Drumline: A New Beat (2014) Movie Script
Pomp and
Circumstance"
As you ladies go out
and conquer the world,
remember the words of our
dear Eleanor, you gained
strength, courage,
confidence, by every
experience in which
you really stop-
to look fear in the face,
you must do the thing you
think you cannot do.
Congratulations
class of 2014.
Hey.
Congratulations, baby.
Dani, I can't
believe you wore those.
Oh Mom, after four years
of the same uniform, these
shoes are my declaration
of independence.
Tyree quit playin'!
Well, congratulations,
baby cuz.
So what's the 911?
We can't be
late for my party.
We all chipped
in for the best.
What?
Woo!
Ahh!
Oh!
Look at you cheesin'.
Whatever man.
I cannot wait to play
with the line in college.
Still can't believe your
parents are cool with you
going to ANT.
I mean, don't they need
you going somewhere like
Harvard, Brown or Spelman
for dinner party
cool points?
What?
I mean, c'mon D you know
they're all about public
image.
- It's not true Ty.
A blank image
in the house.
Happy graduation, baby.
Oh my god, this is so fly!
And you gonna look even
flier when you driving
this right on
Spelman's campus.
Is this car supposed to
make me change my mind?
There is no such thing
as a drum line in the real
world, Danielle.
You have to start
preparing for your future.
We'll handle everything.
I got a doctor colleague
of mine, he's going to
let you shadow him
at Emory.
You guys have no faith in
me, no faith that I can
make a decision on my own,
even if it's about my own
life.
As long as we are funding
that life, we will help
you make those
right decisions.
Then I'll except the
partial scholarship they
offered me, and I'll get
a job to cover my extra
expenses but, I
am going to ANT.
You will not get a- No,
no, she thinks she can do
it, do it.
I need to take control of
my life without you guys
planning
everything for me.
I'm stronger
than you think.
Danielle-
It's official, this year's
On the Jamboree
Classic Battle of the Bands
is gonna be hosting
on ANT's campus.
Now the Panthers haven't
won a classic in years,
but they're trying to
turn it around with
a new director.
Atlanta native and
ANT alum Sean Taylor.
Back in the day Sean and
future superstar Devon
Miles were unstoppable.
Yes, he's the Panther's
great black hope, welcome
home Sean, leggo.
Man, I can't believe you
guys round up here in my
momma's old car, when we
could've been stunting in
that new ride.
I have to prove that I can
do this on my own, which
means no extras
from my parents.
Hey Tyree, can you
help us with our bags?
Oh, let me get with y'all
in a minute, let me just
get my cousin
settled real quick.
That drum solo you posted
on YouTube, it was hot.
D, I told you.
Woo, I get much respect
for being section leader.
This is our year to take
back the championship.
Woo hoo, you know, if you
get the orientation and
make the line, you
gonna have to bat out too.
Okay, not only will I make
the line, but I will be-
the first female
section leader.
I know, cuz. Just
slow down, all right?
All right.
All right.
Dani Raymond, right?
Yeah.
I looked you up on
Facebook, I'm your
new roomie, Tasha!
I know, I tried to
look you up too.
I deleted that account,
college is all about
reinvention, all you
need to know is that I'm
country, I'm clean, and I
don't plan to kill you in
your sleep.
C'mon, I like the new outfit.
- Thank you, girl.
Ripped jean situation.
A lot has changed around
here since we were on this
field together, Sean.
Well Nia, oh, I'm sorry,
Dean Phillips, it's gonna
take some getting used to.
And you think
Dr. Taylor won't?
Welcome home.
What it is, I have
you to thank for that.
Me and the recession, a
lot of black colleges need
money, and both of us
know, a good band puts
butts in the seats, and
butts in the seats puts
money back in the schools,
so that's why I told the
board to do whatever it
took to steal you from
GRD.
You know I was only the
assistant band director there.
Well, I guess you
better bring it then.
I was hoping we could get
past what happened between
me and you.
You mean what happened
between you and me and
my brother?
- We never talked about it.
That was a long time
ago... it's a new day.
I hope so.
Welcome to band
dorm orientation.
I'm Bulldog, drum major.
For the next three weeks,
I'm your momma and your daddy.
McKinley hall is co-ed,
now that may sound like
you can go buck wild,
but I don't play that.
Ladies, keep your
music boxes closed.
Fellas, keep your
instruments in their
cases, 'cause I
don't play that.
He's preaching like my
pops on Sunday morning.
Oh, ahh, Dani, Leon,
sixes, Leon this is Dani,
my roomie.
Whats up?
So, did we miss something?
Bullet points,
no hooking up.
But that's my major.
I know.
First party rule of the
south, shake your ass like
you got rent to pay.
From where I stand, it
is a beautiful thing.
Oh, I like a little
junk in the trunk.
Oh, no JFK didn't.
Hey look around, all this
fresh meat just waiting to
be tenderized.
Oh, yo, I'd rather feel
shorty over there lookin'
like she need
some home already.
Uhh, I got dibs.
No, no, no that ain't
dibs, that's family,
that's my cousin Dani,
she's off limits bro.
My bad.
- Yeah, it will be.
Hey yo, isn't that?
- Yup.
We got a celebrity here,
ANT this year y'all, yo,
yo, yo, yo,
yo, yo, yo, yo!
My man J is officially
in the building.
Damn, dude is fine.
That's my roomie, Jayven
Lapierre, his daddy is-
Jimmy Lapierre.
The singer?
Yeah.
Everyone samples his
music, I love him.
Music is in his blood, so
you know, they put him
on the line.
Do not pass go
with his fine ass.
Yeah, we don't all
snap our fingers.
That's what's up.
Okay.
Dr. Sean Taylor.
Look at you.
You know you got the
folks talking about you.
ANT's great black hope.
You got some big
shoes to fill, man.
ANT hasn't won a
classic since what?
Since Dr. Lee left to
conduct the
Chicago Philharmonic?
That's six years
ago.
Six years.
What you want, Kevin?
What I want?
I want to see my brother!
You know I shouldn't
feel bad directing over
at Southern State,
considering I did my
marching right
here at ANT.
Yeah but, loyalty was
never your thing, right?
Loyalty?
Were you feeling very
loyal when you challenged
me for section leader?
Mr. Big Shot Junior, just
couldn't wait in line.
Kevin, I took section
leader from you because
you ran along
with your ego.
No, you took it because
you always thought you
were better than me.
Oh... man, is that Nia?
Mmm, you know Nia still
look good, I divorced that
woman five years ago and
she still do something to
me man just, mmm.
I guess we
both lost a lot.
I'll leave to
your unpacking.
See you on the
battlefield.
So, uh, I'm supposed to
be taking roll of all the
finest honey's in here, so
I know I got to shake off
your name.
Oh what?
- No name?
Okay then, what's your section?
I mean, not that it's not obvious.
Oh, is it?
Oh yeah, I mean, AN always has the baddest
dance team of any band.
So, I'm a dancer?
Yeah, no doubt.
What the?
Hoo!
Welcome to hell week.
Craps.
Bags off craps!
So, word around campus
is y'all think y'all good
enough to drum for ANT.
Get 'em.
As of right now, I'm known
to you all as 'big brother
run tell that.'
- Greetings big brother
run tell that.
You know why?
'Cause when I play, I play
so good, it makes people
want to what bustin'?
Run tell that!
- Run tell that who?
Run tell that big
brother run tell that!
All right.
And I am your
section leader.
You will refer to me
as 'the storm chaser, '
because I'm gonna be
raining down on your ass
all during orientation!
Now, let's see what I'm
working with here craps.
Jayven Lapierre, you
come on pedigree with your
famous pops.
Strap up.
Danielle
Raymond, strap up.
We bought to have an
old fashion drum off.
Not bad... for craps.
So whats up?
Dani the drummer.
Looks like, my skills.
All right, listen up
craps, you're all wearing
white, because right
now you are invisible.
You're nothing, you
have to earn your blue.
And you do that when we
see blood, sweat, and
tears.
Now, who's band is this?
Your band!
Who's band?
Your band big brother oh-ra,
sir!
Oh-ra.
Oh, I beg to differ.
Right now, this band
belongs to no one.
This band will never
belong to anyone, you must
belong to the band
to become champions.
You hear that?
That's ANT 2002.
You serious?
Back when the Marching
Panthers stood for
something.
And you, my friends, are
coasting on the reputation
built on the back of
the old school ANT.
I'll have no identify, no
one knows what ANT stands
for anymore.
And a team with no
identity, is no team.
You have to know who you
were to understand
who you are.
With identity,
comes purpose.
With purpose, comes
change, and with that
change, you will rebuild
this band and win
the classics.
What is the ANT creed?
C'mon, let's go.
Y'all do a push up,
c'mon down, c'mon,
c'mon soldier, let's go.
There we go.
- Yeah.
Score, c'mon,
c'mon, c'mon.
Get up there, get up.
Let's go, let's
go, let's go.
One drops, you all drop.
Move it.
Dani, don't be the reason
we start over, let's go!
Dani, that's not fast
enough, let's move,
let's move.
C'mon Dani, you
can do it, c'mon.
Man, y'all are
sleeping out here.
Yo Jay, wake your
crap brothers up.
Yo, yo, yo, yo,
yo, yo stop playing.
Raymond, who told
you you can play?
I was just- You play when
we say you play,
you got it?
Dude, Dani,
fall back in line.
Ahh.
Ugh.
Oh my god.
Someone needs to remind
"ass-mondi", that hazing
is illegal.
He's treating
you crazy, D.
No, he's treating me like
a drummer, I knew the drum
line was hard core.
He is just trying
to get in my head.
Damn.
Dang girl, that
envelope is hella thick.
My parents stopped
paying my cell phone bill.
You need to
change your plan.
Ugh, I need to get a job.
Just do what I do, I run
up other people's phone bills.
Boy, give me
my phone back!
I'm taking a selfie.
Before you lose a finger.
Excuse me, Dean Phillips,
I read online that you
were looking for an
office assistant.
I'm sorry, but most of the
work study positions go
just as quickly as the notices go up,
you have to be fast.
How's the band going?
Easier than
trying to find a job.
Oh, I remember struggling
being a Marching Panther.
You were in the band?
Dance co-captain by
day, dishwasher by night.
And the owner did not
believe in running dishes
through the machine, so.
Look, if you're willing
to work hard- I am.
Then I'll put in a
call to my old boss.
Thank you, Dean Phillips!
I'm just saying, how are
you going to be a soul
food spot and
a coffee bar?
It's too confusing.
May I have a two piece
dark and a soy mocha,
no whip?
See, that doesn't
even sound right.
You say something?
Guys, Dean Phillips is
awesome, she talked to the
owner, and he's gonna
try me out on a trial run.
A trial run means, I
better not see you hooking
your friends up
with free food.
Let's celebrate, I'll get the table,
you guys get this check?
Well.
Hey.
So, uh, you're the real
deal out there on that
field.
You know, that's
what I'm looking for.
Maybe you should put
in your application.
You must hate that there's
one girl whose not fallen
under the Jayven
Lapierre spell.
Ah ha, really?
I wonder what she
trying to prove.
She could ask
the same thing.
You know, when you have me
play, I ain't got to prove
nothing.
Are you sure?
Because all you do is
throw lines at me and
probably every
other girl in here.
I bet you can't say one
real thing, just one.
Okay, so what?
You think you know me?
Boy, I know
about 20 of yous.
Well okay, Ms. Raymond.
It's been a long three
weeks, tomorrow we'll have
the tree shaking,
auditions to determine your rankings.
P1, P2, you're guaranteed
to march, P3, P4 stick
with it, you want it?
You'll earn it.
Jayven.
Hey, hey, sorry I
didn't hear you.
Wow, you're here late.
Trying to be
ready for tomorrow.
Ahh guilty, guilty, that's why
I've been practicing here each night.
Why do you look shocked?
C'mon Jay, you
know you got this.
But why?
What?
Because of my pops?
Listen, I got hit because
of my skills, not his
connections.
You know, people talk like
they know about my life,
but they don't.
Bet they'd shut up if they
knew the ugly ass truth.
He ain't all that.
I didn't mean- No.
You wanted me to tell you
something real, well there
you go.
You can add a room.
My parents used to argue
a lot when I was younger.
They almost got
a divorce once.
So, I used to spend a
lot of time at Tyree's.
And, he had this drum set,
and at first I was just
messing around, but then
it turned into something.
It felt like everything I
needed to say was in
those sticks.
It still feels like it.
So now you know something
real about me, too.
Guess we all gotta
bring our A game.
I plan to.
Now as is the ANT tradition,
a senior line will determine
the rankings.
Leon, you're first up.
Try to impress me.
P1.
P2, Mr. Murphy.
P1.
P1, congratulations
Mr. Lapierre.
Dani, it's you.
Seniors.
Ms. Raymond, you're P2.
You D, I know you wanted
P1, but you'll get there.
I was good, I
played my ass off.
Oh really, oh that's funny
'cause I can still see it.
All right D, I know you
good, there's no doubt
about that, but maybe
you're just not ready
for the senate.
Did anyone hear the
forecast this morning?
For the next few weeks,
there will be a constant
unrelenting roaring sound.
Can you hear it?
Can you hear it?
You are officially
a part of a legacy.
You are this year's
Marching Panthers.
With identity comes
purpose, and with purpose
comes change.
Knock knock.
Big day tomorrow.
Yeah, first game
sets the tone.
Yeah.
Wow, is that us
back in the day?
Back to Lee,
wearing a tight shirt.
Well, word around campus
is you do too, so you
don't have anything
to be nervous about.
I'm not.
I dated you for three
years, I know you... enough
to remember your
pre-game tradition.
Two piece with hot
sauce, and a cherry coke.
Woo-hoo.
Sean, I umm- I
know, I should eat.
Right, right,
you should eat.
Well umm, good luck, I
don't think you need it.
Wow.
Huh, so you didn't go to
home grown with everybody?
I wanted to be
ready for tomorrow.
Mm, okay.
Hey, you alright?
I mean, I know I'm sexy
and all.
Boy, please!
Please what?
What?
You think I'm like what?
Scared, nervous,
in awe maybe?
You know what I'm learning
about myself lately?
I'm not afraid
of anything.
Now who's
scared, Mr. Lapierre?
Good night.
Yes sir, today is
the unveiling.
I'm trying to see what
Dr. Taylor and this new
ANT band are
bringing to the table.
I got my cooler-
C'mon, I'm not gonna
miss the bus.
Shoot, I forgot my
hat, go on without me.
Okay.
She been ready, I told
her to come through after
the game.
You already know.
Woo boy, we about to
kick the Glorie's ass.
And the senate is
tight as hell this year.
You can thank
me for that, son.
Yo, what you
do is dirty yo.
Man, I ain't having no
bitches on the line,
I don't care who a
cousin is, we ain't
that desperate.
I hear you.
Bro.
Look, here comes that
football player that keeps
checking me out.
Y'all tear it up out
there, I'll be watching.
We don't have enough
bitches on the line.
And I ain't having no
bitches on the line.
Yo, ruin your period?
Yo Armondi, chill out.
Let me handle this.
Yeah, handle her.
Tyree, I was just trying
to show that a bitch can
be on the senate, that's
what I am right Armondi?
He got the
line to block me.
Is there something I need
to handle, Mr. Raymond?
No, sir.
Get your line together,
Mr. Raymond... or I'll do
it for you.
Ty, he...
It's going to be okay, girl.
So, you gonna
let them run you?
Look, this is my
line, all right?
I know we're family, so
I'm gonna give it to you
straight, you
just messed up, D.
Why don't you help
unpack the drums, P2.
Hey.
So what happened
on that field?
I just got so mad after
I found out what
Armondi did.
Setting her off
on the field.
So you think I set it off?
Oh yeah, no doubt, on the
field and in the hallway.
Devon Miles.
Oh, I remember that hard
head gave you a run for
your money
your senior year.
Yeah, then he graduated
and turned into P-Diddy.
Mhm.
Music, clothes- Yup
Vanity water, my boy is
everywhere.
Oh god, he was cute.
If he wasn't married,
I'd ask you to hook me up.
Y'all still friends right?
I don't think you need any
help from that department.
You'd be surprised, after
the divorce I just,
I needed a break from men.
I had to get my
head right, you know?
So, I started
dating my career.
Shut up.
I'm just saying, I can't
remember the last time a
man picked me up in his
car and offered me some
Boone's Farm wine and
swept me away to some
real R&B, grown
and sexy music.
Wait, hold up,
Boone's Farm?
Don't act like you
don't drink Boone's Farm.
That's a long time.
Don't- Don't remind me.
Grown and sexy, huh?
But, I still got
the moves though.
Can you move to this?
Ohh, woo!
Yeah, I still got
the moves though.
I do too.
One lows.
Did you just body roll?
Oh you know, that's it.
Hey, mhm.
Mhm.
Awh, you still got it.
Dr. Taylor, you listening
to fifth quarter?
Southern State
is talking smack!
Oh.
Big Southern State
and ANT match up
this weekend,
any concerns about the
Bears' long standing
rivalry?
Oh yeah, I'm terrified.
Look here man, my
brother's a good leader,
and from what I've heard
they had a decent show
this weekend.
But, ANT hasn't
been a force in years.
Mmm.
So, from what I know, the
Panthers are about to
get declawed.
He's just trying to get in
my head before a game in
the classic.
Don't let him, this school
needs this band to be
great, and you
can do that.
Oh, don't worry, I
still got some moves too.
rivalry goes back years,
and we will show that
ANT can reign supreme.
You talk about identity,
this game this weekend,
this is ANT's identity.
So, I want your undivided
attention, when you wake
up, when you're in line at
the cafeteria, when you on
the phone begging for
money from your momma, run
your music, live in it.
Well, I hear
you're doing well.
It's a good thing, since I
put my dishwasher rep
on the line.
Thanks again for this.
You're welcome.
You okay?
Truth?
Mm-hmm.
Not really.
It's just band stuff.
Well, as dean of the
students, you can tell me
anything.
Let's sit.
I just don't know
how to feel about it.
Yo, can I use the iron?
Yeah, but I'm gonna
need you to put all that
chocolate away, if
I can't have none.
You know better, okay?
C'mon.
D girl, don't even worry
about Armondi, I heard he
barely made the
line himself.
He's insecure,
so he lashes out.
And that's because he
thinks he can break you,
'cause he do that
to me all the time.
Skinny, black, gay
preacher's son with the
big ass curly 'fro.
Damn, how many crosses
did you have to bear?
Enough to decide to
put them all down when I
stepped foot on this line.
Look, let him be stupid,
you just keep doing you,
all right?
Oh, I am.
I already handled it.
Hey.
So, uh, some of us are
going out tonight, and we
were, well I wanted to
see if you wanted to hang.
Well, mmm, I don't
have to work tonight.
Yo, we partying or what?
There goes Josh, trying
to get to Tasha again.
That is so not happening.
I hope the universe is
taking notes for my
new man.
I can take my own notes.
Not tonight, JFK.
C'mon.
Hey don't worry, look, I'm
sure the line will come
around and so
will our money.
I'm not worried, I'll
make them recognize.
Is this the
brand new Dani?
I like the sound of that.
Okay, okay, but let me
ask, do you think she's
got enough room for a
guy who's kind of sexy?
And real cocky?
We'll see.
C'mon.
Yo Jay, whats up player?
Rizzy.
I ain't even know
you was comin' man.
You pops is
about to do a set.
Oh yeah?
Yeah, I was just kickin'
it with some friends from
school.
Oh right, you're
Mr. Joe College now.
So, you coming in?
Um no, I'm sure he's got
enough fans for himself.
It'll be fun.
Y'all Jay's dad is
about to perform.
What?
Let's go.
What?
I'm down.
Yeah.
Let's do it.
All right, let's get
ready for some old school,
get in your
blood type music.
From Atlanta's very
own, Mr. Jimmy Lapierre.
Is your dad okay?
He's good, nothing new.
Too bad I'm cool.
Woo.
Ugh, how y'all doing?
Heard my boy was
here, where you at son?
C'mon put the light, put
the light up, I want to
see you.
Ha-ha-ha, that's my
C right there, ha.
Uh ah, give him a minute.
I was worried.
You ain't got to
worry about me.
Seriously?
What?
I'll open a window.
So you're just gonna
put that wall back up?
Cool ass Jayven,
ain't afraid of anything.
Okay whatever,
but this ain't you.
You know, maybe it is.
I mean, you saw
my pops tonight.
You know people think that
I live this strong life,
but it's not.
The great Jimmy Lapierre
ran through all his money
thanks to drinking,
drugs, and women.
Damn and I tried to help
him but, now he tours just
so he can get his fix.
So you know what?
Yeah, I do what I gotta
do so I can make my
own money.
Okay, but selling weed?
Yes!
I'm screwed up Dani.
But, I'm trying to fix
it, being here, earning my
spot on this senate, that
was my escape from
all of that.
Until tonight.
Maybe you should go.
Hey.
Hey.
You're not gonna get all
clingy on me now are ya?
Oh, I planned to get real
clingy, I've told you
too much.
Daddy.
Hmm, hi.
I got a call from the cell
phone company, your bill
is late.
I was, I was gonna
pay it when I got paid.
Yeah well, this is real
world stuff honey, due
dates matter, you
want me to cover it?
No, I got it, I'm
mailing it today.
Okay, how did
you make out?
Umm, make out?
Yeah, tree shaking, you
said you were shoeing for
something.
Yeah, the
audition, umm I made P1.
I hope studying fits
in there somewhere.
Yeah, I'm
handling it, trust me.
Baby look, now there's
plenty of semester left,
Spelman is a
viable option.
This weekend, we go to war,
on our own field, against
Southern State.
Now, I'm all too aware
that ANT has suffered some
casualties in this war
the last few years.
That all ends right now.
Who are we?
The Marching Panthers.
Who are we?
The Marching Panthers!
That's right.
Get some rest, dismissed.
Percussion,
stay on the field.
Dean Phillips has just
brought a situation to my
attention, and as a result
I will allow a challenge
from a P1 snare.
Ms. Raymond, step forward.
Dr. Taylor, that means
she's part of the senate.
Yes it does, Mr. Mason.
As is the rule, you
challenged the last
drummer placed
on the line.
Mr. Lapierre,
step up, step up.
All right then.
Not this time, Mr.
Lapierre, don't be
discouraged at this
moment, learn from it.
Welcome to the
senate, Ms. Raymond.
Dismissed.
Jayven, Jayven.
I'm sorry, I didn't
know that that was gonna
happen, I talked to Dean-
You knew, what being
P1 meant to me.
But it's cool,
brand new Dani, right?
Yay P1!
What?
Look you had a problem,
you took action, you
didn't know you were going
to de-ball your man in the
process.
Tasha.
We just got together.
So, I guess you
guys heard about me.
Ain't no body heard
nothing about you, JFK.
I can't march until I
get my chem grade up.
You know, who the hell
knows how many confirmed
elements there are in
the periodic table.
118 as of 2012, 98 of
the 118 occur naturally.
What?
What are you?
Some kind of sexy genius?
Maybe.
Umm, I have a
date, so I have to go.
But, if I see Jay in the
room later, I'll talk to
him okay?
I've been texting you.
Who are you, his momma?
Look, what's going on?
What did I do?
Oh, oh yeah that's right,
you, you wanted me to say
something real right?
Well this is me, just like
you're a daddy's little
girl who had to run to the
Dean's office in order to
get her way.
Jay.
Jay.
Y'all go on ahead.
You better bring it
tomorrow, trying to roll
with the senate.
Give it up for the
unstoppable Southern State.
And now, presenting the
Atlanta A&T Marching Panthers.
Focus.
Under the new
direction of Dr. Sean Taylor.
Remember what
we're here to do.
Okay, okay.
It actually
looks like A& has gotten their
groove back.
They just killed
Southern State.
The crowd agrees.
Oh but wait a minute,
Southern State is not
giving up that easy.
Their drum line is
making a call to war.
They want more.
Dr. Taylor, they
wanna battle.
No.
We do what we came to do.
Where you goin'?
Come on.
You scared, baby brother?
Senate, fall in.
You heard Dr. Taylor,
Senate, fall in.
Hell yeah.
Yo, Jay, you in for Dani.
What?
Should be my spot anyway.
Yo, Armondi,
this is my line.
Dr. Taylor, we want to
win, we need our best.
Jayven.
LaPierre, take the field.
Miss Raymond battles too.
Yo, Dani, keep
up on the beat.
Lets go, y'all.
Whoo!
Are we watching this,
ladies and gentleman?
A&T's drum line
is killin' it.
Oh no!
She dropped the sticks,
ladies and gentleman.
Automatic win for
Southern State.
Looks like A&T should have
quit while they were ahead.
Stupid Bitch!
Man, watch your mouth.
Ugh!
Whoo!
Hey!
Lets go.
Yo, yo, yo, stop playin'.
Mondi.
This aint football.
This aint football.
Man, some bands act
straight ghetto.
What's up?
Brutality on the field.
Tyree, are you...
Not now, D.
Yo, what was that
fight all about
on the field yesterday?
I know y'all seen it by now.
Southern State and A&T,
it's all over You Tube,
so we know the classic
gonna be fire.
I will handle the band.
So who's gonna handle you?
The director of the classic
is threatening to pull
it from the school.
Sponsors are wary due to
the show of violence.
What the hell, Sean?
There's some dissention
among the senate.
Come on.
This is just as
much about you
and your competition
with your brother.
Oh, comin' from the
woman that played
us against each other?
Oh so you...
finally wanna
talk for real?
Well lets talk for real.
Your identity was all
wrapped up in this band.
You broke up with
me senior year.
Yeah, and you landed in my
brother's bed a month later.
I will not let the school suffer
for this nonsense between
you and your brother.
We need the profit and the
exposure from the classic.
Nia.
If you can't fix what you
broke, then we're done.
That fight was a disgrace
to your history,
your school and yourselves.
I'd suspend you all,
but A&T's got too much
ridin' on the Classic.
Miss Raymond and Mr.
LaPierre, step forward.
What is our motto?
One band, one sound.
And yet, it was all about
you Saturday, wasn't it?
What happened on that
field wasn't me.
Who we are at our core
is a series of actions.
Of all the actions
you could've taken,
you chose to turn your
back on your line.
And in that moment,
Miss Raymond,
you were exactly
who you are.
Until further notice,
you two are both P4's,
meaning you participate
fully in practice,
but no performance.
You wanna show boat?
Why don't you show boat
while you clean drums,
haul water, and try to
gain some respect back?
10 laps.
Or do you want 20?
Talk about identity and all
I saw on that field was ego.
about extended practices
until further notice.
Dr. Taylor got the
biggest ego out here.
Shut up.
There might be a slight
change of plans, people.
I hear the Classic might be
held at a different school.
I'll keep you posted, just
stay tuned in and turnt up.
Hey.
It's Sean.
I know, long time.
Now, save your strength,
still gotta clean these
drums after practice.
And I want em
squeaky clean.
All right, man.
We got it.
No, no, no, no, no.
I want her to do it.
She started this, now
she can finish it.
Yo!
What up big homie?
I'm sure you all know Devon,
especially since every other
song on the radio is his.
Oh, don't forget
about the Grammy.
Now, you know how I feel about
disruptions during practice.
Man, you called me.
Plus, I am not dressed
to be doing no laps.
These is my gelins.
Tasha, wait up.
I got a business
proposition for ya.
Not sure I wanna be in
business with ya' JFK?
Look, I need a tutor.
I'm trying to get back on
the field for the Classic
and the chem is kicking
a brother's ass.
What brother?
All right, I have
a test on Friday,
and as much as you
try to hide it,
I know you're
smart as hell.
I wouldn't say all that,
but I aint gonna turn
down no good money.
And I want it in quarters,
cause laundry is
kickin a sista's ass.
Yeah, you got it.
All right, deal.
All right.
D, I really appreciate you
offering to MC the Classic.
It's gonna be
A&T's best shot
at keeping it here
at the school.
Come on, it's nothing.
It's my pleasure.
I owe so much to A&T.
I owe a lot to
you too, big dog.
What about you?
You good?
Yeah.
You sure?
I don't know man.
I always dreamt of
coming back here
and leading this band.
I was gonna teach teamwork,
squash egos, let em'
discover who they are,
the power of what
they could do.
I don't even know if I
should be here sometimes.
Come on, man, you was
ready when you graduated.
The band just think they the
center of the world right now,
you gotta show em'
that they not.
Show em' what work is.
What would Quentin
say about you?
Besides, Quentin
definitely aint gonna help
you get back with Nia.
Nia Phillips is lookin'
mighty delicious.
You married, bro.
Yeah, happily.
But you aint.
Devon Miles.
It's been a long time.
Too long.
Oh my goodness.
Oh, thank you so much again for
agreeing to MC the Classic.
I mean thank you.
I always gotta
represent for A&T.
And my boy Sean.
You know what, I gotta make
a couple of phone calls.
I'm gonna go ahead
and step out.
The work of a
mogle's never done.
Thanks again.
Yeah, no doubt.
You know I still got it.
I see.
Get out of here.
So, you called him?
I broke it, I
wanted to fix it.
Well, it worked.
The Classic sponsors have
unanimously agreed to overlook
the A&T and Southern
State fight
and Devon's appearance
is gonna be
a huge draw for
the Classic.
So, thanks for helping
out the school...
Nia, what I said about you
and Kevin, it was low.
You know, you had a
role in this too.
You think Kevin is
all about ego?
Well so are you.
And truthfully, that man
I saw on the field
the other day is the same boy
that ran me off years ago.
They always question me
try to bring me down
I took AP Chem
in 10th grade.
Some of these study
aids should help.
Damn, in 10th grade I
was trying to step out
of my brothers shadow.
All seven of them.
So you came
here to stand out.
You noticed me.
And the way they
look at us when me
and you touch I do
Is this high school Tasha?
Did you look
cute in glasses.
You still do.
Uh uh.
Head in the books, Josh.
And, thanks.
I'll be right back.
All right.
Hey.
What's up?
You takin' orders?
Let me get the wings.
That all?
Yep.
So are we never
gonna talk again?
What do you wanna
talk about, Dani?
How you tryin' to be brand
new came between us?
Actually, that chick on your
arm is what came in between us.
You said you came to A&T to
get away from all of this.
This anger.
This image.
But you're slippin'
right back in, Jay.
Y'all done?
Yeah.
We're done.
Oh my love, my love
I know I may have changed
Oh my love, my love
I may have lost my way
Hey.
You okay?
Um, I'm fine.
You know what?
I'm gonna go talk to his
passive aggressive ass.
You said you were sorry.
No.
I'm just letting it go.
Hey.
I see you're here feeling
charitable too, huh?
Yeah, you know Alpha Beta's
all about community service.
Yeah.
Oh, sorry.
This is my girl Dani.
Hi.
Want a lot of things
that I couldn't have
I've done a lot of things
that I shouldn't have
And uh, this is my girl Cree.
Hi.
I'll see y'all around, okay?
Maybe he's just...
I know what he is.
I was just hopin'
that he wasn't.
Leon.
I gotta go.
Tyree.
I'll catch you later, bro.
Yeah man.
Tyree, come on.
I can handle everyone
else being mad at me.
I know I messed up at
the Southern State game.
Can we truce this?
Please?
I need you to help me
get back on the field.
Damn.
Them boys were
right about you.
You got bigger
balls than me.
What kind of misogynist
B.S. is that?
Listen, Dani.
I don't care what Armondi
and them think they did.
You didn't make
P1 that night.
The call was fair, and I
know because it was mine.
But I deserve...
But you don't get it.
You don't just deserve to
be out on that field.
I mean we all feel
like we deserve it,
but the difference is,
we aint all used to
getting everything
handed to us.
I have to believe
that I belong here.
Well maybe you don't.
Maybe your dad was right,
you should go to Spellman.
There aint nothing
for you here.
And that aint just
me talkin' neither.
Spellman?
Girl, Tyree is family.
He was just trippin'.
No, he's right.
I messed things up so badly,
and I can't fix them,
so I should just go.
Have you talked to Jay?
My Pops is gonna
be here soon.
I got so much
more to pack, so.
All right.
All right.
You guys better
get to practice
because I still want
a Panther victory.
Since day one we've
talked about identity.
I wanted you to know
where you came from,
but I also wanted you to
discover who you are.
Now in New Orleans,
my band, we had Jazz.
It was the sound of thriving
in the face of defeat.
But what's our sound?
Who are the
Marching Panthers?
Maybe we aint tryin'
to have a sound.
We just tryin' to
win the trophy.
Mr. Mason, there's
a whole...
Got a whole lot of mouth.
Sean, let me holla
at him real quick.
Y'all suppose to be
the Senate right?
You know it.
Section leader,
where you at?
Sup?
Meet me on the field
in five minutes.
All right, lets do this.
Lets see if you can
keep up, youngin's.
If you can.
Hey, my bad.
They're pretty good.
Kind of reminds me of
us back in the day.
Of course, they aint as
pretty as we were.
Na, na, na.
Never that.
Never that.
Man, how long it's been
since we've played together?
12 years.
Think you still got it?
We'll see.
Lets do this.
Damn!
Yeah.
We still do that.
One band...
One sound.
We know each other because we're
a team until the day we die.
Yeah.
I mean, there's a lot
of talent in this band.
Talent, aint get me
to where I am today.
Work ethic, drive, team work.
I learned all of
that right here.
Until y'all learn
that, you aint gonna
get no where near a trophy.
So, stop bitching
and be about it.
Truth.
One.
Two.
One, two, three.
They got a
business program.
Not only will you learn
how to be in a drum line,
you'll learn to own
your own line of drums.
Monetize that
which you love.
That way, our baby can
call the shots herself.
Dani, sometimes the
fun path for today
is not the right
path for tomorrow,
and it takes a lot of
courage to recognize that.
And I am so glad we raised
a daughter with courage.
That's more than I had.
This is not about your
vegan cake business...
It was a pastry
company, honey.
Those cakes tasted
terrible, baby.
And I only quit
because you wanted me
to follow you to
medical school.
And look at where we are.
And I resented it.
I can't go.
Danielle.
I needed to prove to you
guys that I could do this,
but the truth is, I had to
prove this to myself too.
And you did.
But I can't run just
because it got hard.
Spellman would be easier.
You guys would
make it easier.
But then I wouldn't know
what it's like to work
hard for something
on my own.
Is that what you want?
Yeah.
All right.
I guess I'm
unpacking the car.
Sorry I'm late.
Don't mind that letter
I left on your desk.
What letter?
Strap up, Miss Raymond.
Join your section.
Tyree.
I thought you quit.
I almost did, but
then I remembered
that membership
is an honor.
Marching is a privilege.
We value to uphold
that privilege
with honor and excellence.
We acknowledge
our past and...
Stop.
You know I say some dumb
things sometimes, cuz.
Must run in the family.
From the top.
One, two, three.
So, you're going to
keep your job?
Yeah.
I got used to making
my own money.
Guess who got a C
on this test?
Oh my God, you failed.
No.
A C is a pass, Tasha.
It's enough for me to march
with y'all at the Classic.
What?
Yeah.
Yes, yes, yes, yes!
Yes!
Oh yes.
I'm his tutor.
Tutor.
You never even
crack a book.
That's because I'm a
minister scholar.
I'm a straight up nerd.
I just don't like
to talk about it,
cause the dudes I
like to kick it with
don't like girls
with big brains.
They like big asses.
Then you are kickin' it
with the wrong dudes.
You need to
give me a shot.
JFK, I done told you...
What is it?
Huh?
Is it cause I'm white?
I've dated white dudes.
It's cause you're corny.
Tasha, he's not that bad.
Oh, then you go
out with him.
Look, I'm just
gonna keep asking,
and I can be super
corny when I'm trying
to get my mac on a
fine ass honey,
such as your self.
Oh, Lord, help me.
Come on.
What can it hurt?
Please?
Okay.
One date.
I am one piece
of a whole.
All hands at my
house, on my tempo.
Now that was old school A&T.
That was heart.
A&T's in your blood now.
I can feel it.
Now, I know many of you
might think my ego's
as big as some of y'alls.
It's okay.
We all let ego get in
the way sometimes.
What I just heard on
this field right here,
that is the result of
your hard work.
Now, one more thing before
practice is dismissed,
two P4's have earned their
way back on to the field.
Mr. LaPierre, Miss Raymond,
you will march
in the Classic.
There's still the issue of the
one spot left on the Senate.
Mr. Raymond?
I believe they both
deserve a shot.
Your section, your call.
All right, you'll
both compete
for the spot
after practice.
Jayven can have the spot.
He earned it fair and square.
I know I'll get my shot.
Then it's settled.
One band...
One sound.
Dismissed.
Leon.
Look, about Cree.
Come on, you know how
that is, right?
I'm not like you, man.
All out with mine?
I can't have everybody
up in my business.
I promised myself
I would never
go back into that
closet for nobody.
And it sucks cause
I really like you.
I gotta go.
Leon.
You started
runnin' at night?
You should have a stick,
or some pepper
spray, or something.
Nia, I'm sorry.
No matter what I do,
you're gonna hold me to
what I did a long time ago.
And I get it.
I married your brother.
How?
How'd you let that happen?
We bonded over
being mad at you,
and I mistook it for
a deeper connection.
But I remember that look on
your face when I said I do
and I know that's why you
took that job in New Orleans.
You're angry.
And I don't know if
you can get over it.
Good luck at the Classic.
And I have pepper spray.
Jayven.
Tomorrow's the Classic.
Why are you doing this?
Someone sold pictures of
my Dad buying drugs.
Now there's proof.
It'll be in the
tabloids tomorrow.
Everyone's gonna
see the truth.
I'm sorry, but that
is not your truth.
You said you wanted
something for yourself.
Well tomorrow is your chance
to prove to the world
who the real Jayven
LaPierre is.
Unless you're scared.
Of what?
Maybe you don't
really know yourself.
Wassup ATL?
It is the 5th quarter.
We are at the Southern
Jamboree Classic,
here on the campus of A&T.
It is going down.
The turn up is real.
Oh yeah, special
guest host,
Mr. Devon Miles
in the building.
I'm gonna let the
applause die down first.
Let me tell you, it is
an honor to be here, man.
You know, but it's
not about me today.
Honestly, it is all
about the band.
They comin' from all over
the Southeast to get it in.
And I hear, as usual,
Southern State is
the band to beat.
Dude, we beefin' already?
I'm just sayin'
what I heard.
Come on, man.
You know I'm A&T all day.
Quit playin.
All right, we're gonna see
what you're gonna do though.
Disrespect my section.
Leon, you seen Jayven?
He wasn't in the
room this morning.
Give it up for the Marching
Bayou Tech, Glory.
I was paralyzed by
those pair of lies
but those pair of eyes brought
me right back, back, back
to you I gave up my
pride for you
by my side I just want
you however I can
You're right, I was
still angry at you.
I know.
But I would rather be
with you in the present
then mad at you about the past.
That was real
smooth, Dr. Taylor.
Oh, I know.
Will you still hold my hand
when we're alone
will you still kiss me
Now lets go kick some butt.
Lets.
No, no, no, no, no.
You're missing the down beat
on the opening cadence.
Don't play on my drum.
I got this.
Didn't sound like it.
Yo, you need to check
your cousin, Ty.
Uh, no one needs
to check me.
Yo, I'm just glad your
ass is behind me.
Where it belongs.
Hey man, ease up.
I thought you bailed.
Not when I have
something to prove.
Awe.
What?
You hittin' that again?
You must be smokin',
like your Pops.
Mondie, squash it.
Hey you know what,
I got this, Ty.
Lets go, right
here, right now.
Head to head, you and me.
You up for the challenge?
Cause if I get your
spot, I'm keepin' it.
Man, get out of
here with all that.
Then I guess it's squashed.
Give me my sticks.
Baby brother, I hope you got
your band together this time.
I guess you'll find
out on the field.
Indeed we will.
Sup, Nia?
Oh I see, we're having
ourselves a little,
little reunion, huh?
You know, I knew this was why
you really came back here.
Good luck, Kevin.
Luck is when opportunity
meets preparation.
Plus, I always win.
Aint that right, Nia?
And now that the
sun has set.
Ladies and gentleman,
coming to the field,
under the direction
of Dr. Kevin Taylor.
The reigning
Southern Jamboree
Classic Champions,
Southern State.
Boo.
SSU.
Boom!
All right.
That was all right.
I'm not mad at
that at all.
All right, come on A&T,
this is your moment.
And here they are,
on their home turf.
The one, the only, A&T Marching
Panthers, directed by...
Hey, let me do the honors.
Directed by my friend,
Dr. Sean Taylor.
Are we watching this entrance,
ladies and gentleman?
Is this how we feel?
It's working.
It's working.
A&T is turnt up.
Hey, it's real out there.
It's a little different.
A&T is back!
The Panthers
came to battle!
I see what y'all doing.
Not very traditional,
it's different.
Whatever the
outcome, it's gonna be close.
They brought it today.
Absolutely
Oh, Lordy.
I don't know y'all.
And here it comes!
The winner of the
7th Jamboree Classic
and $75.000 cash, for the
first time in 6 years.
Atlanta A & Marching Panthers.
That's what I'm
talking about, baby!
I knew we had it.
Didn't I say we had it?
I was right.
Oh, wait,
wait a minute.
Southern State
Drumline is calling
for a Drumline Challenge.
Looks like we've
got ourselves
a little sore
loser challenge.
I say we go out there
and we spank 'em.
You already won.
You've got nothing
else to prove.
We know that.
But we think Southern State
needs a little lesson.
M hmmm.
So say you all?
A&T, A& Then, spank 'em.
Yeah baby.
Dr. Taylor.
I have an idea.
Wait a minute, I've
never seen this before.
I've never
seen this before.
That's
what we do, ok?
As you know
a lot of folks say,
Drumline is where you
actually find a champion.
Well, we're going to
find out today.
We got this.
Get some.
Get 'em
Southern State.
Wow!
Come on A&T.
Woohoo,
The Senate is here to battle!
Yeah, D!
A&T's drumline
is still killing it.
Woah,
woah, wait a minute.
Whooo.
The panthers are on
the prowl tonight!
Are you watching this,
ladies and gentlemen?
That's what I'm
talking about!
Shoutout to A& ladies and gentlemen.
Victorious.
Can alumni be
proud right now?
Be proud.
You should be.
Hey, yo, A&T is back.
Not bad section leader.
Not bad at all.
Thank you so much,
Dr. Taylor.
Congratulations.
Thanks you, Dr. Taylor
A& I knew you were the only one
that could turn this around.
Oh, girl, I'm just
getting started.
And I'm not talking
about the band.
You ok, Dr. Taylor?
Hey, you were pretty
nice on that snare.
You too, Mr. LaPierre.
Nah, just Javon.
Ok, Javon.
So you gonna stand there or you
gonna cut to the good part?
A&T,
A&T, A&T, A&
Circumstance"
As you ladies go out
and conquer the world,
remember the words of our
dear Eleanor, you gained
strength, courage,
confidence, by every
experience in which
you really stop-
to look fear in the face,
you must do the thing you
think you cannot do.
Congratulations
class of 2014.
Hey.
Congratulations, baby.
Dani, I can't
believe you wore those.
Oh Mom, after four years
of the same uniform, these
shoes are my declaration
of independence.
Tyree quit playin'!
Well, congratulations,
baby cuz.
So what's the 911?
We can't be
late for my party.
We all chipped
in for the best.
What?
Woo!
Ahh!
Oh!
Look at you cheesin'.
Whatever man.
I cannot wait to play
with the line in college.
Still can't believe your
parents are cool with you
going to ANT.
I mean, don't they need
you going somewhere like
Harvard, Brown or Spelman
for dinner party
cool points?
What?
I mean, c'mon D you know
they're all about public
image.
- It's not true Ty.
A blank image
in the house.
Happy graduation, baby.
Oh my god, this is so fly!
And you gonna look even
flier when you driving
this right on
Spelman's campus.
Is this car supposed to
make me change my mind?
There is no such thing
as a drum line in the real
world, Danielle.
You have to start
preparing for your future.
We'll handle everything.
I got a doctor colleague
of mine, he's going to
let you shadow him
at Emory.
You guys have no faith in
me, no faith that I can
make a decision on my own,
even if it's about my own
life.
As long as we are funding
that life, we will help
you make those
right decisions.
Then I'll except the
partial scholarship they
offered me, and I'll get
a job to cover my extra
expenses but, I
am going to ANT.
You will not get a- No,
no, she thinks she can do
it, do it.
I need to take control of
my life without you guys
planning
everything for me.
I'm stronger
than you think.
Danielle-
It's official, this year's
On the Jamboree
Classic Battle of the Bands
is gonna be hosting
on ANT's campus.
Now the Panthers haven't
won a classic in years,
but they're trying to
turn it around with
a new director.
Atlanta native and
ANT alum Sean Taylor.
Back in the day Sean and
future superstar Devon
Miles were unstoppable.
Yes, he's the Panther's
great black hope, welcome
home Sean, leggo.
Man, I can't believe you
guys round up here in my
momma's old car, when we
could've been stunting in
that new ride.
I have to prove that I can
do this on my own, which
means no extras
from my parents.
Hey Tyree, can you
help us with our bags?
Oh, let me get with y'all
in a minute, let me just
get my cousin
settled real quick.
That drum solo you posted
on YouTube, it was hot.
D, I told you.
Woo, I get much respect
for being section leader.
This is our year to take
back the championship.
Woo hoo, you know, if you
get the orientation and
make the line, you
gonna have to bat out too.
Okay, not only will I make
the line, but I will be-
the first female
section leader.
I know, cuz. Just
slow down, all right?
All right.
All right.
Dani Raymond, right?
Yeah.
I looked you up on
Facebook, I'm your
new roomie, Tasha!
I know, I tried to
look you up too.
I deleted that account,
college is all about
reinvention, all you
need to know is that I'm
country, I'm clean, and I
don't plan to kill you in
your sleep.
C'mon, I like the new outfit.
- Thank you, girl.
Ripped jean situation.
A lot has changed around
here since we were on this
field together, Sean.
Well Nia, oh, I'm sorry,
Dean Phillips, it's gonna
take some getting used to.
And you think
Dr. Taylor won't?
Welcome home.
What it is, I have
you to thank for that.
Me and the recession, a
lot of black colleges need
money, and both of us
know, a good band puts
butts in the seats, and
butts in the seats puts
money back in the schools,
so that's why I told the
board to do whatever it
took to steal you from
GRD.
You know I was only the
assistant band director there.
Well, I guess you
better bring it then.
I was hoping we could get
past what happened between
me and you.
You mean what happened
between you and me and
my brother?
- We never talked about it.
That was a long time
ago... it's a new day.
I hope so.
Welcome to band
dorm orientation.
I'm Bulldog, drum major.
For the next three weeks,
I'm your momma and your daddy.
McKinley hall is co-ed,
now that may sound like
you can go buck wild,
but I don't play that.
Ladies, keep your
music boxes closed.
Fellas, keep your
instruments in their
cases, 'cause I
don't play that.
He's preaching like my
pops on Sunday morning.
Oh, ahh, Dani, Leon,
sixes, Leon this is Dani,
my roomie.
Whats up?
So, did we miss something?
Bullet points,
no hooking up.
But that's my major.
I know.
First party rule of the
south, shake your ass like
you got rent to pay.
From where I stand, it
is a beautiful thing.
Oh, I like a little
junk in the trunk.
Oh, no JFK didn't.
Hey look around, all this
fresh meat just waiting to
be tenderized.
Oh, yo, I'd rather feel
shorty over there lookin'
like she need
some home already.
Uhh, I got dibs.
No, no, no that ain't
dibs, that's family,
that's my cousin Dani,
she's off limits bro.
My bad.
- Yeah, it will be.
Hey yo, isn't that?
- Yup.
We got a celebrity here,
ANT this year y'all, yo,
yo, yo, yo,
yo, yo, yo, yo!
My man J is officially
in the building.
Damn, dude is fine.
That's my roomie, Jayven
Lapierre, his daddy is-
Jimmy Lapierre.
The singer?
Yeah.
Everyone samples his
music, I love him.
Music is in his blood, so
you know, they put him
on the line.
Do not pass go
with his fine ass.
Yeah, we don't all
snap our fingers.
That's what's up.
Okay.
Dr. Sean Taylor.
Look at you.
You know you got the
folks talking about you.
ANT's great black hope.
You got some big
shoes to fill, man.
ANT hasn't won a
classic since what?
Since Dr. Lee left to
conduct the
Chicago Philharmonic?
That's six years
ago.
Six years.
What you want, Kevin?
What I want?
I want to see my brother!
You know I shouldn't
feel bad directing over
at Southern State,
considering I did my
marching right
here at ANT.
Yeah but, loyalty was
never your thing, right?
Loyalty?
Were you feeling very
loyal when you challenged
me for section leader?
Mr. Big Shot Junior, just
couldn't wait in line.
Kevin, I took section
leader from you because
you ran along
with your ego.
No, you took it because
you always thought you
were better than me.
Oh... man, is that Nia?
Mmm, you know Nia still
look good, I divorced that
woman five years ago and
she still do something to
me man just, mmm.
I guess we
both lost a lot.
I'll leave to
your unpacking.
See you on the
battlefield.
So, uh, I'm supposed to
be taking roll of all the
finest honey's in here, so
I know I got to shake off
your name.
Oh what?
- No name?
Okay then, what's your section?
I mean, not that it's not obvious.
Oh, is it?
Oh yeah, I mean, AN always has the baddest
dance team of any band.
So, I'm a dancer?
Yeah, no doubt.
What the?
Hoo!
Welcome to hell week.
Craps.
Bags off craps!
So, word around campus
is y'all think y'all good
enough to drum for ANT.
Get 'em.
As of right now, I'm known
to you all as 'big brother
run tell that.'
- Greetings big brother
run tell that.
You know why?
'Cause when I play, I play
so good, it makes people
want to what bustin'?
Run tell that!
- Run tell that who?
Run tell that big
brother run tell that!
All right.
And I am your
section leader.
You will refer to me
as 'the storm chaser, '
because I'm gonna be
raining down on your ass
all during orientation!
Now, let's see what I'm
working with here craps.
Jayven Lapierre, you
come on pedigree with your
famous pops.
Strap up.
Danielle
Raymond, strap up.
We bought to have an
old fashion drum off.
Not bad... for craps.
So whats up?
Dani the drummer.
Looks like, my skills.
All right, listen up
craps, you're all wearing
white, because right
now you are invisible.
You're nothing, you
have to earn your blue.
And you do that when we
see blood, sweat, and
tears.
Now, who's band is this?
Your band!
Who's band?
Your band big brother oh-ra,
sir!
Oh-ra.
Oh, I beg to differ.
Right now, this band
belongs to no one.
This band will never
belong to anyone, you must
belong to the band
to become champions.
You hear that?
That's ANT 2002.
You serious?
Back when the Marching
Panthers stood for
something.
And you, my friends, are
coasting on the reputation
built on the back of
the old school ANT.
I'll have no identify, no
one knows what ANT stands
for anymore.
And a team with no
identity, is no team.
You have to know who you
were to understand
who you are.
With identity,
comes purpose.
With purpose, comes
change, and with that
change, you will rebuild
this band and win
the classics.
What is the ANT creed?
C'mon, let's go.
Y'all do a push up,
c'mon down, c'mon,
c'mon soldier, let's go.
There we go.
- Yeah.
Score, c'mon,
c'mon, c'mon.
Get up there, get up.
Let's go, let's
go, let's go.
One drops, you all drop.
Move it.
Dani, don't be the reason
we start over, let's go!
Dani, that's not fast
enough, let's move,
let's move.
C'mon Dani, you
can do it, c'mon.
Man, y'all are
sleeping out here.
Yo Jay, wake your
crap brothers up.
Yo, yo, yo, yo,
yo, yo stop playing.
Raymond, who told
you you can play?
I was just- You play when
we say you play,
you got it?
Dude, Dani,
fall back in line.
Ahh.
Ugh.
Oh my god.
Someone needs to remind
"ass-mondi", that hazing
is illegal.
He's treating
you crazy, D.
No, he's treating me like
a drummer, I knew the drum
line was hard core.
He is just trying
to get in my head.
Damn.
Dang girl, that
envelope is hella thick.
My parents stopped
paying my cell phone bill.
You need to
change your plan.
Ugh, I need to get a job.
Just do what I do, I run
up other people's phone bills.
Boy, give me
my phone back!
I'm taking a selfie.
Before you lose a finger.
Excuse me, Dean Phillips,
I read online that you
were looking for an
office assistant.
I'm sorry, but most of the
work study positions go
just as quickly as the notices go up,
you have to be fast.
How's the band going?
Easier than
trying to find a job.
Oh, I remember struggling
being a Marching Panther.
You were in the band?
Dance co-captain by
day, dishwasher by night.
And the owner did not
believe in running dishes
through the machine, so.
Look, if you're willing
to work hard- I am.
Then I'll put in a
call to my old boss.
Thank you, Dean Phillips!
I'm just saying, how are
you going to be a soul
food spot and
a coffee bar?
It's too confusing.
May I have a two piece
dark and a soy mocha,
no whip?
See, that doesn't
even sound right.
You say something?
Guys, Dean Phillips is
awesome, she talked to the
owner, and he's gonna
try me out on a trial run.
A trial run means, I
better not see you hooking
your friends up
with free food.
Let's celebrate, I'll get the table,
you guys get this check?
Well.
Hey.
So, uh, you're the real
deal out there on that
field.
You know, that's
what I'm looking for.
Maybe you should put
in your application.
You must hate that there's
one girl whose not fallen
under the Jayven
Lapierre spell.
Ah ha, really?
I wonder what she
trying to prove.
She could ask
the same thing.
You know, when you have me
play, I ain't got to prove
nothing.
Are you sure?
Because all you do is
throw lines at me and
probably every
other girl in here.
I bet you can't say one
real thing, just one.
Okay, so what?
You think you know me?
Boy, I know
about 20 of yous.
Well okay, Ms. Raymond.
It's been a long three
weeks, tomorrow we'll have
the tree shaking,
auditions to determine your rankings.
P1, P2, you're guaranteed
to march, P3, P4 stick
with it, you want it?
You'll earn it.
Jayven.
Hey, hey, sorry I
didn't hear you.
Wow, you're here late.
Trying to be
ready for tomorrow.
Ahh guilty, guilty, that's why
I've been practicing here each night.
Why do you look shocked?
C'mon Jay, you
know you got this.
But why?
What?
Because of my pops?
Listen, I got hit because
of my skills, not his
connections.
You know, people talk like
they know about my life,
but they don't.
Bet they'd shut up if they
knew the ugly ass truth.
He ain't all that.
I didn't mean- No.
You wanted me to tell you
something real, well there
you go.
You can add a room.
My parents used to argue
a lot when I was younger.
They almost got
a divorce once.
So, I used to spend a
lot of time at Tyree's.
And, he had this drum set,
and at first I was just
messing around, but then
it turned into something.
It felt like everything I
needed to say was in
those sticks.
It still feels like it.
So now you know something
real about me, too.
Guess we all gotta
bring our A game.
I plan to.
Now as is the ANT tradition,
a senior line will determine
the rankings.
Leon, you're first up.
Try to impress me.
P1.
P2, Mr. Murphy.
P1.
P1, congratulations
Mr. Lapierre.
Dani, it's you.
Seniors.
Ms. Raymond, you're P2.
You D, I know you wanted
P1, but you'll get there.
I was good, I
played my ass off.
Oh really, oh that's funny
'cause I can still see it.
All right D, I know you
good, there's no doubt
about that, but maybe
you're just not ready
for the senate.
Did anyone hear the
forecast this morning?
For the next few weeks,
there will be a constant
unrelenting roaring sound.
Can you hear it?
Can you hear it?
You are officially
a part of a legacy.
You are this year's
Marching Panthers.
With identity comes
purpose, and with purpose
comes change.
Knock knock.
Big day tomorrow.
Yeah, first game
sets the tone.
Yeah.
Wow, is that us
back in the day?
Back to Lee,
wearing a tight shirt.
Well, word around campus
is you do too, so you
don't have anything
to be nervous about.
I'm not.
I dated you for three
years, I know you... enough
to remember your
pre-game tradition.
Two piece with hot
sauce, and a cherry coke.
Woo-hoo.
Sean, I umm- I
know, I should eat.
Right, right,
you should eat.
Well umm, good luck, I
don't think you need it.
Wow.
Huh, so you didn't go to
home grown with everybody?
I wanted to be
ready for tomorrow.
Mm, okay.
Hey, you alright?
I mean, I know I'm sexy
and all.
Boy, please!
Please what?
What?
You think I'm like what?
Scared, nervous,
in awe maybe?
You know what I'm learning
about myself lately?
I'm not afraid
of anything.
Now who's
scared, Mr. Lapierre?
Good night.
Yes sir, today is
the unveiling.
I'm trying to see what
Dr. Taylor and this new
ANT band are
bringing to the table.
I got my cooler-
C'mon, I'm not gonna
miss the bus.
Shoot, I forgot my
hat, go on without me.
Okay.
She been ready, I told
her to come through after
the game.
You already know.
Woo boy, we about to
kick the Glorie's ass.
And the senate is
tight as hell this year.
You can thank
me for that, son.
Yo, what you
do is dirty yo.
Man, I ain't having no
bitches on the line,
I don't care who a
cousin is, we ain't
that desperate.
I hear you.
Bro.
Look, here comes that
football player that keeps
checking me out.
Y'all tear it up out
there, I'll be watching.
We don't have enough
bitches on the line.
And I ain't having no
bitches on the line.
Yo, ruin your period?
Yo Armondi, chill out.
Let me handle this.
Yeah, handle her.
Tyree, I was just trying
to show that a bitch can
be on the senate, that's
what I am right Armondi?
He got the
line to block me.
Is there something I need
to handle, Mr. Raymond?
No, sir.
Get your line together,
Mr. Raymond... or I'll do
it for you.
Ty, he...
It's going to be okay, girl.
So, you gonna
let them run you?
Look, this is my
line, all right?
I know we're family, so
I'm gonna give it to you
straight, you
just messed up, D.
Why don't you help
unpack the drums, P2.
Hey.
So what happened
on that field?
I just got so mad after
I found out what
Armondi did.
Setting her off
on the field.
So you think I set it off?
Oh yeah, no doubt, on the
field and in the hallway.
Devon Miles.
Oh, I remember that hard
head gave you a run for
your money
your senior year.
Yeah, then he graduated
and turned into P-Diddy.
Mhm.
Music, clothes- Yup
Vanity water, my boy is
everywhere.
Oh god, he was cute.
If he wasn't married,
I'd ask you to hook me up.
Y'all still friends right?
I don't think you need any
help from that department.
You'd be surprised, after
the divorce I just,
I needed a break from men.
I had to get my
head right, you know?
So, I started
dating my career.
Shut up.
I'm just saying, I can't
remember the last time a
man picked me up in his
car and offered me some
Boone's Farm wine and
swept me away to some
real R&B, grown
and sexy music.
Wait, hold up,
Boone's Farm?
Don't act like you
don't drink Boone's Farm.
That's a long time.
Don't- Don't remind me.
Grown and sexy, huh?
But, I still got
the moves though.
Can you move to this?
Ohh, woo!
Yeah, I still got
the moves though.
I do too.
One lows.
Did you just body roll?
Oh you know, that's it.
Hey, mhm.
Mhm.
Awh, you still got it.
Dr. Taylor, you listening
to fifth quarter?
Southern State
is talking smack!
Oh.
Big Southern State
and ANT match up
this weekend,
any concerns about the
Bears' long standing
rivalry?
Oh yeah, I'm terrified.
Look here man, my
brother's a good leader,
and from what I've heard
they had a decent show
this weekend.
But, ANT hasn't
been a force in years.
Mmm.
So, from what I know, the
Panthers are about to
get declawed.
He's just trying to get in
my head before a game in
the classic.
Don't let him, this school
needs this band to be
great, and you
can do that.
Oh, don't worry, I
still got some moves too.
rivalry goes back years,
and we will show that
ANT can reign supreme.
You talk about identity,
this game this weekend,
this is ANT's identity.
So, I want your undivided
attention, when you wake
up, when you're in line at
the cafeteria, when you on
the phone begging for
money from your momma, run
your music, live in it.
Well, I hear
you're doing well.
It's a good thing, since I
put my dishwasher rep
on the line.
Thanks again for this.
You're welcome.
You okay?
Truth?
Mm-hmm.
Not really.
It's just band stuff.
Well, as dean of the
students, you can tell me
anything.
Let's sit.
I just don't know
how to feel about it.
Yo, can I use the iron?
Yeah, but I'm gonna
need you to put all that
chocolate away, if
I can't have none.
You know better, okay?
C'mon.
D girl, don't even worry
about Armondi, I heard he
barely made the
line himself.
He's insecure,
so he lashes out.
And that's because he
thinks he can break you,
'cause he do that
to me all the time.
Skinny, black, gay
preacher's son with the
big ass curly 'fro.
Damn, how many crosses
did you have to bear?
Enough to decide to
put them all down when I
stepped foot on this line.
Look, let him be stupid,
you just keep doing you,
all right?
Oh, I am.
I already handled it.
Hey.
So, uh, some of us are
going out tonight, and we
were, well I wanted to
see if you wanted to hang.
Well, mmm, I don't
have to work tonight.
Yo, we partying or what?
There goes Josh, trying
to get to Tasha again.
That is so not happening.
I hope the universe is
taking notes for my
new man.
I can take my own notes.
Not tonight, JFK.
C'mon.
Hey don't worry, look, I'm
sure the line will come
around and so
will our money.
I'm not worried, I'll
make them recognize.
Is this the
brand new Dani?
I like the sound of that.
Okay, okay, but let me
ask, do you think she's
got enough room for a
guy who's kind of sexy?
And real cocky?
We'll see.
C'mon.
Yo Jay, whats up player?
Rizzy.
I ain't even know
you was comin' man.
You pops is
about to do a set.
Oh yeah?
Yeah, I was just kickin'
it with some friends from
school.
Oh right, you're
Mr. Joe College now.
So, you coming in?
Um no, I'm sure he's got
enough fans for himself.
It'll be fun.
Y'all Jay's dad is
about to perform.
What?
Let's go.
What?
I'm down.
Yeah.
Let's do it.
All right, let's get
ready for some old school,
get in your
blood type music.
From Atlanta's very
own, Mr. Jimmy Lapierre.
Is your dad okay?
He's good, nothing new.
Too bad I'm cool.
Woo.
Ugh, how y'all doing?
Heard my boy was
here, where you at son?
C'mon put the light, put
the light up, I want to
see you.
Ha-ha-ha, that's my
C right there, ha.
Uh ah, give him a minute.
I was worried.
You ain't got to
worry about me.
Seriously?
What?
I'll open a window.
So you're just gonna
put that wall back up?
Cool ass Jayven,
ain't afraid of anything.
Okay whatever,
but this ain't you.
You know, maybe it is.
I mean, you saw
my pops tonight.
You know people think that
I live this strong life,
but it's not.
The great Jimmy Lapierre
ran through all his money
thanks to drinking,
drugs, and women.
Damn and I tried to help
him but, now he tours just
so he can get his fix.
So you know what?
Yeah, I do what I gotta
do so I can make my
own money.
Okay, but selling weed?
Yes!
I'm screwed up Dani.
But, I'm trying to fix
it, being here, earning my
spot on this senate, that
was my escape from
all of that.
Until tonight.
Maybe you should go.
Hey.
Hey.
You're not gonna get all
clingy on me now are ya?
Oh, I planned to get real
clingy, I've told you
too much.
Daddy.
Hmm, hi.
I got a call from the cell
phone company, your bill
is late.
I was, I was gonna
pay it when I got paid.
Yeah well, this is real
world stuff honey, due
dates matter, you
want me to cover it?
No, I got it, I'm
mailing it today.
Okay, how did
you make out?
Umm, make out?
Yeah, tree shaking, you
said you were shoeing for
something.
Yeah, the
audition, umm I made P1.
I hope studying fits
in there somewhere.
Yeah, I'm
handling it, trust me.
Baby look, now there's
plenty of semester left,
Spelman is a
viable option.
This weekend, we go to war,
on our own field, against
Southern State.
Now, I'm all too aware
that ANT has suffered some
casualties in this war
the last few years.
That all ends right now.
Who are we?
The Marching Panthers.
Who are we?
The Marching Panthers!
That's right.
Get some rest, dismissed.
Percussion,
stay on the field.
Dean Phillips has just
brought a situation to my
attention, and as a result
I will allow a challenge
from a P1 snare.
Ms. Raymond, step forward.
Dr. Taylor, that means
she's part of the senate.
Yes it does, Mr. Mason.
As is the rule, you
challenged the last
drummer placed
on the line.
Mr. Lapierre,
step up, step up.
All right then.
Not this time, Mr.
Lapierre, don't be
discouraged at this
moment, learn from it.
Welcome to the
senate, Ms. Raymond.
Dismissed.
Jayven, Jayven.
I'm sorry, I didn't
know that that was gonna
happen, I talked to Dean-
You knew, what being
P1 meant to me.
But it's cool,
brand new Dani, right?
Yay P1!
What?
Look you had a problem,
you took action, you
didn't know you were going
to de-ball your man in the
process.
Tasha.
We just got together.
So, I guess you
guys heard about me.
Ain't no body heard
nothing about you, JFK.
I can't march until I
get my chem grade up.
You know, who the hell
knows how many confirmed
elements there are in
the periodic table.
118 as of 2012, 98 of
the 118 occur naturally.
What?
What are you?
Some kind of sexy genius?
Maybe.
Umm, I have a
date, so I have to go.
But, if I see Jay in the
room later, I'll talk to
him okay?
I've been texting you.
Who are you, his momma?
Look, what's going on?
What did I do?
Oh, oh yeah that's right,
you, you wanted me to say
something real right?
Well this is me, just like
you're a daddy's little
girl who had to run to the
Dean's office in order to
get her way.
Jay.
Jay.
Y'all go on ahead.
You better bring it
tomorrow, trying to roll
with the senate.
Give it up for the
unstoppable Southern State.
And now, presenting the
Atlanta A&T Marching Panthers.
Focus.
Under the new
direction of Dr. Sean Taylor.
Remember what
we're here to do.
Okay, okay.
It actually
looks like A& has gotten their
groove back.
They just killed
Southern State.
The crowd agrees.
Oh but wait a minute,
Southern State is not
giving up that easy.
Their drum line is
making a call to war.
They want more.
Dr. Taylor, they
wanna battle.
No.
We do what we came to do.
Where you goin'?
Come on.
You scared, baby brother?
Senate, fall in.
You heard Dr. Taylor,
Senate, fall in.
Hell yeah.
Yo, Jay, you in for Dani.
What?
Should be my spot anyway.
Yo, Armondi,
this is my line.
Dr. Taylor, we want to
win, we need our best.
Jayven.
LaPierre, take the field.
Miss Raymond battles too.
Yo, Dani, keep
up on the beat.
Lets go, y'all.
Whoo!
Are we watching this,
ladies and gentleman?
A&T's drum line
is killin' it.
Oh no!
She dropped the sticks,
ladies and gentleman.
Automatic win for
Southern State.
Looks like A&T should have
quit while they were ahead.
Stupid Bitch!
Man, watch your mouth.
Ugh!
Whoo!
Hey!
Lets go.
Yo, yo, yo, stop playin'.
Mondi.
This aint football.
This aint football.
Man, some bands act
straight ghetto.
What's up?
Brutality on the field.
Tyree, are you...
Not now, D.
Yo, what was that
fight all about
on the field yesterday?
I know y'all seen it by now.
Southern State and A&T,
it's all over You Tube,
so we know the classic
gonna be fire.
I will handle the band.
So who's gonna handle you?
The director of the classic
is threatening to pull
it from the school.
Sponsors are wary due to
the show of violence.
What the hell, Sean?
There's some dissention
among the senate.
Come on.
This is just as
much about you
and your competition
with your brother.
Oh, comin' from the
woman that played
us against each other?
Oh so you...
finally wanna
talk for real?
Well lets talk for real.
Your identity was all
wrapped up in this band.
You broke up with
me senior year.
Yeah, and you landed in my
brother's bed a month later.
I will not let the school suffer
for this nonsense between
you and your brother.
We need the profit and the
exposure from the classic.
Nia.
If you can't fix what you
broke, then we're done.
That fight was a disgrace
to your history,
your school and yourselves.
I'd suspend you all,
but A&T's got too much
ridin' on the Classic.
Miss Raymond and Mr.
LaPierre, step forward.
What is our motto?
One band, one sound.
And yet, it was all about
you Saturday, wasn't it?
What happened on that
field wasn't me.
Who we are at our core
is a series of actions.
Of all the actions
you could've taken,
you chose to turn your
back on your line.
And in that moment,
Miss Raymond,
you were exactly
who you are.
Until further notice,
you two are both P4's,
meaning you participate
fully in practice,
but no performance.
You wanna show boat?
Why don't you show boat
while you clean drums,
haul water, and try to
gain some respect back?
10 laps.
Or do you want 20?
Talk about identity and all
I saw on that field was ego.
about extended practices
until further notice.
Dr. Taylor got the
biggest ego out here.
Shut up.
There might be a slight
change of plans, people.
I hear the Classic might be
held at a different school.
I'll keep you posted, just
stay tuned in and turnt up.
Hey.
It's Sean.
I know, long time.
Now, save your strength,
still gotta clean these
drums after practice.
And I want em
squeaky clean.
All right, man.
We got it.
No, no, no, no, no.
I want her to do it.
She started this, now
she can finish it.
Yo!
What up big homie?
I'm sure you all know Devon,
especially since every other
song on the radio is his.
Oh, don't forget
about the Grammy.
Now, you know how I feel about
disruptions during practice.
Man, you called me.
Plus, I am not dressed
to be doing no laps.
These is my gelins.
Tasha, wait up.
I got a business
proposition for ya.
Not sure I wanna be in
business with ya' JFK?
Look, I need a tutor.
I'm trying to get back on
the field for the Classic
and the chem is kicking
a brother's ass.
What brother?
All right, I have
a test on Friday,
and as much as you
try to hide it,
I know you're
smart as hell.
I wouldn't say all that,
but I aint gonna turn
down no good money.
And I want it in quarters,
cause laundry is
kickin a sista's ass.
Yeah, you got it.
All right, deal.
All right.
D, I really appreciate you
offering to MC the Classic.
It's gonna be
A&T's best shot
at keeping it here
at the school.
Come on, it's nothing.
It's my pleasure.
I owe so much to A&T.
I owe a lot to
you too, big dog.
What about you?
You good?
Yeah.
You sure?
I don't know man.
I always dreamt of
coming back here
and leading this band.
I was gonna teach teamwork,
squash egos, let em'
discover who they are,
the power of what
they could do.
I don't even know if I
should be here sometimes.
Come on, man, you was
ready when you graduated.
The band just think they the
center of the world right now,
you gotta show em'
that they not.
Show em' what work is.
What would Quentin
say about you?
Besides, Quentin
definitely aint gonna help
you get back with Nia.
Nia Phillips is lookin'
mighty delicious.
You married, bro.
Yeah, happily.
But you aint.
Devon Miles.
It's been a long time.
Too long.
Oh my goodness.
Oh, thank you so much again for
agreeing to MC the Classic.
I mean thank you.
I always gotta
represent for A&T.
And my boy Sean.
You know what, I gotta make
a couple of phone calls.
I'm gonna go ahead
and step out.
The work of a
mogle's never done.
Thanks again.
Yeah, no doubt.
You know I still got it.
I see.
Get out of here.
So, you called him?
I broke it, I
wanted to fix it.
Well, it worked.
The Classic sponsors have
unanimously agreed to overlook
the A&T and Southern
State fight
and Devon's appearance
is gonna be
a huge draw for
the Classic.
So, thanks for helping
out the school...
Nia, what I said about you
and Kevin, it was low.
You know, you had a
role in this too.
You think Kevin is
all about ego?
Well so are you.
And truthfully, that man
I saw on the field
the other day is the same boy
that ran me off years ago.
They always question me
try to bring me down
I took AP Chem
in 10th grade.
Some of these study
aids should help.
Damn, in 10th grade I
was trying to step out
of my brothers shadow.
All seven of them.
So you came
here to stand out.
You noticed me.
And the way they
look at us when me
and you touch I do
Is this high school Tasha?
Did you look
cute in glasses.
You still do.
Uh uh.
Head in the books, Josh.
And, thanks.
I'll be right back.
All right.
Hey.
What's up?
You takin' orders?
Let me get the wings.
That all?
Yep.
So are we never
gonna talk again?
What do you wanna
talk about, Dani?
How you tryin' to be brand
new came between us?
Actually, that chick on your
arm is what came in between us.
You said you came to A&T to
get away from all of this.
This anger.
This image.
But you're slippin'
right back in, Jay.
Y'all done?
Yeah.
We're done.
Oh my love, my love
I know I may have changed
Oh my love, my love
I may have lost my way
Hey.
You okay?
Um, I'm fine.
You know what?
I'm gonna go talk to his
passive aggressive ass.
You said you were sorry.
No.
I'm just letting it go.
Hey.
I see you're here feeling
charitable too, huh?
Yeah, you know Alpha Beta's
all about community service.
Yeah.
Oh, sorry.
This is my girl Dani.
Hi.
Want a lot of things
that I couldn't have
I've done a lot of things
that I shouldn't have
And uh, this is my girl Cree.
Hi.
I'll see y'all around, okay?
Maybe he's just...
I know what he is.
I was just hopin'
that he wasn't.
Leon.
I gotta go.
Tyree.
I'll catch you later, bro.
Yeah man.
Tyree, come on.
I can handle everyone
else being mad at me.
I know I messed up at
the Southern State game.
Can we truce this?
Please?
I need you to help me
get back on the field.
Damn.
Them boys were
right about you.
You got bigger
balls than me.
What kind of misogynist
B.S. is that?
Listen, Dani.
I don't care what Armondi
and them think they did.
You didn't make
P1 that night.
The call was fair, and I
know because it was mine.
But I deserve...
But you don't get it.
You don't just deserve to
be out on that field.
I mean we all feel
like we deserve it,
but the difference is,
we aint all used to
getting everything
handed to us.
I have to believe
that I belong here.
Well maybe you don't.
Maybe your dad was right,
you should go to Spellman.
There aint nothing
for you here.
And that aint just
me talkin' neither.
Spellman?
Girl, Tyree is family.
He was just trippin'.
No, he's right.
I messed things up so badly,
and I can't fix them,
so I should just go.
Have you talked to Jay?
My Pops is gonna
be here soon.
I got so much
more to pack, so.
All right.
All right.
You guys better
get to practice
because I still want
a Panther victory.
Since day one we've
talked about identity.
I wanted you to know
where you came from,
but I also wanted you to
discover who you are.
Now in New Orleans,
my band, we had Jazz.
It was the sound of thriving
in the face of defeat.
But what's our sound?
Who are the
Marching Panthers?
Maybe we aint tryin'
to have a sound.
We just tryin' to
win the trophy.
Mr. Mason, there's
a whole...
Got a whole lot of mouth.
Sean, let me holla
at him real quick.
Y'all suppose to be
the Senate right?
You know it.
Section leader,
where you at?
Sup?
Meet me on the field
in five minutes.
All right, lets do this.
Lets see if you can
keep up, youngin's.
If you can.
Hey, my bad.
They're pretty good.
Kind of reminds me of
us back in the day.
Of course, they aint as
pretty as we were.
Na, na, na.
Never that.
Never that.
Man, how long it's been
since we've played together?
12 years.
Think you still got it?
We'll see.
Lets do this.
Damn!
Yeah.
We still do that.
One band...
One sound.
We know each other because we're
a team until the day we die.
Yeah.
I mean, there's a lot
of talent in this band.
Talent, aint get me
to where I am today.
Work ethic, drive, team work.
I learned all of
that right here.
Until y'all learn
that, you aint gonna
get no where near a trophy.
So, stop bitching
and be about it.
Truth.
One.
Two.
One, two, three.
They got a
business program.
Not only will you learn
how to be in a drum line,
you'll learn to own
your own line of drums.
Monetize that
which you love.
That way, our baby can
call the shots herself.
Dani, sometimes the
fun path for today
is not the right
path for tomorrow,
and it takes a lot of
courage to recognize that.
And I am so glad we raised
a daughter with courage.
That's more than I had.
This is not about your
vegan cake business...
It was a pastry
company, honey.
Those cakes tasted
terrible, baby.
And I only quit
because you wanted me
to follow you to
medical school.
And look at where we are.
And I resented it.
I can't go.
Danielle.
I needed to prove to you
guys that I could do this,
but the truth is, I had to
prove this to myself too.
And you did.
But I can't run just
because it got hard.
Spellman would be easier.
You guys would
make it easier.
But then I wouldn't know
what it's like to work
hard for something
on my own.
Is that what you want?
Yeah.
All right.
I guess I'm
unpacking the car.
Sorry I'm late.
Don't mind that letter
I left on your desk.
What letter?
Strap up, Miss Raymond.
Join your section.
Tyree.
I thought you quit.
I almost did, but
then I remembered
that membership
is an honor.
Marching is a privilege.
We value to uphold
that privilege
with honor and excellence.
We acknowledge
our past and...
Stop.
You know I say some dumb
things sometimes, cuz.
Must run in the family.
From the top.
One, two, three.
So, you're going to
keep your job?
Yeah.
I got used to making
my own money.
Guess who got a C
on this test?
Oh my God, you failed.
No.
A C is a pass, Tasha.
It's enough for me to march
with y'all at the Classic.
What?
Yeah.
Yes, yes, yes, yes!
Yes!
Oh yes.
I'm his tutor.
Tutor.
You never even
crack a book.
That's because I'm a
minister scholar.
I'm a straight up nerd.
I just don't like
to talk about it,
cause the dudes I
like to kick it with
don't like girls
with big brains.
They like big asses.
Then you are kickin' it
with the wrong dudes.
You need to
give me a shot.
JFK, I done told you...
What is it?
Huh?
Is it cause I'm white?
I've dated white dudes.
It's cause you're corny.
Tasha, he's not that bad.
Oh, then you go
out with him.
Look, I'm just
gonna keep asking,
and I can be super
corny when I'm trying
to get my mac on a
fine ass honey,
such as your self.
Oh, Lord, help me.
Come on.
What can it hurt?
Please?
Okay.
One date.
I am one piece
of a whole.
All hands at my
house, on my tempo.
Now that was old school A&T.
That was heart.
A&T's in your blood now.
I can feel it.
Now, I know many of you
might think my ego's
as big as some of y'alls.
It's okay.
We all let ego get in
the way sometimes.
What I just heard on
this field right here,
that is the result of
your hard work.
Now, one more thing before
practice is dismissed,
two P4's have earned their
way back on to the field.
Mr. LaPierre, Miss Raymond,
you will march
in the Classic.
There's still the issue of the
one spot left on the Senate.
Mr. Raymond?
I believe they both
deserve a shot.
Your section, your call.
All right, you'll
both compete
for the spot
after practice.
Jayven can have the spot.
He earned it fair and square.
I know I'll get my shot.
Then it's settled.
One band...
One sound.
Dismissed.
Leon.
Look, about Cree.
Come on, you know how
that is, right?
I'm not like you, man.
All out with mine?
I can't have everybody
up in my business.
I promised myself
I would never
go back into that
closet for nobody.
And it sucks cause
I really like you.
I gotta go.
Leon.
You started
runnin' at night?
You should have a stick,
or some pepper
spray, or something.
Nia, I'm sorry.
No matter what I do,
you're gonna hold me to
what I did a long time ago.
And I get it.
I married your brother.
How?
How'd you let that happen?
We bonded over
being mad at you,
and I mistook it for
a deeper connection.
But I remember that look on
your face when I said I do
and I know that's why you
took that job in New Orleans.
You're angry.
And I don't know if
you can get over it.
Good luck at the Classic.
And I have pepper spray.
Jayven.
Tomorrow's the Classic.
Why are you doing this?
Someone sold pictures of
my Dad buying drugs.
Now there's proof.
It'll be in the
tabloids tomorrow.
Everyone's gonna
see the truth.
I'm sorry, but that
is not your truth.
You said you wanted
something for yourself.
Well tomorrow is your chance
to prove to the world
who the real Jayven
LaPierre is.
Unless you're scared.
Of what?
Maybe you don't
really know yourself.
Wassup ATL?
It is the 5th quarter.
We are at the Southern
Jamboree Classic,
here on the campus of A&T.
It is going down.
The turn up is real.
Oh yeah, special
guest host,
Mr. Devon Miles
in the building.
I'm gonna let the
applause die down first.
Let me tell you, it is
an honor to be here, man.
You know, but it's
not about me today.
Honestly, it is all
about the band.
They comin' from all over
the Southeast to get it in.
And I hear, as usual,
Southern State is
the band to beat.
Dude, we beefin' already?
I'm just sayin'
what I heard.
Come on, man.
You know I'm A&T all day.
Quit playin.
All right, we're gonna see
what you're gonna do though.
Disrespect my section.
Leon, you seen Jayven?
He wasn't in the
room this morning.
Give it up for the Marching
Bayou Tech, Glory.
I was paralyzed by
those pair of lies
but those pair of eyes brought
me right back, back, back
to you I gave up my
pride for you
by my side I just want
you however I can
You're right, I was
still angry at you.
I know.
But I would rather be
with you in the present
then mad at you about the past.
That was real
smooth, Dr. Taylor.
Oh, I know.
Will you still hold my hand
when we're alone
will you still kiss me
Now lets go kick some butt.
Lets.
No, no, no, no, no.
You're missing the down beat
on the opening cadence.
Don't play on my drum.
I got this.
Didn't sound like it.
Yo, you need to check
your cousin, Ty.
Uh, no one needs
to check me.
Yo, I'm just glad your
ass is behind me.
Where it belongs.
Hey man, ease up.
I thought you bailed.
Not when I have
something to prove.
Awe.
What?
You hittin' that again?
You must be smokin',
like your Pops.
Mondie, squash it.
Hey you know what,
I got this, Ty.
Lets go, right
here, right now.
Head to head, you and me.
You up for the challenge?
Cause if I get your
spot, I'm keepin' it.
Man, get out of
here with all that.
Then I guess it's squashed.
Give me my sticks.
Baby brother, I hope you got
your band together this time.
I guess you'll find
out on the field.
Indeed we will.
Sup, Nia?
Oh I see, we're having
ourselves a little,
little reunion, huh?
You know, I knew this was why
you really came back here.
Good luck, Kevin.
Luck is when opportunity
meets preparation.
Plus, I always win.
Aint that right, Nia?
And now that the
sun has set.
Ladies and gentleman,
coming to the field,
under the direction
of Dr. Kevin Taylor.
The reigning
Southern Jamboree
Classic Champions,
Southern State.
Boo.
SSU.
Boom!
All right.
That was all right.
I'm not mad at
that at all.
All right, come on A&T,
this is your moment.
And here they are,
on their home turf.
The one, the only, A&T Marching
Panthers, directed by...
Hey, let me do the honors.
Directed by my friend,
Dr. Sean Taylor.
Are we watching this entrance,
ladies and gentleman?
Is this how we feel?
It's working.
It's working.
A&T is turnt up.
Hey, it's real out there.
It's a little different.
A&T is back!
The Panthers
came to battle!
I see what y'all doing.
Not very traditional,
it's different.
Whatever the
outcome, it's gonna be close.
They brought it today.
Absolutely
Oh, Lordy.
I don't know y'all.
And here it comes!
The winner of the
7th Jamboree Classic
and $75.000 cash, for the
first time in 6 years.
Atlanta A & Marching Panthers.
That's what I'm
talking about, baby!
I knew we had it.
Didn't I say we had it?
I was right.
Oh, wait,
wait a minute.
Southern State
Drumline is calling
for a Drumline Challenge.
Looks like we've
got ourselves
a little sore
loser challenge.
I say we go out there
and we spank 'em.
You already won.
You've got nothing
else to prove.
We know that.
But we think Southern State
needs a little lesson.
M hmmm.
So say you all?
A&T, A& Then, spank 'em.
Yeah baby.
Dr. Taylor.
I have an idea.
Wait a minute, I've
never seen this before.
I've never
seen this before.
That's
what we do, ok?
As you know
a lot of folks say,
Drumline is where you
actually find a champion.
Well, we're going to
find out today.
We got this.
Get some.
Get 'em
Southern State.
Wow!
Come on A&T.
Woohoo,
The Senate is here to battle!
Yeah, D!
A&T's drumline
is still killing it.
Woah,
woah, wait a minute.
Whooo.
The panthers are on
the prowl tonight!
Are you watching this,
ladies and gentlemen?
That's what I'm
talking about!
Shoutout to A& ladies and gentlemen.
Victorious.
Can alumni be
proud right now?
Be proud.
You should be.
Hey, yo, A&T is back.
Not bad section leader.
Not bad at all.
Thank you so much,
Dr. Taylor.
Congratulations.
Thanks you, Dr. Taylor
A& I knew you were the only one
that could turn this around.
Oh, girl, I'm just
getting started.
And I'm not talking
about the band.
You ok, Dr. Taylor?
Hey, you were pretty
nice on that snare.
You too, Mr. LaPierre.
Nah, just Javon.
Ok, Javon.
So you gonna stand there or you
gonna cut to the good part?
A&T,
A&T, A&T, A&