STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON
Written by
Jonathan Herman and Andrea Berloff
Story by
S. Leigh Savidge & Alan Wenkus and Andrea Berloff
1 TITLE/CREDIT SEQUENCE: 1
An AVALANCHE of SOUNDBITES, colliding and overlapping. Coming
so fast, we can barely process them. A virtual sound book...
WAR ON DRUGS. NANCY REAGAN. CRACK. DARYL GATES. CRIPS &
BLOODS. Everything from KNIVES to PISTOLS to ASSAULT RIFLES.
All these images add up to a minute and a half recap of not
just black history but American history. As soon as they're
done, we find ourselves plunged into --
TOTAL DARKNESS:
FADE UP: ON;
2 EXT. BROWN HOUSE - COMPTON - NIGHT 2
A bucket pulls up in front of a shitty-looking BROWN HOUSE
with ugly bars on the windows and doors. A rusted swing-set
leans sideways on the dirt/grass they call a front lawn.
SUPERIMPOSE: COMPTON, CA 1986
Inside the car is ERIC WRIGHT, 21, but you know him as --
SUPERIMPOSE: ERIC WRIGHT AKA EAZY-E
A man who is completely in his element -- comfortable and
poised, ready for anything.
He hops out of the car, moves quickly to the TRUNK -- pops it
open and reaches inside. With an electric screwdriver, Eazy
unscrews a CERWIN-VEGA sub-woofer. Grabs a bulging BROWN BAG
out of the speaker... and a 9mm -- SLAMS the trunk.
ON THE ROOF, a LOOKOUT clocks Eazy as he walks up to the
front door of the decrepit house...
Eazy KNOCKS BY CODE. A dude, TONE (20s), opens a slat in the
door. Gauges Eazy, EYES SKEPTICAL.
TONE
Who is it?
EAZY
Eric! Man, we been through this
shit a thousand times.
Multiple DEADBOLTS UNLOCK and an irritated Eazy enters --
EAZY (CONT'D)
What's the use to having this dumb
ass knock if I gotta tell you my
name anyway?
2.
3 INT. BROWN HOUSE - MINUTES LATER 3
It's not what you'd call "cozy." The carpet is torn up,
stained, cigarette-burnt. Walls covered in TAGS. A PITBULL
stares menacingly from the kitchen.
In addition to Eazy and Tone, there are THREE other people
spread around the room: one GIRL lounges on a vinyl couch,
eyes glazed; another girl, TASHA, loudly SCRAPES soul food
onto the pitbull's plate; and a JITTERY DUDE steady keeps an
EYE out the WINDOW, tense, occasionally clocking --
EAZY spreads the CONTENTS of the BROWN BAG before them on a
long TABLE: three FREEZER BAGS each containing 10 ounces. He
looks up, ALL BUSINESS.
EAZY
Now where the money at?
TONE
Man, you heard what happen? My best
runner got cracked. They sent his
young ass to Y.A. --
EAZY
The fuck that got to do with me?
Tone turns to Tasha in the kitchen, nods.
TONE
Tasha, get this dude a 40.
TASHA opens the fridge, grabs a 40oz. --
EAZY
Do I look thirsty to you?
(beat)
Where my ends at?
-- hands it to Tone who CRACKS it open. Drinks...
TONE
Why you so ruthless, Eric, damn!
You don't want nothin' to drink?
What you want --
(re: the girls)
-- you want some pussy?
EAZY
Yep. But not from these strawberry
bitches you got right here.
3.
TONE
So you just gonna disrespect my
house like that, Cuz?
EAZY
Dumb ass, this a dope house! It's
already disrespected.
JITTERY DUDE
(re: Eazy's drugs)
Well fuck it then -- You gonna have
to let us hold on to that right
there.
ON THE COUCH, the GIRL grabs a SAWED-OFF SHOTGUN FROM UNDER A
PILLOW. Levels it at Eazy, face grimaced, hard, strung out.
EAZY
Yeah, do what you gotta do --
`Cause I got my homies parked
across the street from your momma's
house. I don't show up. They show
out...
Eazy just stares right back at them. The tension's like a
pressure cooker about to burst. Until --
A WHISTLE echoes in from outside (THE LOOKOUT) --
Suddenly, everyone notices a deep RUMBLING coming from
outside. Jittery Dude steps back from the window, eyes wide --
JITTERY DUDE
Oh, shit --
Because there's a MASSIVE ARMORED VEHICLE rolling down the
street toward them. 6 TONS of steel, with a 14-foot BATTERING
RAM mounted on the front. LAPD emblazoned on the side.
JITTERY DUDE (CONT'D)
Fuckin' Batter-Ram!
Everyone in the room FLIES into action, STASHING the WEAPONS
and the MONEY into hidden STASH SPOTS all over the HOUSE:
Behind fake-panel LIGHT SWITCHES, hidden HATCHES beneath the
FLOORBOARDS, in a fake-panel inside the FRIDGE. It's some
serious MACGYVER SHIT.
Eazy grabs his ROCKS, BEE-LINES for the BACK of the HOUSE,
eyes wide, amped on adrenaline as the RUMBLING ESCALATES to
an almost UNBEARABLE LEVEL --
CRASH!!! The 14-foot BATTERING RAM PUNCHES THROUGH THE WALL.
DEBRIS FLIES EVERYWHERE. The RAM keeps coming until --
4.
The GIRLS SCREAM! The ARMORED VEHICLE REVERSES, the BATTERING
RAM POLE YANKING THE ENTIRE WALL OUT WITH IT, leaving a
MASSIVE RAGGED HOLE where we can see --
SQUAD CARS SWARMING INTO THE AREA,
COPS FLOODING TOWARD THE
HOUSE -- lots of YELLING as they
PIN everyone to the floor, it's too
late, nobody can escape; nobody but
--
EAZY-E kicks out a KITCHEN window, squeezes through, hits the
dirt on the side of the house. Sprints past --
A PITBULL! The GROWLING DOG hustles for Eazy as a FLASHLIGHT
hits Eazy's back, a COP giving chase!
As they race across the back yard, the Pitbull diverts to the
cop, who panics. He's about to get mauled until --
ANOTHER COP pops around the corner! Blasts the dog with a
FIRE EXTINGUISHER, filling the air with a dense cloud of
expellant, as --
Eazy hops on a fence, hits the garage roof and jumps in a
neighbor's yard. Gone. He lives to slang another day...
FADE TO BLACK.
But the SOUNDS OF CHAOS carry over, infiltrate the inky
black: SIRENS HOWLING. PEOPLE SHOUTING. HELICOPTERS BUZZING.
DOGS BARKING. A mad medley that continues into --
4 INT. VERNA'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - COMPTON - DAY 4
A PAIR OF OVERSIZED HEADPHONES, worn by ANDRE YOUNG. Better
known as -
SUPERIMPOSE: ANDRE YOUNG AKA DR. DRE
Eyes closed, lying on his bed, slight smile pursing his lips,
he bobs his head as --
WE HEAR WHAT HE HEARS, treated to the beautiful mind of Dre.
THE SOUNDS OF CHAOS are evaporated, seemingly synthesized
into the dope melody Dre's peacefully bobbing his head to...
WE HEAR the multi-tracks of the song -- levels go up and down
based on Dre's subtle FACIAL REACTIONS to the various sounds.
He singles out INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS, and as he does, WE HEAR
them, highlighting some sounds, decreasing others: BASS,
DRUMS, PIANO, VOICE... It's pure instinct, pure joy. Until --
5.
BAM-BAM! A fist on a locked door. The music stops as Dre
removes his headphones. We now see --
DRE'S ROOM, populated with turn tables -- one side spinning
the record he's listening to -- DJ station and a vast sea of
LPs (sure there's Parliament, but also Duke Ellington)
scattered around the room. A music junkie's paradise.
On the other bed, his brother TYREE (17) chills as Dre opens
the door to find --
VERNA
What happened?
VERNA GRIFFIN, 36, his Mother, and she can smell bullshit a
mile away. He flashes his smooth, easy, magnetic Dre-smile.
DRE
What happened with what?
VERNA
Andre, boy, don't play with me. Do
you even care how it makes me look?
Call in favors to get your
thoughtless ass an interview? And
you can't even show up?
DRE
(sighs, realizing)
Sorry, I just been so focused on
this DJing that I forgot --
She frowns, shakes her head.
VERNA
You have a child, Andre. And
spinning records ain't payin' none
of the bills around here right now.
DRE
That ain't even true, momma. I get
paid --
He pulls out a sad little wad of bills, waves it in her face.
Quick as lightning, she SNATCHES it away from him --
VERNA
Fifty dollars? Damn, you a
billionaire!
-- THROWS it back at his chest.
DRE
It's a start --
6.
VERNA
Andre, you know the rules around
here. In this house, you gonna work
or go to school. I don't care if
you gonna be a janitor --
DRE
-- long as I own the company. Yeah,
I know.
Dre fumes, gather the bills off the floor, heads for the
kitchen --
VERNA
But you don't own the company.
Lonzo does.
-- but Verna stays hot on his heels --
VERNA (CONT'D)
Oh, you think we're done here?
Dre keeps going, MUTTERS under his breath -- She grabs his
shoulder, SPINS him around, strong. Gets in his face.
VERNA (CONT'D)
You got somethin' to say to me!?
DRE
(explodes)
You don't care what I'm fighting
for.
I already know what I wanna do with my life, and it
definitely ain't sittin in a cubicle takin' orders on some
stupid ass job.
Verna's eyes FLASH -- WHAP! She SLAPS HIM IN THE FACE --
Dre steps back, puts his hand to his cheek. Verna's reeling
as much as he is. She tries to compose herself.
VERNA
People used to tell me I was too
young when I had you -- Said I
wouldn't be shit, said you wouldn't
be shit. Now I been workin' my ass
off to get us here and I refuse to
let you throw it all away.
Dre holds Verna's gaze a moment longer, then turns and calmly
walks back past her, into his room. He picks up his
headphones, pull-out car stereo. Heads for the door, opens
it...
7.
VERNA (CONT'D)
(regret)
Andre --
But he's already closed the door behind him.
5 INT./EXT. VERNA'S HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY 5
Dre bounds over to a battered BLUE & WHITE DATSUN B-210
parked in the DRIVEWAY, regret settling in. He looks up to
see Tyree ambling closer, carrying a bundle of errantly-
selected clothes, a crate of records.
TYREE
Grabbed some of your stuff, man.
DRE
Good lookin' out.
Dre takes the clothes. Tosses them in the back.
TYREE
When you comin' back?
DRE
I don't know. Gotta figure some
things out.
TYREE
Can I come with you?
DRE
You been fightin' for your own room
this whole time and now you wanna
come with me?
They share a CHUCKLE. Then --
TYREE
You know she's just want the best
for you.
DRE
I know, T. I want the best for me
too -- that's way I gotta go.
Him and Dre have special brother-to-brother embrace. Then Dre
hops into his car.
DRE (CONT'D)
When I get set up right, I'mma have
you come with me. Don't worry about
it. It's gonna be sooner then you
think.
8.
Tyree sullenly nods.
Dre triggers the ignition, MUSIC BLASTING, and PEELS away --
DRE (CONT'D)
Call you later.
6 INT./EXT. DRE'S CAR - COMPTON - MINUTES LATER 6
Dre rolls along in that ugly-ass Datsun. It's still early,
but the STREETS are starting to FILL UP. Dudes in doorways,
on the corners, clocking him as he passes. An LA SHERIFF'S
DEPT. SQUAD CAR slides past, disappears around a corner.
WE HEAR a HELICOPTER SOUND, as WE GO WIDE --
7 EXT. LOS ANGELES - WAY UP IN THE SKY - DAY 7
Flying high over the city, it's quiet up here, only the sound
of WIND. BELOW, we see the tight grids of SOUTH LOS ANGELES,
and the densely-packed TRAFFIC heading north along the 110
FREEWAY, as it angles toward the SKYSCRAPERS of DOWNTOWN L.A.
We move NORTH and there's DODGER STADIUM plunked at the
southern tip of ELYSIAN PARK, and the LA RIVER twisting
snakelike up into GRIFFITH PARK --
And NORTHWEST past the mountains of Griffith, descending into
the VALLEY, where we suddenly DIVE DOWN into WOODLAND HILLS
and settle upon the low-slung sprawl of --
8 INT./EXT. YELLOW BUS - TAFT HIGH SCHOOL - DAY 8
We track backward through a school bus full of STUDENTS.
Almost exclusively black and Latino kids. Late 80's fashions.
All the way in the BACK ROW we settle on O'SHEA JACKSON, who
we now know as --
SUPERIMPOSE: O'SHEA JACKSON AKA ICE CUBE
Raiders cap pulled low over a shoulder-length Jheri curl.
Hunched over, wearing a soon-to-be-iconic FROWN of
concentration, he SCRIBBLES LYRICS into a NOTEBOOK:
"BORED AS HELL AND I WANNA GET ILL. SO I WENT TO THE SPOT
WHERE MY HOMEBOYS CHILL --"
The ROAR of a powerful sports car snaps Cube's concentration.
He gazes out the school bus window to see that --
In stark contrast to those on the bus, just beyond the glass
is a sea of WHITE STUDENTS. They hang out, shoot the shit in
their nice clothes, hop into their nice cars. It's a club
that Cube isn't a part of and it's clear that he can feel it.
9.
He frowns, looks back down at his notebook as the bus pulls
away from Taft High...
9 INT./EXT. YELLOW BUS - LATER 9
The BUS cruises Southbound on Crenshaw. And compared to the
Valley, it looks like BEIRUT out there: Graffiti tags, liquor
stores everywhere, boarded-up shops, DUDES loitering,
drinking, slanging. Crip throws a rock and hits the bus.
FIND CUBE sitting halfway back, still doing his thing,
writing rhymes, minding his own.
NEAR HIM, a few KIDS goof around, flash GANG SIGNS out the
window at the passing CARS, PEDESTRIANS, not noticing --
A10 INT./EXT. TRUCK - CONTINUOUS A10
Pulling out of a side street onto Crenshaw, we see two hard-
looking O.G. BLOODS. As the bus passes, they CLOCK THE KIDS
flashing SIGNS. They can't believe it. Driver Grits his
teeth. SPEEDS OUT after the bus --
10 INT./EXT. YELLOW BUS - MOMENTS LATER 10
The bus rolls to a stop. Before any KIDS can get off -- the
O.G. Bloods' truck pulls in front of the bus, blocking the
road. Passenger hops out.
Noticing, the BUS DRIVER goes to shut the doors, but he's too
late -- O.G. Blood gets on, strides past the BUS DRIVER --
glock 9mm in hand.
BUS DRIVER
Hey what's going on? --
O.G. BLOOD
Shut the fuck up, Blood!
(Addresses the whole bus)
You young muthafuckas wanna die
today?!
Everyone on the bus falls SILENT. By the shocked expression
on the kids' faces, they have no clue how or if they're gonna
get out of this alive.
O.G. BLOOD (CONT'D)
HUH!?
He makes his way back to the WANNABE KIDS near the
expressionless Cube. Sensing shit is about to jump off, Cube
slowly reaches for the WINDOW next to him, starts SLIDING IT
OPEN. He edges closer to the window, grabs his NOTEBOOK,
fully prepared to jump the fuck out that window.
10.
O.G. BLOOD (CONT'D)
You little Crab ass niggas could've
got this whole bus shot the fuck
up! We saw that bullshit you was
throwing up out the window! Hit me
up now!
WANNABE KID 1
Didn't mean nothin' by it -- just
playing around.
O.G. BLOOD
That's yo muthafuckin problem,
Blood! This shit ain't nuthin' ta
play wit! It's real in the field,
nigga! Shit's life and death! I
kill Crips for breakfast, Blood! So
keep yo' mothafuckin hand down when
you see me, Understand?!
WANNABE KID 1
Yes.
The O.G. Blood looks over his shoulder, scowls at all the
terrified faces staring back at him.
O.G. BLOOD
What you little muthafuckas need to
do is start gangbang them got damn
books! Learn some shit better then
what we doing! If not, I might be
the one that kill yo' dumb ass!
Remember me! This that Crenshaw
Mafia, Blood!
And with that, the O.G. Blood tucks his gun, and calmly exits
the bus -- leaving behind the stunned kids.
Their truck pulls away into traffic.
Cube grab his books, get up to exit the bus along with a few
others, but not before glancing over at the kids, who sit
there sweating, shell-shocked.
Cube shakes his head at the wannabes. No way he's going out
like that.
11 EXT. SOUTH CENTRAL - DAY 11
Cube walks along the streets, Pee Chee folder and notebooks
in hand, books under his arm as --
11.
We're given tour of the sights and sounds of South Central.
The pervasive shudder of LAPD CHOPPERS TAUNT OVERHEAD, DOGS
BARKING, as an LAPD SQUAD CAR CRUISES MENACINGLY PAST like a
shark in festive waters.
Up ahead, BLOCK DUDES loiter on a neighbor's untended grass.
BLOCK DUDE 1
Aw shit, here come Doug E. Fresh!
BLOCK DUDE 2
Hell naw, that's Kurtis mothafuckin
Blow. Only rapper with a Jheri
curl.
ICE CUBE
Fuck you niggas. I'm about to go
write a rap about yo' drunk ass
Momma. That bitch looks like The
Egyptian Lover.
They smile, give Cube a pound as he passes. Yell after him.
BLOCK DUDE 1
Why you never hang out no more?
BLOCK DUDE 2
I think it's that Valley school.
Nigga too good for us.
But Cube just smiles, looks back at them --
CUBE
Nah, I already know how to
gangbang. I'm just tryin' to learn
how to make some of this white
people money.
BLOCK DUDE 2
I feel you, Cuz. I need some white
people money too.
ICE CUBE
Well take yo' ass to school
sometimes.
The Dudes laugh as Cube continues on. Keeps moving.
UP AHEAD, he sees Dre's DATSUN parked across the street. No
question where Cube's headed.
12.
A12 INT. JINX'S HOUSE - EVENING A12
Cube walks through the LIVING ROOM, where Dre's girlfriend,
LAVETTA, is feeding their baby TYRA (2) --
CUBE
Where Dre at?
She points to the back room.
12 INT. JINX'S HOUSE - JINX'S ROOM - NIGHT 12
JINX'S ROOM, dirty but very hip-hop. JINX, 17, is digging
through a crate of RECORDS, and offering them up to DRE, who
waves most of them away because --
DRE'S IN THE ZONE, doing his thing on the turntables, mixing,
SCRATCHING. And whatever it is sounds DOPE. Next-level shit.
Cube enters -- Lets the SONIC ACROBATICS BOOMING from Dre's
turntables marinate on him a minute.
CUBE
What you mixin'?
Dre, lost in the music, doesn't respond -- Jinx holds up two
ALBUM COVERS: The Ohio Players' FUNKY WORM and The
Headhunters' GOD MADE ME FUNKY. Doesn't make sense, yet --
CUBE (CONT'D)
(blown away)
Ohio Players and the Headhunters..?
(to Dre) That's the shit!
JINX
Crazy, right!
Dre finally notices Cube's in front of him --
DRE
Wuddup, Cube! Got them rhymes?
CUBE
You know it.
Cube flashes the SHEET OF LYRICS from school at Dre, notices
the trash bag full of clothes on the floor.
CUBE (CONT'D)
Stayin' a while?
JINX
Yup. His momma kicked him out for
that mouth.
13.
CUBE
Man that mouth always gettin' you
in trouble. We got that in common.
DRE
Think you ready for Doo-to's?
CUBE
Damn straight.
DRE
`Cause you know that's Compton,
right? They got bodybags at the
door.
CUBE
Ain't worried about all that. I'mma
come with it.
DRE
Yeah, you better, `cause if your
shit ain't tight, you might end up
in one.
Laughs all around as we --
13 EXT. JINX'S HOUSE - NIGHT 13
A Chevy Caprice cop car, light-bar strobing, has pulled
aggressively onto the curb, all four doors open. CRASH
OFFICERS roughly frisk the Block Dudes, as --
School shit in hand, Cube walks past, inconspicuous as
possible. Can't help but glance at the scene --
CRASH COP 1
The fuck you lookin' at?
CUBE
Nothin'. Just goin' home --
CRASH COP 1
Get over here! Now!
Hesitant, Cube complies. Used to getting jacked by the
police, he assumes the same position the other Block Dudes
are in: hands on the hood, legs back.
One of the other Crash Cops pulls out his WALKIE --
CRASH COP 2
(into walkie-talkie)
Requesting backup on Van Wick
Street. Gang related --
14.
CUBE
How you figure we in a gang? `Cause
we black?
BAM! Crash Cop 1 shoves Cube against the car, kicking his
legs apart, a hand on the back of his head. Cube's NOTEBOOKS
hit the pavement -- Get trampled.
CUBE (CONT'D)
Yo watch my notebooks!
CRASH COP 1
Where the rocks at, Cuz?
BLOCK DUDE 1
Ain't no rocks! Y'all muthafuckas
just fishin'!
WHAM! Crash Cop 2 SLAMS Block Dude 1. Forces him to interlock
his fingers behind his head --
CUBE
Officer, can you please explain why
you jackin' us?
CRASH COP 2
We don't have to explain shit!
Block Dude 1 HOWLS in pain as Crash Cop 2 viciously SQUEEZES
his interlocked knuckles. Crash Cop 1 shoots a look to
Uniform Cop 2: Settle down, dude!
TWO MORE SQUAD CARS SCREECH onto the scene. Four UNIFORMED
POLICE climb out, to make an even bigger deal out of nothing.
Cube's Dad, HOSIE, appears up on the porch, pissed.
HOSIE JACKSON
Hey! What the hell's goin' on out
here? Those boys all live on this
block!
The Cops ignore him as Cube's mother, DORIS, appears beside
Hosie, shocked to see her son getting assaulted --
DORIS JACKSON
(re: Cube)
Officer, that's my son!
UNIFORM COP 2
Get back inside, ma'am!
But she starts coming down the steps toward the Cop -- He
UNSNAPS his holster, hand grasping his pistol.
15.
DORIS JACKSON
I just wanna know what's going on --
The COP jams a FINGER inches away from Doris' face!
UNIFORM COP 2
Get the FUCK BACK INSIDE, Lady, or
I promise I will ruin your night!
Doris' mouth drops open. The disrespect is incredible.
ICE CUBE
You ain't gotta talk to my moms
like that, man!
Uniform Cop 1 leans down, WHISPERS to Cube --
UNIFORM COP 1
You think we give a fuck? This
LAPD, boy! Crash Unit! We the only
gangstas around here!
WIDE SHOT: Cube, his parents, and the Block Dudes helpless,
held hostage in their own neighborhood. After every pocket is
turned out, body patted down and rights violated --
UNIFORM COP 2
All right, they check out. We got
cards on all of `em already.
(to Cube and Co.)
Stay out of trouble.
The cops pile back into their cars leaving behind the stunned
neighborhood. Cube grabs his NOTEBOOKS, cleans them off as --
A CHOPPER ABOVE DEAFENS ALL SOUND in a PRIMORDIAL ROAR.
14 OMITTED 14
A15 INT. DOO-TO'S CLUB - ENTRYWAY - MOMENTS LATER A15
Muffled MUSIC seeps into the area as SECURITY GUARDS
thoroughly SEARCH everyone. One of them stares Eazy down.
SECURITY GUARD
You really wanna be here? This club
is full of Pirus.
REN
We straight.
Eazy LAUGHS, doesn't give a fuck.
16.
EAZY
Thanks for the tip, homie.
The Security Guard frowns as he allows them into --
15 THE MAIN FLOOR 15
MUSIC PUMPING, we FOLLOW EAZY and REN into the CLUB, which is
PACKED, people partying their asses off. Everyone's here:
REGULAR FOLKS, BLOODS, SKINNY GIRLS, BIG GIRLS, DEALERS,
ATHLETES. A true hood cross-section.
AS WE MOVE through the place, we see CUBE, JINX and TYREE
standing near the wall: JINX and TYREE are busy clocking the
GIRLS, but CUBE is studying a ripped-out page of LYRICS.
ON STAGE, wearing purple satin jackets with WORLD CLASS
WRECKIN CRU on the back, DRE spins some `80s R&B while his
boy, YELLA, leans down, hollers at a GIRL in the crowd.
Dre spots someone moving through the mass of people --
DRE
Yo, Yella, man -- Lonzo comin'!
Yella quickly moves to the record crate, starts sifting
through them to look like he's busy as --
LONZO WILLIAMS, club PROMOTER and Dre's BOSS approaches. He
leans over to Dre:
LONZO
Gonna make sure nothin's poppin'
off outside. Keep them fat asses
shakin'. None of that rap bullshit,
you hear? I want people thinkin'
`bout pussy not pistols. (then) And
Yella, I saw you talkin to my lady.
Keep your fuckin hands to yourself.
Lonzo shoots Yella a look, then disappears from the stage.
DRE
Why you fuckin with that nigga's
girl, man?
YELLA
Why not?
Dre chuckles, immediately searches the crowd, locking eyes
with CUBE. Dre gives him a NOD, and Cube takes a breath,
heads toward the Stage -- Moment of truth.
17.
IN THE BACK, EAZY and REN are surrounded by ladies. But
Eazy's attention is clearly --
ON STAGE. Cube appears next to Dre, who's cuing up a new
record. He stops the music, grabs the mic:
DRE
Compton! I got my homie -- he's
about to get his rhyme on for
y'all! Give it up for Ice
muthafuckin' Cube!
Dre hands the mic to Cube as the crowd eyeballs him with
suspicion and restraint. They're clearly not gonna give him
respect til he earns it. Cube steels himself, clenches his
jaw, puffs out his chest. And time turns eternal before --
DRE drops the needle on Steve Arrington's funked-out WEAK AT
THE KNEES (hardcore NWA fans will recognize this track as the
original sample for GANGSTA GANGSTA).
Cube starts rapping, his voice powerful, thick with attitude:
ICE CUBE
Here's a little somethin' about a
nigga like me. Never shoulda been
let out the penitentiary. Ice Cube
would like to say, That I'm a crazy
muthafucka from around the way.
Since I was a youth, I smoked weed
out, Now I'm the muthafucka that ya
read about. Takin a life or two,
that's what the hell I do. Don't
like how I'm livin', well fuck you!
After only a few lines, the crowd's CHEERING. HOLLERING.
Dancing. An infectious vibe.
And we DRIFT back to Eazy, standing with Ren, feeling the
fuck out of this music, pensive look on his face. Something
crystallizing as we --
16 INT. DOO-TO'S CLUB - LATER 16
Yella spins a number for the crowd, who seem less energized
now that Cube's off stage. To the side, LONZO chews out Dre --
LONZO
I'm this close to firin' your
monkey ass! You tryin' to start a
riot up in here?! You know I don't
want that hardcore shit played in
my club, but I turn my back and you
do that shit anyway..?
18.
DRE
I'm just tryin' to keep you in
business. Open your eyes. They went
crazy to that shit --
LONZO
You're up on that stage `cause I
put you there. You're a bad ass DJ,
I'll give you that, but you don't
listen and I'm gettin' real tired
of arguing all the time. You know
it's plenty DJs out there who'll
play what I want `em to play. Guys
that don't bite the hand that feeds
'em. Now you take a backseat to
that shit.
He glares at Dre before taking leave. Dre watches him go,
body coiled tight. Jaw clenched.
YELLA
Don't trip off him, homie.
DRE
Man, Lonzo ain't got no vision.
Dre nods, yeah-yeah, but his eyes have landed on EAZY across
the room --
DRE (CONT'D)
Oh shit -- Check out this nigga.
Yo, take over for a minute.
Yella nods, commands the decks. Watches as Dre heads to --
A17 THE BACK OF THE CLUB A17
EAZY's kicking it with REN, talking up several GIRLS. But
when Eazy sees Dre approaching, he smoothly shoos them away.
EAZY
Dr. Dre, how you been doin'?
DRE
What up, E? Been a minute.
EAZY
You know. Out here on the grind --
Nice jacket.
Dre looks down at the purple satin.
DRE
It's the uniform. I make it work.
19.
EAZY
You remember Ren from Kelly Park,
right?
Ren and Dre give each other a respectful nod.
REN
Wuddup, Dre.
EAZY
Heard you been spendin' a lot of
time at your auntie's house. How's
the couch life?
DRE
It's fucked up. I'm too tall for
that shit. Plus I got my woman and
baby livin' there. It's hard. But
everybody can't do what you do.
EAZY
Yeah, but what I do is playin' out,
fast. Muthafuckas are gettin'
locked up and laid down out here
left and right. Time to make a few
changes.
DRE
Yeah. Change ain't bad. Shit, I'm
tryin' to make a few changes my
self.
EAZY
What you mean?
Dre pauses, considering how to proceed...
DRE
Man, you should think about dumpin'
some money into this music shit. I
got some ideas --
YELLA (ON THE MIC)
Yo!
Dre turns to find Yella up on stage in the DJ booth, mouthing
"LONZO," as he points into the crowd. Dre follows Yella's
finger, spots Lonzo slowly moving through, greeting people as
he goes.
DRE
Shit I gotta get back up there.
Let's talk about this later. Think
about it...
20.
Eazy just smiles, nods, as Dre heads off...
17 EXT. DOO-TO'S CLUB - LATE AT NIGHT 17
Dre exits the club, usual crate of records in hand --
TYREE (O.S.)
Do I know you!?
DUDE (O.S.)
What!?
Dre turns to find --
TYREE, all up in the face of some DUDE.
TYREE
Nigga, you heard me!
Tyree shoves the dude -- Dre's eyes light up! That's my
brother! He drops his crate of records, bumrushes the Dude
and COLD-COCKS HIM. The Dude just drops, dazed.
Dre turns to Tyree, adrenaline pumping.
DRE
What he do!?
TYREE
Muthafucka over here lookin' at me
like he know me!
Dre can't believe it -- That's it?
DRE
Tyree, you gotta stop doin' this
shit, man!
The down Dude slowly gets onto his knees, stumbles to his
feet just as --
WHOOP! WHOOP! An L.A. Sheriff's Dept. SQUAD CAR rolls into
the lot, lights on Dre, Tyree and the Dude. In a hurry, the
two OFFICERS are out of the car, approaching the guys --
OFFICER 1
We told everybody to clear this
parking lot! What's going on!?
DRE
We got this, Officer --
21.
OFFICER 1
I didn't ask you what you got! Get
the fuck home!
DRE
I am home.
Officer 1 gets right in Dre's face, nose to nose.
OFFICER 1
If you don't start walking --
But Dre just stands his ground, head cocked to the side,
defying the Officer. In a flash --
BAM! Dre finds his face planted into the hood of the squad
car! Cuffs slapped on! Same for Tyree and the Dude as we --
18 EXT. COMPTON POLICE STATION - EARLY MORNING 18
DRE emerges from the Police Station, police property bag in
hand, to find EAZY waiting for him beside a fresh `63 IMPALA
LOWRIDER.
EAZY
They got you for carrying records?
That's some gangsta shit, Dre.
Dre smiles, chuckles -- He's clearly beyond exhausted.
DRE
Cops will throw a nigga in jail for
anything.
At Eazy's car, Dre and Eazy pound hug.
EAZY
Lonzo just left you here, huh?
DRE
Guess he's sick of bailing my ass
out.
Dre kneels down on the pavement, takes his shoelaces from the
police property bag and casually starts lacing his sneakers.
But Eazy clocks a couple POLICE OFFICERS eyeballing him and
Dre. Clearly, he's not comfortable here. Hops into the car.
EAZY
Mind gettin' your funny lookin' ass
in the car before they arrest you
for some other dumb shit?
22.
Eazy gestures like, we in front of the police station! Dre
realizes. My bad. Hops in. Keeps lacing his sneakers...
EAZY (CONT'D)
Man, I was thinkin' about what you
said last night.
DRE
Yeah, and..?
EAZY
It's interestin' --
DRE
Interestin'? Tell me this, how long
you think that shit you doin' gonna
last, huh? You ever heard of a
happy ending in that game?
EAZY
Shit, man, this all comin' from the
nigga I just bailed out.
DRE
Listen, if you can slang dope, you
can slang records. You got a mind
for this shit, E.
EAZY
Okay so what then -- That nigga
last night? Is that what we doin'?
DRE
What, Cube? Nah, he in a group
right now, got some other business
goin' on. But I got this group
called H.B.O. from the east coast.
Dope voices, and Cube wrote a song
for `em that's crazy.
Eazy considers for a long moment as we --
19 INT. LONZO'S STUDIO - DAY 19
Dre sits in front of a huge MIXING BOARD, adjusting the
levels on a hard-driving BEAT.
A small CREW of Kangol-wearing RAPPERS (HOME BOYS ONLY, aka
HBO) are gathered around, reading pages we recognize as
CUBE'S LYRICS with befuddled expressions.
HBO 1
What the fuck is "Gankin"? And
what's a "6-4"?
23.
CUBE (O.S.)
It's a car. A `64 Impala.
Everyone turns to look at CUBE, off to the side, annoyed.
CUBE (CONT'D)
Gankin's when somebody jacks you.
Ain't a big deal. Just sounds
better that way.
Another HBO dude chimes in --
HBO 2
I dunno, too much cussin' to get
radio play. And honestly, nobody
gives a fuck about Compton --
Dre interrupts from the board, no back down in him.
DRE
Y'all got somethin' to say about
Compton? Cause we might have a
problem up in this bitch.
Nobody says a thing. Deafening silence. Then:
DRE (CONT'D)
Then do the lyrics. We losin' time
and I'm losin' patience.
The vibe is tense, unpleasant. Finally:
HBO 1
This ain't us. I ain't fuckin' with
this Jheri curl bullshit --
CUBE
Fuck you then. Wearing a Kangol
don't make you L.L. Cool J nigga,
remember that.
HBO 1 CRUMPLES the Lyrics sheet into a ball.
HBO 2
Yeah. Now what?
CUBE
What you wanna do, mark ass nigga?
Cube and the HBO dudes square up, swelling and huffing --
Without hesitation, Eazy gets up, stands beside Cube. Dre
whips off his headphones and flanks Cube from the other side.
These dudes have each other's back, ready to throw down.
24.
The HBO clowns start exiting, talking shit.
Eazy wanders back over to the couch, plops down, sighs:
EAZY
Well there goes the talent. Don't
know a whole lot about the music
game, but we can't start a label
without talent.
The three of them chuckle. Eazy sighs, shakes his head.
EAZY (CONT'D)
Okay, I put up my money -- I held
up my side of the deal, Dre. When
you gonna deliver your side?
DRE
Well shit, why don't you get on the
mic and try it?
EAZY
What? Fool, I ain't no rapper.
Off Eazy's unsure look --
DRE
You already spent the money.
Don't you get it? Man, this song is
all about you! This song is about
Eazy-muthafuckin'-E! Now get in
the booth. Let me deliver my side
of this shit.
20 INT. LONZO'S STUDIO - LATER 20
ON EAZY, self-conscious in the booth, light beaming on him.
Dre gets up from the board, DIMS THE LIGHTS way down low --
EAZY
Fuck you doin'?
DRE
Just lemme produce. Get
comfortable, man.
Eazy takes a breath, huddles over the mic. He puts his Locs
sunglasses on, pulls his baseball cap low -- so low you can
barely see him (which is exactly the point).
Dre sits behind the board with Cube. STARTS UP THE BEAT and
cues Eazy --
25.
EAZY
(dry, flat)
Cruisin' down the street in my 6-4 -
-
Cube winces. Dre STOPS the track.
DRE
Hit that first beat hard. CRUISE-in
down the street. CRUISE-in.
When Eazy tries it again, it almost sounds worse --
EAZY
Cruisin' down the street in my 6-4 -
-
CUBE
That ain't it...
EAZY
Get that dry-ass Jheri curl outta
here, maybe I can concentrate.
CUBE
You kickin' me out?
Dre looks at Cube. Nods. Go.
CUBE (CONT'D)
Aiight. I'm just sayin'...
Cube exits. Then --
DRE
Just gimme the words.
EAZY
Nigga what?
DRE
Say that shit with me -- CRUISE-in -
-
EAZY
(animated)
Dre, you know this shit is
hopeless, right?
DRE
That! See how you just said that
shit? Like you believe it!
26.
EAZY
`Cause I do.
DRE
So say this shit like you believe
it. Like it's muthafuckin' Sunday
and you cruisin' down the street in
that dope-ass 6-4. Feel that shit,
like its ya own words.
The frustration on Eazy's face is apparent.
EAZY
You really gonna make me do this,
huh?
Yup. Eazy frowns. Takes a moment to compose himself...
EAZY (CONT'D)
Aiight, fuck it. Let's do this.
Dre starts the track again -- ONLY THIS TIME, HE DOES SO ONE.
COMPONENT. AT A TIME. BUILDING THE SONG AS IF FROM SCRATCH.
EAZY vibes with it. Can't fuckin' help it. Shit is dope.
Finally, once THE BEAT IS FULLY REALIZED, Dre CUES him --
EAZY (CONT'D)
Cruisin' down the street in my 6-4.
Dre grins. Much better. Stops the track.
DRE
Hell yeah! That shit was tight.
Only 59 more lines, E. But we gonna
get through it. Hit that next line -
-
Eazy groans, pulls his hat even lower, as we --
21 INT. LONZO'S STUDIO - MANY HOURS LATER 21
There's a sense of ceremony here. Cube, Eazy, YELLA, REN,
Jinx, DOC and few girls wait with palpable anticipation as --
DRE PUSHES PLAY on the freshly completed TRACK. It starts
THUMPING from the speakers: It's BOYZ N THA HOOD.
Pride and a sense of purpose swell in each and every one of
them as LONZO POPS IN. Listens, skeptical.
The song stops and no one says a word. They know this is
something special. Finally:
27.
YELLA
Lonzo, what you think?
LONZO
That some waste of time shit right
there and trust me, it ain't gonna
work. Won't get no radio play.
DRE
You never know-- We might do a
radio version and take it up to
KDAY and see what happens.
LONZO
This reality rap is never going to
work, Dre. You need to hurry up and
rap this shit up and finish that
slow jam I had you working on. I'm
serious, Dre! Hurry up with this...
DRE
Yo, I don't know about working on
this slow stuff anymore. After this
I'm going to work on songs with
DOC.
Reveal DOC in the background.
LONZO
It's not a request, Dre.
Lonzo scowls at Dre, exits in a huff. Yella goes to Dre, eyes
wide with excitement --
DRE
Yo, if Lonzo don't like it, you
know that shit is dope.
They pound. Everyone LAUGHS. Truth.
REN
Damn, Dre -- You just turned a
hustler into a rapper.
EAZY
Now this right here..? This some
ruthless shit for real. Dre, you a
muthafuckin' genius. And Cube, you
got more of them stories to tell?
28.
CUBE
Homie, I got rhymes for days. But I
got to hear this one more
gen...Dre, hit that shit.
Laughter as Dre cues it up, the SONG RESUMING, as we --
22 INT. MACOLA RECORDS - LOS ANGELES - DAY 22
BOYZ IN THA HOOD is PLAYING OVER --
A STACK of VINYL RECORDS moves through a PRESS. A machine
STAMPS a RED LABEL onto the MIDDLE. CLOSE ON the RED RUTHLESS
LABEL -- BOYZ N THA HOOD.
IN THE RECEIVING AREA, EAZY picks up a couple BOXES of
RECORDS. He PAYS for them, and hauls them away.
23 INT. RECORD STORE - CENTRAL AVE - COMPTON - DAY 23
BOYZ keeps on THUMPING --
DRE and TYREE stand at the counter of a RECORD STORE, with a
BOX OF RECORDS. The CLERK takes about SIX RECORDS --
24 EXT. RUN-DOWN HOUSE - COMPTON - DAY 24
BOYZ continues OVER --
Eazy emerges from a RUN-DOWN HOUSE, jogs across the street to
his BUCKET, climbs inside, opens his STASH SPOT, stuffs a
large WAD of CASH inside. A hustler is always hustlin --
25 EXT. BACK YARD HOUSE PARTY - SOUTH CENTRAL - DAY 25
Some local TEENAGERS are partying, drinking and listening to
BOYZ N THE HOOD wax. And that shit has the party bumpin'.
A sense that this song is going VIRAL, in a contagious, pre-
internet sort of way --
26 EXT. ROADIUM SWAP MEET - LOS ANGELES - DAY 26
BOYZ continues as Eazy brings TWO BOXES of RECORDS to a SWAP
MEET BOOTH operated by STEVE YANO. Yano excitedly collects
the two boxes, hands over some cash. Deal done. Before Eazy
can even bounce, some KIDS bumrush Yano for copies --
27 INT. K-DAY RADIO STATION - LOS ANGELES - DAY 27
BOYZ slowly fades, iconic KDAY Disc Jockey GREG MACK spinning
the TRACK over the airwaves of Los Angeles. He grins, bobbing
his head, digging this shit for real.
29.
GREG MACK
1580 KDAY, this is Greg Mack --
Mack Attack. That was "Boyz n tha
Hood" by Eazy-E, local rapper out
of Compton. Sounds like he's about
15 years old --
He glances over to the TELEPHONE SWITCHBOARD, which suddenly
LIGHTS UP like crazy, with dozens of CALLERS.
GREG MACK (CONT'D)
-- I know you like it. It's been
the most requested record on this
station ever since I played it. The
freshest song of 1986 --
28 INT. MACOLA RECORDS - RECEIVING AREA - DAY 28
Eazy pays for another couple boxes of records. Grabs them --
JERRY HELLER (O.S.)
I heard your record.
Eazy turns to find --
JERRY HELLER, a middle-aged guy in a velvet track suit. His
face is craggy, seasoned, wise. He's got terrible posture,
but lively, hyper-alert eyes. He extends his hand to Eazy.
JERRY
Jerry Heller.
EAZY
Eric Wright.
JERRY
Pleasure to meet you. Would it be
possible to have a word with you,
Eric?
EAZY
About what?
29 INT. MACOLA RECORDS - OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER 29
Jerry at his desk, Eazy on the ratty couch. Eazy lets his
eyes wander around the shabby office. The sad furniture, the
old and irrelevant posters on the walls.
JERRY
I thought your record was good.
30.
EAZY
Just good? Why you call me in here
then --
Eazy gets up and heads for the door --
JERRY
No-no-no, hang on. (beat) I thought
it was exceptional. Please, sit
back down.
Eazy indulges Jerry. Sits back down and stares, cold,
unreadable. Jerry rubs his eyes, frustrated, his regular
spiel isn't having its usual effect.
JERRY (CONT'D)
Let's try this again. As a music
manager, let me tell you what I can
do for you, Eric --
EAZY
Maybe I'm the one who can do
somethin' for you.
JERRY
You think because I don't have some
flashy office, that means I don't
know what I'm talking about? Elton
John, War, Styx, REO Speedwagon --
EAZY
You manage anybody this decade?
Jerry leans on his elbows on the desk, cocks his head at
Eazy. The balls on this kid.
JERRY
Let me tell you what I see. Lotta
raw talent. Lotta braggadoccio. But
if you think anyone's gonna talk to
you, if you think anyone's gonna
let you into the building where you
might talk to somebody -- somebody
who matters -- you're crazy.
Eazy frowns, looks away --
JERRY (CONT'D)
That's what I do for you. I will
make you legit. I will take you
into that building. I will protect
you. I will block out all the noise
of this business and we can build
something big.
(MORE)
31.
JERRY (CONT'D)
But you're gonna have to believe in
me like I believe in you. If you
don't think you can do that...
Eazy doesn't budge. Satisfied, Jerry continues --
JERRY (CONT'D)
You got more music for me?
EAZY
I got everything you need.
JERRY
Good, cause you're gonna have to
follow this up. So what does N.W.A.
stand for anyway?
(with a smile)
No Whites Allowed?
Eazy looks at Jerry. Cold as ice.
EAZY
"Niggas With Attitudes."
The smile is wiped off Jerry's face immediately.
30 EXT. SKATELAND RINK - COMPTON - NIGHT 30
200 or so people lined up outside, waiting to get in. NWA
POSTERS are stapled to walls in testament to guerilla
marketing. Notice the profusion of PEOPLE present as --
Eazy and Ren pull into the lot, exit the car and heads
inside, intoxicated by the sea of people.
31 INT. SKATELAND RINK - MAKESHIFT DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT 31
Eazy addresses the guys, all business.
EAZY
I asked everybody to wear something
black today, `cause if we gonna be
an All-Star group, we gotta look
like an All-Star group.
WE PULL BACK to reveal the GUYS -- Cube, Dre and Ren --
gathered around Eazy. A whole crew is there with them, too,
including DOC, Tyree and Jinx. And everybody's dressed in
some type of BLACK L.A. RAIDERS GEAR, except Yella who
approaches from the side wearing an old school purple & gold
L.A. KINGS jersey.
EAZY (CONT'D)
Damn Yella! What happened?
32.
YELLA
Man, kiss my ass, I ain't got no
Raider gear.-- Are we gettin' paid
to wear that shit?
Eazy hits him in the face with a black t-shirt.
EAZY
Put this on.
As YELLA starts to change shirts, Jerry Heller comes around
the corner talking to the promoter, nothing hip-hop about him
at all.
CUBE
Aww damn-- here come The White
Shadow.
(no smiles)
REN
Nah, Mr. Furley from "Three's
Company."
EAZY
(irritated)
Man, shut the fuck up? This dude
knows the game inside out. He been
out there shopping our shit around.
Gonna find distribution for
Ruthless, get us on tour and bring
a whole lot of money to the table.
DRE
And then what-- How he get paid?
EAZY
Just takes 20::percent:: off the
top. That's it. We cut up 80.
That's how managers work.
DOC
(drink in hand)
All managers don't get 20
mothafuckin' percent!
EAZY
Doc, shut yo drunk ass up. You
don't know the music business.
DOC take another sip.
Jerry joins the group.
33.
JERRY HELLER
Hey fellas, sorry I'm running late.
I'll be honest. We've had a lot of
passes. People are scared of you
guys big time. They think you're
dangerous. But I think that's a
good thing. And we've had a couple
nibbles, from a couple labels.
Epic, Capitol, Priority...
REN
"Nibbles"..? What's that mean?
Jerry pauses a beat, finding the best response.
JERRY HELLER
Here's the thing. You guys can make
a real record. Sell it nationwide.
But we're not there yet. These
labels, they're still gonna need
some... convincing. So I invited a
few of them to your show. So you
have to kick ass tonight. Can you
do that?
The guys stare back at Jerry, with the fire in their eyes.
Goddamn right they can do it -- "Hell yeah!"
JERRY HELLER (CONT'D)
Let me go and make sure they're all
here.
Jerry peels away and goes inside. Cube looks at Eazy.
CUBE
And you trust this dude? Cause he
looks like a one of my old
muthafuckin' history teachers.
Eazy cocks his head at Cube.
EAZY
You trust me?
CUBE
Yeah, I trust you. But that ain't
what we talking about --
EAZY
Just leave it up to me. I'll make
sure everything is straight. Just
have them raps cocked and loaded.
Dre throws his arm around Eazy, puts a stop to it--
34.
DRE
Come on now. Cube has never failed
to deliver. He always comes
correct, ready to work. That ain't
gonna change. Aiight?
Cube and Eazy soften, smile at each other, it's all good.
YELLA
Can this muthafucka Jerry Heller
bring in more pussy? That's worth
20 percent!
Everyone LAUGHS as we --
32 INT. SKATELAND RINK - MAIN FLOOR - CONTINUOUS 32
We see the PACKED MASS of the CROWD, crammed together, hands
in the air, SCREAMING, even though nothing's happened yet.
The stage is pitch black as we see the silhouettes of NWA
members manning their battle stations. More screams and
anticipation from the crowd.
At the BACK of the room, we see JERRY HELLER beside THREE
nervous-looking RECORD EXECS. One of them -- BRYAN TURNER --
glances around warily at the inner-city CROWD.
BRYAN TURNER
You sure this is... safe for us..?
JERRY
Try not to look so scared, Bryan.
They smell it on ya, you're
finished.
Turner FREEZES and his eyes go wide -- Jerry LAUGHS.
JERRY (CONT'D)
Relax. You're in for a real treat!
Just then, the STAGE LIGHTS come on, and NWA IS ON STAGE,
spread out in FORMATION, in their BLACK RAIDERS GEAR. DRE and
YELLA man FOUR TURNTABLES and 2 mixers --
CUBE
Yo Dre, kick in the bass!
The bass-heavy ASSAULT of DOPEMAN kicks in. The crowd goes
APESHIT. Jumping up and down. Crushed against each other --
ON STAGE, CUBE stalks to the edge, lets loose --
35.
CUBE (CONT'D)
It was once said by a man who
couldn't quit --
And and CROWD SCREAMS BACK, because THEY KNOW EVERY LYRIC!
THE CROWD
DOPE MAN PLEASE CAN I HAVE ANOTHER
HIT???
CUBE
The Dopeman said Cluck I don't give
a shit, if your girl kneels down --
THE CROWD
AND SUCKS MY DICK!!!
with each other, like, Oh my God, this is sick!
IN THE CROWD, we find JERRY and the RECORD EXECS. One of the
EXECS looks disgusted, WALKS OUT. Jerry watches him go...
JERRY
So what do ya think?
RECORD EXEC
Jerry, we're friends, but Compton?
(laughs)
I don't think so. Queens..? Maybe.
But. If you find another Bon Jovi,
you call me.
The Exec brushes past Jerry and WALKS OUT. Jerry turns and
sees that BRYAN TURNER is the only Exec still there. And he's
WATCHING with wide eyes, overwhelmed while --
UP ON STAGE, EAZY tears into his verse --
EAZY
Yeah high-rollin', big money I'm
foldin, Bitch on my tip for the
dick I'm holdin'. Strung
strawberry, jockin' me so early. Ho
you want a hit --
CROWD
YOU GOTTA GET YOUR KNEES DIRTY!!!
IN THE BACK OF THE CLUB, from a corner, a big man is
watching, mind going, This is SUGE KNIGHT.
36.
33 INT. SKATELAND RINK - LATER 33
The last raucous PARTY-GOERS exit, leaving behind some
CLEANING CREW and OUR GUYS, still riding the high of
performing.
DOC
Damn Dre, ya'll wrecked these
mothafuckas tonight!
DRE
I know. Stage was shaking so much--
thought my needles was about to
jump off the record!
CUBE
I'm still trippin' that they knew
all the words! That's Crazy...
REN
Compton is definitely on the map my
nigga!
YELLA
Did you see all the freaks that was
out there? Lord, thank God for
biker shorts!
Everybody shoots YELLA a look.
CUBE
We talkin' about the power of
N.W.A. and all you saw tonight was
pussy?
YELLA
Man, pussy is power.
They chuckle at Yella in disbelief as SUGE KNIGHT approaches.
SUGE
(surprisingly friendly)
Man, I had a feelin' y'all was
gonna represent tonight. Good shit.
EAZY
Wuddup, Suge -- What you been up
to, homie? Still out in Vegas?
SUGE
Back and forth. Doing some
bodyguard work among other things.
If ya'll need my services, just let
me know.
37.
EAZY
Aight. But we don't need no body
guards.
SUGE
You never know what you need until
you need it.
Somewhat of an uncomfortable pause of dead air.
JERRY rounds the corner, sweating through his misshapen suit,
along with BRYAN TURNER.
SUGE (CONT'D)
I just came back here to give ya'll
your props. I got my people out
here waiting on me. But I'll be
around.
Suge exits... as DOC clocks his flavor-- our attend goes to
Jerry and Bryan.
JERRY
That was quite a show, gentlemen.
Nice job. Very, very nice.
They all keep STARING at him, waiting. Jerry grins, enjoying
stretching out this moment.
JERRY (CONT'D)
This is Eazy E and NWA. Guys, this
is Bryan Turner.
CUBE
(brazenly)
Ice Cube, `Sup?
JERRY
Uh, Bryan runs Priority Records. He
wants to sign you.
BRYAN TURNER
Immediately. Fellas, I loved the
show. You really had the crowd on
their feet. I think you'll fit
perfectly with our label.
DRE
That'll work. Priority Records? I'm
not familiar with your label. What
artist do you got over there?
Bryan looks at Jerry, who folds his arms, chin on his chest.
38.
BRYAN TURNER
Nothing big. Just an R&B group.
REN
Who dat?
Bryan hesitates, almost ashamed to say --
BRYAN TURNER
Uh-- The California Raisins.
Everyone in NWA grimaces --
CUBE
Them little-ass raisins on the
commercial? Singin', "I Heard it
Through the Grapevine"?
Yep. They all LAUGH in Bryan's face. He smiles too.
BRYAN TURNER
Laugh all you want. Those little
fuckers went gold last year.
The laughing stops -- This gets their attention and respect.
EAZY
Gold?
JERRY
Yep, almost platinum. Bryan has a
great distribution platform.
This is the perfect time for Jerry Heller to seal the deal.
BRYAN TURNER
So what do ya say? Wanna go make a
record?
It takes a second for it to sink in. But they are as ready as
they ever could be. Jerry watches, pleased as punch --
34 EXT. AUDIO ACHIEVEMENTS - TORRANCE - ESTABLISHING - DAY 34
Cars zip past as we move inside --
A35 INT. AUDIO ACHIEVEMENTS STUDIO - DAY A35
Dre runs his fingers on the knobs and levels of the mixing
board. There's nowhere that he feels more at home. Eazy,
Cube, Ren, Yella and Jerry are gather in the studio. Dre
Inspired:
39.
DRE
Aiight! If your rhymes ain't tight,
you ain't makin' the record. So you
better have your shit together.
Yella Boy -- Rewind that shit!
Yella rewinds the tape.
Cube and Eazy look at each other as the speech hits home
as...
We begin a MEDLEY OF IN-PROGRESS AND ICONIC SONGS.
B35 INT. AUDIO ACHIEVEMENTS - BOOTH B35
Cube in the studio writing EXPRESS YOURSELF. Dre is on the
mic doing EXPRESS YOURSELF. Yella is at board as everyone
watches Dre.
DRE
I'm expressin' with my full
capabilities, And now I'm livin' in
correctional facilities...
C35 NOTE: IN BETWEEN THIS SEQUENCE, we cut back to CATCH GLIMPSES
C35
of Dre in the studio CREATING -- FUCK THA POLICE, starting
with the bones and building: first the DRUM MACHINE... then
the SCRATCH... the BASS... an on and on. We will see Dre
building this track throughout the sequence. In the back,
Cube, Ren and DOC on the couch writing.
D35 IN THE BOOTH - LATER D35
Cube writes than spits the lyrics to A BITCH IZ A BITCH.
AT THE BOARD, Dre HOWLS with excitement, adjusts the levels,
then cuts the beat. Beside him, Eazy and Yella are all
smiles.
E35 IN THE BOOTH, Ren spits fire on the final bars of PARENTAL
E35
DISCRETION IZ ADVISED --
F35 -- EAZY spitting STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON as -- F35
35 INT. AUDIO ACHIEVEMENTS STUDIO - DAY 35
Dre's at the soundboard, chopping up the beasts from what
will become "Fuck Tha Police". Cube, Ren, DOC and Jinx are
listening while writing and eating fast food.
DRE
Now this is what I'm talkin' about.
You hear the difference?
40.
YELLA
Yeah, no doubt.
Jerry and Eazy are discussing business.
JERRY
Our deal with Priority is done. I
have the contracts for you to sign.
Cube takes notice of Jerry and Eazy, looking up from another
beat-up notebook.
JERRY (CONT'D)
(to Dre)
If this music keeps sounding like
this. This album is going to be
amazing.
DRE
Thanks, Jerry.
JERRY
The lyrics you're writing is really
good, Cube.
CUBE
I appreciate that, man.
(to Eazy)
Eazy what's up with our deal.
EAZY
Jerry handles that.
Cube looks at Jerry.
JERRY
The lawyers just started drawing
them up.
Before Cube can respond, Tyree enters the room as Jerry exits
the room.
Tyree pulls Dre aside.
TYREE
Yo Dre, there's something outside
you need to take care of. Trust me.
Concerned, Dre heeds Tyree's advice and exits.
41.
36 EXT. AUDIO ACHIEVEMENTS STUDIO - CONTINUOUS 36
Parked along the curb, Dre's girl LaVetta sits in what we
thought was Dre's DATSUN. It's filled to the brim with
clothes and baby gear, hatchback tied down with bungee chord.
Dre leans down to her window --
DRE
So let me get this straight -- You
gonna do this right here, right
now?
LAVETTA
What am I supposed to do? We're
sleepin' on a twin bed, at your
auntie's house. We have a baby,
Andre. You expect me to wait for
what you're doin' in there? And you
in the streets, fuckin' around? Are
you crazy?
Dre doesn't notice a TORRANCE P.D. CRUISER drift past...
DRE
What? I'm out here day and night
bustin' my ass, tryin' to create
something, and you gonna come up in
here talkin' about some bitches?
Are you crazy?
LAVETTA
You don't get it.
DRE
Nah, you don't get it.
LAVETTA
Bye, Andre.
LaVetta puts the car in gear, PEELS away just as the whole
gang comes out, having caught the tail end of the argument.
YELLA
You cool?
DRE
Fuck no. I'm far from cool.
TYREE
What happened, Dre? What she say?
CUBE
Aww shit, here we go again...
42.
The TORRANCE P.D. CRUISER pulls up fast, two COPS popping
out. One black the other white. Weapons drawn.
TORRANCE COP 1 (BLACK)
Everybody down on the ground now!
The guys are confused. Food in hand.
REN
What we do?!
These cops aren't playing and they don't want to be
questioned.
TORRANCE COP 2 (WHITE)
(Shoving Ren to the
ground)
Get your fuckin ass on the ground
before I shoot you! That's what you
did!
After peeping out the cops overly aggressive posture. The
guys start to comply. Mexican food hits the ground first then
all the guys go face down-- spread eagle.
DRE
Why you got on the ground like
this, officer?
TORRANCE COP 1
For our protection. It's 6 of you,
only two of us. So just sit there
and shut up.
(to his partner)
Call for back up.
Torrance Cop 2 starts to call it in.
Torrance Cop 1 starts to roughly frisk the guys.
TORRANCE COP 1 (CONT'D)
This is Torrance. You niggas
supposed to be somewhere?
EAZY
Yeah. Here. We workin'.
TORRANCE COP 1
Working? Yeah, I bet.
DRE
What we do?
43.
TORRANCE COP 2
We'll find out what you did in a
minute.
Within seconds, the Cop has Dre legs spread, frisking him
roughly, hyper-extending his arms --
DRE
What the fuck --
TORRANCE COP 1
Shut your hole!
The whole group is getting frisked one by one. Until Jerry
Heller comes to the rescue.
JERRY
Excuse me officer, what's going on
out here?!
TORRANCE COP 1
Step back sir! Just making sure
these thugs are clean!
Jerry keeps coming.
JERRY
These are not thugs, they're
artists!
As Jerry gets into the officers face, we see the contrast of
the black guys face down on the ground with the Cops and
Jerry's shoes standing over them talking.
TORRANCE COP 1
Artists? What kind of artists?
JERRY
They're rappers working in the
studio right here.
TORRANCE COP 2
Rappers? Rap is not art. It's
jungle music. And who are you
supposed to be?
JERRY
I'm the manager.
TORRANCE COP 1
Well you're wasting your time, Mr.
Manager, `cause your rappers look
like typical gang bangers to me.
44.
As the insults continue-- We LINGER ON CUBE, consuming his
incendiary eyes, his flared nostrils. He's just about had
enough of this shit.
TORRANCE COP 2
Why don't you spend your time
managing real music like Lynyrd
Skynyrd!
TORRANCE COP 1
Or Con-Funk-Shun! Real instruments.
Real music! Not this bullshit rap!
TORRANCE COP 2
Fuckin' fad.
TORRANCE COP 1
(laughing)
Tell me about it.
37 INT. AUDIO ACHIEVEMENTS STUDIO - EMPTY OFFICE - LATER 37
Dimly lit, Cube sits hunkered over a desk, writing furiously
in his notebook. As if he's possessed. He slaps a page aside,
scribbling on the back. WE CATCH GLIMPSES of ICONIC WORDS ON
THE PAGE --
GOT IT BAD CAUSE I'M BROWN .... SEARCHIN' MY CAR, LOOKIN' FOR
THE PRODUCT .... THINKIN' EVERY NIGGA IS SELLIN' NARCOTICS.
38 INT. AUDIO ACHIEVEMENTS STUDIO - CONTINUOUS 38
Dre is at the mixing board working on the instruental track
for FUCK THA POLICE. The instrumental is playing without any
lyrics or the hook on it.
CUBE (O.S.)
Yo!
CUBE enters the studio -- Hands the open notebook over to
Eazy, who scans it, hands it over to Dre for a look.
EAZY
(sly smile)
This gonna start some shit, Cube.
CUBE
(a grunt)
Yeah, fuck the police.
Dre smiles as we cut to --
Dre is scratching in the iconic hook. FUCK THA POLICE-- FUCK,
FUCK, FUCK THA POLICE. He continues to scratch...
45.
38pt2 Ice Cube on the mic spitting the venomous lyrics of Fuck Tha
38pt2
Police.
40 EXT. RUTHLESS RECORDS - LOS ANGELES - ESTABLISHING - DAY 40
STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON continues over --
EAZY and JERRY walk into the new RUTHLESS OFFICES...
41 EXT. CRENSHAW BLVD - NIGHT 41
A LOWRIDER cruises the packed boulevard, STRAIGHT OUTTA
COMPTON SCREAMING out the windows as it passes by --
A HOOPTIE that's got EXPRESS YOURSELF ON BLAST. And we
quickly realize that --
THE ENTIRE ALBUM'S FLOATING ON THE AIR, DIFFERENT TRACKS
THUMPING from DIFFERENT CARS flossing on the `Shaw.
Literally, every car.
LOW-RIDERS bounce their hydraulics in approval. PEDESTRIANS
HOLLER at the RIDERS and Riders holler back. It's like the
entire hood is partying. And in the thick of it all --
Eazy, Dre, and Cube creep down Crenshaw in Eazy's `64 Impala,
Ren and Yella just behind them in Yella's Porche. They can't
believe their eyes, their hood now worshipping their music.
Some full circle shit...
42 INT. RUTHLESS RECORDS - JERRY'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 42
STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON FADES OUT as --
CLOSE ON the album cover to STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON as it's
slid across the desk to... THE WHOLE GANG. They pass around
the record, in awe, as if it were the Holy Grail.
JERRY
This is only the tip of the
iceberg, fellas. The days of
selling records out of your trunk
are a thing of the past, Eric.
EAZY
My days of selling anything out the
trunk is over.
43 EXT. LEIMERT PARK - LOS ANGELES - DAY 43
All the GROUP MEMBERS saying goodbye to their FAMILY,
FRIENDS. JERRY's there, too, along with Bryan Turner.
46.
BRYAN TURNER
So, are you going out with them?
JERRY
Are you crazy? Had a enough of that
shit in the 70's. I'll fly out a
couple of times and check on'em.
BRYAN TURNER
Well make sure everything goes
smooth, okay? I have enough bad
press with Tipper Gore and P.M.R.C.
on my ass. I'm gonna have to put
Parental Advisory stickers on all
the records from now on --
JERRY HELLER
What's wrong with that? Bryan,
controversy's good -- It's gonna
help us sell more records.
But Jerry's distracted by Eazy carrying a big duffel bag.
JERRY
Excuse me.
Jerry sidles up to EAZY, who is carrying a big, heavy,
clattering DUFFEL.
JERRY (CONT'D)
What ya got in there, Mr. Wright?
Eric grins, sets down the duffel -- CLUNK -- and unzips it.
Jerry's eyes bug. The duffel is full of GUNS, big and small,
a Kevlar vest, a hockey mask. All things trouble.
JERRY (CONT'D)
Have you lost your mind? You are
not taking that on the bus.
EAZY
Yeah we are. How we supposed to
protect ourselves out there, Jerry?
In fuckin' Texas? And Tennessee?
They lynch niggas down there --
JERRY
I'm not gonna let you take that
arsenal on tour, Eric!
Eazy squares off, crosses his arms.
47.
EAZY
Let me? Jerry, you take care of the
business, I'll take care of the
rest.
A44 EXT. HOUSTON ARENA - HOUSTON - NIGHT A44
Out front of the arena, a mass of PROTESTORS have accumulated
a large pile of NWA RECORDS as --
SUPERIMPOSE: HOUSTON, TX
B44 ON THE BUS B44
The guys watch on as a MAN drives a STEAMROLLER RIGHT OVER
THE RECORDS, crushing them to pieces! The Protestors CHEER!
CUBE
Ain't that some shit... Talk some
truth and people lose they minds.
EAZY
They had to buy all those albums to
do that! More money in our pockets.
44 EXT. HOUSTON ARENA - BACKSTAGE PARKING - HOUSTON - NIGHT 44
The TOUR BUS pulls up inside the SECURITY AREA behind the
VENUE. Houston P.D., POLICE HORSES, FANS and PROTESTERS are
watching as --
The bus DOOR HISSES open, and we watch expectantly for our
heroes... BUT NO ONE APPEARS. All we can see is the black
void inside the tour bus, its ENGINE IDLING. Finally, when we
can hardly stand it any longer... NWA BURSTS OUT ONTO THE --
45 INT. HOUSTON ARENA - STAGE - LATER THAT NIGHT 45
-- And god damn they look cool. Still dressed in all-black,
but now their shit looks cleaner, more expensive. They're all
rocking a lot of GOLD -- rings and thick-rope chains.
HUGE BASS SLAMS DOWN as the mock street LIGHTS blind our
eyes. The stage looks like the hood with chain link fences
and yellow police tape.
We hear the SOUNDS of STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON ("YOU ARE NOW
ABOUT TO WITNESS THE STRENGTH OF STREET KNOWLEDGE.") and find
DRE on the ONES AND TWOS, which sit on upside-down glowing
trash cans, while the rest of the group rocks the stage.
48.
CUBE
Straight outta Compton, crazy
muthafucka named Ice Cube, from a
gang called Niggaz With Attitudes.
When I'm called off, I got a sawed
off, squeeze the trigger, and
bodies are hauled off --
We see CUBE REACT to the fact that here in Middle America,
the majority of the audience is WHITE. Never expected that.
IN THE BACK, we see a row of UNIFORMED COPS, stone-faced,
their presence alone transmitting hostility --
46 MONTAGE OF THE ROAD 46
46pt1 INT. ARENA - STAGE 46pt1
-- Eazy blows the roof off with WE WANT EAZY, all hands in
the air as a sea of people vibe with him all singing: EAZY,
WE WANT EAZY -- EAZY, WE WANT EAZY!
DRE, REN AND EAZY RIP THROUGH THE FIRST VERSE-- As the crowd
sings the hook again. We can hear Eazy say--
EAZY
(to the crowd)
Where the fuck y'all at,
Cincinnati!?
46pt2 INT./EXT. TOUR BUS 46pt2
-- The guys watch on as the TOUR BUS rolls past a PROTEST.
DEMONSTRATORS SHOUT at the bus, hold up SIGNS: BAN GANGSTA
RAP, STOP DISRESPECTING WOMEN, GANGSTAS BELONG BEHIND BARS --
46pt3 INT. ARENA - STAGE 46pt3
-- Dre and Ren rhyme fierce on COMPTON'S N THE HOUSE.
Standing room only, as usual...
DRE
To the people over here --
REN
To the People over there --
DRE/REN
To the people, the people, the
people, people, the people, the
people, people from Kansas City,
watchin' the show --
46pt4 INT. ARENA - STAGE 46pt4
49.
-- Another ARENA. Another angry PROTEST. By now, the guys
aren't even paying attention anymore...
46pt5 INT. ARENA - STAGE 46pt5
-- Cube destroys GANGSTA, GANGSTA, nostrils flared, giving it
his all. As the CHORUS KICKS IN --
CUBE
Indianapolis in the muthafuckin'
house!
47pt1 INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT 47pt1
Muffled MUSIC, LAUGHTER THUMPS through the WALLS as we find
DRE sitting on a bed in an empty hotel room, talking to --
DRE (INTO PHONE)
I can't do it, T.
INTERCUT WITH:
47pt2 EXT. VERNA'S HOUSE - PORCH - CONTINUOUS 47pt2
TYREE, who's chillin' in a chair, surveying the street, all
smiles talking to his cool-ass big brother.
TYREE (INTO PHONE)
Come on. I could meet up with y'all
in Dallas or -- Yo, you gotta let
me come fuck with you in Miami!
Dre laughs. Misses his baby brother.
DRE (INTO PHONE)
Oh, you wanna partake in some of
those fat asses, huh.
TYREE (INTO PHONE)
You know it!
DRE (INTO PHONE)
So what you think moms will say
about you comin' on tour?
Tyree's silence is telling.
DRE (INTO PHONE)(CONT'D)
Exactly. `Cause you got school and
you know she won't let you miss
that many days.
TYREE (INTO PHONE)
You did.
50.
DRE (INTO PHONE)
Exactly my point.
TYREE (INTO PHONE)
So I'm paying for your shit?
DRE (INTO PHONE)
How it is, T. Youngest always do.
Tyree deflates...
DRE (INTO PHONE) (CONT'D)
How moms doin'? Is she there?
TYREE (INTO PHONE)
She good, but nah, you know her,
constantly workin'.
DRE (INTO PHONE)
Well make sure you take care of
her, aiight? I'll tell you what,
you stay your ass outta trouble and
I'll call you when I'm on the way
to Miami-- we'll see about getting
you on a flight.
TYREE (INTO PHONE)
(perks up)
Aiight, man... You promise, Dre!
DRE (INTO PHONE)
I got you. Just bring a lot of
rubbers.
Dre and Tyree have a nice laugh together.
Suddenly there's a BANGING at Dre's FRONT DOOR --
DRE (INTO PHONE) (CONT'D)
Hold on a second, somebody at the --
CLICK. TYREE'S GONE. Dre sets the phone down. Walks to the
door. OPENS it to find --
A BIG DUDE, standing outside, looking PISSED!
BIG DUDE
Yeah nigga, I'm looking for my girl
Felicia. Heard she was up here in
one of these rooms.
DRE
No Felicia in here, man.
51.
Dre starts closing the door, and the DUDE jams his BOOT in,
stopping Dre from closing the door.
BIG DUDE
Mind if I take a look?
DRE
Get your foot out my door --
Big Dude pulls up his SHIRT, PISTOL poking out of his
waistband -- Dre SHOVES him back and SLAMS the door! Quickly
OPENS the DOOR to the adjacent room where --
47pt3 ON THE OTHER SIDE 47pt3
There's a PARTY going on. EAZY, CUBE and REN are all partying
with GIRLS, most of whom aren't wearing any shirts. Titties
are everywhere, booze flowing freely.
YELLA's in the middle, FUCKING A GIRL on one of the beds.
DRE
Yo! Any of y'all named Felicia?
All the GIRLS shake their heads.
YELLA
(to the girl under him)
Hey baby. You Felicia?
GIRL
You forgot my name, muthafucka?
She looks pissed, but they keep on fucking anyway.
DRE
I think her man's outside. And that
nigga strapped.
Eyes wide, Eazy quickly pulls the GUN DUFFEL out from under
one of the beds, unzips it, fishes through and pulls out an
AK.
YELLA
Whoa! Eazy, you can't be blastin
inside the hotel --
But Eazy just grins, heads for the door. Opens it, PEEPS out
through the crack --
EAZY
Hey, you lookin' for Felicia?
52.
BIG DUDE is still out there, standing about 15 feet away,
with TWO OTHER similarly-large DUDES.
BIG DUDE
She in there or what?
EAZY
Yeah, she's in here. Problem is, my
homeboy's got his dick in her
mouth.
Big Dude scowls, rests his hand on the butt of his pistol.
BIG DUDE
What the fuck did you say?
BACK INSIDE, Ren overhears this. Tosses a GIRL off his lap,
grabs his 9mm from the table, COCKS it --
IN THE HALLWAY, Eazy steps FULLY out of his room -- RACKS the
AK and AIMS IT RIGHT AT THE 3 DUDES --
EAZY
How bad you want Felicia now?
The DUDES gape at Eazy a moment, then SCATTER, disappearing
down the hallway. Eazy LAUGHS his ass off as Ren bolts out,
9mm in hand, ready for anything --
REN
Where they go?
But the coast is clear. Eazy keeps laughing. Heads back
inside as we --
A48 OMITTED A48
48 INT. HOTEL - LOBBY - DAY 48
Cube, Dre, Yella, Ren and D.O.C. stroll through, carrying
bags of McDonalds. Cube's eyes drift over to the fancy FOUR-
STAR RESTAURANT across from the lobby where he can see Jerry
and Eazy at a table inside, enjoying a lavish meal.
CUBE
Meet y'all upstairs.
Cube heads for the restaurant --
49 INT. HOTEL - RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS 49
ON THE BAR TV, NANCY REAGAN's concerned face fills the
screen.
53.
NANCY REAGAN
For the sake of our children, I
implore each of you to be
unyielding and inflexible in your
opposition to drugs. Our young
people are helping us lead the way.
Not long ago in Oakland,
California, I was asked by a group
of children what to do if they were
offered drugs. And I answered, just
say no.
AT A TABLE NEARBY, Jerry and Eazy devour steaks and lobster,
sipping champagne.
JERRY
(concerned)
Another one called-- said she was
pregnant by you too. Eric, you
gotta slow down. You can't fuck'em
all...
EAZY
Yeah, I know.
(Deep breathe)
All these chicks want is money. If
I was broke, they're wouldn't even
be calling.
JERRY
Yeah well, you start making a
little money, problems come with
it.
EAZY
White people problems?
JERRY
Money problems are race neutral.
But I'll help you through all of
it. I'll put you in touch with --
Jerry's distracted by the sight of Cube marching towards the
table, bag of McDonald's still in hand. Smiles up at him.
Eazy doesn't make eye contact.
JERRY (CONT'D)
Evening, Cube...
CUBE
What's the deal on them contracts,
Jerry? I'm still waitin' on 'em...
54.
EAZY
Man, stop asking about them fuckin'
contract. They're coming --
JERRY
It's all right, Eric. Cube's right
to ask, and I'm remiss in not
updating you guys.
(to Cube)
Contracts are being finalized as we
speak. Truth is, attorneys will
bleed you dry going over `em. Wish
I was paid by the hour...
CUBE
Yeah me too. I just like to know
what's goin' on. Since I wrote a
lot of lyrics on this record.
JERRY
Everybody knows how important you
are, Cube. Just give us a little
more time.
Cube glances at Eazy, who's like a statue. Cube picks up
Eazy's champagne glass, drains it, sets it back down.
CUBE
Shit's pretty good. Someday, huh?
With that, he turns and walks out. Jerry watches him go.
Then, to no one in particular:
JERRY
He wants to be you so freaking bad.
This kid has issues. At some point,
you gotta trust somebody...
But Eazy's not paying attention. Waving to a passing waiter:
EAZY
Waiter! Another round over here...
50 EXT. OPEN ROAD - NIGHT 50
The NWA tour bus blurs by, a prism of light and speed --
51 INT. TOUR BUS - MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, USA - NIGHT 51
Cube and Dre speak in hushed tones, everyone else asleep.
55.
DRE
Nah, I think you over reacting.
Eazy's one of us, Cube. What you
thinking don't even make sense --
CUBE
Know what don't make sense? Eazy
chillin' with Jerry eatin' steak
and lobster while we at Mickey D's.
That shit don't make sense.
DRE
Look, I hear that, but I think we
should ride this wave. Don't be
jumpin' to conclusions until you
know for sure,
WE HEAR a FAINT VIBRATING SOUND. Dre realizes it's his PAGER.
Grabs it off his bed. Sees that he's missed TWELVE PAGES. AND
EVERY SINGLE ONE IS LABELED "9-1-1." Instinct in overdrive,
he hurries to the FRONT of the bus, tells the DRIVER --
DRE (CONT'D)
We gotta stop. Gotta get somewhere
with a phone --
DRIVER
But we're in the middle of nowh --
DRE
Stop the fuckin' bus, man!
52 EXT. GAS STATION - MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, USA - MOMENTS LATER 52
The BUS is parked in a nearly-empty PARKING LOT outside of a
lonesome, isolated GAS STATION. It's a dark, starless night.
Dre shuffles slowly out of the station, in a daze, like he
just awoke from a fucked-up dream. He walks over to the BUS.
But instead of getting on, he SITS DOWN on the pavement, eyes
filled with shock and disbelief.
The sound of FOOTSTEPS as Ren, Yella, Cube, and Eazy exit the
bus, surround Dre. They can tell something is very wrong.
YELLA
Yo, Dre. What's goin' on?
ON DRE as he forces back the tears that wanna come, his voice
barely a whisper:
56.
DRE
My Moms called. Tyree. He's dead.
Somebody killed my little
brother...
Shocked: "What?" "Hell naw!" "What happen?" are heard amongst
Cube, Eazy, Yella and Ren-- they crouch down next to Dre. Not
sure what else to say or do. They wait for Dre to say more...
DRE (CONT'D)
He got into a fight near Leimert
Park. A big mothafucka fell on top
of him -- broke his neck. He killed
Tyree. I can't believe this shit.
Face buried in his hands, Dre quietly weeps.
Jinx, Laylaw and DJ Speed gather in the front window of the
bus. Not wanting to interrupt the group's moment.
Cube rests a hand on Dre's shoulder as the others tighten the
circle. There's silence... until:
CUBE
Never told y'all, but when I was
twelve, my sister got murdered by
her own husband-- A fuckin' wanna
be cop who couldn't make it in the
academy. Life changed for me that
day. Everything became serious--
EAZY
Dope game took my cousin's life. I
remember when they found him.
DRE
He shoulda been out here with me.
If he was out here-- It never
woulda happened...
REN
Or it could've happened in another
way. Can't blame yourself, Dre...
Life has to end for all of us, but
love don't. Feel me? Tyree is
always gonna be with you. No matter
what.
Eazy moves closer. Slowly, he places a hand on Dre's head.
Rubs it. It's a bit startling -- Eazy's not one for
tenderness. But it's clear he feels Dre's pain.
57.
EAZY
Gonna be aiight, Dre... We with
you.
PULL BACK as the guys remain clustered around Dre. Looking so
small, so vulnerable, crouched in front of the Bus, alone in
the parking lot. NWA against the world.
FADE TO BLACK:
FADE UP: ON;
53 INT. MAUSOLEUM - LOS ANGELES - DAY 53
In a suit, Dre stands beside Tyree's MEMORIAL WALL, his arm
draped around his heartbroken mother, Verna. She cries
without end or apology, surrounded by family, including his
other brother, WARREN G, plus Eazy, Cube, Ren and Yella.
It's solemn and quiet. Dre remains stoic, staring hard,
trying his best to remain strong for his mother. All members
of the band keep a close eye on him, as the pastor wraps up
his eulogy.
PASTOR
Death is a threshold we all have to
pass through. No one is exempt.
Tyree will set a place for us on
the other side and we will see him
again. The flesh will always return
to the earth. But our spirits will
live on forever. Amen!
The congregation repeats the pastor with a follow up "Amen."
54 INT. MAUSOLEUM - LATER 54
A shattered Dre slumps out with his mom, Verna.
DRE
If I brung him out on tour with me,
like he wanted --
VERNA
This is not on you, Andre.
Dre doesn't say anything. Keeps his head bowed.
VERNA (CONT'D)
Andre.
DRE
We was supposed to kick it... Next
chance I got --
58.
VERNA
This is not your fault. Understand
me? Stop this nonsense. Stop it
now.
He looks at his momma. This strong woman.
VERNA (CONT'D)
Your brother looked up to you. And
you took great care of him. We both
did. It's time to let someone else
take care of him now.
With that, she can no longer hold back the tears. Dre hugs
her, mother and son comforting each other.
VERNA (CONT'D)
I'm proud of you... So proud of
you, baby...
Dre fights back tears of his own, the words he's longed to
hear. As Verna slowly turns and walks away, Cube, Eazy, Ren
and Yella surround him, brothers in arms. They walk out the
Mausoleum.
55 TOUR BUS MONTAGE: 55
55pt1 -- Rural farmland. Flyover-ville. Where the fuck are we?
55pt1
55pt2 -- Dre stares out the window, despondent, lost in thought...
55pt2
55pt3 INT./EXT. TOUR BUS 55pt3
-- Cube and Ren jot lyrics on notepads as the bus passes by
more PROTESTORS...
CUBE
Check this out --
PROTESTOR 1 PROTESTOR 2 PROTESTOR 3
Ban gangsta rap! Get the hell out NWA is filth!
of here!
THUD! An egg smacks into the window OBSCURING OUR VIEW.
REN
We should get out and beat his ass.
55pt4 INT. TOUR BUS 55pt4
-- Yella watches porn next to Eazy who's grown bored...
EAZY
Man shut that off. Put on my shit.
59.
Disgruntled, Yella obliges. Puts on SCARFACE. Eazy smiles.
55pt5 INT. TOUR BUS 55pt5
-- Eazy and Jerry mastermind backstage at a concert. Jerry
HANDS a BILLBOARD MAGAZINE to Eazy.
JERRY
Moving up on the Billboard 200
albums chart, Holding our bullet
the R&B, Hip-Hop chart. I mean, you
have any idea how many records
we're selling? Ruthless has
arrived. Eric, we are huge!
Eazy scans the magazine. Drinks it in, sly smile as we --
56 EXT. HOTEL - POOL SIDE - NIGHT 56
Surrounded by GROUPIES, living the life, the GANG hangs by
the pool. Odd looks are sent their way from snobby HOTEL
GUESTS, a school of fish out of water as --
JERRY looks worried as he makes a bee-line toward the pool in
his trademark velvet sweat suit, LETTER in hand. He
officiously hands it to Eazy, who scans it. Growls:
EAZY
The muthafuckin' FBI?
These words catch everybody's attention. We catch a GLIMPSE
OF THE LETTER on FBI stationary -- Dre snatches it from Eazy.
DRE
Damn, they comin' after us, too?
Now Cube leans over -- reads aloud:
CUBE
"... advocating violence and
assault is wrong and we in the law
enforcement community take
exception to such action." Have
they ever heard of freedom of
speech? What the fuck can they do
to us?
JERRY
It's a warning. A message to our
record label about "Fuck the
Police". We should really think
about not performing that song for
a while.
60.
That doesn't sit well with the group. Moans and growns are
heard.
JERRY (CONT'D)
(over their PROTESTS)
Relax. RELAX. No need to worry--
All I'm saying is, we should be
aware of this threat...
CUBE
If it was from the LAPD, then I'd
be worried.
EAZY
We should all be happy, not
worried. This is a gift, man. More
free publicity for NWA.
(waves letter)
That's why we gonna send this to
the press. Let everybody know about
this kind of harassment and
intimidation by the government.
Right, Jerry?
Jerry does not think this is the best idea ever but...
JERRY
Well, uh. If that's what you wanna
do, then maybe we --
EAZY
Do it, Jerry. Let everybody see
this bullshit.
Eazy gives the letter back to Jerry, who walks off, leaving
the boys all hanging pool side. After a deliberative beat:
CUBE
I guess freedom of speech don't
mean shit.
REN
Not if you a nigga wit an attitude.
All they guys look at each other. Eazy ain't worried about
nothing-- he puts on his Locs and continues to kick it.
A57 QUICK CUTS: A57
Of different POLICE OFFICERS from DIFFERENT CITIES across the
U.S., each reciting their city's obscenity ordinance, one
line bleeding into the next:
A57pt1 -- A Macon, GA OFFICER... A57pt1
61.
GA OFFICER
No person shall disturb the peace
by --
A57pt2 -- A Montgomery, AL OFFICER... A57pt2
AL OFFICER
-- Participating or abetting in any
rude, indecent, riotous, drunken or
violent conduct --
A57pt3 -- A Louisville, KY OFFICER... A57pt3
KY OFFICER
-- Using any vulgar, obscene or
abusive language in a public place -
-
A57pt4 -- A St. Louis, MO OFFICER... A57pt4
MO OFFICER
-- Inciting any other person to
commit any breach of the peace, or --
57 INT. JOE LOUIS ARENA - BACK STAGE - DETROIT - NIGHT 57
SUPERIMPOSE: AUGUST 6, 1989 - DETROIT, MI.
We catch a serious and quiet Cube along with the rest of NWA -
- and Jerry Heller -- gathered as a local POLICE OFFICER
reads to them from a piece of PAPER -- Eazy has on his ski
mask.
POLICE OFFICER
-- committing any obscene, indecent
or immoral act in a public place.
Note also that performance of the
song "F The Police" will not be
permitted. Refusal to abide by all
Detroit City Ordinances will result
in immediate arrest and forfeiture.
CUBE
Are we finished, man? We got a show
to do.
The Cop sneers at Cube, walks off, throws another shot --
POLICE OFFICER
Just watch yourselves.
REN
Yeah-- You watch yourselves too.
62.
He stares back at Ren one more time -- before leaving.
Eazy takes off his hockey mask. All the GUYS are looking at
each other. Eazy and Jerry head off across the room for a
private chat --
Ren looks at Cube -- Cube looks at Dre -- Yella looks at the
perfect ass of a passing FEMALE OFFICER.
YELLA
(to himself)
Yeah man, fuck the po-lice for
real.
He laughs and sticks his tongue out.
58 INT. JOE LOUIS ARENA - STAGE - LATER 58
With Dre spinning, Cube, Ren and Yella hype the crowd as Eazy
tears up the final bars of STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON --
EAZY
This is the auto-biography of the
E, and if you ever fuck with me
you'll get taken, by a stupid dope
brotha who will smother, word to
the motherfucka, straight outta
Compton.
The CROWD goes insane as the CHORUS PLAYS OUT. Like a God,
Eazy pimp strides off stage where Jerry awaits, all smiles,
arms open as --
BACK ON STAGE, Cube, Dre, Yella and Ren are feeling defiant.
CUBE addresses the amped CROWD:
CUBE
Yo hold up, hold up -- Y'all know
what the muthafuckin' po-lice just
told us back stage? They tired to
tell us-- what the fuck we can't
say-- what the fuck we can't play!
The CROWD HOLLERS and BOOS their disapproval.
CUBE (CONT'D)
Put ya middle finger in the air!
Cube raises his hand in the air, quickly SNAPS HIS MIDDLE
FINGER to attention. Ren does the same with BOTH HANDS --
The CROWD RESPONDS by getting LOUDER THAN WE'VE EVER HEARD,
and RETURNING the gesture.
63.
We're talking THOUSANDS of people, all with BOTH MIDDLE
FINGERS RAISED -- this is the real shit, this is what they
came here for --
CUBE (CONT'D)
This NWA -- We do what the fuck we
wanna do! We say what the fuck we
wanna say! So, all I wanna tell
that cop talking shit back stage is
-- Yo Dre, I got something to say!
Dre DROPS IT. Cube jumps right into it, pure adrenaline --
CUBE (CONT'D)
FUCK THE POLICE COMIN' STRAIGHT
FROM THE UNDERGROUND. A YOUNG NIGGA
GOT IT BAD CAUSE I'M BROWN --
The crowd goes ape-shit! BOUNCING and THRASHING like a MOSH
PIT. Pure ELECTRICITY--
Jerry Heller is suddenly alarmed by the song selection.
As Cube slices throughout the first verse --
Cops are getting agitated -- Waiting for the order to pounce.
After their CAPTAIN has seen enough-- He gives the order.
At that moment, the PLAINCLOTHES COPS in the crowd pull out
their BADGES and start MOVING FORWARD through the sea of
people, trying to make their way to the STAGE --
Cube keeps SPITTING -- lyrics are approaching that mighty
hook.
The UNDERCOVER COPS are causing a lot of commotion in the
crowd... When CUBE hits the hook the CROWD JOINS IN, because
they know all the lyrics --
CUBE & CROWD
FUCK THA POLICE! -- FUCK! FUCK!
FUCK THA POLICE!-- FUCK THAT
POLICE!
POP-POP-POP -- Cube stops rapping -- the CROWD is momentarily
STUNNED! What the hell was THAT? Gunfire? A fucking BOMB?
Whatever it was, TOTAL CHAOS BREAKS OUT --
The CROWD starts SURGING for the EXITS. Suddenly, DOZENS MORE
COPS have MATERIALIZED OUT OF NOWHERE --
All the members of NWA DROP their mics and rush off stage,
while the Arena descends into mayhem behind them --
64.
59 INT. JOE LOUIS ARENA - BACK STAGE - CONTINUOUS 59
It's CHAOTIC. Tons of COPS, both UNIFORMED and UNDERCOVER,
SWARM as the Guys RACE past a LIVID Eazy and Jerry --
EAZY
What the fuck did you DO!?
No time for answers, THEY RUN TOO. Jerry can't believe the
cops are on their tails.
60 EXT. JOE LOUIS ARENA - LOADING AREA - CONTINUOUS 60
All the GUYS try to make their way to an idling VAN which is
waiting to whisk them away to safety, but --
REN
Aw fuck...
Because they all just noticed TWO THINGS: 1) there are DOZENS
of rabid FANS gathered outside, and 2) there are also A SHIT-
LOAD OF POLICE, holding back the FANS. The GROUP is spotted
by some COPS, who peel off and head STRAIGHT FOR THEM --
ICE CUBE
Here we go y'all...
The COPS are immediately ON them, grabbing, frisking,
CUFFING, and DRAGGING them all toward a PADDY WAGON which has
materialized outside.
And as soon as the CROWD sees their beloved NWA being hauled
away, they go NUTS, and start throwing BOTTLES and ROCKS at
the COPS, who DUCK and SWERVE to avoid the projectiles.
The CROWD starts CHANTING, at a deafening volume --
CROWD
FUCK THE POLICE. FUCK THE POLICE.
FUCK THE POLICE. FUCK THE POLICE --
Before it gets any hairier, the COPS start PILING NWA into
the PADDY WAGON. JERRY HELLER tries to shove his way over --
JERRY
You have no right! This is illegal!
You can't do this --
But the Detroit Cops don't give a shit, they SLAM Jerry up
against a wall, hold him there.
COP
Stay fucking put, old man!
65.
Jerry watches helplessly as the Paddy Wagon PEELS AWAY into
the night, taking our heroes away --
61 OMITTED 61
62 INT./EXT. TOUR BUS - OPEN ROAD - THE NEXT DAY 62
The bus cruises along as we PUSH INSIDE to the sound of --
63 INT. TOUR BUS - MOVING 63
Silence, save the rumble of the road. Everyone sits by
himself, semi-secluded. Nobody talks. They all just stare out
the windows, embroiled in thought. Exhausted. Shell-shocked.
Jerry watches a NEWS REPORT on the riot at the Detroit show.
JERRY
What the fuck were you guys
thinking? They can hold us libel
for inciting a riot! No one cares
that the police started it...
Dre, Ren and Yella start paying attention as Eazy switches
channels. Finds another report about the riot. And another.
And another. Images blurring by of the concert.
JERRY (CONT'D)
Whether you like it or not, you are
a political group. Never give these
assholes a reason to hurt you. Next
time they might take it.
The guys watch, realizing that they're becoming a part of the
zeitgeist. No longer in the news, they are the news.
KURT LODER (PRE-LAP)
The explosive Compton rap group,
N.W.A. --
HARD CUT TO:
64 CLOSE ON MTV NEWS REPORT (STOCK FOOTAGE) 64
KURT LODER
-- aka Niggers With Attitudes,
officially had their video banned
here at MTV due to gang-like images
that could incite violence. This is
not the first scrape with
controversy for the band --
66.
65 INT. HOTEL - CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS 65
CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! NWA sit at a long table being
interviewed for a PRESS JUNKET, dozens of microphones thrust
in their faces, cameras flashing. All the members are
engaged, leaning forward, elbows on the table. They got each
other's back as WE PARACHUTE IN:
JOURNALIST 1
How do you explain insighting a
riot in Detroit? What do you have
to say about that?
EAZ
We didn't insight shit.
DRE
You just got a snapshot of how
Americans honestly feel.
REN
We didn't create that.
JOURNALIST 2
Your songs glamorize the lifestyle
of gangs, guns and drugs.
CUBE
My art is the reflection of my
reality. What do you see when you
go outside of your door. I know
what i see.
YELLA
And it ain't glamorous.
CUBE
And by the way, the hood gets AKs
from Russia and cocaine from
Columbia.
EAZY
We don't even have passports. Check
the source.
REN
Who is responsible for that?
JOURNALIST 3
You are experiencing a metoric
rise. How can you explain that
artits like Axl Rose from Guns and
Roses are wearing your tshirts and
hats?
67.
DRE
Isn't it obvious. Real recongnize
real.
CUBE
WE must of struck a nerve.
Journalist 4 quickly interjects --
The guys let that lie a moment as other JOURNALISTS speak up.
JOURNALIST 4
Will you be more careful about what
you say, and how you say it?
REN
Nope.
Everyone LAUGHS.
CUBE
Hell no. Last I heard, this is
America and we got Freedom of
Speech. Pretty sure that includes
rap music. Exercisin' our Free
Speech across this whole damn
country, openin' people's eyes. Far
as I'm concerned that's our job.
The Journalists take that in, impressed by Cube's media savvy
and forthright demeanor. Cube points to another JOURNALIST.
JOURNALIST 4
So Cube, what's a guy from Compton
do when he starts making real money
like this?
Laughter from the assembled. Not from Cube. Silence. Then:
JOURNALIST 4 (CONT'D)
Cube..?
66 EXT. DOUBLETREE SUITES - PHOENIX - ESTABLISHING - NIGHT 66
The typical cookie-cutter hotel blights the beautiful desert
landscape as the band exits the tour bus, enters --
67 INT. DOUBLETREE SUITES - PHOENIX - NIGHT 67
CUBE walks down the hotel hallway, stops in front of a door.
He KNOCKS, but there's no answer. He notices the door is
PROPPED open with the dead-bolt, so he pushes inside --
68.
68 INT. DOUBLETREE SUITES - JERRY'S SUITE - CONTINUOUS 68
Cube enters the dark room. At the far end of the room,
there's a DESK, with a lone LAMP illuminated, casting weird,
creepy shadows across the room.
And JERRY HELLER sits behind the desk, his face mostly
obscured in shadow. Cube grins, bemused, because this tableau
is clearly deliberate, a dramatic show of power.
JERRY
It's nice to see you, Cube.
CUBE
Well I can barely see you, Jerry.
What's with all this Godfather
shit?
Jerry ignores the comment, rises from behind the desk,
carefully places a stapled sheaf of PAPERS on the desk.
JERRY
I know you've been very eager to
sign a contract with Eric's
company, Ruthless Records.
CUBE
It's your company too, right? You
and Eric. All for one, one for all.
Jerry sighs, shakes his head.
JERRY
That's incorrect. It's not my
company. I work for you. I've made
that clear from the beginning.
Cube just nods, like, yeah right. Picks up the thick
contract, pages through it. It's full of dense legalese.
CUBE
Alright, cool. So I can take this
one, show it to a lawyer or
somethin'?
Jerry stares at him for a beat. Places his hands on the desk.
JERRY
Cube, lawyers get paid to make
trouble. That's what they do --
create problems where problems
don't exist.
69.
CUBE
But I have no idea what it says. At
least let me take it to show my
family.
JERRY
I can assure you, it's all
standard. You can read it now, if
you like.
Cube's expression darkens. He clenches his jaw.
CUBE
Jerry, you know I can't understand
this legal shit. None of us can.
That's why we need to show it to a
lawyer--
JERRY
Cube, I thought you knew? Everyone
else signed already. You're the
only one who hasn't.
Cube flips to the last page. The Signatory page. Sure enough,
there's EAZY's signature, DRE's, YELLA's, and REN's. Cube can
only shake his head with confusion, disappointment.
CUBE
What the fuck..?
JERRY
Look. Cube. This is a great thing.
This is what you always wanted your
whole life. And there's also this.
Jerry lays a CHECK on the desk in front of Cube, made out to
O'SHEA JACKSON. And it's for $75,000. Cube can't help it, his
eyes go wide. It's more money than he ever dreamed of.
CUBE
Damn. (beat) Thanks, man.
He reaches for the check, but Jerry pulls it back.
JERRY
Soon as you sign this contract, the
money is all yours.
Cube freezes. Realizes he's being shaken down.
CUBE
That's my money anyway, Jerry. I
earned it. I wrote a lot of hit
songs. I been on tour for months.
(MORE)
70.
CUBE (CONT'D)
Performing. Gettin' arrested and
shit. And you gonna try to gank me?
JERRY
That's ridiculous.
CUBE
Give me my money, Jerry.
JERRY
You're kidding me, right? Who do
you think pays for everything? All
the hotel rooms, the parties, the
transpo? You think that's free?
Cube closes his eyes. Takes a deep breath. He must literally
will himself to not implant his fist in Jerry's face.
CUBE
Why all this now, Jerry? Back in
the beginning, if you thought we
were so good, why didn't you just
give us contracts then?
JERRY
Nothing's a sure thing, Cube. Even
a great talent can crash and burn.
Too much ego, too much excess, too
many expectations -- it tends to
ruin things. You oughta keep that
in mind.
Cube stares hard. Knows exactly what Jerry's implying.
CUBE
I'm gonna ask one more time. Are
you sayin' I can't have the money I
earned, unless I sign this
contract, right now, without
showin' it to anybody?
Jerry just crosses his arms, looks at Cube, says nothing.
CUBE (CONT'D)
Bye, Jerry.
He turns and walks out of the room --
69 INT. DOUBLETREE SUITES - LOBBY - DAY 69
Dre, Ren and Yella lounge on the lobby couch, packed bags
beside them. And they couldn't be happier.
71.
REN
I'mma get me a El Camino with some
gold Daytons and a Phantom top.
YELLA
I can't wait to get out of that "po-
man's Porsche" and get me some real
shit --
Face crumpled with anger, Cube approaches. Drops his bags.
CUBE
Y'all signed that Ruthless contract
without a lawyer?
REN
Yeah -- And we got paaaaaid!
YELLA
For $75,000 dollars, I don't give a
fuck what's in that contract!
Dre and Ren chuckle at Yella's candor.
DRE
You ain't signed?
CUBE
Hell naw I ain't signin' that
bullshit. Don't y'all think it's a
little fucked up that Jerry won't
let us show it to nobody? That seem
honest to y'all? If he offered us
seventy-five thousand, he probably
owes us double that.
(to Ren)
Thought we talked about this, dude?
REN
It is what it is... I don't trust
Jerry but I trust Eric.
Cube's disgusted by their ignorance. Only Dre seems to be
considering Cube's words --
CUBE
At this point, Eric and Jerry in
this thing together. Believe dat!
70 EXT. LEIMERT PARK - LATE AFTERNOON 70
The bus is parked back where the tour began. Exhausted,
D.O.C.
72.
exits the bus and heads toward a BURGUNDY CHEVY BLAZER, where
SUGE KNIGHT waits to pick him up. D.O.C. throws his bags in
the back. Kicks it with Suge for a minute as --
Eazy exits the bus with Yella. They watch D.O.C. and Suge.
EAZY
What up with Doc and Suge?
YELLA
Guess that dude's "managing" him
now. One day you Bobby Brown's
bodyguard, next day you reppin'
talent. Everybody wanna get into
the act...
Dre exits, looking discouraged. And we understand why when an
equally despondent Cube exits the bus and begins to move away
from the crew. Dre catches up to him --
DRE
Yo Cube-- You can't just sign that
shit, homie..? Keep making
history..?
CUBE
Naw man, not like this. I'd rather
be broke then get fucked -- Why did
you sign that shit, Dre?
DRE
Nigga, I got bills to pay -- and I
need to put some money in my
Momma's hands after Tyree passed.
CUBE
Yo, I get it. Everybody gotta do
what they gotta do. They're gonna
take care you. You they're bread
and butter.
DRE
Cube, we Ruthless.
CUBE
Nah, we NWA. They Ruthless.
T-BONE (O.S.)
You comin', Cube?
Cube turns to find T-BONE from the Lench Mob and Jinx,
waiting for him in his CAR. He looks back at Dre -- I'm out.
They pound hug and Cube heads off. Hops into T-Bone's ride.
73.
BACK WITH DRE, considering the scene as everyone drives away,
going in separate directions:
Cube leaves with T-Bone... Yella leaves with Ren... Eazy
leaves with Jerry... And D.O.C. leaves with Suge...
Dre finds himself all alone, confronting a new reality.
A71 INT./EXT. T-BONES CAR - MOMENTS LATER A71
Cube rides in the passenger seat, pretty low at this point.
No money, no group. JINX MOUTH IS RUNNING, but Cube's in a
daze -- doesn't hear a word he's saying.
JINX
Can't believe you left the group,
man. What you gonna do now? Guess
we gotta start working on some solo
stuff, huh? Cube? Cube?!
As the car pulls up to a stop light, Cube looks over, spots a
beautiful YOUNG LADY in a nice jeep on rims. She's looks back
over at him, their eyes locked. Is this love at first sight?
After a few magical moments. Cube finally speaks.
CUBE
How you doing? My name O'Shea.
What's yours?
KIM
Kim.
CUBE
Hey Kim-- You the best thing I've
seen all day.
She smiles.
CUBE (CONT'D)
You believe in love at first sight?
KIM
What you think?
She is the only one that can get Cube to smile at this point.
DISSOLVE TO:
B71 INT. PRIORITY RECORDS - BRYAN TURNER'S OFFICE - DAY B71
Cube, Kim by his side, is seated opposite Bryan Turner --
who's floored by the news.
74.
BRYAN
Wow, you're really leaving the
group...
CUBE
Yeah, I'm tired of the games. Eazy
puts everything on Jerry and Jerry
puts everything on Eazy. They can
have it.
BRYAN
How do you feel about that Kim? Is
he making a big mistake?
KIM
I don't think so-- after hearing
everything that happened, I
would've left too. Now he has the
chance to showcase all his talents.
BRYAN
Well, I believe in you Cube, so
I'll tell ya what: there's not a
lot of money in this right now, but
if this first record hits, I'll
make it up to you on the next one.
Cube gets up and shakes Bryan's hand.
CUBE
Well get ready-- `cause these
albums are gonna be comin' real
fast. I'm hungry and I got a lot to
say that's gonna fuck the world up.
BRYAN TURNER
Who're you gonna get to produce?
Ruthless is probably gonna veto Dre
working on the project. So what's
your plan?
CUBE
If I can't get the best producer in
the in the west. I gotta go get the
best in the east.
Off Cube's determined look--
HARD CUT TO:
SUPERIMPOSE: SIX MONTHS LATER - NEW YORK CITY
75.
71 INT. GREENE STREET STUDIO - NEW YORK CITY - DAY 71
CUBE, rocking a LENCH MOB JACKET, spitting new lyrics into
the mic with crazy energy, a stack of notebooks on the chair
beside him. It's the creation of NIGGA YA LOVE TO HATE --
CUBE
Kickin' shit called street
knowledge. Why more niggas in the
pen than in college? Now cause of
that line I might be your cellmate.
That's from the nigga ya love to
hate.
IN THE MIXING BOOTH: CHUCK D -- Pittsburgh Pirates hat, brim
low, PUBLIC ENEMY on his jacket -- along with the SHOCKLEES,
JINX and DA LENCH MOB plus 2 members of the FRUIT OF ISLAM,
Security and KIM. Everyone exchanging looks, impressed.
ON A SUSPENDED TV in the corner, we see LOUIS FARRAKHAN
preaching to a crowd of F.O.I. It's clear this is a very
different world than the one Cube left behind in L.A.
72 INT./EXT. DRE'S LOW RIDER - EAZY'S HOUSE - DAY 72
The completed version of NIGGA YA LOVE TO HATE POUNDS out of
the SPEAKERS in DRE's ride as he pulls up to Eazy's crib.
CUBE TRACK
(FUCK YOU ICE CUBE!) Yeah, HA-HA!
I'm the nigga ya love to hate --
Dre chuckles to himself in disbelief. Shit is dope. On the
SEAT beside him, a CD with the plastic freshly torn off --
It's Ice Cube's AMERIKKKA'S MOST WANTED.
73 EXT. EAZY'S HOUSE - CALABASAS - DAY 73
There's a PARTY going on at Eazy's huge new mansion,
reminiscent of Scarface's estate. And the gang's all here,
everyone we know... except for Cube. Over by the poolside
gazebo, JERRY talks with a troubled EAZY.
EAZY
Cube's record's in the Billboard
top 20! Our shit never even came
close to that. He's blowin' the
fuck up --
JERRY
It's gonna be fine, Eric. It's not
just NWA anymore, it's our whole
Ruthless roster.
(MORE)
76.
JERRY (CONT'D)
We've got D.O.C., we've got
Michel'le, we've got Above the Law.
We're moving up to the next level.
EAZY
We gotta keep Dre happy. Keep him
motivated.
Eazy looks over at DRE, across the pool -- He's DANCING with
three drop-dead BEAUTIFUL GIRLS. Dre's smile is massive. He
clearly loves this sweet life.
JERRY
Look at him. You think he needs
anymore motivation than that?
EAZY
Yeah I get it. He drownin' in
pussy. But that don't mean --
JERRY
You gotta stop worrying so much.
Let me do the worrying for you.
Fact is, Ren can write just as good
as Cube. Maybe even better. Come
over here a minute --
Eazy follows Jerry to a TABLE where he's set up a bunch of
CHECKS and PAPERS, and he hands Eazy a PEN.
JERRY (CONT'D)
Need your autograph on these checks
and a few other things. Just sign
right here --
Eazy starts SIGNING, even though his eyes keep drifting over
to the many WOMEN partying. Jerry GRINS, noticing how quickly
Eazy gets distracted.
EAZY
We done with this shit now?
JERRY
We're done.
EAZY
Thanks, Jerry. I'mma go fuck now.
Jerry laughs, slaps Eazy on the back as he walks off, and
stands there enjoying the sunshine, the pretty girls, the
party vibe. His eyes wander to the PORCH, where --
77.
SUGE KNIGHT is standing, smoking a cigar. And Suge is STARING
at Jerry, his expression blank. Almost like he's studying
Jerry. The old man stops smiling, deeply unsettled. Luckily --
DRE APPROACHES SUGE, breaking the big dawg's gaze.
DRE
Wuddup, Suge -- You good?
SUGE
Are you?
Off Dre's confused look --
SUGE (CONT'D)
Just figured you might be a bit
fucked up after hearin' Cube's
shit.
DRE
Fucked up about what? I been
bangin' that shit.
D.O.C. Interrupts --
D.O.C.
Wuddup, Dre. There's some bitches
up in here, right? (to Suge) Yo,
you take care of that shit for me?
SUGE
I'm on it.
Dre takes notice of the exchange as we --
A74 INT. PRIORITY RECORDS - BRYAN TURNER'S OFFICE - DAY A74
Cube is standing in Bryan Turner's office, and we can tell,
right off, things are tense.
CUBE
I'm just tellin' you what you told
me. If Amerikkka's Most blew up,
you'd advance me for the follow-up.
That's what you said.
BRYAN TURNER
It's more complicated than that,
Cube, there's metrics --
CUBE
Come on, Bryan. I don't even know
what that means.
(MORE)
78.
CUBE (CONT'D)
Man, I got a kid on the way -- and
I just bought a house on the
strength of what you told me. You
gave me your word.
Bryan stands up, holds his hands out, tries to soothe --
BRYAN TURNER
Cube. Relax. We're on the same team
here. I'm your biggest fan --
CUBE
It's like this shit keeps happenin'
to me, no matter what I do. When
people do the work, they should get
paid. Why you making it seem like
I'm begging for some shit that's
technically mine?
BRYAN TURNER
Of course your not begging -- and
I'm not trying to be difficult.
Cube glances around at all the GOLD and PLATINUM records
adorning the walls in Bryan's office.
CUBE
But you can't help me. That's what
you're sayin'.
Bryan puts his hands in his pockets, hangs his head. The
answer is obvious. Cube stares at him a beat, then turns his
back, heads out the door --
BRYAN TURNER
Cube, wait, Cube, come back --
B74 INT. PRIORITY RECORDS - BRYAN'S OFFICE - LATER B74
Bryan's still in his office, grinding through some work.
CUBE (O.S.)
Shoulda kept your word, Bryan.
CUBE and THE LENCH MOB (same dudes we saw at Greene Street)
enter, Cube holding a METAL BASEBALL BAT! IN A FLASH, he's
SMASHING THE FUCK OUT OF THE OFFICE. His boys split up, block
Bryan, block the doorway -- no one in, no one out.
BRYAN TURNER
STOP! STOP! WHAT THE FUCK, CUBE!??!
79.
Cube SMASHES the GOLD and PLATINUM RECORDS on the WALLS, the
ARTWORK, the GLASS COFFEE TABLE. Pretty much everything else
that's breakable.
BRYAN TURNER (CONT'D)
FINE! FINE, I'LL GET YOU YOUR
MONEY! JUST STOP!
But Cube keeps on SMASHING, until there's nothing left to
smash. THE OFFICE IS COMPLETELY DESTROYED.
Cube's out of breath, but he looks pretty exhilarated. He
drops the bat on the floor, walks out of the decimated
office, followed by the other guys.
Bryan remains standing there, speechless, in shock --
74 INT. AUDIO ACHIEVEMENTS STUDIO - LATER 74
Dre, Eazy, Ren and Yella work on their follow-up album.
D.O.C.'s here, too, drinking gin, straight, buzzing.
IN THE BOOTH, Ren's recording REAL NIGGAZ...
REN
... Prisoner like a hostage. You
shoulda covered your muthafuckin'
head like an ostrich. Deep in the
dirt cause you a sucka. And your
ass up high so I can kick the
muthafucka --
Dre watches from the board, uncharacteristically detached.
EAZY
That's what I'm talkin' about. Cube
ain't shit.
DRE
How you figure? That record's still
the hottest shit out there.
YELLA
For real. Cube killed it --
EAZY
That's why we gotta go hard at him.
We gonna look like some bitches if
we just take that shit.
D.O.C.
Take what? (beat) I don't know what
the fuck you talkin' about. I like
that shit.
80.
Yella nods, but Dre doesn't even respond. Just keeps plodding
away on the board as D.O.C. proceeds unsteadily toward the
door, bumping into Eazy on the way --
EAZY
Man, why you gotta be drunk all the
time? Get your shit together.
D.O.C. keeps on walking, barking back:
D.O.C.
Get your own shit together, lil
nigga --
As he exits we focus back on the studio. One thing's clear:
no one's enjoying themselves anymore.
75 INT. FANCY RESTAURANT - LOS ANGELES - NIGHT 75
Eazy enjoys dinner with a lovely, put-together young woman,
TOMICA. She's nobody's groupie. She's serious, and smart.
TOMICA
This place is nice. Wow, I didn't
realize this was a real "date"
date. I thought we were just going
out to eat. You bring all your
females here?
EAZY
Only the special ones. (beat)
Actually I've never been here
before, but I heard it's good.
(Jokingly)
High as it is, it better be.
He smiles. She laughs affably, shakes her head.
TOMICA
You know I have a job, right?
EAZY
Excuse me, Miss Record Executive.
TOMICA
Executive Assistant. Ya know, you
don't have to impress me. We
could've went to Fat Burgers. I
just like hangin with you. You make
me laugh. That's good enough for
me, you know? We can just chill.
Eazy nods, knows she's right. His eyes catch a SEXY WOMAN
sashaying past. He SMILES at her, and she SMILES back.
81.
He turns back to Tomica, who just saw the whole thing... but
she's not mad. She's grinning confidently, seen it before,
doesn't sweat stuff like this.
TOMICA (CONT'D)
Yeah, she had a nice ass. But she
might wanna fix those teeth.
Eazy laughs. He knows a lot of women, but it's no wonder
Tomica's his favorite.
A76 INT. DRE'S CAR - COMPTON, CA - NIGHT A76
Dre's bobbing his head to something dope -- HIS CAR PHONE
RINGS. He turns down the music. Answers.
DRE (INTO PHONE)
Wuddup.
In an instant, his face sinks -- He SLAMS the breaks, bangs a
U-Turn and SPEEDS TOWARD --
B76 EXT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT B76
Dre's CAR jumps up to the curb, in a red zone. He doesn't
care. He hops out and runs through the sliding front doors.
C76 INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - MOMENTS LATER C76
Dre stands at the bottom edge of the bed, looking down at
D.O.C, unconscious, head bandaged, tubes in his face. SUGE
stands a few steps away, looking somber, but still filling
the room with his bulk.
SUGE
Doc shouldn't even be alive. He got
thrown from the car-- hit a tree.
DRE
Goddamn. Is he paralyzed?
SUGE
Nah. His throat got crushed. Doctor
said he'll never talk right again.
DRE
Vocal chords?
SUGE
All fucked up. Career could be in
jeopardy (beat). Where's Eazy and
Jerry?
Dre takes the moment in. He's honest about it.
82.
DRE
I don't know.
SUGE
Them niggas ain't loyal. Taking
they're fuckin' time to come see
the man. That's why I got my people
looking into his contracts at
Ruthless. Gotta protect what he got
left.
Suge looks at Dre, clocking his expression.
SUGE (CONT'D)
What do you think about Jerry?
DRE
He aiight. I guess.
Suge nods. Contemplative.
SUGE
What about your paperwork? Is it
cool?
DRE
I dunno. I just focus on the music.
(beat). Maybe your people could
look into my shit too?
SUGE
Most definitely. I can arrange
that.
D.O.C. groans and turns in his sleep. Both of his friends
look down at him, quietly watching with concern.
76 INT. PRIORITY RECORDS - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY 76
CUBE sits at the head of a long conference table beside Kim.
He looks DIFFERENT now -- shaved head, no more Jheri curls.
Bryan Turner emerges from outside the office, CD in hand.
He's trying to keep the mood upbeat, though clearly the power
dynamic between them has shifted toward Cube's advantage.
BRYAN TURNER
Cube, Kim -- Great to see you guys.
How's that new house treating you?
KIM
The new house is great. Thanks for
asking. How's the new office?
83.
BRYAN TURNER
(making light of it)
Great. I never did like the design
of the old one anyway.
Bryan chuckles and looks over at Cube-- who doesn't seem in
the mood for small talk. Cube notices the CD in Bryan's hand.
CUBE
What you got, Bryan? I know you
called me up here for somethin'.
BRYAN TURNER
It's the new NWA record. I wanted
to play it for you first, before
you heard it anywhere else --
Cube looks at Bryan, confused: Snatches the CD and he's at
the CD player before Bryan can blink.
BRYAN TURNER (CONT'D)
About one minute in --
Cube hits PLAY -- Tracks forward. Then he, Kim and Bryan
listen to REAL NIGGAZ on the conference room's stereo system.
DRE (ON TRACK)
... We started out with too much
cargo. So I'm glad we got rid of
Benedict Arnold.
Cube doesn't say anything, but his face shows his anger.
CUBE
Benedict Arnold.
KIM
They're trying to call you some
kind of a traitor.
CUBE
I'm a traitor!? I didn't say shit
about NWA on Amerikkka's Most
Wanted! But now they're trying to
diss. Okay.
CLOSE ON Cube's eyes, full of fire -- Kim notices Cube
building tension. She gently rubs his arm and leans in close
to whispers--
KIM
Baby, tell me what you're thinking.
84.
CUBE
I can't wait to get to the
mothafuckin' studio!
77 INT. RECORDING STUDIO - LOS ANGELES - DAY 77
CUBE at the mic, spitting with the most audacious fury we've
ever seen on the most brutal diss track ever: NO VASELINE.
CUBE
God DAMN I'm glad y'all set it off.
Used to be hard, now you're just
wet and soft. First you was down
with the AK. And now I see you on a
video with Michel'le. Lookin' like
straight Bozos. I saw it comin',
that's why I went solo.
At the BOARD, JINX looks to THE LENCH MOB in the room -- Oh,
shit, this is getting real --
A78 INT OR EXT. SOMEWHERE IN THE CITY - DAY A78
Dre and D.O.C. sit and listen to NO VASELINE-- with every
line D.O.C. makes a different "dunk face" indicating how
embarrassed he is for his homie Dre.
CUBE (ON TRACK)
Yella Boy's on your team so you're
LOSIN'! And yo, Dre? Stick to
producin'. Callin' me Arnold, but
you Been-A-Dick. Eazy saw your ass,
and went in it QUICK.
As we pan over to Dre, we can see that he kind of digs the
creativity and lyrics. He confirms it with a slight smirk and
chuckle. Clearly blowing the song off.
78 INT. JERRY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY 78
NO VASELINE CONTINUES over --
Jerry and N.W.A., minus Dre and D.O.C., listen to the track,
faces grimaced:
CUBE (ON TRACK)
Y'all disgrace the C-P-T. `Cause
you gettin' fucked out your green
by a white boy, with No Vaseline.
Ren and Yella slouch in the corner, looking very unhappy.
85.
CUBE (ON TRACK) (CONT'D)
... So don't believe what Ren say,
cause he goin out like Kunta Kinte.
But I got a whip for ya, Toby; used
to be my homie, now you act like
you don't know me --
But Cube has saved the best for last. He unleashes upon EAZY
and JERRY, who LISTEN intently, jaws dropped.
CUBE (ON TRACK) (CONT'D)
You little maggot, Eazy E turned
faggot. With your manager, fella,
fuckin' MC Ren, Dr. Dre, and Yella.
But if they were smart as me, Eazy
E would be hangin' from a tree.
With no vaseline, just a match and
a little bit of gasoline. Light 'em
up, burn 'em up, flame on. Til that
Jheri curl is gone. On a permanent
vacation, off the Massa plantation.
Heard you both got the same bank
account -- Dumb nigga, what you
thinkin' about? Get rid of that
Devil real simple: put a bullet in
his temple. Cuz you can't be the
Nigga 4 Life crew with a white Jew
tellin' you what to do --
Jerry looks absolutely livid, while Eazy just looks caught
off guard. Jerry gets up and TURNS OFF the music --
YELLA
That shit's kinda funny.
Everybody gives YELLA the look.
REN
Mothafucka got us! What we gonna
do? I got my pen ready to serve
that fool. Just say the word.
Eazy is still trying to digest the track.
JERRY
We'll sue that worthless fuck.
Defamation, libel... That anti-
Semitic piece of shit, I'm gonna
call up my friends at the J.D.L.
and we'll see how he likes that,
little bastard.
(off Eazy's despondent look)
Eric, come on, we gotta get
organized here, we gotta fight --
86.
EAZY
Stop it, Jerry. Relax man. Niggas
don't know what anti-Semitic means -
- It's just a battle rap.
JERRY
(still hopping mad)
I always knew Cube was a rotten
human being. And people are gonna
know the facts. I'll make sure of
it. I can't believe you're not as
angry as I am, what's wrong with
you? Didn't you hear what he said?
EAZY
I heard it, Jerry. You deal with it
your way, I'll deal with it mine.
All we got to do is hit the studio
and end this boy career.
YELLA
I don't know about all that.
JERRY
Well call Dre and you guys go do it!
And Jerry storms out, leaving the crew behind --
REN
Damn, E. Who work for who?
EAZY
Who you see sitting in the big
chair mothafucka?!
Eazy re-establishes that he's the top dog at Ruthless.
79 OMITTED 79
80 OMITTED 80
81 EXT. JERRY'S HOUSE - FRONT - NIGHT 81
Jerry pulls into his driveway, gets out of the car, carrying
a bag of groceries, starts walking toward the door. He hears
a CAR DOOR SLAM, and he TURNS, sees a gleaming-new EL CAMINO
parked across the street. A very large BLACK MAN we haven't
seen before has emerged, and is walking toward him.
The Man STOPS about fifteen feet away from Jerry, and stands
there, just staring, patiently, ominously.
87.
JERRY
Help you with something?
LARGE MAN
This your house?
Jerry looks at the Man. Glances up and down the street.
There's nobody around. It couldn't be quieter.
JERRY
Who's asking?
LARGE MAN
It's a real nice house.
Jerry glances at the front door of the house. Seems to be
gauging, in his mind, how long it will take to get there.
JERRY
Who are you? Are you with Suge
Knight? Someone else? Ice Cube?
The Man doesn't answer. Instead, he just gazes upon the
house, the lush surrounding lawn, the trees.
LARGE MAN
Have yourself a good night, Jerry.
He makes a hat-tipping gesture to Jerry. Except he's not
wearing a hat. Then he walks back to the car, climbs inside.
Jerry watches him go, alarmed --
82 INT. HOTEL - LOBBY - NEW YORK CITY - DAY 82
We are in a HALLWAY adjacent to the AUDITORIUM where a RAP
PANEL is about to take place.
Find CUBE drifting down the escalator along with THE LENCH
MOB, and they're all decked out in their Lench Mob Gear.
Coming up the escalator on the other side, is the rap group
ABOVE THE LAW (ATL), all wearing gear blazing the RUTHLESS
RECORDS logo.
As the two groups approach each other, they both get QUIET,
and their faces pull into angry sneers. The animosity between
the two groups is tense, palpable, dangerous.
Just as they're about to PASS each other --
ATL GUY 1
(under his breath)
Fuckin' traitor...
88.
But Cube and his boys heard that shit.
CUBE
Fuck'd y'all say!?
ATL GUY 2
Ruthless, muthafuckas!
AND THEN IT POPS OFF! Some of the ATL CREW hop the escalator
divider, others sprint down the other side to attack --
THE LENCH MOB CREW, at the foot of the escalator, they all
start BRAWLING like crazy. PUNCHING each other in the face,
grappling, cursing --
There's so many FISTS flying -- such a tangle of BODIES --
it's hard to tell who's hitting who. It's fucking CHAOTIC and
UGLY, and it culminates in --
The moving violent mass SMASHING INTO A LARGE GLASS DISPLAY,
SHATTERING it. Just then --
A LENCH MOB GUY runs up to a downed an ATL GUY, winds back to
kick him while he's down, but before the kick lands, we --
HARD CUT TO:
A83 ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE A83
An OFFICER KICKS the downed RODNEY KING while three other
L.A.P.D. OFFICERS (known as the L.A. Four) mercilessly beat
the man. We all recognize this as the RODNEY KING BEATING.
Raw, gritty, horrific. WE PULL BACK to reveal --
83 INT. AUDIO ACHIEVEMENTS STUDIO - DAY 83
The members of NWA (minus Cube, of course) watch the NEWS
FOOTAGE while in the studio, finishing up some new TRACKS for
their follow-up album NIGGAZ 4 LIFE.
DRE
Still can't believe it. It's like
they're enjoying themselves.
EAZY
Least they got it on video. LAPD
gonna have a real good time on that
level 3 prison yard, know what I
mean?
DRE
Yep, we got they asses this time.
Tape don't lie.
89.
The room is over-crowded -- because everyone has an
ENTOURAGE. JERRY is also there and he doesn't look thrilled
about it, nor is he happy to see --
SUGE KNIGHT in the room, hovering behind DRE at the Board,
accompanied by a very large GERMAN SHEPHERD.
Jerry tries to make his way over to Dre, but SUGE blocks his
path, and the HUGE DOG stares at Jerry.
JERRY
Just need a word with Dre --
SUGE
It can wait. Let the man work.
Jerry looks at the dog, the dog looks back. Stymied, Jerry
turns and exits the studio, jaw clenched.
After he leaves, Dre sighs. He looks tired, depressed.
Totally over it. He PLAYS BACK the track he's been working
on, listens. Tries to feel it. But something's missing.
Irritated, Dre gets up, exits the studio. Suge follows --
84 EXT. AUDIO ACHIEVEMENTS STUDIO - PATIO - MOMENTS LATER 84
Suge comes out the back door just behind Dre --
SUGE
Yo Dre. Hold up.
-- gestures for Dre to sit with him at a nearby table.
SUGE (CONT'D)
I did what you asked. Had my people
look into your contracts.
Dre's interest is piqued.
SUGE (CONT'D)
It ain't good. Not that I'm
surprised or anything. Gotta watch
yourself.
DRE
What you mean by that?
Suge pulls out a thick FILE. Places it on the table.
SUGE
Everything you need to know. It's
all in there.
(MORE)
90.
SUGE (CONT'D)
(off Dre's sober look)
You know I can help you with this.
Dre considers a moment...
DRE
Nah. I got this.
85 INT. AUDIO ACHIEVEMENTS STUDIO - THE NEXT NIGHT 85
Eazy sits alone in the studio, listening to some NEW TRACKS.
It's late, and there's nobody else around as --
Dre comes in through the door, holding the FILE from Suge.
Eazy notices the file, along with Dre's nervous energy.
EAZY
So, what'd you wanna see me about?
Sounded all worked up on the phone.
Dre sits down across from him, full of purpose, fired up.
DRE
I know you don't like hearin' this
shit. But it's about Jerry. We
gotta get rid of that muthafuck --
EAZY
Is that seriously the reason you
wanted to talk? I thought we were
past all that --
DRE
I found out some information, Eric.
Real shit. I had some people look
at this, and I ain't gettin' my
fair share.
Eazy finally turns and looks Dre in the eyes.
EAZY
You know why you rich, Dre? You
know why you live in a big ass
house and don't sleep on a couch no
more? Do you know why you fuck the
finest bitches? That's Jerry, dude.
He broke us through the door. He
made this shit happen, and you
wanna turn on him just like Cube --
DRE
Cube was right, fool! You gotta
look at these papers, E. Just look
and you'll see.
(MORE)
91.
DRE (CONT'D)
We made it because our shit is
dope, Eric, not because of Jerry.
We can keep going and own the
goddamn world, we just can't be
fuckin' with him no more.
Eazy just shakes his head, turns back to the Board. Dre looks
pained. Can't believe he can't get through.
DRE (CONT'D)
Dude. We go back a long, long way.
You and me. We started this NWA
shit. I just want it to be right.
EAZY
You think that's right, turning
your back on somebody? After all
he's done for us?
DRE
You mean all he's done for you.
Eazy doesn't say anything. Dre stands up --
DRE (CONT'D)
Look at me, man. Why won't you look
at me? It's like I don't mean shit
to you. Like I never meant shit.
Eazy won't look at Dre, shrugs. Cruelest shrug you ever saw.
Dre looks hollowed out by it.
DRE (CONT'D)
Thought you were my brother.
EAZY
Thought you were mine, too.
Dre walks out the door -- SLAMS it so hard, the walls shake.
A platinum NWA record slides off the wall, breaks on the
floor. Eazy FLINCHES, even though he wishes he didn't.
A86 OMITTED A86
B86 INT. AUDIO ACHIEVEMENTS STUDIO - DAY B86
Ren and Yella enter to find Eazy on the mixing board, more
than a little out of his element. They look at one another,
confused -- Clearly, something's up.
REN
Everything cool, E?
92.
No response. Eazy just keeps poking around on the board...
YELLA
Yo where Dre at anyway --
EAZY
Man, fuck Dre.
They've finally got Eazy's undivided but heated attention.
YELLA
Whatchu mean?
EAZY
Why don't y'all ask him.
REN
Fuck you talkin' about? He comin'
or not --
EAZY
That nigga quit. So nah, he ain't
comin'. But fuck it, we gonna keep
this shit movin'. Don't need that
punk anyway...
Disbelief washes across Ren and Yella's faces as we --
C86 INT. CAN AM STUDIOS - DAY C86
Suge grits on a cigar sitting next to Dre who's at the mixing
board working on the track to "Deep Cover".
SUGE
This shit sounds good.
DRE
None of this means anything, while
I'm under contract with Ruthless.
SUGE
Don't worry about that. I promise
you that I'll get you out of your
contracts.
Dre gets back to the work at hand as --
Warren G and SNOOP DOGG burst into the studio. Snoop Dog is
dressed head to toe in blue.
SNOOP
What's up, Cuz.
93.
Snoop greets everyone around the room pounding each and every
person. To the surprise and dismay to the room full of bloods
especially Suge Knight.
SUGE
Yo who the fuck's this, Warren?
WARREN G
My bad.
SNOOP
Snoop Doggy Dog, Cuz. Who are you?
The Bloods around the room are tripping on Snoop. Before it
escalates, Dre gets up, greets Snoop properly.
DRE
Glad y'all came by. Your demo was
tight.
SNOOP
Thanks, Dre.
DRE
Well listen, I'm workin' on a track
for this movie called "Deep Cover."
I want you to get down on it.
SNOOP
For real?
Dre smiles back at Snoop: Yup, for real.
SNOOP (CONT'D)
Oh hell yeah...
Snoop walks into the booth, puts on some headphone's as we --
86 INT. EAZY'S HOUSE - NIGHT 86
The PHONE RINGS. Eazy answers --
EAZY
Hello?
SUGE (FILTERED)
We need to talk about them
contracts.
EAZY
Talk to Jerry.
94.
SUGE (FILTERED)
Don't wanna talk to Jerry. It's
your company. You're the man.
Eazy doesn't say a word, considering, deeply conflicted.
SUGE (FILTERED) (CONT'D)
Come by the studio. We'll be here
all night. Just workin'. We just
wanna squash this. Make it right
for you.
87 EXT. S.O.L.A.R. STUDIOS - LOS ANGELES - LATE NIGHT 87
Parked across the street, Eazy looks at the building, not
happy about it. Enemy territory. He opens up his STASH BOX in
a hidden panel below the radio. There's a PISTOL inside. He
reaches in, puts his hand around it. Hesitates, hearing --
A DISTANT POLICE SIREN. Pulls his hand away, leaves the
piece. He hops out of the car, walks toward --
88 INT. S.O.L.A.R. STUDIOS - STUDIO - MINUTES LATER 88
Eazy enters the Studio, sees only SUGE sitting there, smoking
a cigar, petting his DOG. He comes further into the room,
peeks around, looking for --
EAZY
Where the hell is Dre? You said
he'd be here --
SUGE
Don't worry about Dre. (beat) Truth
be told, he ain't got nothing to do
with this right here.
Suge pulls out a sheaf of papers, and a pen.
SUGE (CONT'D)
Here's what's gonna happen. You're
gonna sign these. Releasing Dre and
The D.O.C. from Ruthless.
EAZY
Whatever homie. You think I'm
signing that shit, you crazier then
I thought. I'm out --
Eazy just laughs, heads for the door. But before he gets
there, it OPENS, revealing --
A LARGE DUDE wearing Blood-Red. He enters the studio, crosses
his arms. A massive barrier.
95.
SUGE
Naw. I think you gonna stay awhile.
SLAM! Eazy SPINS to see TWO MORE BLOODS entering through a
side door. One of them holds a metal BASEBALL BAT. The other
has a SHOTGUN dangling at his side.
Eazy now realizes he's just walked into a straight-up buzz-
saw. But he shows no fear. He puffs his chest out.
EAZY
Fuck you, Suge. I ain't scared of
none you niggas, cuzz!
Suge just stares at Eazy a long uncomfortable while.
SUGE
You can talk tough all you want--
but this ain't no record.
(heart attack serious)
Don't make me change you, Eric
Wright.
EAZY
The fuck is that supposed to mean?
SUGE
These niggas will take something
from you that you can't get back.
BLOOD
Just let me murder this Crab, Suge.
Suge stands, eyes cold, black, as the THUGS moves behind
Eazy.
SUGE
Naw. That's too easy.
(to Eazy)
I got a whole night planned for you
if you don't sign them release
forms.
Eazy's eyes shoot to the Blood, back to Suge.
SUGE (CONT'D)
It could happen quick, Eric. Or it
could take a long, long time. You
better choose right. Because you
know where I come from. This
Bompton nigga!
EAZY'S FACE can't hide his fear anymore. Or his anger.
96.
EAZY
(so quiet, to himself)
Dirty mothafucka...
WHAP! A large HAND falls on Eazy's SHOULDER -- pushing him
hard down in a chair.
89 EXT. JERRY'S HOUSE - BACK YARD - LATER 89
Eazy sits slumped in a chair, drinking a beer next to the
pool. His eyes look hard, flat, broken somehow --
CLICK! THERE'S A GUN TO HIS HEAD, revealing --
JERRY, in his BATHROBE looking freaked out, holding the gun.
He immediately LOWERS it.
JERRY
Jesus Christ, Eric. You can't
just... I thought you were --
But Eazy isn't rattled at all. He just sits there, blank.
JERRY (CONT'D)
Are yo okay? Eric. Why don't we go
inside? All right? Come on...
Jerry helps Eazy out of the chair, ushering him into --
90 INT. JERRY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER 90
Eazy follows Jerry into the kitchen as Jerry pulls some
leftovers from the fridge. Slides them over to Eazy. But Eazy
isn't interested. Instead, he pulls out a bag of weed. Rolls
a joint, lights it. Takes a long drag -- Exhales a lot more
than just smoke...
JERRY
Hey. You gotta tell me what's going
on. I can tell when something's --
Eazy leans on the counter. Finally looks at Jerry.
EAZY
I gotta kill that mothafucka, Suge. I
just wanted you to know that shit's
about to get thick around here.
JERRY
You're not gonna do that.
EAZY
I didn't come over here to ask you -
- I came to tell you.
(MORE)
97.
EAZY (CONT'D)
You the one that wanted to be down
with this gangsta shit. So here we
go.
JERRY
You do that, it's gonna ruin
everything we've built --
Eazy suddenly SNAPS into intense anger --
EAZY
I have to do it! This is the
streets, muthafucka! I don't have a
choice! He came at me! He came at
us. We don't hit back, it's over!
Done! Put a fork in this shit!
Jerry closes his eyes, takes a breath. Tries to keep his tone
relaxed, so that he can, in turn, relax Eazy.
JERRY
Eric. Listen to me. I never said we
won't hit back. But this isn't
Compton. We don't hit back with
bullets. We do it with lawyers. We
drain those assholes.
Eazy calms down a little bit.
EAZY
I don't care about the money,
Jerry. Ain't about the money.
Jerry puts a fatherly hand on Eazy's shoulder. Looks at him.
JERRY
Of course it is. You're smarter
than those criminals. You wanna
kill somebody? Then you'll be in
prison, forever. No more family. No
more Ruthless. No more anything.
Eazy stares back at Jerry.
JERRY (CONT'D)
If you kill this man. His problems
are over and yours are just
beginning -- Lets hit 'em where it
really hurts.
Eazy is more conflicted then ever before --
98.
91 INT. EAZY'S HOUSE - STAIRS TO BEDROOM - NIGHT 91
Through the darkness we see movement. It's Eazy. He moves in
a slow and laborious fashion as he enters --
THE BEDROOM where Tomica sleeps in their bed, safely tangled
in sheets. Eazy doesn't even bother shedding his clothes.
Simply slumps closer, sliding quietly under the covers.
Without a word, she wraps Eazy in an embrace.
A92 EXT. CUBE'S HOUSE - BACK YARD/POOL - DAY A92
Kim looks on as the CNN CREW's CAMERAS FILM CUBE in the midst
of a tense INTERVIEW -- A JOURNALIST peppers him with
questions:
JOURNALIST
Are you Anti-Semitic?
CUBE
What? I thought this interview was
about the Rodney King trial?
JOURNALIST
The J.D.L. has recently gotten
involved, saying that the lyrics
regarding your former manager Jerry
Heller --
But Cube's too smart to fall for this crap.
CUBE
I'm not Anti-Semitic. I'm Anti-
Jerry Heller. Let me ask you a
question -- do they condone Jerry's
behavior when it comes to my
situation? Him trying to get me to
sign a contract without legal
representation?
JOURNALIST
I have no idea.
CUBE
Well, you get me that answer and
then we can continue on this topic.
Until then, let's talk about the
beating of an unarmed motorist --
Rodney King and the trial of 4
guilty L.A.P.D. Officers who seem
to be Darryl Gates' standard issue -
-
99.
JOURNALIST
But it isn't just the Jewish
community. The Korean grocer
community have also accused you of
racism, mostly because of your song
"Black Korea" --
CUBE
Come on, man. That don't even make
no sense. Black Korea is just a
warning. That's it. I'm a
journalist, just like you!
Reporting on what's going on in the
hood. But the difference is that
I'm brutally honest about it. Cause
sugar coating will get you
diabetes.
A couple of members of the Nation of Islam are quietly seen
in the background as the journalist struggles, tries to gain
a foothold --
JOURNALIST
What's your relationship with the
Nation of Islam?
Cube just smiles, shakes his head.
CUBE
There my brothers. That question
alone just proves how unprepared of
a "sandbag reporter" you really
are. You wanna talk about Anti-
Semitism? Then it's "Black Korea,"
and now you wanna talk about the
Nation of Islam? Seriously, man.
What's your agenda? You can't focus
on one thing? Ask me something
interesting. I'm not an elected
official. I'm an artist. You
haven't asked me one damn question
about music. I'm America's
conscience. I represent the good,
the bad and the ugly. What you
represent?
92 INT. DRE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 92
The massive room's focal point is a BASIC STUDIO SETUP: SSL,
some turntables, a mic, some keyboards, a tower of speakers.
SUPERIMPOSE: SIX MONTHS LATER
100.
Dre sits in the epicenter of it all, motionless, lost. It's
the first time we've seen him anywhere near a soundboard and
not creating on it. He just stares into the nothingness --
A TAP ON GLASS alerts us to SNOOP, Warren G and DOC (small
scare on DOC's neck) outside. Dre stands. Opens the window.
DRE
What you fools doin' out here?
WARREN G
Watching you daydream for the last
five minutes.
DOC
(raspy voice)
Looking stupid as a mothafucka.
SNOOP
Come take a ride with us Dr. Dre.
You gotta get out this house, Cuz
and get your mind right.
INT. DRE'S CAR - LOS ANGELES - MINUTES LATER
Snoop at the wheel, they ride listening to ATOMIC DOG by
George Clinton. Snoop's at the wheel, smoking a JOINT
(surprise), Dre shotgun, Warren G and D.O.C. in the back.
SNOOP
What you so tense for, Cuz?
DRE
I'm cool.
WARREN G
No you not. You been up in that
house for a month now, and not one
track? Wassup, what's wrong?
DRE
First time in my life, I feel like
I'm forcin' it.
WARREN G
Why?
DRE
Too much outside interference --
Eazy and Jerry tryin' to starve me
out. Playin' games with my money.
Tryin' to get me back in there on
my hands and knees --
101.
SNOOP
Is that why you ain't got no
furniture?
Snoop holds out the jay.
SNOOP (CONT'D)
This shit'll chill you out.
DRE
Nah, that ain't me. I'm good.
WARREN G
Come on, big bro. Loosen up.
DRE
(reconsidering)
Fuck it, gimme that shit.
Dre takes a deep pull, holding it in before COUGHING out a
massive cloud. They all laugh. And Dre takes another hit. An
even bigger one.
DRE (CONT'D)
Wow. What is in this shit?
SNOOP
That shit right there? That's the
Chronic.
Dre TURNS UP the music.
SNOOP (CONT'D)
You never smoked before?
DRE
No. I can feel it in my nuts, man.
Is that normal?
Dre finds himself laughing with the guys as they cruise on...
94 INT. DRE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 94
Dre's behind the SSL, listening to a rhythm based on Leon
Heywood's I'M GONNA DO SOMETHING FREAKY TO YOU. Warren G,
Snoop, and D.O.C are in different corners of the room. Smoke
floats over Snoop's head like a halo.
The vibe is positive and laid back, but as we look at Dre's
face we can tell what he's thinking: something's missing.
Dre turns to the MOOG Keyboard situated on the side of the
board and starts noodling with a melody. It's almost
familiar. But not quite.
102.
Then he hits it: Da do dee dah dee dah dah dee do deee...
Just like that, we've witnessed the birth of AIN'T NUTHIN'
BUT A G THANG.
SNOOP
Oh shit. Keep playing that.
Dre does the same ten notes -- That's it! It's G THANG.
SNOOP (CONT'D)
(freestyling)
One. Two. Three into the Four.
Snoop Doggy Dogg and Dr. Dre is at
the door... (rap continues)
Just like that, musical history is being created.
95 EXT. JERRY'S HOUSE - BACK YARD - DAY 95
Tapdancing for a slightly fatigued Eazy, Jerry tries hard to
convince him that --
JERRY
We're about to get back into the
game in a big way, Eric --
EAZY
Yeah? How you figure?
JERRY
Are you just trying to insult me?
Eazy stares back at Jerry, like indulge me.
JERRY (CONT'D)
Did you forget about Ren's album?
Or the fact that you're working on
an album that I believe is gonna be
bigger than anything NWA ever --
EAZY
Do you really believe that
bullshit? All I know is Cube's
doin' big things, makin' movies and
shit. And I keep hearin' about this
album Dre workin' on --
JERRY
Dre's a fuckin' producer, Eric!
Producer's don't rap! It's never
gonna work! Period!
103.
96 OMITTED 96
97 OMITTED 97
98pt1 OMITTED 98pt1
98 I/E. DRE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM TO BACKYARD - DAY 98
The MUSIC IS BUMPIN'! There's a party going on somewhere in
this house, but not in this room. We're close up on a pair of
blue Chuck Taylors with a pair Dickies and boxers draped on
them. As we pull back, we realize that some LUCKY BASTARD is
GETTING HEAD from a SEXY WOMAN with nice curves.
As we pull back further, we can't even see who the Lucky
Bastard is because another AMAZING FEMALE is sitting on his
face, MOANING and smoking a blunt. Just as we attempt to
register what's going on --
We track another SPECTACULAR FEMALE in a two-piece bikini.
She grabs the blunt from her, hits it and walks out to the
balcony. She blows out the smoke and passes it to one of the
HOMIES who's already rolling up more blunts from the pound of
weed sitting on the table in front of him.
From there we crane down, passing the DJ rig on the second
floor balcony. Even the DJ has GIRLS around him, a blunt in
his mouth, and a drink in his hand.
We crane down further to the bottom floor where MORE GIRLS in
BIKINIS get sprayed by GUYS with SUPER SOAKERS and CHAMPAGNE
BOTTLES. It's an impromptu "wet T-shirt" contest.
As we pull back across the pool, a few more TOPLESS GIRLS
jump in and we realize we're at one of those famous Dr.
Dre/Death Row pool parties. People everywhere. Sex in the
air. Freezer-bags stuffed with high-grade weed are being
passed out to everybody by Snoop Dogg himself.
We catch a glimpse of two nice looking LADIES walking over to
the bar. We will come to know one of them as NICOLE. But
first--
IN THE GAZEBO, we find Dre smoking a blunt and playing
DOMINOES with D.O.C., laughing, blowing off some much-needed
steam. Until --
Dre's eyes settle on Nicole, who's different from the rest.
She's not drunk, or dancing, or flirting. She's beautiful,
but in an understated way. When her friend gets up and walks
away, Nicole turns, like she senses Dre's gaze. Looks right
at him, with clear, bright, but wary eyes. He heads over --
104.
DRE
You look like you're ready to go.
NICOLE
(smiles)
I'm just waiting on my friend. I
knew I should've drove.
DRE
You're not having fun?
NICOLE
Oh no, it was fun. I had a lot of
fun. But now it's starting to get a
little wild.
DRE
Yeah, it does get crazy around here
sometimes.
(extending his hand)
Hi, I'm Andre.
WOMAN (NICOLE)
I know.
(shaking his hand)
I'm Nicole.
DRE
Hey Nicole, why don't you come over
here with me and kick it for a
while til your friend gets back.
She considers a moment. Then --
NICOLE
I don't know, maybe another time
and another place. But not now.
And with that, a visibly tipsy Warren G walks over, trying to
dump some USED COALS out of a kettle-style GRILL --
WARREN G
Yo Dre, we're can I dump this shit?
DRE
Do it look like I give a fuck right
now? Can't you see I'm tryin' to
make a Love Connection?
NICOLE
No, he's trying make a friend
connection.
105.
WARREN G
Aiight, regulate that shit!
Warren G staggers off with the hot coals. They smile at
Warren's walk off.
DRE
A friend connection?
NICOLE
Speaking of friends, I need to go
find mine before she gets too lost.
DRE
You want me to help you?
NICOLE
No, seems like you need to get back
to your game. I'll talk to you
later.
She gets up and heads off leaving Dre with a big smile on his
face. As she goes --
DRE
I'mma find you, Nicole!
She turns. Smiles back. Disappears into the party. But it's
clear he's crushing hard on this girl.
99 PATIO - MOMENTS LATER 99
The PARTY is still going strong but we see some underlying
tension developing.
On one side, we have SNOOP'S CREW -- many of them straight-up
Long Beach Rollin 20's CRIPS. While Suge's crew, on the other
side, are various Compton BLOODS.
SNOOP is FREESTYLING for a small GROUP gathered around him,
blowing all their minds --
SNOOP
FREESTYLE TBD...
Snoop STOPS mid-flow, and STARES, wide-eyed, at the HOUSE --
SNOOP (CONT'D)
What the fuhhhh --
Everyone TURNS! GIRLS IMMEDIATELY START SCREAMING because --
DRE'S HOUSE IS ON FIRE! Huge orange FLAMES lick up the
siding, spreading quickly. BLACK SMOKE pours into the sky!
106.
Everybody SCATTERS, tripping over each other, falling on the
lawn, because let's not forget everyone is WASTED.
Find DRE, watching the flames, almost hypnotized by them,
because it doesn't seem real. Warren G staggers up beside
him, watching on, eyes like saucers.
WARREN G
Your house is on fire.
DRE
Yeah. (beat) Shit's crazy, right.
WARREN G
Maybe I shouldn't have thrown them
coals in the trash.
Dre suddenly snaps out of it. Because --
DRE
MY FUCKIN' MASTERS!
Against all logic, Dre storms INTO THE BURNING HOUSE as the
SOUNDS of DISTANT SIRENS ring out --
100 INT. CAN AM STUDIOS - OFFICE - DAY 100
Dre and Suge talk in a corner of the studio. Voices low.
DRE
What do you mean that everyone is
passing on this record?
SUGE
What do you think?
Dre shakes his head.
SUGE (CONT'D)
They all turned it down. "Too many
live instruments. It's not hip-
hop."
DRE
It's not hip-hop? Shit, it's the
future. Ain't no more money in
sampling everythang.
SUGE
This guy has a lot of money. This
is the only shot we got.
DRE
Okay, shoot.
107.
As they walk to the other side of the studio we WIDEN TO
REVEAL JIMMY IOVINE. He's older and white, wearing glasses
with a baseball cap pulled low over his eyes.
JIMMY
(extends his hand)
Jimmy Iovine. Interscope Records.
It's nice to meet you. Dre or Dr
Dre. What should I call you?
DRE
Dre's cool. How are you doing? I
heard John McClain gave you my
album. What did you think?
Jimmy smiles.
JIMMY IOVINE
I think it was great.
(beat)
So, you're the artist on this
record. Who produced it?
DRE
I did.
JIMMY IOVINE
Who engineered it?
DRE
I did.
JIMMY IOVINE
Listen. I don't know anything about
hip hop. And to be honest with you,
I don't necessarily care for it.
But I know this is special.
The word special resonates with Dre. He nods.
DRE
Thank you.
SUGE
We'd love to bring it to
Interscope. But there's a problem.
JIMMY IOVINE
What's the problem?
SUGE
Ruthless. Lawsuits.
(beat)
Contracts.
108.
JIMMY IOVINE
How about this. Give me three
weeks. But I don't want to hear any
bullshit about you shopping it
anywhere else. If you do that. I
believe I can get you out of this
mess. Sound good?
Suge smiles.
101 EXT. LOS ANGELES - DAY 101
A sprawling city of orphans, calm before the storm.
SUPERIMPOSE: APRIL 29, 1992
JERRY (PRE-LAP)
Eazy. You may wanna see this.
102 INT. JERRY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS 102
Jerry turns the volume up as Eazy plops down on the couch
beside him --
TOM BROKAW (V.O.)
... a stunning verdict of "not
guilty" for the L.A. Four today in
Simi Valley...
PUSH IN CLOSE ON EAZY, seeing the verdict.
JERRY (O.S.)
Sorry...
EAZY
Sorry? We all ought to be sorry...
(then)
We had them on tape -- we had their
asses on tape.
Eazy continues to watch, pained and perplexed, as we see --
EXT. SOUTH CENTRAL - STREETS - DAY
Cube drives through SOUTH CENTRAL in the epicenter of the
unfolding RIOTS. Looting stores. Burning buildings.
He drives by GRAFFITI TAGS, many of which say FUCK THA
POLICE. He sees a CRIP and a BLOOD, tying their RED and BLUE
bandanas together in front of one such tag: a SYMBOL of the
GANG TRUCE.
NEARBY, crowds of young people CHANT:
109.
CROWD
No justice, no peace! Everybody
say, fuck the police! No justice,
no peace! Everybody say, fuck the
police!
A very proud Cube watches. His own words turned into a
unifying slogan for the riots. And we see --
103 ARCHIVAL NEWS FOOTAGE 103
Of the riots -- angry, violent. Years upon years worth of
rage unleashed in a three day period. Marshall Law. Police
brutality. Race hatred. The worst of humanity.
104 OMITTED 104
105 EXT. SOUTH CENTRAL - CRENSHAW BOULEVARD - DAY 105
Calm now, we behold a virtual wasteland of smoldering cars
and buildings. Shell-shocked, CITIZENS wander around, trying
to make their neighborhood livable again as --
A `64 IMPALA rolls down the boulevard. Dre, Snoop, D.O.C. and
Warren G silently observe the damage, shell-shocked.
106 EXT. SUNSET BLVD - NIGHT 106
Eazy cruises down Sunset. He looks older, more anguished.
SUPERIMPOSE: ONE YEAR LATER
He passes by TOWER RECORDS where a massive mural of THE
CHRONIC cover art fills up the entire side of the building.
Eazy beholds it with a confluence of admiration and envy. As
the bite of that really starts to sting, Eazy looks --
ACROSS THE STREET, he spots a BILLBOARD for Cube's movie,
BOYZ N THA HOOD. Cube is front and center, alongside CUBA
GOODING JR. Eazy can't believe it as we --
107 INT. EAZY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 107
Times are hard. Eazy's not ballin' like he was. Surrounded by
MOVING BOXES and basic studio equipment, a few HOMIES do
their thing on the board, the makings of NEIGHBORHOOD SNIPER
playing, as Eazy, Ren and Yella huddle over --
THREE HUGE, ONE-POUND BAGS OF WEED sit on the coffee table.
They divide them into smaller BAGS.
110.
YELLA
So all this weed. It's for your
Ruthless artists?
EAZY
Havin' some cash flow problems.
They can smoke it, they can sell
it, I don't care. As long as it
keeps 'em off my back for a minute.
YELLA
Maybe you should think about
diversifying into my kinda shit.
There's money in there, too.
Eazy laughs, shakes his head.
EAZY
What, makin' pornos? No thanks,
man. That's your thing. I'll stick
with this music shit. Once my new
album right here's done, I'mma be
fine --
Eazy starts COUGHING. It doesn't sound great.
REN
You all right, man?
EAZY
Yeah. Just tired. All this shit,
downsizin' to a new crib, just
weighin' on me. I'll figure it out
though. I always do.
JERRY (O.S.)
Eric --
Jerry enters. Approaches Eazy.
JERRY (CONT'D)
Can you come by my office? I need
you to sign some checks --
But Eazy doesn't even look up at Jerry.
EAZY
I'll come when I can, Jerry.
JERRY
Eric --
But Eazy just keeps ignoring him. Annoyed, Jerry exits --
111.
108 EXT. DEATH ROW RECORDS - LOS ANGELES - DAY 108
Death Row's a thriving office space, especially in contrast
to Ruthless. A few DOPE CARS sit parked out front as --
Dre SCREECHES up in his brand-new, WHITE FERRARI TESTAROSA --
Suge's just behind him in a RED MERCEDES SL AMG CONVERTIBLE.
A car is parked in Suge's parking space. Suge blocks the car
in. Suge's Goons wait for him to exit his car. Dre and Suge
hop out, ALL EYES ON THEM --
DRE
Man, this is just the beginning...
We're building an empire.
Dre LAUGHS as ...
Suge storms off, flanked by his GOONS, bee-lining for the
EMPLOYEE'S. He grabs the Employee by the collar and hauls him
out of his car to his feet.
SUGE
You're in my spot!
The Employee just gapes at Suge, speechless...
DRE
Suge, it's cool --
Suge shakes the Employee like a rag doll...
SUGE
Did you park in my muthafuckin'
parking space or not?
EMPLOYEE
I didn't know, I --
Suge pulls out a PISTOL and CRACKS the Employee across the
face with it, blood gushing from his nose --
Startled, Dre shoots to a stand. What the fuck!? Even more so
when Suge drags the bleeding Employee across the parking lot
before tossing him against a car. Suge give the guy his keys.
SUGE
Now move yo' piece of shit and park
my car.
Wow... The guy is scared and confused at Suge's "power drunk"
request. He slowly takes the keys.
112.
SUGE (CONT'D)
-- And I bet not see one drop of
blood in that mothafucka.
And everyone watches in utter silence as Suge spins and
struts into Death Row Records brand new offices. LOUD
SILENCE.
Off Dre, disturbed by Suge's violent display.
109 OMITTED 109
110 OMITTED 110
111 INT. CUBE'S HOUSE - LOS ANGELES - NIGHT 111
Cube sits in the living room, watching basketball, and doing
something we haven't seen before: WRITING A SCREENPLAY.
Kim walks through, visibly PREGNANT, holding SHEA (1). Hands
Cube a beer. He reaches for her, kisses her belly as their
toddler, DARRELL (3), runs in. Hops up on Cube's lap.
CUBE
Hey Darrell. What you been doing? --
playin' with Shea?
Darrell nods as Kim picks up the remote, starts FLIPPING
channels. She STOPS when it lands on THE BOX, which just
happens to be playing NWA's STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON. Cube
watches for a bit, lost in thought --
KIM
Look how young you guys look.
Cube looks for a moment -- shakes his head, in disbelief.
CUBE
Damn... We left some good records
on the table...
Kim walks closer-- rubs his shoulders lovingly...
KIM
Well-- ain't nobody burnt down the
table did they? Ever thought about
getting back together?
CUBE
All the time. But we've been
feuding for so long. It might be
"ON" on sight when we see each
other. I really don't know.
113.
KIM
That's a shame. It's terrible how
money tears us apart.
CUBE
Yeah-- When it should be bring us
together. Somebody always wants
more then they're suppose to get.
As that's when shit get funky.
She nods in agreement -- as he continues working on his
script. A movie called "FRIDAY".
112 INT. NICE RESTAURANT - LOS ANGELES - NIGHT 112
Dre's having dinner with NICOLE -- the woman who rejected him
at his party. Even though they're both clearly feeling this.
DRE
Aren't you glad I tracked you down?
NICOLE
I wasn't exactly hiding.
They both chuckle.
DRE
So wassup, you been havin' good
time?
NICOLE
Yeah... Why?
DRE
Well I mean, I like comin' over
your place, but you know, your
neighbors be complainin' about "the
noise" --
Nicole smiles, shoos Dre. He smiles at her, mesmerized. God
damn this girl is special. He fills up their champagne.
DRE (CONT'D)
I think a little more privacy would
be better.
NICOLE
So what, you want me to move?
DRE
Yeah, maybe. I know of a perfect
spot. Plenty of room, and I know
the owner.
114.
Nicole finally gets what Dre's saying. Smiles.
NICOLE
After a few months, you sure you're
ready for that, Andre?
DRE
Yeah. I'm really feelin' you like
that.
NICOLE
I'm feelin' you too, but...
Nicole considers, conflicted. Dre can't stand it any longer.
DRE
Hey you know what, don't worry
about it right now. Was just a
thought...
Dre drinks his glass of champagne down.
DRE (CONT'D)
Listen, I don't mean to change the
temperature in here. But it had to
be crazy, bein' married to a Laker.
NICOLE
Wasn't what I'd call a good fit. It
got crazy once we moved to L.A. I
definitely went through some
unnecessary shit when he started
acting like an asshole. But I have
a beautiful son and all that other
nonsense is behind me now.
DRE
Look, no offense, but I'm a little
glad he was an asshole.
(raising his glass)
His loss is my gain. To assholes.
NICOLE
(playfully)
Chin-chin.
They share a laugh as Nicole raises her glass -- CLINK. Dre
downs his glass as we --
113 EXT. NICOLE'S APARTMENT - WESTWOOD - LATER 113
Dre walks Nicole to her door, and pretty soon they're
kissing. It's nice, but after a bit, she pulls away.
115.
NICOLE
All right -- Good night.
Dre looks surprised.
DRE
Really? Good night?
NICOLE
Are you okay to drive?
DRE
No.
They both laugh.
NICOLE
Good night, Andre.
DRE
See, I can't help thinkin', maybe
you want me to come inside...
NICOLE
Of course I do.
DRE
So what's different now?
NICOLE
I got a lot of things to think
about.
(beat)
You're asking me to move in...
That's a big step. I like you,
Andre. But there's a lot going on
around you.
DRE
What do you mean?
NICOLE
I read the papers. I'm not stupid.
I know about the whole Death Row
business, the assault charges, the
shooting... Just seems dangerous.
My son's my world.
DRE
But I thought we been havin fun.
116.
NICOLE
Fun is fun, Andre. But I refuse to
walk away from one crazy life into
another.
She kisses him on the cheek.
NICOLE (CONT'D)
I'll a call you.
Nicole turns, walks into the building, leaving Dre standing
there, embarrassed, angered.
Head full of steam, he stumbles back, hops into his --
113A INT. DEATH ROW RECORDS - HALLWAY - NIGHT 113A
Dre walks into Death Row feeling the sting of Nicole's words
still reverberating in his head as --
We reveal two pitbulls snarling and lunging at each other
being restrained by heavy duty chains. The screams and yells
of a betting crowd of Bloods permeate the hallway as we see
the Death Row signature electric chair squarely at the end. A
guy walking a pitbull on a hain moves pass the screaming
Bloods and howling dogs runs into Dre.
GUY WITH DOG
Dre, you want to put some money on
this red nose?
DRE
(A little dazed and
confused)
Nah man, I'm good.
The rowdy circle of betters grow more and more boisterous as
the pitbulls are about to get it on.
DRE (CONT'D)
Where's Pac at?
GUY WITH DOG
Studio A...
113B INT. DEATH ROW RECORDS STUDIO A - CONTINUOUS 113B
We hear 2Pac's iconic verse from "Hail Mary" as Dre enters
the studio as the dog fight starts back in the hallway to
reveal --
The control room of Studio A is in complete chaos. Bottles
everywhere along with blunt smoke, Homies and Hoodrats. TUPAC
is in the recording booth spitting out lyrics.
117.
He's made an alter around him with lyric sheet stands -- each
stand has 2 to 3 notebooks full of raps on it. When they
notice Dre, the engineer stops the track.
Dre pushes the talk-back button and looks at Tupac through
the glass.
DRE
Wha'up Pac?
TUPAC
Oh shit! Wha'up Dre...
I'm about to hit niggas in the
mouth with this new album.
Suge said you got some heat for a
nigga.
DRE
Nigga what? I do...guess who I
worked with last night.
TUPAC
Who dat?
Dre hands a CD to the engineer ---
DRE
Roger fuckin' Troutman. Man this
shit is fire. Wait til you hear it.
TUPAC
Oh! OK what you thinking about
calling it?
DRE
I'm thinking about calling it
California love.
Dre looks at the engineer ---
DRE (CONT'D)
Press play
California Love screams out the speakers... we hear the
iconic first few bars with Roger Troutman's signature voice
singing, California Love.
We hear the sound of what seems like muffled gunshots coming
from another room. Pop. Pop. Pop. Everyone is like what the
fuck.
This doesn't sit well with Dre. He exits to see what's up.
118.
113C INT. DEATH ROW CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT 113C
We reveal a pitbull snarling at an emasculated poor bastard
that is on the floor all bloody, in his underwear holding a
glass of champagne. The pitbull continues to lunge at his
face looking to rip his soul out. WE REVEAL Suge smoking a
big cigar and laughing. He's at the center of a room full of
Bloods and hoodrats plus Blood #1, Goon Girl and Goon #1, all
intently watching the last moments of this emasculated
homeboys toast.
Dre opens the door at the far end of the room not expecting
to see this spectacle. There's several blown holes in the
wall where the gun shots were fired just above the cowering
man's head.
DRE
What the fuck y'all doin?
SUGE
(drunk with power)
Yo Dre, you just in time. Watch
this. Get up!
(To the Poor Bastard)
You know what to do.
Bruised and bloody with one eye closed shut, the Poor Bastard
raises the glass with a shaky hand and a quivering voice. Pit
bull continues to stand at attention.
POOR BASTARD
I'd like to make a toast...
Everyone in the room holds up their champagne glasses. Dre
can't believe his eyes. There's even two (plain clothes) off
duty COPS there with badges and gun holsters -- glasses
raised high.
POOR BASTARD (CONT'D)
...to Death Row Records...
ROOM
To Death Row...
GOON GIRL
(clowning him)
May the west coast reign forever.
POOR BASTARD
(scared)
May the west coast reign forever.
BLOOD#1
What else!?
119.
POOR BASTARD
I'd like to make a toast to Suge.
For making this all happen.
SUGE
Don't forget to toast Dr. Dre. you
little bitch ass mothafucka!
The Poor Bastard looks over at Dre.
DRE
(frustrated)
Hold the fuck up! Put cha' glasses
down. Put your fuckin clothes on.
What the fuck is going on around
here?! Seriously, what's going on?!
Suge approaches Dre puts his hand on his shoulder.
DRE (CONT'D)
(to Suge)
Nah Nah...
(to Room)
What the fuck is this shit. Is this
why we got money? To act like we
ain't got no god damn sense?! We
could of did all this kind of dumb
shit back in Compton!
(to the room)
This what you muthafuckas turned
into!? Seriously!
SUGE
Its okay, Dre.
The Cop #2 is on the couch with some street girls holding a
champagne glass in her hand looks at Dre then over to Suge,
who's laughing.
DRE
This shit is stupid! Do ya'll know
what it took for us to get here. Do
y'all know what you doin'? Y'all
fuckin' it up! Y'all fucking it up!
(to off duty cops)
And what the fuck ya'll doing
here?!
Cop raises the glass.
DRE (CONT'D)
Really, ok...
120.
SUGE
(laughing)
Who fuckin' shit up! You trippin.
We can do anything we want to do.
We started this shit. This is us.
DRE
Nah, Nigga. Death Row is us.
(pointing around)
This other shit -- is you!
Suge's Goons get in position.
GOON #1
Better watch ya mouth, Blood.
DRE
'Tha fuck you talking too?
GOON #2
(dismissive)
Nigga, you ain't nothing but a
producer around here.
DRE
What the fuck?!!!
This sends Dre into orbit. He goes after Blood #1. The whole
conference room jumps in between them -- keeping these two
human pit bulls from scrappin'. Everybody jumps but Suge who
amused by the whole thing -- puffs on his cigar. Dre is being
held back by the Off Duties. While Goon #1 is being held back
by Goon #2 and a few others. World War III averted for now.
DRE (CONT'D)
Get the fuck off me.
Dre breaks free and storms out.
SUGE
Man don't even trip off this
muthafucka. What he going to do?
Where he going to go?
113pt2 TESTAROSA 113pt2
And just sits there, seething. Reaches in the back seat,
grabs a bottle of Hennessey. Takes a swig... Then --
A sudden look of determination washes over him. He TEARS out
into the street, tires SQUEALING -- ERRRR!
121.
PASSING CARS, swerving, Dre punches the gas, RPMs maxed out.
Shifts, flying through an intersection -- the needle passes
100mph. Keeps going, loving the release, the control...
A POLICE CRUISER, coming the opposite direction, spots Dre's
Testarosa -- In a flash, they bang a U-turn, peeling so fast,
smoke clouds the night air --
ON DRE, distant police lights now strobing off of his face
from the rear view mirror. Fuck! Thinking fast, he switches
off his headlights. Hits the gas, needle bottoming-out!
As he reaches the next intersection, Dre makes a hard left --
SCREECHES to a stop, tucking into a spot along the side of
the road. Shuts off his car. Waits, breathing fast, as --
DRE (TO HIMSELF)
Come on, come on, come --
THE POLICE CRUISER barrels around the corner -- SLAMS THE
BRAKES! Two LAPD OFFICERS fling open their doors, guns
leveled at Dre's car!
Eyes wide, adrenaline coursing through his veins, chest
heaving, Dre grits his teeth. He's stuck... and he knows it.
LAPD OFFICER 1 (VIA LOUDSPEAKER)
Driver! Put your hands out of your
window where we can see them! Now!
Dre complies, reaches his hands out of his window.
The two officers carefully approach, guns at the ready.
OFFICER 2 slaps the cuffs on Dre, regret immediately
registering on his face as we --
SMASH CUT TO:
114 EXT. JAIL - PASADENA - ESTABLISHING - DAY 114
Nicole hops out of her car and hurries into --
115 INT. JAIL - VISITING AREA - DAY 115
Dre and NICOLE sit across from each other, Plexiglas between
them, talking via phone receivers.
NICOLE
Anybody else been here to see you,
your so-called friends at Death
Row?
122.
DRE
Nope. You're the only one I wanna
see anyway.
She surveys him, pain in his eyes.
NICOLE
112 days? That doesn't even make
sense.
DRE
Yeah, well... That's what happens
when you violate your probation.
They sit there, just being in the awkward, contrived moment.
NICOLE
You got one phone call and you
called me?
DRE
`Cause you were right. Only other
person that tells it to me like it
is-- is my moms. So I know you
care.
She looks at him, nods, dabs at her wet eyes.
DRE (CONT'D)
I fucked up. But I've had a lot of
time to think in here, and I
promise you, things are gonna be
different from now on.
That lies there a minute. Then --
NICOLE
You take care of yourself, Andre.
She stands, heads away... And we see the reflexive
disappointment on Dre's face before...
116 INT. EAZY'S NORWALK HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT 116
Tomica and Eazy lie in bed together. He stares at the
ceiling, and she runs her hand soothingly down his arm.
EAZY
I feel like I don't know what I'm
doin' anymore. I don't even know
where the money's going.
Tomica props herself up on her elbow, looks at him.
123.
TOMICA
I can help, you know. Show me the
files, the bills, the contracts. I
know the business, I know how it
all works. Let me look. Baby, if
you're feelin' this way, Jerry's
not doin' right by you.
Eazy puts his arm around her, pulls her close. They both lie
there a little longer, just breathing.
EAZY
Okay. After New York. Workin' on
that International Distribution
with Sony. Jerry don't know about
that. I wanna keep it that way.
Tomica nods, smiles. Encouraged he has a plan again.
117 EXT. NEW YORK CITY - CHELSEA - NIGHT 117
Establish MANHATTAN, in winter, after hours. Dirty snow on
the sidewalks. Cold-as-shit wind blowing off the Hudson. A
line of CLUB KIDS on the 12th Avenue sidewalk, in front of
the massive brick edifice of the legendary --
118 INT. TUNNEL NIGHTCLUB - VIP - NIGHT 118
ICE CUBE sits in a BOOTH, surrounded by friends, label-execs,
and hangers-on. It's pretty clear that Cube is a huge
celebrity at this point. He even has some big, unsmiling
THUGS (The Lench Mob) standing close.
Cube, mid-conversation, suddenly STOPS talking... Because he
SEES that EAZY-E is entering the VIP with 2 HUGE SAMOANS,
making his way over.
CUBE
(to his crew)
Heads up y'all. This lil nigga
might wanna do something.
Cube stands up -- ready for whatever.
Eazy and his Bodyguards arrives at the booth. There's a tense
silence -- almost a stand off before anyone speaks. Everybody
looks to them, seeing how they're gonna react. After all,
these two have dissed each other, ferociously and publicly,
for years. Still, Eazy gives Cube a friendly, vaguely
submissive smile.
EAZY
Relax everybody. Just came in the
club-- heard you were over here.
124.
CUBE
(Still ready)
Yeah. I'm over here. (beat) What
you need?
EAZY
I don't need shit. Out here with
Bone Thugs-- Was just in the
neighborhood. Wanted to say wassup.
The tension between the sides eases up a bit, but not
completely. They both stand there, neither sure what to say
to the other.
EAZY (CONT'D)
Saw your movie. It was good.
Cube slowly smiles. Knows that wasn't easy for Eazy.
CUBE
Thought you said it was an after-
school special.
They both smile, laugh. Give each other a pound. In truth,
they missed each other. Homie hug.
EAZY
Missed you, boy.
CUBE
Missed you too, E. Wish we could've
work shit out.
EAZY
Guess it all happened like it was
supposed to. You a movie star-- I'm
a music mogul. Dre. Well Dre is
tripping right now, but he's doing
his thang. Just wanted to come over
here and put something on your
mind..
Cube is curious.
119 INT. TUNNEL NIGHTCLUB - VIP - AFTER HOURS 119
The club has mostly emptied out. Only a few die-hards remain
as we find Cube and Eazy slumped over their table, loose with
alcohol. The vibe is cool, friendly, like the old days. But
we notice Eazy has a subtle, persistent COUGH...
EAZY
I wish all that bullshit never
happen between us.
(MORE)
125.
EAZY (CONT'D)
Definitely never wanted it to get
physical-- we should've kept it on
wax.
CUBE
Never should've dissed each other
in the first place. Made our fans
choice between us. That ain't cool.
EAZY
Yeah you right.
(After a few beats)
Ever though we was going to be this
big?
CUBE
Nope. I was reminiscing with my
wife the other day. What it felt
like-- In the beginning. We were so
young and ferocious. Doing music
straight for the hood. Trying to be
ghetto stars... I thought I knew
everything back then -- But I
didn't know shit.
EAZY
Me neither. I'm still trying to
figure this stuff out. One minute
I'm slangin' in a crack house --
next thing I know, they invite me
to the White House.
Cube laughs, shakes his head.
CUBE
Yeah. I get it. Everything changes
so fast. Feels like it was 20 years
ago. If we were still together do
you know how large we'd be?
They both sit there, thinking about that shit, amazed.
EAZY
You ever think about fuckin' with
some new NWA shit?
Cube frowns, contemplates for a moment.
CUBE
I'd be lyin' if I said I never
thought about it.
Eazy's eyes flash. That's what he was hoping to hear.
126.
EAZY
Me too, Cube. Been thinkin' about
it a lot. (beat) Be like 1989
again. We changed the world
forever. Mothafuckas can never go
back to that fake shit after us. It
gets no realer then NWA. No matter
what...
After a quick thought.
CUBE
If you can get Dre to do it, I'm
in. But check this out homie-- I
ain't doin' it if Jerry's around.
He done made enough off us.
EAZY
I hear you.
An EMPLOYEE walks by, pushing a broom, glaring at them. It's
time to go. They both stand up.
CUBE
Cool. We done talked til the damn
club closed -- I got a car coming.
You need a ride back to your hotel?
EAZY
Naw, I'm cool. I wanna walk.
CUBE
(really?)
Walk? It's cold as fuck Eric, this
ain't L.A.
EAZY
I'm good. Hit me up later.
Another HUG, this one last a little longer then normal. Eazy
doesn't say anything else. Just heads for the exit, without
looking back. Cube watches him go off into the cold night...
120 EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - NIGHT 120
Eazy walks back to his hotel in the freezing cold, his hands
jammed in his pockets. The wind blows mercilessly. Eazy is
shivering like crazy. But he keeps walking.
It's a longer walk than he thought. He tries to hail a cab,
but of course, none stop. He keeps trudging along, his breath
making clouds, through the lonesome pre-dawn City --
127.
121 EXT. JAIL - DAY 121
Dre emerges from the JAIL, shielding his eyes from the
suddenly-blinding SUNSHINE. Interestingly, this is the SECOND
TIME we've seen him get picked up from jail.
NICOLE is there, waiting by her car. He wraps her in his
arms, and they stand that way, together, for a long time.
122 INT. JERRY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY 122
Jerry has the PAPERS on the counter for Eazy's signature. But
something's different this time. Eazy doesn't just sign.
Instead, he starts GATHERING the papers into a pile.
JERRY
Wait, aren't you gonna sign --
EAZY
I'mma take these home with me. I'll
sign 'em. Get'em back to you in a
couple days.
Jerry looks alarmed.
JERRY
But this is how we've always done it.
You have a lot on your plate Eric,
there's no need to add to it --
EAZY
It's cool, Jerry. They're my bills,
my checks. I mean look, my name's
right there.
Eazy grins at Jerry, points to his name on the checks.
JERRY
I just wish we could do it here. I
don't want anything to get
misplaced or lost --
EAZY
Don't worry so much, Jerry. I can
handle it.
Eazy picks up the pile of papers and heads for the door.
Jerry stares after him, visibly shaken --
123 INT. EAZY'S NORWALK HOUSE - NIGHT 123
Tomica watches on as Eazy finishes READING the immaculately-
organized PAPERS she's laid out for him. He puts them down.
128.
TOMICA
You had to know the truth sometime.
Now you do.
EAZY
Cube tried to warn me. So did Dre.
And I didn't listen. I fucked up.
And we stay with Eazy a moment, reeling, pissed....
124 INT. JERRY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - LATER 124
Eazy walks into their familiar meeting place to find Jerry
slumped at the table.
JERRY
Where the fuck have you been? I've
been calling you --
Jerry glances down at the PAPERS in Eazy's hand, sees the
flat look on Eazy's face... and gets it.
JERRY (CONT'D)
So what was it, the groupie? The
executive assistant? Did she even
go to college? Come on. You're
smarter than that, Eric --
EAZY
This ain't about Tomica, Jerry.
It's about you. And you really
gotta stop acting like you never
did anything wrong.
JERRY
Look, I know you're upset. But I'd
strongly advise you to take a
breath, let me look at the
paperwork --
Eric lets out a low, rumbling laugh.
EAZY
Jerry, for real? You can stop
givin' me advice. As of, like, now.
I'm getting NWA back together. It's
happening. But you ain't gonna have
nothing to do with it this time.
Jerry's voice starts to RAISE in volume, desperation growing.
JERRY
Why would you say something like
that? You're not thinking straight.
(MORE)
129.
JERRY (CONT'D)
I know what's best for you, and for
Ruthless, and we've built a trust
over years of hard work. That trust
is our foundation, Eric.
Eazy laughs again, but this time... the laugh deteriorates
into a ragged, hacking COUGH. Jerry watches, concerned --
JERRY (CONT'D)
Are you okay? You don't look --
EAZY
Trust. God damn, that's a word. Let
me tell you somethin', Jerry. Trust
is a muthafucka.
Jerry is now full-on YELLING at Eric, who remains calm.
JERRY
Look, if what I've done is so
illegal, why have I never been sued?
I'm such a thief, such a liar, such a
motherfucker, how come nobody's come
to collect? This is business. This is
how it works. It's not always pretty,
but all of it, everything I've put
into this company, my whole LIFE for
all these years, it's for you, Eric.
Eazy absorbs this. Then --
EAZY
You're fired, Jerry.
Jerry, who is now beet-red, starts to BELLOW with rage --
JERRY
Goddammit, Eric! This is not how we
do things! This is a business and I
won't let you --
But Eazy's already out the door. Enraged, Jerry wipes his arm
across the table sending everything SMASHING onto the floor!
125 INT. DRE'S HOUSE - BACK YARD - DAY 125
Long gone are the days of the infamous Dr. Dre pool parties
as Dre and Nicole relax by the pool. Dre's huge, early-model
CELL PHONE rings from a table beside him. He picks it up --
DRE
Hello?
After a short pause, a familiar, gravelly voice comes on.
130.
EAZY'S VOICE
Wassup Andre, it's Eric.
Dre's eyes widen. Eazy's the last person he ever expected to
hear from.
DRE
Yeah? Wassup wit you?
INTERCUT WITH:
126 INT. EAZY'S NORWALK HOUSE - BACK YARD - CONTINUOUS 126
Chilling by his modest pool, Eazy looks worn but determined.
EAZY
Just felt like callin' --
Dre is still vaguely mystified, at a loss.
DRE
Yeah. Okay.
(beat)
Wassup?
EAZY
You know. Doin' my thing. Makin
records. Killin' all that pussy out
there.
Seated a few feet away from Eazy, Tomica rolls her eyes.
EAZY (CONT'D)
How about you?
DRE
Just makin' tracks.
EAZY
That Snoop record you did was big.
850,000 copies in the first week?!
Congratulations on the success of
that.
DRE
Good lookin' out.
EAZY
Well look, I know you're busy, but
I talked to Cube, and we were,
like, talkin' about some...
possibilities.
Dre gets up, walks around the edge of his pool, processing.
131.
EAZY (CONT'D)
And by the way, if you ain't heard--
I ain't fuckin' with Jerry Heller
no more. Nigga's fired.
Something in those words causes Dre to soften... a bit.
DRE
Really. Well it's about time. He's
the reason why we broke up.
EAZY
Listen man, I know everything got
messed up and went the wrong way. I
wish it didn't. I wish we can go
back to the days of Skateland when
we were all just young, hungry and
ferocious. The world's most
dangerous group. Before all the
money and fame got between us.
DRE
Yeah me too-- cause I'm not proud
of all the shit I did, either.
Eazy looks vaguely relieved Dre said that.
EAZY
So you think maybe, we can make
somethin' happen?
DRE
Yeah, that's sounds cool -- Let's
stay in touch.
EAZY
Fair enough.
They both hang up. Eazy turns to Tomica, big smile.
EAZY (CONT'D)
Everybody's all in. NWA is back!
127 INT. EAZY'S NORWALK HOUSE - MAKESHIFT STUDIO - CONTINUOUS 127
Ren and Yella work the kinks out of a dope new beat -- Tomica
enters, Eazy in tow, looking a bit sluggish.
SUPERIMPOSE: TWO MONTHS LATER
REN
Wuddup, y'all.
132.
YELLA
Hey so, when are Dre and Cube gonna
roll in here?
REN
Yeah, you know -- Gettin' kinda
anxious to get this new shit goin'.
EAZY
I don't know. Hopefully soon. Let's
just get ready. New NWA gonna
change the game, just like back in
the day --
REN
No doubt. I got books of new shit --
Eazy's legs buckle. He leans on the Board, winded --
YELLA
Yo, you alright, Eazy?
EAZY
Yeah. Just. Like. Need some fresh
air, somethin' --
PANIC flashes in his eyes as he moves toward the door,
suddenly CRUMPLES TO THE FLOOR, out cold --
TOMICA
Eric!
They all hurry over to him --
128 EXT. LOS ANGELES STREET - DAY 128
An AMBULANCE blares through the night, running red lights,
hurtling toward the hulking edifice of CEDARS SINAI --
129 INT. CEDARS - EAZY'S ROOM - DAY 129
Eazy lies in a propped-up hospital bed, watching TV. He
doesn't look ill, just annoyed with the situation. Tomica
sits in a chair beside him, flipping through a magazine.
A young DOCTOR walks in, carrying a chart. He looks troubled,
preoccupied. His eyes dart from Tomica... to Eazy.
TOMICA
You gonna say something? Is it a
respiratory infection -- pneumonia?
133.
DOCTOR
Yes, well, it is those things...
and more, I'm afraid... We ran a
full blood battery and -- (beat)
Mr. Wright, I'm sorry but you've
tested positive for the HIV virus.
Tomica reflexively stands, her hand over her mouth. Eazy
squints, smiles, looks at the Doctor like he's crazy.
EAZY
Get the fuck outta here.
DOCTOR
The normal T-cell count is anywhere
between 500 and 1500. Right now,
your T-cell count is... 14.
Tomica just stands there, mouth agape, speechless. Eazy's
smile slowly fades to a look of pure dread.
EAZY
But I ain't no faggot.
DOCTOR
Mr. Wright, there are actually
quite a few ways that the virus can
be transmitted --
EAZY
It's wrong. No way. Test me again.
Test my shit again --
DOCTOR
We've actually run the test five
times, with five different
samples... and the results remain --
Tomica suddenly lets out a choked CRY, runs from the room.
Eazy watches her go, overwhelmed, confused... and then, all
at once, he gets it. Voice trembles a little.
EAZY
Tomica. She's pregnant. Oh fuck.
Does that mean she --
DOCTOR
No. Not necessarily. But we'll need
to test her, too.
EAZY
So what do we do? What's the
treatment? Let's get started.
(MORE)
134.
EAZY (CONT'D)
I got work to do. How long's it
gonna take to get me healthy again?
The Doctor looks at Eazy, struggles a bit. He pulls up a
chair, sits down next to the bed.
DOCTOR
Mr. Wright. You need to understand.
You're very, very sick --
EAZY
But I don't even feel that bad...
DOCTOR
With treatment, and palliative
care, we can probably keep you
comfortable for... maybe six
months. At the very most.
Panic washes over Eazy in a flood --
EAZY
Comfortable? What you mean
comfortable? Six months!?
DOCTOR
I'm truly sorry, Mr. Wright.
Eazy realizes that he's dying.
HARD CUT TO:
130 B-ROLL OF A CROWD OUTSIDE OF CEDARS SINAI (STOCK FOOTAGE) 130
REPORTER (V.O.)
Last week, the rap world was
stunned to learn in a press
conference held by his lawyer, that
Eazy-E had been admitted to Cedars
Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles and
diagnosed as suffering from full-
blown AIDS.
131 INT. CUBE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 131
WE HEAR the STOCK FOOTAGE CONTINUE over --
At home, sitting on the couch with Kim and their KIDS, Cube
watches on, stunned. Kim kisses him, leans on his shoulder as
they try to process the shock --
135.
RON SWEENEY (ON TV)
Eazy started getting sick about a
month ago but hadn't shown signs of
improvement, so he checked into the
hospital. They ran extensive tests
and as a result we found out
that... he has what he has...
132 EXT. CEDARS - COURTYARD - DAY 132
Outside the hospital, we see PEOPLE have started to GATHER.
About a dozen or so. They stand there quietly, shuffling
around, staring up at the Hospital --
133 INT. CEDARS - EAZY'S ROOM - THE NEXT DAY 133
Tomica sits in a chair pulled right beside Eazy's bed. They
hold hands, look at each other. They've both been crying.
EAZY
Just glad you're okay. You and the
baby.
Tomica takes his hand, kisses it, cries.
TOMICA
No. We can beat this. Together.
Eazy nods reassuringly, but you can see in his eyes he
doesn't believe it. Eazy's PHONE rings. He answers it.
EAZY
Yo.
REN'S VOICE
(filtered)
Eazy! What the fuck, cuz? People
been sayin' some crazy shit. Like
you got AIDS or somethin'? Can you
believe that? Muthafuckin' Eazy-E
got AIDS? Niggas be starting too
many rumors, huh?
SILENCE. Ren is hit with the reality as Eazy TURNS OFF the
phone -- Sticks it in the bedside table drawer. It's pretty
clear he's never gonna turn it on again.
TOMICA
Who was that?
Eazy doesn't respond, just lies there, despondent.
136.
134 EXT. SOUNDSTAGE - VIDEO SHOOT - DAY 134
Dre's chilling on a couch as NICOLE appears from around the
corner holding a wireless phone --
NICOLE
It's for you.
He grabs the phone, leans it on his shoulder.
DRE
What up.
Dre's face contorts with confusion as he listens...
135 INT. CEDARS - EAZY'S ROOM - NIGHT 135
Tomica and Yella stand by Eazy's bedside. Eazy looks drained,
depressed. Various members of Eazy's FAMILY are also present.
Yella holds a CASSETTE in his hand.
YELLA
It's Bone Thugs' new LP. It's good,
Eric. It's gonna be huge when it
drops. Everybody thinks so. Want me
to play it for you?
EAZY
Put it on the table. I'll listen
later. Thanks for stoppin' through.
Hit you when I get outta here.
Yella nods sadly, places the cassette on the bedside table
and exits. Handwritten on the cover, it says BONE.
136 INT. CEDARS - EAZY'S ROOM - THE NEXT DAY 136
Tomica sits holding Eazy's hand, staring at him with haunted
eyes. RON SWEENEY stands in the background, along with Eazy's
Family. Someone else is there now, too. A PASTOR.
TOMICA
I can't. That's not the way it
should happen. It's not right --
EAZY
Please. It's gotta happen, baby.
I'm having my surgery tomorrow, so
it has to happen now. Because I
might not. Wake up.
Eazy's clearly struggling to come to terms with this.
137.
TOMICA
Don't say that.
EAZY
It's true, Tomica. I gotta make
this right. Ron says it's the only
way to protect everything I built.
Tomica looks to Ron, who nods. She stares off into space,
slowly shaking her head. Her life has become a nightmare.
TOMICA
It's so... fucked up --
EAZY
Hey. Listen to me. It doesn't
matter what people think. They
don't know. They don't understand.
There's no other way. Please. I
know it's not the way you pictured
it. You deserve better.
He reaches out, puts his hand on her stomach.
EAZY (CONT'D)
But if we don't do this, I won't be
able to protect either of you.
After looking deep into Eazy's eyes -- He needs her.
TOMICA
Okay. I love you, Eric.
Ron steps forward, followed by the FAMILY, who gather around
Eazy's bed. Finally, the PASTOR, who smiles kindly at them.
PASTOR
Are we ready?
Tomica and Eazy nod their heads yes. The Pastor reaches out,
holds Tomica's hand in one hand, Eazy's hand in the other.
PASTOR (CONT'D)
Tomica Woods, do you take Eric
Wright to be your lawfully wedded
husband, to have and to hold...
Tomica tries not to cry, but it's impossible. The tears flow,
and all she can do is wipe them away. Eazy won't stop looking
at Tomica. Like she's the last thing he'll ever see.
138.
137 EXT. CEDARS - COURTYARD - NIGHT 137
Outside the Hospital, the VIGIL has grown in size. There's
now about a HUNDRED PEOPLE standing outside. Holding candles.
Many of them are crying. Holding pictures of Eazy.
138 INT. CEDARS - EAZY'S ROOM - LATER 138
DRE quietly enters the room, nobody in there except him and
Eazy. He walks to the bed. Looks down at his friend, whom he
hasn't seen in four years: Eazy's eyes are closed, a
RESPIRATOR doing his breathing for him.
NOTE: The BONE TAPE is still sitting, untouched, on the
bedside table. Eazy never got a chance to listen to it.
Dre stands there, staring down, in this extended, surreal
moment. He bends down, so his mouth is close to Eazy's ear.
DRE
(softly)
Yo, Eazy. Wanna tell you somethin'.
I know you can hear me. I know
you're still in there --
We PULL BACK, so WE CAN'T HEAR WHAT DRE IS SAYING. And we
won't hear it, because that's between Dre & Eazy.
After a few moments, Dre stands up straight. Whatever he had
to say to Eazy, he's finished now. He walks to the door --
On his way out, he passes TOMICA as she's coming in. He looks
at her. Then he looks at the ring on her finger. Walks away,
without saying a word...
139 INT. CEDARS - OUTSIDE EAZY'S ROOM - A SHORT TIME LATER 139
A phalanx of POLICE guards the front entrance, preventing the
MOB OUTSIDE from getting in.
OUTSIDE EAZY'S DOOR, find CUBE sitting in a chair. He spots
DRE walking out, looking glazed. Cube gets up. They stand
there looking at each other.
CUBE
S'up Dre?
DRE
Good to see you, Cube.
It's been awhile. Lot of water under the bridge. They finally
step to each other, and hug quickly, intensely.
139.
CUBE
You see him? How he look?
DRE
He looks the same -- like Eric just
sleeping. But he's in a coma. Got a
machine breathing for him --
Cube frowns, looks at the ground, pained.
CUBE
Can't see him like that, man. This
is bad. I asked one of his homies
to call me when he wakes up.
Dre nods, doesn't push it. He understands. As they exit
together, they pass the Police Guards, in tight formation by
the door, protecting the Hospital. Protecting Eazy.
140 EXT. CEDARS - COURTYARD - LATER 140
MORE PEOPLE keep arriving to the VIGIL. A steady flow. They
all stare up at the Hospital, watching, waiting. The crowd
STRETCHES far in all directions, clogging the street --
141 INT. CUBE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY 141
Cube lies on the bed with Kim, watching TV. The PHONE RINGS
on the bedside table. Cube stares at it --
142 EXT. DRE'S HOUSE - PORCH - DAY 142
Phone to his ear, Dre listens a while, nods, face desolate.
Seated beside him, Nicole rubs his back, consoling her man.
DRE
Okay.
Dre hangs up. Looks over to Nicole.
DRE (CONT'D)
He's gone.
She hugs him tight as we --
143 EXT. LOS ANGELES - EVERYWHERE - DAY INTO NIGHT 143
A moment of quiet beauty. A TIME-LAPSE of the magnificent
City of Los Angeles. From hazy, sun-blasted MORNING, to an
explosively-hued SUNSET, into the electricity of NIGHT.
We hear EAZY'S VOICE, one last time, through some of the
final words he released to his fans.
140.
The TIDES on the beach rise and fall. Endless VEHICLES swarm
the FREEWAYS like teeming blood vessels in veins. Clouds race
across the sky like an avalanche, a river --
144 INT. DEATH ROW RECORDS - DAY 144
Dre strides down the lipstick red hallway, lined with
platinum records, a determined look on his face. Enters --
THE CONFERENCE ROOM
To find Suge, looking confused, sitting at the end of the
long conference table. He's wearing another absurd Red-Devil
suit, fedora, gold watch on a chain, flanked by a couple of
jacked-up BLOODS. And his DOG is still by his side.
SUGE
What's the urgency, Dre?
DRE
I'm out, man. I'm out of Death Row.
SUGE
You're not making any sense. Death
Row and Dr. Dre are one in the
same. You can't just up and go.
Dre does not avoid Suge's gaze. He looks right at him.
DRE
Gonna do my own thing now. Start
fresh. Nobody to answer to but
myself. It's time, Suge.
SUGE
You're one stupid muthafucka. You
just gonna throw away all this
money? `Cause if you leave,
everything we created is mine.
Suge starts to breathe hard through his nose. He's pissed.
DRE
What we created? Ha -- Well you can
have it.
SUGE
You ain't takin nobody with you.
Death Row stays Death Row. And if
you even think about touching my
money? You know how I handle shit.
Blue Rev. (9/15/14) 141.
DRE
Do what you gotta do. I'm still
out.
SUGE
You're not gettin none of it.
DRE
I don't give a fuck-- You can't put
a price on peace of mind. So you
can keep the artists, the money,
the masters and the bullshit. I'm
startin' my own thing.
Suge stands there, huge, scary. He stares cold daggers into
Dre's eyes, but Dre refuses to look away.
Suge finally nods. Something softens in him.
SUGE
What you gonna call it?
Dre grins.
DRE
Aftermath.
Dre walks away, smiling as --
STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON kicks in and we see the people and
things that have been impacted by NWA. We begin with all the
things that made NWA possible. We'll end with all the things
that NWA made possible. A little something we like to call...
145 NWA HISOTRY: 145 *
BEFORE FINAL CREDITS... *
We'll see the actual real life members of N.W.A. in all of *
their glory back in the day, chronicling what they went on to *
do, and culminating with a PICTURE OF NWA, staring menacingly
at the camera.
The most dangerous band in the world.
FADE OUT.
|
