Samari recognized the beach and the moment it had been taken. She had been at Asao’s house in Crescent Cove.
“He gave you this?”
“Yeah, I asked for a picture of you since I didn’t think it was a good idea to pull one from your past work. That’s what he gaveme. We would need to reshoot it but the vibe is dope as hell. Kinda like a transition or rebirth, since that’s where you are.”
Samari nodded and smiled. Her body blazed with acknowledgment. She wondered how many more stolen moments he had stored away in his phone.
“Unbound.”
“Unbound?” Kolby asked until Samari’s gaze met hers and she got it. “Yeah, that’s dope. The title of your album?”
Samari nodded. “I haven’t told anyone yet.”
Kolby arched a brow. “Not even your man.”
Samari shook her head again. “Not even him. I needed to sit with it for a minute to make sure it felt right. I guess since you’re officially on my team I might as well share.”
“Ahh shit. We’re about to fuck shit up, Mari. The ladies of Track Killaz will be running things.”
Samari laughed because that was the same sentiment she had when it came to her and Fyre. They were simply adding Kolby to the list. “We are. I like that picture too. If we can make it work I’m cool with using the one we have.”
Kolby nodded, extending her hand to accept the tablet. Once she had it in her possession, she began tapping the screen to take notes. “I feel like we can make it work. They can do some enhancements but the grainy vibe gives it a nostalgic feel and that’s what I get from your songs. It’s like nineties R&B, house parties, and cruising the block with your girls, looking for them fine ass men who aren’t any good but the minute you fall, his bad becomes your good.”
Samari grinned. “It’s exactly that.”
Because that was what it was inspired by, a man who was all the wrong things but right for her.
