Chapter 24
It was the first week of October and Samari still hadn’t truly wrapped her mind around how much life had changed. She had a successful album release party and three singles that topped the charts with streaming numbers making the industry talk.
If there was a headline about Samari Janaé, her man’s name was mentioned somewhere in the conversation.
She thought it would bother her to be attached to Asao but quickly learned that while a few tried to demean the success she’d earned by saying he was the reason, the majority stood behind her lyrics and voice being the only thing that granted Samari a place in the discussion of greatness.
Samari did not hide or draw a line between the connection of her man and career.
She accepted that both could be acknowledged without one overshadowing the other.
When the couple was photographed, she didn’t hide or complain.
When asked about the inspiration behind the lyrics that had become an anthem for many women who claimed them as a guide to being loved properly,.
Samari easily handed over Asao’s name or shared a look in his direction which allowed others to draw their own conclusions about how they loved each other.
Even today, Samari wouldn’t be hiding if asked about her relationship with Asao. She was sitting with Saniya Sinclair who would not hold back but Samari was ready and willing to share her truths in a feature with Baller Alert.
Saniya was a freelance writer who had bylines on damn near every reputable publication in Crescent Falls. She was respected in ways most weren’t, so when Baller Alert reached out with a request and handed over Saniya’s name, Samari didn’t hesitate to agree.
Kolby immediately sent back the approval and set up a place and time for the ladies to meet.
They were now sitting together in the living room at the beach house while Asao agreed to give them space to speak freely.
That literally meant leaning against the counter in the kitchen, which was where he had been until a call came through from Niles that he stepped on the deck to accept because Saniya had already hit record on her phone to capture the exchange between her and Samari.
“You ready?” Saniya asked and Samari tucked hair behind her ear and nodded.
The ladies were positioned on the sofa, so Saniya motioned to the phone sitting on the table in front of them.
“I’m recording. Alright, let’s start with the obvious.
” Saniya smiled. “The past couple of months your name has been in heavy rotation. Your comeback has been impressive. Three singles competing for the number one spot. That is crazy, not to mention the most anticipated album of the year. How does it feel to be back where you belong?”
“I think about that all the time and the simplest answer is like I’m breathing again.
I wrote songs I couldn’t record, songs given to other artists without my permission, and that hurt.
Every time I heard my music, it reminded me of what I wanted and couldn’t have, but things are different now.
I have my voice back. I have my music and I will never take that for granted. ”
“Songs that were given to other artists? I’m assuming the artist you’re referring to is the one who recently had a mugshot released.
She’s attached to multiple state and federal charges.
Sexual assault, administering drugs to commit a felony, evasive recording, unlawful distribution of that recording, and federal obscenity trafficking. ”
Saniya looked up after reading from the notes she had on the charges Nefatari Milton was facing.
“I am literally speechless that we’re having this conversation because how does this even happen?”
Samari didn’t hesitate. She was no longer quiet about one of the most horrible moments in her life.
The world also now knew the truth about the video that could have ruined her life but didn’t because Asao made sure the people who were responsible were held accountable.
Cobra and Nefatari, in two very different ways, but justice was justice.
“She drugged me, recorded the violation, and sold the video to Tattle Tales. Karma is a bitch,” Samari said with no remorse.
“And the crazy part is, she took the life I was supposed to have. That should have been enough but some people are never satisfied. She had my songs, my career, hell even the man I thought cared about me. Not once did I ever put that out in the world. I took that shit on the chin and let her have it.”
“Well, she’s definitely paying the price,” Saniya said.
She would surely pay the price.
Asao made the call to his attorney that set things in motion.
Raaj sent the evidence they had to the state.
A statement from Mase about what happened that night and proof of a wire transfer to Nefatari from an account attached to Tattle Tales because when the demand was sent threatening prosecution they gladly provided a sworn affidavit stating Nefatari was the one who’d sold them the video they placed on their site.
Tattle Tales were known for their lack of morality, which was why Nefatari went to them.
Once it was out in the world, all the other blog sites reshared it.
Raaj hired a team of people to dig until they had answers and proof.
As soon as the violation was confirmed, he handed everything over to the state.
The state did their own investigation and three weeks later Nefatari was formally charged.
Raaj called in a favor to ensure Nefatari would do time even though the evidence against her had already guaranteed she would.
The extra assurance was only done to prevent Asao from seeking his own justice.
“I’m glad the truth is out there and pray this is a lesson to those who feel it’s okay to cross these types of lines. Let’s move on.” Saniya only brought it up because the whispers were out there after Nefatari’s mug shot was circulating and she wanted Samari to be the first to make a statement.
“Also, there have been whispers that your masters were purchased by your ex and recently returned. Were you aware that he had ownership of them?”
“Not until recently. When people are desperate, they’re willing to do any and everything to cover their ass.
It doesn’t matter who gets hurt in the process.
I have them back now and that’s all that matters.
I’m grateful for the people I have in my life.
I never have to second guess when it comes to anything attached to my career.
” Samari’s eyes drifted to Asao again, and regardless of the scowl on his face from the mention of her fuck ass ex, he winked, giving her the support she needed because he would never make his issues hers.
“Well considering your ex has been traded twice in one season, I’d say that he’s getting his karma too.
Now let’s talk about the good stuff. I want to discuss the first three singles off your album.
‘Loyal You, Loyal Me’, ‘His Crown’, ‘Nothing and No One’.
Word on the street is they’re all inspired by the same source.
” Saniya smirked and cut a glance toward the deck where Asao was standing, phone to his ear, eyes on Samari.
“They are,” Samari confirmed.
“Tell us about that inspiration.”
Samari blushed. “I can’t give you all my secrets but I will say, ‘Nothing and No One’ is about me accepting that I have a real man in my corner and that I needed to stop getting in my own way.
‘His Crown’ is about not settling, demanding the love I deserve while giving that in return.
He’s the king, I’m the queen. Both positions are earned, not given.
We work on this daily. As for ‘Loyal You, Loyal Me’ it’s a spin on how people see loyalty.
It’s usually one sided. Everyone demands loyalty but it has to be given to be returned.
I’m safe with him. I see him, he sees me, and neither of us are running.
Each of these songs are layers of love and how I’m loved.
None create the illusion of fairytales because that’s not life.
Life is real and so is what I have with him. ”
“Him being A’so.”
“No…” Samari shook her head.
Saniya arched a brow and Samari confirmed. “A’so belongs to the people. I share him. Asao Delane is all mine.”
“Point made and Black love is a beautiful thing. Speaking of Asao, you two are very public with your relationship.”
“Honestly, we’re not. We don’t hide, but we don’t share either. If you ask, I’ll never deny what we are. He won’t either but it’s not like we’re out here posting billboards confessing our love. If you see it, you know.”
“We definitely know,” Saniya added before moving on. “He’s part owner of Track Killaz, which is your new label.”
“He is.”
“Some have voiced their opinions of there being a power imbalance between the two of you since you’re signed to your boyfriend’s label. What do you have to say about that?”
“Firstly, I don’t give a damn about what people think.
It doesn’t change my life or his. There’s no imbalance.
A hard line exists between personal and business with us.
That was simply born from his understanding of my need to have separation.
When it comes to my career, I’m no different than any other artist on the label.
In the studio, he listens, gives his thoughts when required, but my voice is the final decision, always.
If you ask him, he would be quick to say I’m hardheaded though. ”
“Is that true?” Saniya asked with a smile
“No. I always listen because he never gives bad advice. I think he just likes to talk shit because he can.”
Samari smiled smugly when she noticed Asao was back inside, posted up in the kitchen. She felt his eyes on her but didn’t turn her head to confirm.
“So you’re partners then?”
“Definitely.”