Fireworks 3 and 4

Fireworks: Forever Chapter Three

    The storylines were salacious and outrageous. Artists weren't the only ones given file folders detailing what actions they needed to take. A&R agents were given instructions to sign and develop new artists fitting certain molds. There was a heavy demand for female urban hiphop artists, preferably with multiple tattoos. Descriptions were extremely detailed. Level of talent could range from beginner to seasoned artist. What was important was that the artists came with their own following and prior knowledge of how to engage with their fans. Ideally, artist candidates would come with at least 250,000 social media followers they've managed to gather on their own. 

    "The urban artists we're looking to sign should have a raw, gritty look - nothing too polished. We're not looking for more Nicki Minajes at the moment, since those are hard to find. We're looking for more Lustyy Lavenders. Wigs that look like they could've been purchased at Party City. Clothing that looks like it could've been purchased from Rainbow or Shein. For our consumers in urban areas, these artist candidates could be their friend or some girl they know from down the block. Relatability is what we want."

    "Lustyy Lavender isn't necessarily relatable," another executive countered quietly. "The majority of her interviews are tirades about baby daddies in prison and how many STDs she's contracted. I know people who live in urban areas and that is not how they're living."

    "That's because we take someone relatable and then...amp up their personality a bit."

    "This is all a bit..."

    "Let me ask you something, though. Do you listen to rap?"

    "Not at all."

    "But you knew who Lustyy Lavender was before you set foot inside of this conference hall today, right?"

    "I guess. Sure, yeah. Of course. Her photos and videos are being plastered everywhere."

    "Exactly. At the end of the day, that's all the big boss cares about. Household names. Everyone knowing who she is increases the chances that someone else who doesn't usually listen to rap will take a listen."

    "But the meetings we had a few months ago were talking about how all of this overexposure isn't translating into sales."

    "Which is why we're here today. They thought it would work. It didn't."

    "So sign more artists who fit that mold? More artists whose antics won't translate into sales?"

    "At this rate, we just need to do what we're paid to do. This is what they're telling us to do. So we do it. You saw how he was with Billie when she started asking questions."

    Sza and Doja Cat stood in the corner of the room RCA Records was meeting in. Doja ran a hand over her short hair. "For them to bring everyone together like this, they have to be scared."

    "As terrified as they're making us," Sza agreed.

    "I just know they're going to assign some stupid shit for me," Doja muttered. "I've already had to do stupid shit. See...this is why artists snap. If they just left us alone to create our art, we'd be fine. But they throw in this weird, bureaucratic, industry bullshit and it drives us crazy. Did you hear how he was talking in there? If they want us to divorce our spouse, we have to? Our loyalties are to them first?"

    "Bullshit," Sza surmised with a shake of her head. 

    Doja squinted at Sza. "Are you high right now?"

    "I couldn't be any higher right now if I was in space," Sza admitted.

    Doja burst out laughing. "Then what the hell am I venting to you for? You're not going to remember this conversation."