MAN: Attention! (CROWD CHEERING) Come on! (COME ON BY BONECRUSHER PLAYING) Yo, we should just play this straight up. Those cats will fold under pressure. We can take these fools with our eyes closed, man. Come on. No doubt, but, I don’t want to diss ’em in front of their home crowd. I don’t. D, I got you. Come on. I got y’all. All right, man, come on, let’s do it.
HOST: All right, all right, y’all, that was hot! And the winner is Sphere and the Thug Unit! Who wants next? Let’s get it going on in here! Y’all want some of this? We got next. Let’s go. All right, all right, y’all, let’s get it poppin’ in this mother! (GO HARD OR GO HOME BY E-40 PLAYING) Hey, just scoot along, boy! Let me see you pop. Come on, come on. ♪ Go, go, go, go
♪ From the room to the moon, I…like high school ♪ My goons take no prisoners, what fool ♪ What’s beef, niggas want E-40 on a fat verse ♪ Swingin’ through the drive-thru, smash the front No! ♪ Open up the doors, go, go
♪ Sick, monkey on my back ♪ Psychos on my milk, won’t let me go ♪ Go hard, go hard or go home ♪ Go, go, go hard or go home ♪ Go, go, go hard or go home ♪ Go, go, go hard or go home
♪ Go, go, go hard or go home ♪ Go, go, go hard or go home ♪ Go, go, go hard or go home ♪ Go, go, go hard or go home ♪ Little purp, I cuss like a sailor
♪ Hammer on my waist In the two-man tailor ♪ Get rich, hate being bold ♪ My…keep askin’ for Juicy Couture ♪ In the club, you know we strapped up ♪ My white tee shirt look like…wrapped up
♪ Forces and jeans, can’t wear slacks ♪ Got good hair, no wave cap ♪ Go hard, go hard or go home ♪ Go hard, go hard or go home ♪ Go hard, go hard or go home ♪ Go hard, go hard or go home ♪
We got that. Get back. Get back. We good. All right, all right, let’s hear it for the Thug Unit! Yeah! Give it up for the Goon Squad! What’s up? I think the Goon Squad got it, y’all. No, no, no. Double or nothing says you got lucky. It’s on. Let’s go. What the hell are you doing? Let’s go. Man, I’m out. What the hell you walking away for, man? I say we double up on these niggas, man.
You know this ain’t our spot, D. Yo, Sphere’s crew don’t know us, cuz. They don’t know what game we’re bringing. Period. More paper we take home. Did you see that cat? If he even thinks he’s being hustled, that’s paper we’re not gonna be allowed to spend. Why are you acting all scared?
I’m not acting scared, I’m acting smart. You should try it. Don’t I always got your back? Don’t I always had your back? Help me on this. You know you got it, man, but… You know what? If you ain’t with it, just go home. Like you could do this without me.
For real, DJ. We ain’t shit without your brother, man. You know it’s gonna get nasty up in here! I just don’t want stuff to get out of hand and we get… Yo, don’t sweat it. We came too far to turn back now, baby boy. I want this.
You want this? I knew you were gonna say something like you want this. That’s all this is about. Typical DJ. It’s not just about you, it’s about all of us. We’re a team. MAN: Come on, make noise, come on. Well, this team’s about to double up on their asses. Come on.
HOST: All right now, are y’all ready to rip this? Let’s get it going on up in this spot! Let’s go! ♪ I’m a monster ♪ I’m a monster ♪ I’m a monster ♪ I’m a beast ♪ I’m a monster ♪ I’m a monster ♪ I’m a beast ♪ Scariest man alive ♪ I’m a mother…beast ♪ It’s over! It’s over!
All right, all right, y’all! This one, hands down the Goon Squad! You’re dead! You’re dead! (IN THE MUSIC BY THE ROOTS PLAYING) ♪ I’m from the illest part of the Western Hemisphere ♪ Clips and revolvers and Georges and Benjamins ♪ A celebration of the loss of your innocence ♪ I’m telling you, man, we’re taking over LA. Believe that!
BLACK: Hey, man, where’s your brother be? DJ: Man, I don’t know. I got a little something for y’all. All right. All right. That’s what’s up. You know what I’m sayin’? All right. We gotta take him home, ’cause his mama gonna be trippin’. I ain’t helpin’ your mama. You gonna get a beatin’. Why you have to be all on my mama like that? Why you gotta be on my mama like that? SPHERE: Give me my money! I got him! I got him! I want my money! The money’s mine! I won it! Where’s my money? I want my money! D! WOMAN: Let’s get out of here. Let’s go. MAN 1: Sphere, let’s go! MAN 2: Come on, man. Get up, D! Come on! I’m sorry, man, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Somebody do something! MAN ON P.A.: We’d like to welcome all arriving passengers to Atlanta. For continuing connections to ground transportation please refer to the information booth. We are so glad to have you here, DJ. Now that you’re in Atlanta, we’re gonna have to get you a Hawks jersey or something. Honey, nobody watches the Hawks. That’s your uncle’s way of saying “Welcome to Georgia.” You’ll get used to the humidity. You must be so excited to start school. Or nervous.
(CHUCKLES) But don’t be. You’ll do just fine. You know that’s where I met your uncle. You guys went to Truth? I did. Your uncle was working there. Come on, let me show you up to your room. This way. (SPORTSCASTER CHATTERING ON TV)
That’s your bathroom over there, and this is your room. If you get tired of that campus food, you know you’re more than welcome to spend your weekends here with us, anytime. You know, whatever makes you comfortable. DJ: Thanks. DJ, I didn’t get a chance to tell you at the funeral,
But you know we loved him. And I know how close you two were. I gotta run and show a house, so when I get back, I’ll make us all some dinner. Okay? JACKIE: Honey, go ahead and help yourself to some apple pie. I know it’s your favorite. No, no, thanks.
You know I had to call in a favor to get you into this school. Don’t make me look bad. Nate, please. No, it’s cool. I’m listening. Good. Because the rules are very simple. There’s three things you’re gonna have to deal with. First, you must keep your grades up at all times.
Second, I’m in charge of your work study program, but you will not be treated any differently nor will you behave any different than my other 26 employees. And third? If there’s a strike three, you’re out. Period. NATE: DJ? (MAN CHATTERING ON P.A.) What the hell’s going on, man? I’m not gonna sit out here and act like I wanna be here when I don’t. This whole college boy thing, it’s not for me, man. You’re the only thing your mama’s got left.
And there’s no way in hell I’ll gonna let you put my sister through any more pain. So you better make this college boy thing work out. Can you appreciate that? Get your black ungrateful ass in the goddamn truck. What’d I say, man? Get in the truck!
At least you don’t have a problem with waking up early. Looks like you’re just in time for registration. Next. Yo, yo, hold my spot real quick. This is my spot, thanks. Excuse me? There was a girl right here saving my space. Nice try. You have to wait in line just like everybody else. You know you saw me standing in line, right behind the sister with the ‘fro. Next.
WOMAN: Now, one of you coming up to the counter. DJ: I’m just saying it’s a little early to tell, Mom. That’s all. No, I’m not saying I hate it. I’m not quitting. I promised you I’d try. That’s my word. I love you, too. Okay. Bye. Ooh. All right. There are only a select few things of mine that are absolutely off limits, all right? My toothbrush, my toothpaste, my shaving cream, and my condoms. Magnums, of course. You know about the gold packs? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Other than that, playboy, anything else of mine, you’re welcome to. Rich Brown. DJ. Nice to meet you, sir. Some Deltas are having a little barbecue. I’ve got some juice, I can get you in. I gotta work. Classes ain’t started yet. I got a job. Oh. Okay, I feel you. Which…
Never mind. All right, bro, in that case, I’ll holler. Yes. Come in. Don’t just stand there, man. Sit down. This your office? Mmm-hmm. Awfully nice digs for somebody who cuts grass. Oh, I don’t cut grass. But you do. DJ: You ever wonder where them trains be going? They probably be going to Japan or something. Japan? Oh, they can’t cross the water?
You’re going to college? Don’t say that when you get out there. I’m just playing with you, man. Listen, the key to success in going to school, what you do, you get a group of girls, you get them to do your homework. (DJ CHUCKLES)
When they do your homework, you get A’s. NATE: How’s it going, man? I’m still standing. Get in, man. I’ll give you a ride back. MAN: Come on, come on, come on. Pass the ball. Pass the ball. Yeah, baby, go deep, go long. They’re getting the very same education as you, so don’t pay them any mind. Oh, check it out. Oh, that’s old news, brother. I’ve been there and done that. You’re lying. I’m not lying. That’s me… Rich… Yo, yo, yo, DJ, right? This is my new roommate, DJ. DJ, that’s my friend, Noel.
It’s good to meet you, brother. Now, Thetas. Everybody got quiet like you all can’t get down! THETAS: What? Are we the Pythons? What the hell are they doing, man? NOEL: They’re stomping the yard. Where are you from? The Thetas are representing. All day. Smooth it out now! ♪ If you’re funky and you know it, clap your hands! ♪ THETAS: Smooth! Smooth! Smooth! You know, I meant to… THETAS: Theta Nu! Theta what? Theta Nu! Theta what? Theta Nu! Theta what? Theta Nu! Theta what? Theta Nu! Get him out of here! Get him out of here! Get your hands off me, dawg! Fool, you’re about to get your ass whooped. Throw his ass to the wolves! Hey, man, can I get up here, man, because I can’t see nothing? Yeah. Hey, isn’t that your boy, DJ? Hold it, G. Listen, man. I don’t know if you’re crazy or stupid but you gotta keep it moving. SYLVESTER: Hey, Zeke! When you’re done playing with your bitch, we’re going to show you what a real ass-whooping look like. Oh. Line up, Mus! Mus! March! Mus, hut! Back it up! Back it up! Back it up! Mu! Gamma! ALL: Xi! MUS: The seven-year champs are here! T-H-E-T-A! THETAS: Nu! T-H-E-T-A! What? T-H-E-T-A! What? ♪ Who’s that creeping in my window? ♪ Now! Theta Nu! ♪ Who’s that creeping in my window? ♪ Now! Theta Nu! ♪ Who’s that creeping in my window? ♪ Theta who? ♪ What? T-N-T! ♪ Boom! Explosive, explosive explosive ♪ Wolf pack, march! M-U! MUS: Gamma Xi! Gamma Mu Xi! Gamma Mu Xi! Gamma, Mu. ZEKE: Wolf pack attack! ALL: Mu. ♪ The seven-year champs are here! ♪ The seven-year champs are here! ♪ The seven-year champs are here! ♪ Hey. Hey. How you doing? Aren’t you that guy that was fighting with that girl in the line? Yeah, but it wasn’t like that. Oh. GRANT: April! Hey, babe. What’s up, baby girl? I thought I told you to wait for me. I know, I had to go to the library. Mmm. Who’s your friend?
DJ. DJ was just passing by. Oh, yeah. I remember you. You’re the idiot that tried to break our step line. Yeah, well it seems like DJ has a thing with lines. You see those flags there? You don’t mess with the Mus and you don’t mess with my girl. I’m gonna bounce. As usual, you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. Around here, it’s all about the haves and the have-mores. Either you come in first place or you’re not even in the game, player. Yo, guys, this is DJ. You know Noel, this is Byron, Paul. That’s Easy over there. What’s up?
No, dawg, get that camera out of my face, man. Theta Nu Theta is gonna wipe the floor with Mu Gamma this year. How’s that? Because I’m gonna join. Dude, why you pledging Theta anyway? They’re tired. They pull no women. And they never win step championships. So? “So?” MAN: What else is there?
What about history? What about tradition? Give me my damn hat. What about legacy? A legacy of losing. He’s just saying that because his father was a Theta. Anyway, DJ, please ignore their ignorance. Brother, what you need to do is roll with us to The Rep Yo’ City Blast tonight. NOEL: Roll with us.
The what? (HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING) KOOL ON P.A.: Why don’t Saint Louis folks down at ATL show some love? You all know how we do it every week at the Phoenix! Give me some love, Miami. C-H-I, my Chicago folks in the building. Y’all show some love.
Give it up for the A hometown people. I see you, Jamaica. Do your thing, ma. Watch out for the lovely ladies in blue and white. I see you. What’s up, sir? What’s up? You good, man? Oh, damn, Rich. You hanging with a freshman now?
What? Oh, no. This is my roommate. This is DJ. DJ, this is Grant. That’s nice. But, you see, this section is for upperclassmen. You know what we call freshmen? We call them bootlickers. ‘Cause that’s all they good for. You know what we call guys like you where I’m from? No, what? Pretenders. Boy, you gonna wish I was pretending… You don’t know me… Okay, okay! And on that note, we’re gonna go to the bar. Y’all have a good night. Why are you so sensitive, dawg? It’s just a little freshman hazing, man. We all had to go through it. Straight up, that dude is wack, man. Well, maybe. But he’s Zeke’s prodigy. Who the hell is Zeke?
He’s the head of Mu Gamma. Seven-time national step champs. And your boy, Grant, he’s next in line to take the throne, so just chill. Y’all killing me with all that, man. KOOL ON P.A.: Every week, you know how we do in the Phoenix. Go to the dance floor.
Rep your city, wherever you’re from, it’s about that time. We got NYC, obviously. (HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING) I hope he had a condom on. ♪ Move your body to the right, girl What’s he doing? ♪ Grind it up, don’t stop ♪ Move your body to the right, girl ♪ I didn’t think you were coming. What the hell do you think you’re doing? Oh, come on, babe. Don’t play at being jealous.
I’m not playing at anything. It was just a show. Well, I didn’t like it. It’s not like I was doing it for real. I was just adding a little flavor. Now you keep yourself looking this fine, you ain’t never gotta worry. Excuse me?
Hey, yo, Brick. Where you at? Your city needs you. Why don’t you sit down with your girls, have another drink on me, and watch your man do his thing? He’s just being a man. Remember, there isn’t a single woman in here that wouldn’t kill to be with him.
Don’t make it easy on them. You know you don’t deserve that. It’s not that big of a deal. Didn’t I tell you to keep your distance from my girl? See, now I thought you were just pretending again. KOOL: New York City, where are you at?
Rep your city, it’s your turn! Grant, they need you on the floor. When I’m done, you better be gone, bootlicker. I can take care of myself. I know you can. No, really. Grant is not someone you want to mess with. Well, somebody’s gonna have to bring him down a notch.
What the hell is this nigga doing? KOOL: What’s this? Looks like we got a new addition added to the mix. Hey, yo, kid. What city you representing? I ain’t repping nothing. Just me. The brother all of us have been waiting for!
Isn’t he bad? Bad! Here we go again! KOOL: Oh, don’t clown him. Don’t hurt him, Grant. Don’t hurt him. You all know how Grant does it, y’all. Give it up for G! Grant, New York in the house! (WALK IT OUT BY UNK PLAYING)
♪ Now walk it out, now walk it out, now walk it out ♪ Now walk it out, now walk it out ♪ West side walk it out, south side walk it out ♪ East side walk it out, north side walk it out
♪ Now walk it out, now walk it out, now walk it out ♪ Now walk it out, now walk it out, now walk it out ♪ Now walk it out, now walk it out
♪ West side walk it out, south side walk it out KOOL: Oh, snap! Is he clowning St. Louis? Is he breaking on Jamaica? Wait a minute. He’s clowning everybody! He’s clowning on the Chi guy! Oh, this is crazy. ATL, are you gonna take that? Even Miami! Even Miami! ♪ West side walk it out, south side walk it out ♪ East side walk it out KOOL: Wait a minute! Is he coming at Grant? ♪ Now walk it out, now walk it out ♪
Bring it home, he’s killing him! That’s my roommate. That’s my roommate. KOOL: Give it up, Phoenix! I know he didn’t! Yes, he did! So I guess you thought you were defending my honor, huh? April, what are you doing? I’m just talking.
You don’t have to let this dude talk to you like that. Let’s just drop it, guys. No, no, no. What did you say? I said somebody’s gonna have to teach you how to talk to a woman, man. You gonna show me? I already schooled you once tonight, homeboy.
How many lessons you wanna learn? What, you think you funny, nigga? Nah, but she clearly does. What? No, no, no, Grant. It’s all good, baby. Come on. APRIL: Wait, wait, stop! APRIL: Stop! Stop! Grant, let’s go! You stay out of this! All right. Just chill. Grant, come on, man. You know I ain’t got nothing against you, but I told you already, dawg. This is my roommate, man. You do what you gotta do, but you, Noel, I thought you was gonna pledge Mu Gamma.
I was gonna… Well, I guess you can kiss all that goodbye now. I’m gonna bounce. We’ve got unfinished business, bootlicker. Indeed. Come on, let’s go. I got myself here, I can get myself home. Maya, will you take me home? Chill out, man. This is a friendly visit. I’m Zeke, president of Mu Gamma Xi. You know Grant. We saw you at the Phoenix and we were impressed. Ain’t that right, Grant? Yeah. I got work to do, man. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wolves! Y’all heard the man. Get busy.
Now that you’ve got time on your hands, let’s talk. Look, I brought Grant with me just to show you that we don’t have any hard feelings. You’re a straight-up guy. I like that. You’re working your way through college. I mean, that’s admirable,
But this whole gardening thing can’t be getting you no play with the ladies, man. I’ve never had any problems in that area. Okay, now I’ll get straight to the point. Mu Gamma Xi has the strongest alumni network, period. One phone call from us when you graduate,
And you got a high-paying job just like that. So you want me to join your frat? Yeah, if you step on our line. I don’t step, man. I battle. What’s the difference? Pussies step. You should think about what you say before you say it. Wolves! That’s enough.
Let’s let Mr. DJ get back to his… His gardening. ZEKE: You were right. GRANT: I told you. I’m telling you, Sly. You didn’t see this dude punk Grant. Look, I’m sure he’s a cool dude. I just don’t think he’s Theta material. You mean he’s too ghetto. I don’t care where he’s from.
I just don’t think he got here based on his SATs. Okay, fine. So he’s not the archetype of a Theta. But what you… We’ve got a lot of other pledges to consider who have far more impressive resumes. Thank you. But are they gonna help us win Nationals?
Okay. Okay, so that’s what this is about. What do you think? Aren’t you sick of living in Mu Gamma’s shadow? I’m sorry. Do you mind if I join you? Suit yourself. I’m here to talk to you about Theta Nu Theta. You’re kidding, right? No. What about it? Some of the members of my pledge committee, they feel you’d be an asset to the house. No. Mu Gamma’s murdered your asses for the last seven years, and you’re here ’cause you think I can help change all that.
You know, you’re real cocky for a brother that’s got one trick. Please, spare me, man. Spare you? Fine. There’s a screening process, all applicants go through it. If you want to apply, that’s up to you. Funny, ’cause Mu Gamma come in here offering me a sweet deal,
And the best you can come up with is I can apply? If a sweet deal is really what you’re looking for, Theta ain’t for you. A fraternity, now that’s a brotherhood of men who forge a lifetime bond. Okay, once you are a Theta, you will always and forever be a Theta.
Now you can go out of here, you can leave Truth, as a young, educated brother from the hood. And, homie, that’s great. But if you pledge Theta, you gonna get that same education, and you’ll become a member of our lifetime brotherhood. Yo, what’s up? Hey! Hey! What are you doing?
You almost just ran me over with that thing. I didn’t mean to scare you. My bad. What? Oh, it’s the dance thug from the club. So can we move on from that? Move on to what? I don’t know. You getting to know me? I have a boyfriend.
So what’s up with this Grant guy? What, is he, like, a professional student? Grant is in a six-year law program. And his father’s a partner with a Wall Street firm, so when he graduates… You know, it’s funny, ’cause I didn’t take you as the type of girl that could be bought. Bought? Bought.
I didn’t mean “bought” like… I didn’t mean “bought” like that. Listen, let’s just start over. What? Start what over? Have lunch with me. I’m tutoring. Tutor what? What do you tutor? Yo. Hi, can I help you? Yeah, I’d like to sign up for a tutor. Okay, what subject?
What subject does April Palmer tutor? History. History it is. How’d you pull this off? What? You think I set this up? Well, it’s an awful big coincidence, don’t you think? What do you take me for, some kind of stalker? Like I’m gonna work that hard to get your attention. I mean, you fine,
But you ain’t all that, you know what I’m saying? Did I set this up? Wow. Can I use your pen? Yeah. Okay. Thanks. So where do we start? You can start by moving over there. Really? No, I’m serious. It works better if we can sit across from each other. All rightie. This is gonna be good reading material for you. Time to go. Thank God, I’m starving. So let’s go eat. I can’t. Why? You know why. Why are you staring at me? Okay. I’ll make you a deal. Ask me any question from the history lesson. I get it right, we go eat.
Okay. What was the difference between the Republicans’ and the Democrats’ political response to the Great Depression of the 1930s? Some other time, maybe. But by political response, were you referring to the Republicans’ belief that the marketplace would correct itself as opposed to the New Deal laid out by the Democrats?
Because the way you phrased it was a little… I’ll get my uncle’s truck. I’ll drive. APRIL: So I heard the Mu Gammas are trying to recruit you. So you gonna pledge? Probably not. I don’t wanna step. Being in a fraternity is about a lot more than just stepping. Wow, you sound just like them. You should go check out Heritage Hall.
What’s that? See for yourself. Oh, it’s right up here. On the right. (BLUES MUSIC PLAYING) So how does a nice young girl like yourself know about a place like this? There’s a lot of things about me you don’t know. (UPBEAT HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING) I didn’t know you could do that. I’m surprised. You know, I gotta show you how we do it in the A.
All right, I’m not mad. I’m not mad at all. Really? Uh-uh. (THIS WOMAN’S WORK BY MAXWELL PLAYING) You wanna sit down? No. ♪ For all the things we should’ve said and we never said ♪ And all the things we should’ve done and we never did
♪ All the things I should’ve given but I didn’t ♪ Make it go away ♪ Give me these moments ♪ Give them back to me ♪ I can’t do this. What’s wrong with this? We’re just having a little fun. I know. We just need to go. (LET’S GO BY TRICK DADDY PLAYING) ♪ If you want it, you can get it ♪ Let me know, let me know ♪ Let’s go, if you want it, you can get it ♪ Let me know, let me know
♪ And everybody knows somebody that knows somebody ♪ That knows somethin’ about it ♪ And I want answers now, who, what, where, when and why ♪ See, a lot of crews like to act the fool
♪ We don’t ride with that, it ain’t my style ♪ Who you gonna get and what you gonna do ♪ Run up over me if you want to Yo, it’s this one. Look at the map. I’m telling you, it’s this one. Quit playing, man. Hold it!
♪ Let me know, let me know ♪ Let’s go, let’s go ♪ If you want it, you can get it ♪ Let me know, let me know ♪ Let’s go, let’s go ♪ Bring it home! Bring it home! Pledges, turn and face big brother Zeus! Pledges, unmask yourselves! Pledges, Mu Gamma creed! ALL: The year of completion, we’re manning the station. 1932 was the year our fathers founded Mu. Camaraderie in gray. We’re a wolf pack of brotherhood. Fangs of power, fur of protection. Howl with pride! By the rising of the moon… ALL: Bring us to our destiny, sir! ALL: ♪ Oh, brother, we gotta keep pushing ♪ You’re gonna be a Theta Nu one day ♪ So big brother, would you help me on my way ♪ Oh, brother, we gotta keep pushing ♪ We gotta keep moving ♪ We gotta keep fighting ♪ Oh, brother, we gotta keep pushing
♪ We gotta keep moving, we’re almost there ♪ Pledges of Theta Nu Theta, face front! Reveal yourselves! Pledge Pork Chop, please introduce yourself. Pork Chop! Extra gravy! Brother Showtime, please introduce yourself. Showtime! Pledge Knucklehead, please introduce yourself. Knucklehead! Payback’s a bitch, ain’t it? I’ll see you at Nationals. Yes, you will. M-U! ALL: Gamma Xi! M-U! Gamma Xi! M-U! Gamma Xi! M-U! Gamma Xi! M-U! Gamma Xi! M-U! Gamma Xi! M-U! Gamma Xi! M-U! Gamma Xi! M-U! Gamma Xi! All right. Well, just make sure it’s coming from the Dean’s office.
Stuart, something’s just come up. I’ll have to get back to you. No problem. You don’t have to get off the phone. Don’t be silly. How’s my baby? I’m doing good. PALMER: I heard that you’ve been spending time with this young man, DJ. Oh, you heard?
So what, did Grant call you? We spoke briefly. You know what, Dad? Ever since you’ve introduced me to Grant, he’s all you talk about. “Grant’s gonna be a perfect provider,” and, “Grant’s going to the top,” and, “Grant just thinks the world of you.” You know what?
How about maybe you and Grant hook up and leave me the hell out of it? Watch your tongue, young lady. This is ridiculous. I gotta go, Dad. Hi. What’s up? What’s wrong? Nothing. You know, if you wanna talk, I’m here. Thanks. All right. Congratulations! Why didn’t you tell me you pledged? Maybe I wanted to surprise you. As if I didn’t already know. What? I like your earrings. They’re nice. They’re new, right? Yeah. You noticed them?
I notice everything about you. Oh, yeah? Yeah. So what’s my favorite color? Well, you always wear green eye shadow, your favorite ring has green in it. And I’m gonna bet your car is green. Right? We should probably get started. Yeah. SYLVESTER: Countdown, fellas!
For the next six weeks, we prepare for the step show. Now since we don’t have a lot of time, the other team members and I will take you through the basics and break it down for you. SYLVESTER: Now some of you may think you know what stepping is.
ALL: Theta Nu Theta! But I assure you, until you have stepped with Theta Nu Theta, you just don’t. SYLVESTER: One more time. It’s gonna be a long day, fellas. MAN: Go, baby! Move it, move it! SYLVESTER: I will do my part,
but I need you to promise to do yours. From this moment forward, I will be your step master. I teach, you learn. Let’s go. Come on! GRANT: I’d like to see a dessert menu, please. So how was your dinner? It was good. Good. Good. Good.
April, there’s been something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about. It belonged to my grandmother. It’s beautiful. Try it on. Grant, what’s my favorite color? Red. Why? No, no, no. Blue. What’s this about? I don’t know. Please tell me this has nothing to do with that kid. I’m sorry. If you don’t come to your senses, and quick, you are going to lose out on me. I really can’t believe you just said that.
You are spoiled and ungrateful and I am taking you home. You know what? Don’t bother. Oh, my favorite color’s green. Asshole. SYLVESTER: T-H-E-T-A! All right, stop! Stop! Please, put some heart into what you’re doing, fellas! Can I ask a stupid question? Better than anyone I know. What? I just wanted to know why we’re stepping in an empty pool. Well, it was so we could keep our moves a secret. But who would want them? Let’s pick this back up tomorrow at 8:00 in the morning. 8:00? You got a problem with 8:00? Let’s make it 7:00. (GO HARD OR GO HOME BY E-40 PLAYING) ♪ Go hard ♪ Go hard or go home ♪ Go hard, go hard or go home ♪ Go hard, go hard or go home ♪ Go hard, go hard or go home
♪ Ooh, verbal vomit I keep one on it ♪ Not the scrill but you can call me ebonics ♪ Take the wrong turn and get your roof stomped out ♪ Old school vans, doors open, me and my crew
♪ And some stoners we get high like Shaggy from Scooby Doo ♪ I’m whiskeyed, I’m hit, I ain’t go no patience ♪ But I’m a couple of tacos short of a combination ♪ Ooh, get on your head like a shovel from the gravel
♪ When them scams, dope deals be goin’ south ♪ Swivel the metal flower Wants to fast…us ♪ For…six bucks an hour ♪ Go, go, go hard or go home ♪ Go, go, go hard or go home ♪ Go, go, go hard or go home ♪
GRANT: Are they putting this in the show? I don’t think so. You know Sylvester. He doesn’t like anything street in his routines. Good. For us. Hey. Hey. What’s wrong? I broke up with him. You okay? I haven’t slept all night. What have you been doing? Thinking. What are you thinking? I think I want to come in. Come on. GRANT: Don’t forget. We gotta practice on those new steps later on today. Check this out. Nice ride. I’ll see you guys later. (HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING) We’ll pick it up first thing in the morning. If any of you have any conflicts with your class schedules, let me know. Prophytes! We have been going strong for over two weeks now and we still suck. We’ve got four weeks left.
That’s easy for you to say. You can do this stuff in your sleep. The problem is these lame-ass steps they got us doing, man. So what you saying? I’m saying instead of us trying to fit step, we gotta make step fit our natural rhythm. Here.
(GO HARD OR GO HOME BY E-40 PLAYING) That’s nice. We’re gonna try doing something like that. All right. We’re gonna try something. We’re gonna try something. How do you do that? Right on the beat, just hit it quick. Throw it in gear. You come here. ♪ Ooh, verbal vomit I keep one on it ♪ Not the scrill but you can call me ebonics ♪ Sideshows goin’ nutty, dumbin’ out ♪ Take the wrong turn and get your roof stomped out
♪ Old school vans, doors open, me and my coupe ♪ And some stoners we get high like Shaggy from Scooby Doo ♪ I’m whiskeyed, I’m hit, I ain’t go no patience ♪ What the hell was that? The kind of steps you taught us was played, man. You can’t expect us to beat the Mus with that and you know it. I’m just trying to give us something fresh. We doing a step show or we doing a rap video? It’s a new day, man.
I mean, I didn’t sign on to be no loser. No, losing, it’s a state of mind. What? No disrespect, my brother, but this frat has been living in that state for the last seven years, man. The only reason you’re holding on to all that talk about tradition
Is ’cause you cannot keep up with the present. I’ll make you a bet. You go and you get your line brothers together, and I’ll get my guys and we’ll throw down. You’re on. Tomorrow night at the Phoenix. You sure about this, man? Yeah, man. I got you. KOOL ON P.A.: All right, y’all. We got the brothers from the TNT step team in the house. Y’all know what it is. It’s the age old battle. Old school versus new school. Here come the neophytes. Time for the prophytes to counter. (THE CHAMP BY GHOSTFACE KILLAH PLAYING) ♪ 10-4 good buddy Tone’s got his money up ♪ Worth millions still back you’re looking bummy ♪ This is architect music Verbal street opera
♪ Pop a Tec man Fully got the projects booming indeed ♪ I ran through the tunnels while I was still in the jungles ♪ Slingin’ that D ♪ Oh, yeah! Here we go. Here we go.
Wait a minute. Wait a minute. They’re doin’ the realness! They’re bringing the real stepping into the mix! Okay, what you got, new crew? Let me see you bring it. Hold on, hold on. What’s happening with this kid? What’s he doing? Now that’s not gonna fly in Phoenix. Y’all know the rules. Group against group.
What are you doing? Come on, man. This is like a team. Man, why didn’t you stick with the plan? All my people in the Phoenix. The prophytes of Theta Nu Theta want to show these neos how it’s done. Prophytes step together now! KOOL: Yeah! Hands down! No doubt about it. Show some love, Phoenix. Y’all know what it is. Old school wins! Old school wins! Man, you know you cannot mess with the prophytes of Theta Nu Theta! CROWD: Prophytes! Prophytes! Prophytes! Hey, y’all. I was just…
Look, the next time you’re gonna show off, do it on your own time and save us all the practice that you put us through. Dude, we hardly did any stepping. Noel, you know we should have won that. It was a slanted crowd. Come on. It ain’t always about you, dawg. We’re a team.
Come on, man. DURON: It’s not just about you, it’s about all of us. We’re a team. What’s up? I owe all you guys an apology. I just want to be part of the team. That’s good. ‘Cause I’m gonna need you to teach all of us some of your moves if we’re gonna have any kind of shot at Nationals.
Pizzas and beer on me! I’ll take my car. Who else is driving? M-U! ALL: Gamma what? M-U! Gamma Xi! Mu Gamma! ALL: ♪ Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas ♪ Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas ♪ Thetas, Thetas we rep the ♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh ♪ Thetas, Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas ♪ Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas ♪ Thetas, Thetas, we rep the ♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh ♪
Do your work. I’m done. Well, I still have one more chapter to read. MAN: Remember you wanted me to check up on DJ? Well, meet Mr. Darnell James Williams. “Youth slain in brawl. “Brother and three other youths charged with assault.” All right, come on.
I’ll take you to a place that makes the best fried chicken in Atlanta. With a record like that, you would think the boy would keep a low profile around here. Everyone knows that Darrow’s fries the best chicken in all of Georgia. Twenty bills if this ain’t the best fried chicken you’ve ever had.
Twenty bills? Twenty bills. So basically, the brother’s a criminal. What a shame. You’re on. I just got to run in and get something real quick. It’ll just take a second. Mmm-hmm. But you can come in. Just trust me. Come on. Hello? It’s me. Hey, there. Hey, Unc. This is my friend, April.
Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. JACKIE: Baby, is that you? Yes, it is Sunday, right? Just in time. And who is this lovely lady? April. Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. I hope you’re hungry. You can set your watch by my Aunt Jackie’s Sunday night fried chicken. Those are the most beautiful tulips. Thank you, baby. You’re welcome. They are my favorite. Nate brings them for me every Sunday since the day we were engaged. Oh! Isn’t that sweet? Are you taking notice? See? See what you started? I mess up a lot. Yes, you do. I mess up all the time. Listen, guys, there’s plenty more, so don’t be shy. Here, ’cause this is the best chicken I’ve had. JACKIE: Thank you. Your cooking actually reminds me of my mom’s. She must be a damn good cook. She was a good cook.
She passed away five years ago. JACKIE: I’m sorry to hear that. Yeah, it was tough, but, you know, me and my dad are real close. Her dad’s the provost. El Capitan. APRIL: Yep. You’re Palmer’s daughter? Yeah. Auntie, when are you gonna teach me to make this fried chicken? Not gonna do it, sweetheart. Why? Because then I will never see you on Sunday anymore. And I need to see my boy every Sunday. Five, six, seven, eight! ALL: Smooth! T-H-E-T-A! T-H-E-T-A! Theta Nus! PROFESSOR: Yes, come in. Mr. Darnell James Williams, you’re wanted in the Dean’s office. According to the information provided to us, you were charged with and convicted of aggravated assault in a brawl that resulted in the death of your brother. Is this correct? I was trying to protect him.
The thing is, if I had told you the truth about my conviction I wouldn’t be here anyway. So either way I was screwed from the get-go. So I guess the only thing left to say is that since I’ve been here, I’ve become a better person. It is the decision of this committee
To suspend you for the remainder of the year. I’m sorry, Mr. Williams. Yo, DJ! D? You all right, man? What’s going on? I’m out of here. What are you talking about? I’m suspended. How the hell can they do that? Hello? Yeah, this is him. When? Yeah, yeah. I’ll be there. D, what’s going on? D! Come in. Excuse me, Dr. Palmer. DJ Williams. Have a seat, Mr. Williams. The Ethics Committee reports to my office, but I seldom interfere with their decisions. I have the authority to have you reinstated. So what’s the catch? This thing you have going with my daughter, it ends now.
What does that have to do… Look, you little shit, my daughter is not some shorty for you to mess with. She’s a woman with a bright and promising future, and I’m not gonna have you come here and take advantage of her. Excuse me? Am I not getting through to you?
If you don’t agree to stop seeing my daughter, you can kiss your education goodbye. And you’ll end up just like your uncle, cutting grass for a living. Now, how long do you think April will go out with you then? Well, with all due respect, sir, that’s her decision, not yours.
You have a good day. Three days before the Nationals. Are you sure there’s nothing we can do to help change Dr. Palmer’s mind? No, he’s one of them. Palmer’s a Mu Gamma? That’s right. Damn. We are screwed. You guys are unbelievable, man. You guys will be leaving here in three, what, four years,
With your fancy job offers in your pockets. It’s my ass getting kicked to the curb, man. This is my life that’s messed up. It’s not about no damn Nationals. PALMER: Did he tell you he has a criminal record? What criminal record? And I suppose he hasn’t told you
That he’s been brought up before the Ethics Committee for lying on his scholarship application. What are you talking about? I was just about to call you. So it’s true. What do you want me to say to you, April? I believed in you. Why wouldn’t you just tell me?
Look, I got arrested because I was… Because I was fighting and my brother got killed. It wasn’t my fault. The only reason I got convicted was ’cause I had a public defender who couldn’t even remember my name. Then why are you leaving? Good question. Why don’t you go ask your father?
And he would have given me back my scholarship had I agreed to break up with her. And you said no? I wasn’t gonna let him play me. It was my fault. I don’t get it. I dated Will Palmer back at Truth.
My junior and most of my senior year until I met your uncle. You stole his girl? It’s not that simple. I wish you would’ve told me that before it blew up in my face. SWAY: What’s up, world? This is Sway with MTV News coming to you live from Atlanta for the 17th Annual Step Show Championships. The Atlanta Arena will be overflowing as thousands of fans have gathered from far and wide for the competition.
Hundreds of applications poured in, but only 25 teams were chosen from universities from all across the country to compete in the ultimate showdown. This year, defending champions Mu Gamma Xi go for their unprecedented eighth title in a row.
Is there anybody that can stop these guys? Seven year champs! GRANT: Eight is on the way, baby. Eight is on the way. Hey, Thetas, get over here. Come on, fellas. I know what you’re thinking. But you’re wrong. Come on. We can still win this thing. Okay, now I’ve been watching you.
And I can promise you we are not the same Thetas that we were six weeks ago. You ain’t never seen steppin’ like this before, so get ready. It’s about to go down! Let’s go! You ready? NOEL: Let’s go. Let’s go. Theta on three. One, two, three. ALL: Theta! JACKIE: Hello, William. It’s been a long time, Jackie. William, how could you? Look, if this is about… DJ told us about the deal that you offered him. All I’m trying to do is make sure my daughter
Doesn’t make the same mistake you made. I didn’t make a mistake, William. Do you know how different your life would be if… If I would’ve married you. William, I have a really good life. Well, it’s not good enough for my daughter. Shouldn’t that be my choice? Dad, if you think me being with Grant is what’s best for me, then you don’t even really know me. Baby, you are all I have left. Well, you just lost that. Look, sweetheart. Don’t say that. Just stop it! I know I can forgive you for this one day, but I really…
I really can’t imagine when. Just give me a chance to fix things. SWAY: The procedure is simple. Teams compete in an elimination round. Only four teams are chosen to go to the finals. These four teams will compete for the $40,000 grand prize to use for the community service project of their choice.
And let’s not forget, bragging rights for the year. Let the elimination rounds begin! Let’s hear it for the sorority finalists! Let’s hear it for the fraternity finalists! This is us, fellas. Get your pythons up. Hi. Is he here? JACKIE: Sure. Sure, doll. One second. DJ, would you come down? I know about the offer that my dad made. All you had to do was talk to me. I know.
I should’ve just stayed in LA. Everything I touch gets screwed up. My brother’s dead and that’s on me. DJ, that’s not true. No, if it wasn’t for me, he’d be here. Duron would be here. Let it go. Just let it go. It’s okay. I love you. It’s not your fault, okay? I want to tell you something. My dad overturned the committee’s decision. He’d much rather put up with you in my life than lose me in his. But I don’t know if that’s for me. But I thought this was your dream. It was my brother’s dream.
He was supposed to be this. Not me. Well, then do it for your brother. Do it for Duron. The elimination rounds are over and only the finalists remain. This is the last chance for these teams to let out all the stops. ALL: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for Thine is the kingdom, the power, the glory forever.
Amen. MAN: And now, ladies and gentlemen, the defending champions, the unstoppable brothers of Mu Gamma Xi! Give it to me one time! ALL: Mu. Give it to me two times! Mu, Mu. Give it to me three times! Mu, Mu, Mu. MAN: Wolf pack slide! ♪ Gamma ♪ Xi ♪ (SYNCOPATED HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING) Sylvester! I hope you saved the best for last! Because I think the crowd out there is really feeling us. Man, what’s it to you, dawg? Why don’t you mind your… Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let’s go. All right. You’re suspended. It seems like your man Dr. Palmer changed his mind. You’re not gonna matter. You never did. Come on, Mus. Where’s my Mus at? So this is for real? You’re back? Theta Nu, you’re on. Huddle up, huddle up, huddle up. Okay, now, we are TNT.
That’s one of the most powerful explosives known to man. And that’s what we are. That’s what you are. That’s what you are. That’s damn sure what you are and that is what we have always been. Okay, so tonight, can we be explosive? ALL: Yeah!
No, no, can we be better than we ever have been? ALL: Yes! Because we are repping the Thetas. ALL: ♪ Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas ♪ Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas ♪ Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas ♪ Ooh, ooh, boom ♪
SWAY: And now, get ready for the brothers of Theta Nu Theta! ALL: T-H-E-T-A! Theta Nus! (SEX, LOVE AND MONEY BY MOS DEF PLAYING) Lord have mercy ’cause… ALL: ♪ I got a feeling, can’t trust it! ♪ (HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING) SWAY: All right, that’s it for the finals. Now it’s all up to the judges. And now the winner of this year’s National Fraternity Step Team Champion we have a tie. I know what you all are thinking
But the judges will not let this end in a tie. I’m gonna stay here live until we have a definitive winner. Alpha Tau chapter of Mu Gamma Xi and Beta Delta chapter of Theta Nu Theta! We’re gonna let y’all go head to head one more time!
Theta Nu Theta and Mu Gamma Xi, are you all ready to battle? Then let’s go! Come here. All right. We’re gonna need you, man. We’re gonna need you to bring this home for us. You waited for four years for this moment, man.
You need to be the one leading us out there. I’m not doing it. It’s not about you, okay? It’s not about me. It’s about the whole team. Come on. It looks like DJ is gonna lead them. I knew they was gonna do this. Don’t worry. I’ve been studying his every move.
It’ll be like taking candy from a baby. ZEKE: All right. It’s all you. Why you on our stage? ALL: Why you on our stage? Why you on our stage? They stepping too damn close! ALL: Step back! Step back, away from me! Step back! Step back, away from me!
Step back! Step back, away from me! Step back! Step back, away from me! Pythons! ALL: What? Pythons! Come on! ♪ I don’t know what you’ve been told ♪ But it’s the Mu Gammas in this house ALL: ♪ I don’t know what you’ve been told ♪ But it’s the Mu Gammas in this house ♪ Gamma who? One word. Bitches! The last time I heard, the Mu Gammas run this house, right? ALL: Right! And we run them! Let’s give them the remix. Hit me one more time, Mus! SWAY: This competition has entered the battle zone. These two teams are relentless.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen stepping like this before. This is crazy. ALL: Mu Gamma Xi! Mu Gamma Xi! Mu Gamma Xi! Brother, got a beat? Give me that beat one time! ALL: T-H-E-T-A! Can you move? Yeah! SWAY: The 2007 National Step Champion. Theta Nu Theta! Yeah! Yeah, baby, yeah. ALL: ♪ Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas ♪ Thetas, Thetas, we rep the Thetas ♪ Thetas, Thetas, we rep them, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh ♪ (AIN’T NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT BY ROBERT RANDOLPH & THE FAMILY BAND PLAYING)
♪ Whether it’s rock and roll or old soul, it don’t matter ♪ Disco, calypso, it don’t matter ♪ Suit and tie or tie-dye, it don’t matter ♪ Snakeskins or Timberlands, it don’t matter ♪ Tight fade or long braid, it don’t matter
♪ Redhead or brunette, it don’t matter ♪ Breakdance or slam dance, it don’t matter ♪ Do the jerk until it hurts, I’m tellin’ you ♪ Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that ♪ I’m tellin’ you ♪ Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that
♪ I’m tellin’ you ♪ Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that ♪ East or west coast, it don’t matter ♪ Down south or up north, it don’t matter ♪ Hollywood or in the hood, it don’t matter
♪ Either way it’s all good, it don’t matter ♪ Block party, frat party, it don’t matter ♪ Backyard or boulevard, it don’t matter ♪ Red, yellow, black or white, it don’t matter ♪ We all gettin’ down tonight, I’m tellin’ you
♪ Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that ♪ I’m tellin’ you ♪ Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that ♪ I’m tellin’ you ♪ Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that ♪ I’m tellin’ you ♪ Ain’t nothin’ wrong ♪ It don’t matter ♪
(POPPIN’ BY CHRIS BROWN PLAYING) ♪ Say what your name is ♪ Ooh, yeah, that fits you, girl ♪ Tell me where you’re headed ♪ Can I walk with you, girl? ♪ You got that look in your eye
♪ That look like you give your boy, here, a good ol’ time ♪ And I’m on it, girl, that’s right, I’m on it, girl ♪ See, this is the first time I had a girl whose looks set me on fire
♪ I’m really trying to get to know you better, girl ♪ You ain’t gotta act like you’re shy ♪ ‘Cause we gonna do somethin’ ♪ Somethin’ is gonna get done ♪ And we gonna get crunk ♪ And have a lot of fun
♪ And I say ♪ Shorty, shorty, she throwing her hair, she workin’ them jeans ♪ She talkin’ that talk just like I like it ♪ She keep it on and poppin’ ♪ Shorty keep it on and poppin’ ♪ Ooh, yeah
♪ Shorty, shorty, the way you wearing that top got your boy so hot ♪ Ain’t no mistaking, playing, or faking ♪ You got me open and waitin’ and poppin’ ♪ You keep me on and poppin’ ♪ Let me tell ya, yeah
♪ I’m tryin’ to keep my swagger ♪ But you about to have me, girl ♪ Jump through about four or five hoops of ooh, baby ♪ Let’s take it to the hood so the people can see you girl
♪ Oh, yes, you mean and vicious the way you switchin’ ♪ Now I think ♪ This is the first time I had a girl whose looks set me on fire ♪ I’m really trying to get to know you better, girl
♪ You ain’t gotta act like you shy ♪ ‘Cause we gonna do somethin’ ♪ Somethin’ is gonna get done ♪ And we gonna get crunk ♪ And have a lot of fun ♪ Shorty, shorty, she throwing her hair, she working them jeans
♪ She’s talkin’ that talk just like I like it ♪ She keep it on and poppin’ ♪ Shorty keep it on and poppin’ ♪ Ooh, yeah ♪ Shorty, shorty, the way you wearing that top got your boy so hot
♪ Ain’t no mistaking, playing, or faking ♪ You got me open and waitin’ and poppin’ ♪ You keep me on and poppin’ ♪ Shorty, shorty, the way you wearing that top got your boy so hot ♪ Ain’t no mistaking, playing, or faking
♪ You got me open and waitin’ and poppin’ ♪ Shorty got me poppin’ ♪ You make me feel like a winner, girl, I wanna say ♪ Let me put my hands around your waist while the background sing ♪ ‘Cause we gonna do somethin’
♪ Somethin’ is gonna get done ♪ Oh, yeah ♪
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