When I walked back in, Sean asked if I’d smoked a blunt on break because I was so much more relaxed.

“Don’t do drugs, fam," I replied. "Just took a minute to get my shit together”.

Things were progressing well, and we were about to wrap for the day when Natas and Damien walked in with Yung Punch.

Natas was wearing his signature black suit and red tie. It was perfectly pressed, looking like he never walks or sits down. Beside him was Yung Punch, the flagship artist for Natas Music Management.

Punch was rocking a black doo rag and a matching wife-beater. His high-end blue jeans were sagging off his waist enough to see his designer underwear. Around his neck hung a thick platinum chain with a diamond-studded ‘N’—a piece of jewelry that let everyone know he belonged to Natas.

That ain't gonna be me, I thought. The Tour Announcement

At least a quarter of the plaques in the building belonged to Punch. He had hits like “Beat a Bitch Ass,” and “I Don’t Drink Lean, But I Make Music Like I Do”.

Natas charged over to embrace me with a full dap and hug. “You likin’ the studio we got you in?”.

“Hell yeah. I’m used to recording at the crib”.

“Only the best for my man. Speaking of, let me introduce you to our banner holder, Yung Punch”.

“What’s up, homie? Nice to meet you,” I said, extending my hand.

Punch acted like he didn't want any part of it. Natas ignored the awkwardness. “Figured it was good for y'all to meet since you’re going to be the opening act of his tour this summer”.

“For real?” I was stunned. No more dive bars or rickety stages. I’d be playing for thousands.

Punch was just as surprised, but he looked pissed off. “Natas, I didn’t say yeah for sure on that one”.

“Punch, why wouldn’t you? We’re family,” Natas said.

I tried to ease the tension. “Listen man, I ain’t tryin' to make anybody feel uncomfortable...”.

“Nigga you ain’t making nobody feel shit. Shut yo’ ass up while grown folks talk,” Punch snapped. He pointed his hand at me in a gun pose, right in my face.

I smacked it away. “Who the fuck you talking to?”.

The Petty Verse

We both stepped to each other, ready to swing. Natas and Damien quickly jumped between us.

“Whoa fellas, calm down," Natas said. "Punch, Quan will be touring as your support, nothing more”.

“Make sure of that,” Punch growled. The look on his face made me wonder why I hadn't come strapped.

“Anyway, Quan, what you got recorded so far?” Natas asked.

“Right now, we have the hook and a verse laid. I was going to go home and do the rest, but somebody just inspired the next verse”. I was about to be petty.

Natas licked his lips. “Well shit, let’s hear it”.

Sean pressed play on the Lewis Cool track. It was a headcracker with epic strings and a crazy synthesized key. Everybody was bouncing to it—except Punch.

“Aw hell naah! That’s the track me and the homie Lil Bang was supposed to do,” Punch yelled.

“He dead. Shhh,” I muttered.

The chorus started:

Love me hate me need me want me drop the gauntlet face me, get killed off come back haunt me still won’t faze me, I'm amazing, and the rest of ya’ll is naithing - pacing - slow mo, one step at a time an old pro, pass ya’ll cats like gallstones.

Punch and I locked eyes, opposite reflections of each other. He looked like a lion ready to pounce. I was relaxed, ready to make him madder.

I started the verse:

I crush foes I wreck shit, that right now and next shit, you kinda good I’m the best shit, wish a muthafucka would oh yes bitch,

I returned the pistol hand point he’d shown me earlier, yanking it back before he could smack it away.

don’t test this might just fail, aggression I excel, exhale breathe in, doubt comes seeps in,

Punch went into a full-on rage. Natas and Damien had to grab him, but I didn’t react. I treated him like he wasn't even there. Finally, Damien escorted him out of the studio.

That left me, Natas, and Sean nodding our heads in unison while I spit the rest of the verse.