123. Again & Again 💥

I sat in the backseat, singing along to my song "Again" featuring Larry when it was cut short by the radio personality.

"Now, you all know we've been waiting to hear the verdict on whether Ricky Santana, President of RiSe Records is guilty or innocent in the murder case of former intern T'keyna Brown. It was just announced that the jury found Ricky Santana innocent. You heard me correctly. Ricky Santana is innocent..."

I sighed as my phone vibrated. I picked it up to see Monica had text me.

Monica: Can you believe they letting him go? All the evidence pointed to him. He was at T'keyna's apartment the night she died. Like ???

Me: I know but are you surprised? I'm sure this man will continue to get away until he is no longer "protected"

Monica: Now you sound like me! 👏👏👏 Where you at?

Me: Lol I'm almost home.

Monica: From where?

Me: Shopping. I want to have some cute outfits to wear for when we go back to East Grove.

Monica: Bet! Well, I'll see you tonight. E and I are going out to eat.

Me: Enjoy!

In a week, we'll be flying back home for Zeke and Monica's wedding. I still can't believe my cousin is getting married. Like, there was a man out there that said he wanted a crazy woman and accepted the challenge. I guess there's someone for everyone out there.

My driver/security guard Miguel dropped me off, making sure I was inside the house before driving away. Don't laugh, but Miguel is Maximo's nephew. He's not as outgoing as Maximo, but he does his job to perfection; especially, since Maximo works for the Rivers and couldn't leave their house to be my personal driver.

Inside my house, I navigated around all the boxes before finally making it up the stairs to my bedroom. I dropped my shopping bags by the closet before going to the bathroom. Afterwards, I took a shower. When I was dressed in my PJs, I hopped in bed. Time to find something to watch.

My phone vibrated - reminding me to turn the vibration off. I smiled when I saw Larry's name.

Larry: What's up, Jamie Jae!

Me: LOL Hey, Larry

Larry: You know I just signed with Unlimited Records

Me: I heard! Congratulations!!!

Larry: Thank you! Since my first song is a hit they want to shoot a music video and I thought it would be a great idea to not only shoot a video for my song but yours too

Me: Come again?

Larry: We featured on each other songs. So let's do like Michael Jackson and make a long video. I mean it'll be two music videos but we'll release it as one long video

Me: After this week, I'll no longer be signed to RiSe Records

Larry: I know. That's why Unlimited agreed to fund your music video too

Me: WHAT???

Larry: Yes! They want you that bad

Me: Idk. "Easy" was my last music video. I don't think "Again" needs a music video

Larry: Why?

Me: 🤷

Larry: Jamie, I know singing is your dream. You can't leave music like it meant nothing. RiSe Records is trash. Forget about Ricky nem. You don't owe them any loyalty. Your fans did more work for you than they ever did. Do this music video for your fans.

Kenneth and I rehearsed the choreography for the fifth time while Larry shot his scenes in the first music video for his song "Name is Larry" which was still number one by the way.

When it was my turn, I stood in front of the camera. After hearing the word action, the hook played and I sang along to the lyrics. "Put this on repeat 'cause this is a hit. You won't find a copy - no identical twins. I don't make friends. I diss-track enemies. C'mon and say it with me. His name is Larry."

Then, Larry did a few takes with me as I sang the hook.

"Cut!" The director shouted.

"Look at you smiling!" Larry pointed at me. "What I tell you?"

I shook my head. "You keep making me laugh. Acting silly."

Larry gave me a side hug. "I'm just having fun, and I'm glad you here." He yelled for everyone to hear, "JAE A.B. IS IN MY MUSIC VIDEO, YO! HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN SAY THAT?"

A few people giggled.

After a wardrobe change, it was time to shoot scenes for my video. To merge our music videos, I would do a dance routine as the music changed from his to mine. With dancers behind me, I started the dance that Kenneth and I practiced earlier. It wasn't complicated, but it was by Kenneth aka nothing easy - think J-Setting meets Michael Jackson. #Epicness

Larry's song was more of a chill rap song whereas mine was more of a chill R&B song. Now that I think about it, I don't think there's much of a difference. They were both nostalgic in a way. Mine had more of a 90s feel. Larry's song felt more like an early 2000s song. This music video merge/extension was actually perfect.

As soon as my song began to play, the dancers changed from their uniform dance clothes into individualistic party outfits. I did a fast spin as my jumpsuit turned into a spaghetti strap dress. Let me tell you fashion is making inventions these days. I love it!

I started to sing to my song, "Oh-Ohh, baby! Again and again!" I talked to the camera. "Everybody thinks we're perfection. Nobody ever has to question. When it's you and me, it's us against the world, but see... when you don't call me and act like you don't know me... I get in a defensive mood. It becomes pointless to argue with you. Let's agree to disagree... I like you and you like me. Why do fools fall in love again and again and again and again."

After a few more scenes to shoot with the verses in the song, it was time to film Larry doing his rap.

Larry came out dressed in literal late 90s/early 2000s men's attire. It was unreal!

Everyone on set pulled out their phones. For a quick second, I had to check that I was still under disguise with my sunglasses and hat on. I don't want to be caught slippin' during the making of my last music video. Could you imagine?

At the sound of action, Larry turned into a superstar. "Jae baby, chill on that hook you singing. I can't agree to disagree that we should stop talking. Girl, we been through thick and thin. I'm the only man you ever been -- whenever you needed me, I'm always on time. Ja Rule and Ashanti -- we stayed on the grind. Call ya mama, call ya mama, call your sister and your cousin, too. I'm your only best friend. Who else you gonna vent to? We've known each other since forever. Mariah said it best, we belong together..."

I winked at him.

He smiled at me. "Don't front 'cause you know I got your back. When the storm is heavy, I breeze right through the track. I'll say it again, mami, I got your back. When it rains outside, I'll take you outback. I can't lie, I like when you get mad, bae. Hate to see you leave, but love when you walk away. I'll be like Martin Payne -- begging you to stay. Here we go again. Time to serve that soufflé or we can go back 'Home' and 'Choose' to take it 'Easy.' Push play on the sound of Jae and Larry. You give me nostalgia with this 90s beat. You forever my lady. Call me Jodeci."

I seriously could not stop laughing. It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. I was glad that Larry talked me into it. I was definitely going out with a bang.