On the Come Up Summary

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Here you will find a On the Come Up summary (Angie Thomas's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

On the Come Up Summary Overview

Bri Jackson, a 16-year-old girl from Garden Heights, dreams of becoming a successful rapper like her late father Lawless, an underground sensation. She anxiously waits for an invitation to showcase her talent in the Ring, a local club known for rap battles, while attending an ACT prep class to recover her smartphone seized by her teacher. Despite her mother and teacher's emphasis on education, her heart is set on rap for the sake of her family's dire financial situation. Bri's chance finally arrives, and despite the initial shock of her opponent Milez's lyrics about her father's death, she manages to outperform him and wins the battle, instantly becoming a local sensation. However, Bri's moment of glory comes to a halt when she is unfairly targeted by two school security guards who subject her to a violent search alleging she had contraband in her bag. Shaken by the incident and the ensuing rumors of her being a drug dealer, she channels her anger into a rap song titled "On the Come Up". The song, addressing her experience of racism and boasting about carrying a firearm, goes viral after being shared by her father's former manager, Supreme. While her friends are supportive, some of her relatives criticize her for misrepresenting herself and promoting gang violence. As her family's financial struggles intensify, Bri wrestles with staying true to herself or conforming to the stereotype of a gangster rapper to accelerate her career. Bri is reluctantly persuaded to record a song not resonating with her own experiences, but at the last moment, she decides to freestyle her own lyrics, affirming her refusal to fit into people's expectations. This defiance costs her a potential record deal, but it also reaffirms her determination to succeed in the rap industry on her own terms, a decision that is applauded by a celebrity who hails her as the future of hip-hop.

chapter 1

Bri Jackson, a 16-year-old with dreams of a rap career, is the central character in On the Come Up. She's in an ACT prep class when her phone gets taken away by her teacher, Mrs. Murray. Bri is expecting a call from DJ Hype, who can offer her an opportunity to perform at a popular rap battle venue, the Ring. Her best friends, Sonny and Malik, are also in the class, anticipating her getting the call. Despite Bri's distraction, she manages to fill in the test answers last minute. Mrs. Murray, aware of Bri's declining academic performance, questions her aspiration to be a rapper, a career path her deceased father, Lawless, followed. Returning home to a cold house, Bri discovers her mother, Jay, struggling to pay the bills. Despite her concerns about Bri's school performance, Jay continues her own studies for a social work degree. Bri is unsettled by Jay's comparison of her to her late father, recognizing shared traits such as impatience, stubbornness, a quick temper, and physical similarities. Their dinner, cobbled together from different fast-food outlets, signals a problem, but before Bri can delve into it, DJ Hype calls her with an invitation to perform at a Rookie battle at the Ring that night.

chapter 2

In green attire as a symbol of her affiliation with the Garden Disciples gang, Aunt Pooh accompanies Bri to the Ring. Upon arrival, Bri recounts the tragic tale of an unarmed Black boy, fatally shot by police a year prior, sparking riots. Bri's presence at the Ring is met with much respect due to her father's reputation, earning her the nickname “Li’l Law,” a nod to Lawless. She bypasses the queue and enters the predominantly male space. Bri reflects on her initiation into hip-hop at the age of eight, courtesy of Aunt Pooh, and credits the genre for transforming her life. News of Dee-Nice, a local rapper from Garden Heights, landing a million-dollar record deal uplifts Bri and fuels her ambitions.

chapter 3

Bri goes head-to-head with local rapper, Milez, who has a hit song “Swagerific,” at the Ring for her initial rap battle. She doesn't have a high opinion of him or his track. Milez's father, Supreme, used to manage Bri’s father, Lawless. During the battle's first round, Milez stirs up painful memories by bringing up the murder of Bri’s father by a gang named the Crowns. This leaves Bri distraught, causing her to forget her lyrics and lose the initial round. However, she rebounds in the subsequent rounds. She publicly accuses Milez of being inauthentic, lacking talent and originality, and even suggests he uses a ghostwriter. Bri takes the opportunity to showcase her own skills and brilliance through her rap, leaving the audience amazed. She emerges the clear victor of this rap battle.

chapter 4

Bri experiences a terrifying dream about a traumatic incident from her childhood when she was left at her grandparents' house by her drug-addicted mother, Jay. Bri refrains from sharing this nightmare with Jay, striving to spare her mother's guilt. Jay, worried about an email from Mrs. Murray, implores Bri to concentrate on her studies. Getting ready for school, Bri dons a Darth Vader hoodie and imitations of Timberland boots she acquired at a swap meet. She aspires to own genuine Timberlands, funded by the money she makes from selling candy secretly at school, a venture facilitated by Aunt Pooh. On her school bus ride, Bri muses over how she and her fellow students of color are admitted into the Midtown School of the Arts for diversity grants. Her mother prefers Midtown over Garden High, their local school, believing it to be safer. Students begin to applaud Bri for her recent performance in the Ring, a video of which went viral on YouTube. Bri recalls the lies Curtis, a fellow student, used to tell about his imprisoned mother. Malik and Sonny, Bri's friends, also express their admiration for her performance. Bri finds herself infatuated with Malik, and is curious about Sonny's secret text exchanges, suspecting he might be flirting with a boy. Despite the recognition from her fellow bus riders, Bri feels insignificant upon reaching school. She and her friends discuss the unfair treatment by school security guards, Tate and Long, who disproportionately scrutinize students of color. As Bri is about to enter the school, she is singled out by the guards who insist on inspecting her backpack. When she objects, they forcefully restrain her and confiscate her bag, labeling her a troublemaker.

chapter 5

Bri is escorted to Principal Rhodes's office where her mother, Jay, is summoned. Upon her arrival, Jay insists on Bri's release from handcuffs, which eventually happens. Bri accuses the school security of singling out Black and Latinx students, an allegation the principal refutes. The principal refers to Bri's past infractions, labeling her as hostile. Bri recalls instances when she was punished or expelled from the class by white teachers for being outspoken. She was even suspended once for mistakenly throwing a paper at Mr. Ito. The principal, once again, suspends Bri for vending candy, referred to as "contraband." Jay advises Bri to avoid trouble at school so she can achieve graduation, despite the unjust treatment she receives. On their way home, Bri stares at the remaining damage in her neighborhood from the previous year's riots following a police shooting. Jay shares that she lost her job due to the church's budget cuts. Upon reaching home, Bri defies Jay's instructions and exits the house, expressing feelings of suffocation.

chapter 6

Bri ventures into the Maple Grove projects, a tough neighborhood, to find her Aunt Pooh. She grapples with the lack of control she and her family possess over their circumstances and hopes Aunt Pooh can guide them to regain it. She meets Jo-Jo, a young boy who admires her music and wishes to be part of the Garden Disciples. She shares the incident at school with Aunt Pooh and her companion Scrap, which led to her suspension. Aunt Pooh swiftly reacts with fury, promising retaliation against the security personnel. Concerned about her aunt's wellbeing, Bri convinces her to refrain from any violent actions. Aunt Pooh prompts Bri to showcase her rapping abilities. Bri performs a rap inspired by The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Ten Crack Commandments,” which is well-received by the gang members. Aunt Pooh reiterates her readiness to retaliate against the guards who assaulted Bri, but Bri dissuades her. Aunt Pooh concedes, assuring Bri that she will step in if Bri ever needs her. Aunt Pooh counsels Bri on navigating high school and Bri views her as her personal mentor. They discuss their financial struggles and Bri's career as their potential solution. Aunt Pooh reveals she has scheduled studio time for Bri to record a song. Their conversation is disrupted when a potential drug buyer approaches Aunt Pooh. Scrap expresses to Bri the beacon of hope she represents for the Garden community.

chapter 7

Bri's brother, Trey, finds her at Maple Grove after a lengthy search. The neighborhood, including Aunt Pooh and Scrap, scoff at Trey's pizza-making job, despite him being a former high achiever and the son of Lawless. Driving home, Trey expresses his concern for Bri's wellbeing and advises her against mixing with Aunt Pooh due to her gang ties. Trey, now a psychology graduate, often plays the role of a counselor. They delve deeply into a conversation about the school security guards, with Trey diagnosing Bri as having an oppositional-defiant disorder. He also mentions he's been hanging out with Kayla, alias Ms. Tique, a female rapper who Bri looks up to. Regardless of the situation, Trey reassures Bri that he'll always be there for her.

chapter 8

Jay spearheads a weekly meeting for individuals on the recovery path from drug addiction, with Malik and Sonny's mothers, referred to by Bri as Aunt Gina and Aunt 'Chelle assisting. Bri unintentionally hears Jay's story about the hardship she faced with her in-laws during her own recovery process. They also discuss the racial disparities in treatment of recovering addicts, noting the leniency shown to white addicts compared to their black counterparts. Bri finds comfort in a cuddle from Jay. Bri is filled with anticipation for her upcoming studio session, but is uncertain about the song she wants to produce. Aunt Pooh drives her to Doc's shabby yet functional studio. Initially, the people there doubt Bri's talent due to her age and gender. However, Bri lightens the mood with her witty banter. While she begins composing the song to record, Aunt Pooh suddenly leaves, despite Bri's plea for her to stay. This leaves Bri alone with Scrap and the unfamiliar faces at the studio. Doc nudges Bri to channel her recent experiences and emotions into her music. Bri reflects on her interactions with Long and Tate, and wishes she had Aunt Pooh's influence. She thinks about the local black community's unheard voices, and recalls a black teenager who was a victim of police violence the previous year. She channels these thoughts into a song about being labelled a troublemaker, but vowing to rise above it. She titles this track "On the Come Up."

chapter 9

Following their studio session, Aunt Pooh mysteriously disappears, leaving Bri anxious and unsure about their recorded song. She's hesitant to publish it herself, especially after stumbling upon a disturbing Youtube video of her being assaulted by Long and Tate. During a church gathering, Bri's grandfather notices the financial difficulties Jay and the kids are facing, and offers Jay some financial assistance. Jay is frequently judged and criticized by Bri's grandmother, leading to Bri alternately sitting with them every Sunday to maintain harmony. After learning about Bri's suspension from Curtis’s grandmother, both grandmothers make speculative accusations about Jay's suspected drug usage being the reason behind her job loss. Although Bri defends her mother publicly, she can't help but privately share the same worries. She confronts Curtis for spreading her personal issues, and amidst the argument, they both begin to flirt.

chapter 10

While riding the bus, Bri lets her friend Sonny in on her new song, "On the Come Up." The music volume is such that it reaches everyone's ears, earning her a flurry of compliments, particularly for challenging Tate and Long through her lyrics. The delightful moment fades as she anticipates meeting the school security guards. However, Sonny informs her that the duo has been absent due to their own suspensions, replaced by new guards. He also shares about Rapid, his online crush. Malik, meanwhile, invites her for a private lunch date.

chapter 11

Bri had assumed Malik had invited her on a date, but he arrives with Shana, a mutual friend. She starts to feel envious when she realizes Malik and Shana are closer than she thought. While walking to a pizza joint, Bri reflects on the unwritten rules that Black individuals adhere to in their predominantly white Midtown neighborhood. These rules, such as maintaining calm and using respectful language, are aimed at avoiding unwanted attention from white business owners. At the pizza joint, Bri plays her song to Malik and Shana, who aren't impressed. Malik criticizes Bri for rapping about violence, which he feels misrepresents her as she's not a violent person. Despite Bri and Shana explaining that the song reflects societal expectations rather than Bri's intentions, Malik remains unconvinced. This sparks jealousy and frustration in Bri when she notices a romantic connection between Shana and Malik. They tell Bri about a student coalition they're forming to counter racial profiling in school security. They want to use the video of Bri's assault as evidence of racial profiling, but Bri doesn’t want to become the face of their movement. Her refusal leads Malik to intensify his criticism of her song, and an upset Bri storms out of the pizza place.

chapter 12

Bri's family is facing financial troubles, with their food supply dwindling as Christmas nears. Bri's brother, Trey, advises their mother, Jay, to consider welfare benefits. However, Jay is reluctant because she sees it as belittling and it would require her to quit her studies. Instead, Bri and Jay visit a food bank hosted by a local church, where they have access to food, clothing, books, and other items. While there, Bri encounters Supreme, who is dressed as Santa, as she eyes a pair of second-hand Timberland boots. Despite Supreme's encouragement to take the boots, Bri feels uncomfortable. Supreme commends her on her performance at the Ring, a local music event, and offers his services as her manager. Having heard her song, Supreme assures her of its potential hit status if she lets him distribute it to the right people. Jay later questions Bri about her conversation with Supreme. To avoid revealing her secret of recording a song and her participation in the Ring, Bri lies. She fears her mother wouldn't approve of her song, "On the Come Up". However, Jay surprises Bri by confessing that she had seen a video of her performance at the Ring online, praising her for her exceptional talent.

chapter 13

The Jackson family celebrates a modest Christmas with no gifts, instead enjoying a customary breakfast of apple cinnamon pancakes, minus their usual bacon. Bri is given a box of her late father's items by Jay, including a valuable diamond pendant spelling 'Law'. Jay insists they should not sell this family heirloom, which Bri treasures. After a prolonged absence, Aunt Pooh drops by, apologizing for leaving Bri alone at the recording studio. Upon seeing Lawless’s chain, she cautions Bri against wearing it. Aunt Pooh becomes irate when she hears Bri's new song, accusing her of pretending to be a thug, and prompting Crowns gang's wrath. She refuses to promote the song and demands that Bri erase it, promising to support her when she makes music reflecting her true self. Upset, Bri defies her aunt by uploading the song and sending it to Supreme, who responds by predicting her imminent fame.

chapter 14

After the holiday break, the Jacksons face eviction due to unpaid rent. Jay manages to negotiate more time with the landlord. Bri considers selling Lawless’s chain for cash, though Jay rejects the idea. Sonny, meanwhile, delays a planned meet-up with an online acquaintance, Rapid, for fear he might be a scammer. Curtis informs Bri that her song is now featured on a popular Black celebrity gossip blog, stirring mixed feelings in her circle. Malik remains critical of the misleading nature of the song, but the news leaves the school buzzing with excitement. Bri garners attention even from her teacher, Mrs. Murray, fuelling her aspirations for a bright future.

chapter 15

Bri is invited for another clash at the Ring. Enroute, Aunt Pooh warns her about her risk-laden decisions, namely releasing her song and publicly displaying Lawless's chain. Upon arrival, gang members from the Crowns threaten Bri due to her gang-related song and chain. Aunt Pooh nearly reaches for her gun but security intervenes, asking everyone to leave. Upset about not being able to perform, Bri sings “On the Come Up” in the lot, joined by the crowd. Following this incident, Bri and Aunt Pooh have a disagreement. Bri blames her aunt for depriving her of the chance to perform and declines to return home with her. Instead, she leaves with Supreme and his son, Miles. Bri observes that Miles sounds like a suburban kid when he's not rapping. The previous tension between Miles and Bri subsides. Surprisingly, Supreme praises Bri for the altercation at the Ring, believing it will garner good publicity. He advises her to embrace the “hoodlum” image, arguing that it appeals to white record executives and their suburban audiences. Bri resists, not wanting to be misconstrued, but Supreme insists on the money-making factor. He also questions Aunt Pooh's capability as Bri's manager.

chapter 16

Supreme's prediction about Bri's increased popularity after the Ring incident proves correct. However, Bri feels misunderstood as she believes people are discussing a version of her that isn't true. Her faith in Aunt Pooh as her manager is wavering due to doubts about Pooh's promotional expertise. Trey and Bri discuss her song. Trey acknowledges that the song reflects how society perceives her as a Black girl, but fears that others may misconstrue her message. During a bus ride, Bri garners more attention due to her ejection from the Ring. Curtis shields her from intrusive queries. They share their worries about their mothers' changes due to incarceration or drug use. They also bond over their favorite music and musicians. After exiting the bus, Sonny teases Bri about Curtis, and confesses that he ignored Rapid to focus on his academics and SAT prep. Noticing Sonny's anxiety, Bri assists him in avoiding a panic attack. However, their brief relief is interrupted when Malik reports the return of Long and Tate as they approach the school.

chapter 17

Bri's schoolmates, primarily those of color, are infuriated that Long and Tate, known for their racial profiling, are back at work. As Bri enters school, she senses others waiting for her reaction. However, it's Curtis who starts to sing lines from Bri's song "On the Come Up," which reprimands Long and Tate's behavior. Other students join in, escalating to chanting the song's aggressive lines. One student strikes Long, and others, including Curtis, follow suit. As the police close in, Bri intervenes, pulling Curtis away, and they, along with Malik, Sonny, and Shana, escape. Students of color gather at Malik's house for a discussion about the reinstated guards. Shana urges Bri to disclose the video of Long and Tate's misconduct, but she declines, resulting in a heated argument and Bri leaving abruptly. Upon reaching home, Bri maintains a calm front before her family. As they watch a news report about the school riot, the news anchor mentions a violent song by "local rapper Bri" inciting the chaos. They play parts of her song and show her photo, alarming Jay, who had no prior knowledge about the song. She is left stunned, staring at the TV.

chapter 18

Jay is upset and dismayed to see Bri's song on television. She challenges Bri for painting herself as violent and weapon-bearing in her music. Bri retorts that she was attempting to reflect societal assumptions. However, her mother argues they cannot toy with such preconceptions and prohibits Bri from continuing her raps. Ignoring her mother's directive, Bri connects with Supreme that evening. He informs her that her song has climbed to the #1 spot after its television exposure. He gifts her genuine Timbs as a token of achievement, which Bri accepts with gratitude and a hint of suspicion, remembering her grandfather's advice that nothing is free. Supreme contends that the publicity will benefit Bri, adding that white individuals often vilify Black people for expressing their truths. When Dee-Nice arrives, Bri understands that Supreme is angling to be her manager. He assures her that he can assist in elevating her family from their financial struggles. She decides to part ways with Aunt Pooh and collaborates with Supreme.

chapter 19

Upon returning home, Bri learns her mom has dropped out of school and secured food stamps to better provide for the family. Her mom advises Bri to steer clear of publicity and concentrate on her education. Later, Bri discovers a local newspaper article penned by a white author, Emily Taylor, criticizing her song as harmful and instigating. Taylor, who has started a petition to ban the song online, states the need to "protect our children," which Bri interprets as excluding her. Frustrated, Bri vents her feelings about the article on an Instagram live session, with 500 followers watching. Defiantly, she flips off the camera, asserting that she won't be silenced.

chapter 20

Bri wakes feeling regretful about her Instagram live video, apprehensive that Jay might find it and realize she's not keeping a low profile. Since Jay is too despondent to attend church, the family stays home. When Trey and Bri chill together, Trey confesses he saw her live video. He expresses concern for her and doesn't recognize Bri in the video, but assures her he won't tell their mother. Despite giving a frosty reception to Malik and Sonny when they visit, she eventually warms up. They apologize for their lack of support during the meeting and remark on the unfamiliar rap persona Bri has adopted. Bri fears they no longer want to be her friends, but they affirm their friendship. In the midst of a video game session, Sonny and Malik inform Bri about an upcoming meeting regarding the deployment of police officers as school security. The trio hatches a plan to create a music video for “On the Come Up”, incorporating footage of Bri's encounter with the school security. They hope that the video will accurately display the song's message and expose the truth about the school incident.

chapter 21

Malik repurposes footage from his documentary, incorporating scenes of Bri and friends in a comic book store, Garden Disciples with firearms, and Bri's encounter with the school security guards. He aligns the clips with Bri's lyrics and posts their music video on YouTube. Sonny shares he's been in contact with Rapid and may meet him. He has to leave to take care of his siblings, leaving Malik and Bri alone. They chat and Malik leans in to kiss Bri. However, the kiss is uncomfortable and they both regret it instantly. While escorting Malik home, Bri leaves Lawless's chain exposed. This leads to an argument between her and Malik about the kiss and their feelings. As they argue, members of the Crown gang approach. They spot the chain and demand it. Despite Malik's attempt to defend Bri, one of the gang members strikes him. With their lives in danger, Bri hands over the chain, which she refers to as her family's lifeline, to the gang. The gang member taunts Bri and her song before making off with the chain.

chapter 22

Following the robbery, Bri immediately contacts Aunt Pooh, who, along with Scrap, rushes to the crime scene. Bri informs Aunt Pooh that she had a gun pointed at her by the Crown. This prompts Aunt Pooh, intent on revenge, to usher Bri and Malik into her car. Malik, hesitant about Aunt Pooh's intentions, opts to walk home and Bri pleads with him to keep the incident from their mother, Aunt 'Chelle, fearing she may share the news with Jay. Despite Malik's warning about the peril in pursuing the Crown, Bri angrily dismisses him. Bri, Aunt Pooh, and Scrap ride together. Bri anticipates they will confront the Crown and retrieve the stolen chain. However, she's left at home by Aunt Pooh. It dawns on Bri that Aunt Pooh plans to kill the Crown and is attempting to shield Bri from potential backlash. Bri grasps the gravity of the situation - Aunt Pooh could either be killed or incarcerated. She tries to dissuade Pooh from her mission, but it's too late. Pooh insinuates that Bri knew she would deal with the Crown in her own way, hence why Bri called her over Jay, Trey or the police. Bri ponders the ripple effects should Aunt Pooh execute her plan. She considers the grief that will befall the Crown’s family, likening it to her own family's loss of Lawless. She also contemplates Aunt Pooh's public image if she's apprehended - painted as a killer and not the cherished figure she is. Fear grips Bri at the thought of losing Aunt Pooh, and she breaks down in tears. The following morning, Jay pays Bri a visit in her room. When they attempt to prepare breakfast, they realize the electricity had been cut off, contrary to the grace period promised to Jay by the power company.

chapter 23

Bri nervously monitors her phone, eager for news from Aunt Pooh while riding the bus to school. To take their minds off their worries, Bri, Trey, and Jay engage in a card game. Unexpectedly, Bri's grandparents arrive at the flat after discovering the controversy surrounding Bri's song. Noticing that their utilities are shut off and Jay uses food stamps, Grandma insists Bri move back in with them. Bri declines. Her grandfather offers financial aid to restore the electricity. Supreme contacts Bri and informs her he’s secured her an appearance on DJ Hype's nationally renowned hip-hop radio show. While she pretends to be thrilled, Bri’s mind is consumed with concerns about Aunt Pooh.

chapter 24

A PTA assembly takes place at the school, attended by the superintendent, to address the security guard concerns and the possibility of police presence. Student members of the coalition also turn up, carrying protest placards. Malik and Bri find themselves on different ends of the hall, still not speaking since the theft incident. While individuals voice different views, the white superintendent keeps dodging, insisting he can’t divulge details due to an ongoing probe. Shana, representing the coalition, brings up the fact that the school receives funding to transport students of color from other districts. She insinuates that the district only uses these pupils for financial gain, not treating them equitably. Bri's mom, Jay, takes over the mic to explain Bri's encounter with Long and Tate. She corrects misconceptions, stating Bri was not dealing drugs but selling sweets. This revelation earns her widespread applause. Following the meeting, Jay and Dr. Cook converse privately. Dr. Cook offers an apology to Bri, which moves her. He acknowledges Jay's triumph over addiction and confesses that he's also a former addict. He suggests Jay should consider a secretarial position in his office.

chapter 25

Bri gets a message from Aunt Pooh to meet her at Maple Grove post school. En route, she encounters Curtis, a fellow resident of Maple Grove who tells her he visited his imprisoned mother, inspired by Bri's persuasion. During this interaction, local kids recognize Bri, request her signature, and begin reciting her song. She is troubled by the sight of such young children rapping about violence influenced by her lyrics. Aunt Pooh and Bri have a discussion. Aunt Pooh doesn't share details about her interaction with the Crowns but admits she couldn't retrieve Lawless's chain. She further discloses that her initial motivation to join the Garden Disciples was to retaliate against Lawless's killing. At this point, Bri informs Aunt Pooh about Supreme and expresses her desire for him to be her manager. Aunt Pooh responds positively to this and Bri designates her as the “Head Aunty in Charge.” While in conversation, Aunt Pooh insists Bri commit to leaving the Garden. Meanwhile, a heavily-armed SWAT team invades the neighborhood.

chapter 26

Bri is escorted out of harm's way by Aunt Pooh and Curtis, taking refuge in Curtis's flat. Through the window, she observes the police discovering narcotics on Aunt Pooh and subsequently detaining her. Overwhelmed with emotion, Bri breaks down in tears, finding solace in Curtis's comforting presence. Upon realising Bri's Not-Timbs are missing a heel, Curtis selflessly offers his shoes to her and assists in putting them on. In this process, Bri notices the pair's shared love for Spiderman socks, catching sight of Curtis's own pair. The scene ends on an intimate note with Curtis and Bri sharing a kiss.

chapter 27

Curtis's grandma walks in on a romantic moment between Bri and Curtis, and Curtis then escorts Bri back to her place. Bri informs Jay about Aunt Pooh's arrest, prompting Jay to notify Trey and Lena, Aunt Pooh's partner, before retreating to her room to grieve. Jay remains in her room for several days, overtaken by sorrow. Supreme brings Bri to DJ Hype for a live radio interview. Known for his large audience and his knack for instigating controversy, DJ Hype has a reputation for prompting his guests to say something viral-worthy. Supreme advises Bri to stay real and not let DJ Hype provoke her, though Bri doubts anyone is interested in her true feelings, especially given her distress over Aunt Pooh's situation. During the interview, DJ Hype questions if Bri's lyrics incite violence, accusing her of advocating police murder. Bri defends her position. When DJ Hype suggests someone else penned her songs, Bri loses her temper. DJ Hype continues to irritate Bri, even jesting about her possibly having PMS. Infuriated, Bri almost lunges at DJ Hype before storming out of the live session. After the incident, Supreme praises Bri for her convincing portrayal of a "ratchet hood rat." However, Bri is aware that she wasn't pretending; she acknowledges that she has transformed.

chapter 28

Bri, distressed, seeks out Trey at his job, only to find that he has already listened to her interview and is upset at her behavior. Overcome with emotion, Bri starts to shed tears. In response, Trey reassures her, affirming she is a blessing and everything will turn out fine. His words remind her of Yoda. It dawns on Bri that her brother's support for her is unwavering, irrespective of the situation.

chapter 29

Following her aunt's incarceration, Jay isolates herself for a few days. Bri pays her a visit, worried Jay might have returned to her drug habit. Jay reassures Bri she's fine, and they agree to visit Pooh the next day. Meanwhile, Supreme organizes a meeting with music executives for Bri, hinting she could be on the cusp of securing a deal. As Bri ponders on the song to record for this meeting, Curtis asks her on a date. Not satisfied with his approach, Bri prompts him to ask again, this time louder. He does, and she agrees. At school, her encounter with Shana is less pleasant. Although Malik is around, he gives Bri the cold shoulder. Shana invites Bri to a meeting with the superintendent and student coalition, which Bri declines due to her previous commitment with the music executives. Despite her disappointment, Shana reveals that Bri has an online following who believe DJ Hype treated her unfairly. However, Bri remains concerned about her strained relationship with Malik.

chapter 30

At the recording studio, Supreme introduces Bri to a white record executive named James, who he's known for a long time. James makes some racially insensitive comments about Lawless which upsets Bri. Dee-Nice shows up with lyrics for a song he's written for Bri. Bri protests, saying she only sings her own songs, but Supreme and Dee-Nice don't listen. The song is degrading, perpetuating her “hood rat” image, and includes more violent and gun-related themes. Bri worries about the impact these lyrics would have on the kids in Garden. She has a heated disagreement with Supreme. Supreme, taking off his sunglasses, insists Bri should follow Lawless's path. Lawless succeeded by rapping about street life and "playing a role". His downfall, Supreme says, was actually living the role. Bri wouldn't have to make that error. Despite feeling like she's betraying herself, Bri gives in and records Dee Nice's song.

chapter 31

Jay and Bri visit their jailed Aunt Pooh. They discover she knows about Bri's interview with DJ Hype and the theft incident. Aunt Pooh offers to take revenge on the Crowns on Bri's behalf, but her apparent obsession with the gang rivalry alarms Jay. This leads to Jay denying to aid in Aunt Pooh's bail, accusing her of losing herself in the gang culture. Aunt Pooh promises to turn over a new leaf, but both Jay and Bri are skeptical. Upon exiting the prison, Jay confronts Bri about her secret actions. Bri confesses her partnership with Supreme as her manager and that he gifted her the authentic Timbs. She justifies her actions as her attempt to succeed in the hip hop industry, aiming to alleviate their family's financial pressures. Out of the blue, Dr. Cook calls, extending an invitation for a job interview at his clinic. Jay feels optimistic about the potential employment opportunity.

chapter 32

Bri receives an enigmatic message from Sonny, urging her to come to Oak Park immediately. Once there, she finds Sonny and Malik awaiting Rapid's arrival, a person Sonny is eager to meet for the first time. As Rapid approaches, Sonny instructs Malik and Bri to conceal themselves. To their astonishment, Rapid turns out to be Miles. In their hidden location, Bri and Malik seize the opportunity to clear the air about their past. She expresses regret for leaving him after the heist, and he is sorry for the kiss. After their conversation, they join Sonny and Miles. There, Miles unveils how his dad, Supreme, compels him to masquerade as a heterosexual, emulate a gangster, and earn his living as a rapper. Exhausted from suppressing his true identity, Miles plans to abandon his rapper persona, Milez.

chapter 33

Bri, her brother Trey, and their mother Jay attend church together. Bri’s playful banter with Curtis leads to another date and good-natured teasing from her kinfolk. Her grandparents extend a dinner invitation to everyone, and Bri grows suspicious when she realizes her mother and grandmother aren't bickering. At their grandparents' place, Jay informs Bri and Trey of their future relocation there to help save funds. Their chat grows emotional, and Bri starts addressing Jay as “Mom” once again, a term she continues to use throughout the remainder of the novel. Jay motivates Trey to pursue his aspiration of enrolling in graduate school. This causes Bri to feel overlooked as her mother backs Trey’s ambitions but seemingly disregards her own rapping pursuits. Trey addresses this, resulting in their mother granting Bri the green light to showcase her talent in the Ring, provided she conducts herself appropriately. She also insists that Bri must end her professional relationship with Supreme, her manager. As dinner is served, Bri ponders her resemblance to each family member and wonders if she could emulate Trey’s girlfriend, Kayla, a successful rapper who has managed to carve out a career without the help of managers and record labels.

chapter 34

At the music event known as the Ring, members of the Crowns gang intimidate Bri, revealing that her Aunt Pooh has harmed one of them. Despite her fear, Bri enters the Ring unscathed, determined not to be held back by them like her father was. As she prepares to go on stage, Scrap gives her his phone. Her jailed Aunt Pooh is on the other end, encouraging Bri to deliver an amazing performance and revealing that her prison sentence might not be too long. Onstage at the Ring, a Crown gang member taunts Bri by flashing her father's chain. Although Scrap is willing to intervene, Bri declines. She's slated to perform a song she despises, written by Dee-Nice. However, once the music begins, she tells DJ Hype to cut it off and instead delivers a freestyle rap without any background beat. Her lyrics emphasize her refusal to conform to societal expectations, choosing instead to stay true to herself. This defiance infuriates the record executive and Supreme, who walk out, but the audience loves it, making Bri feel like she's fulfilling her purpose.

epilogue

Subsequently, while Bri and Curtis are preparing for the ACT at her grandparents', Sonny and Miles ring her up, urging her to check Twitter. She discovers her notifications have exploded due to her freestyle from the Ring being shared by a famous personality. This star, whose identity is not disclosed in the book, labels Bri as the "future of hip-hop" and proposes a musical collaboration. Curtis describes the tweet as life-altering, and her mother asks her if she wants to proceed with the collaboration. Bri confirms her interest, but insists on doing it her own way.

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