On the Flip Side by Nikki Carter Page B

y’all like crazy.”
    Zac says as everyone sits, “Allow me to introduce y’all to Evan Wilborn, Caterina Schmidt, and Lawrence Cohen, the heads of Epsilon Records. They already know who you are.”
    Evan, the one wearing all the bling, says, “Yes, we know, and congratulations on your success thus far. Big D, you and Mystique have accomplished some wonderful things with this crew, almost by accident.”
    â€œCompletely by accident,” Lawrence says. “We’ve hardly put any marketing behind these projects and still they manage to get number ones. We have no doubt that Dilly’s single featuring Drama, and Drama’s single featuring Dilly, will reach the same status.”
    Caterina nods, but says nothing. She doesn’t have to, because Evan seems to like the sound of his voice.
    He continues, “Now, it’s time to put our money where our mouths are at Epsilon Records. We’re putting the marketing machine, and the money behind each of these projects. I want this crew to come out in force and take over the rap game, the R & B game and the pop game. We’ve got all the talent we need in this room, and you’re all so young.”
    â€œYou’ve got plenty of time to reign supreme,” Caterina says.
    Lawrence says, “Getting straight to the point, we’re going to combine all of your efforts. Big D in the A Records, Mystical Sounds and Zillionaire Records will be combined under one huge conglomerate called Reign Records. You will be the kings and queens of the industry.”
    Big D says, “I didn’t know that I put Big D in the A Records up for sale. I’ve never been a part of Epsilon. I’ve discovered some great artists that you’ve compensated me handsomely for, but I am an independent.”
    â€œAnd what exactly have you accomplished as an independent?” Evan asks. “You were barely afloat until Sunday came along. And then who did you have? Truth? He was a headache from day one. Talented but troubled, and everybody knew it. Not one major label wanted to fool with him.”
    â€œTruth just needs some guidance,” Big D says. “He’s one of the best rappers in the industry right now.”
    â€œBut he’ll never have any longevity,” Caterina says. “Not with his history of violence.”
    â€œWe’re talking about making Reign Records a force to be reckoned with,” Lawrence says. “We’ve already got major endorsements lined up. A movie deal in the works for Sunday. Television appearances for Drama. This is the beginning of a hostile takeover of the industry.”
    Somehow, I feel like we’re being suckered and bamboozled, like there’s something they’re not saying. Everything sounds good. Too good.
    â€œWhy do you want to do this for us?” I ask. “I mean, you can find any talented artists, and put money behind them and make them blow up. It just takes some hot songs and some intense marketing.”
    â€œI’m glad you asked that,” Evan says. “We’re about creating a legacy. We could find any artists and make millions, but your talent—especially you, Sunday—is unique. This could mean a legacy for all of us. Not just a financial legacy, but an artistic one. Do you understand what I mean by that, Sunday?”
    â€œYes, I do. You want to leave something behind for the next generation.”
    Evan nods and smiles. “Exactly! I want them to sample our music. I want Epsilon Records to be the success that everyone wants to duplicate. We can do it, you know. With just the people in the room, we can change the game.”
    â€œWe’re game changers,” Mystique says. “We’ve already changed the game. Never have there been three Epsilon Records artists vying for T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist. Everyone is watching to see what will happen with us.”
    â€œDoes the person who wins get some extra shine?