Gangsta's Paradise

The Introduction

Lauren London

Here I am, going to yet another audition for a part that I really don't feel fits me. It's similar to a role I've already played before. I'm tired of playing the cute little sister roles. I want something grimy. Something that's going to make people look and be like, "damn that bitch played that role too good." But at this rate, I'm going to take what I can get.
My image has taken a few hits lately. People are still harping on the fact that I have a baby with Lil Wayne. Wayne and I have actually been seeing each other for years. Since I was 15 to be exact. It never worked out but that didn't stop us from trying.
But anyways. I've recently just broke up with singer Trey Songz. It was good while it lasted but Tremaine is too much of a hoe for me. He's always flirting and just outright being a dog. I ain't got time for that.
Me and my girls are doing a little therapy but we decided to kick it in the hood. A lot of people let my looks fool them but I can be classy when I need to. I'm also not afraid of the hood.
Me, the twins Maliah and Malika as well as Cassie are hanging today. Malika has been messing around with OT Genesis so we were just coming from his spot. We were stopping at the light when we pulled up next to this fly ass Yukon. It was the prettiest shade of blue but I know from experience that blue around these parts means the driver is down with the set.
I tried to get a better look at them but he was leaned back too far. Malika caught me looking and smirked.

"See bitch, I knew you liked them hood too!"
"Girl, shut up! It's just a nice shade of blue. That's it!"
"Yeah, right. That kinda looks like OT's homeboy Nipsey."

When she said that name, my heart skipped a beat. I knew exactly who Nipsey was. Nipsey Hussle. My brother put me up on some of his music a few years ago and I've been a fan ever since. He's also very good looking. But I'll keep that tidbit to myself. Maliah then spoke up.

"Lauren doesn't need to be looking at Nipsey. She needs somebody like Jackie."

We all looked at each other in the car and busted out laughing. She's talking about Jackie Long. He's like a brother to me in every sense of the word. We aggravate each other but I wouldn't know what to do without him. We also end up doing a lot of gigs together.

"So Lo, how long is this audition going to take? We can run and get something to eat while you in there."
"Well, they did this one by appointment so they just want to see me read the lines and they'll give me a follow up on a later date."
"Ok, cool. Want us to wait for you then?"
"Naw, just bring me something to eat!"

They dropped me off and I took a deep breath as I walked into the building. Since they did issue out appointments, the hall is pretty much empty aside from a few people outside talking. I saw a few chicks give me side-eye but whatever. I'm here for a check and that's it. I can't let anyone catch me outside my bag. So I smiled and kept it moving.
About 45 minutes later, I hoped back in the truck and we went about our way to The Marathon Clothing store. I knew it belonged to Nipsey and if that was really him beside us, then he may be at the store. The thought of running into him caused my heart to flutter.

"Lo, you good?"
"Naw, she's sitting here looking all goofy over that nigga."
"Shut up Cas!"
"Ohhh, What nigga?"
"Nipsey. Girl, she got all that nigga mixtapes."
"You know Lo, I can get OT to introduce y'all."
"No. I don't want to look desperate."
"More than how you looking right now?"

We laughed before getting out at the store. As soon as we did, dude's started coming up from all over to talk to us. We rolled our eyes before walking in the store.
I looked around and there was some fly shit in here. I picked out a few things that I already saw that I wanted and I walked up beside Cassie. As we were taking. We heard several voices coming from the back of the store. I looked up and gasped quietly.
There he was. Nipsey Hussle. His beautiful hair was braided to the back and he was wearing a white shirt, blue jogger pants and some white and blue Jordan's. He had chains and other jewelry on but unlike some guys, it complemented his skin. He also had some tattoos peeking out from his clothes. I wanted to know what they said and meant but... that's a little too personal. I don't want to be all up in his space.
As I was looking at him, he looked right at me and our eyes locked. And for some reason, we gave each other the biggest smile. My dimples were even showing. I heard someone clear their throat and I broke eye contact, looking down, blushing.

"Damn Nip, you don't see nobody else but Lauren?!"
"Oh shit! What's up Malika!"
"Mmm-hmmm. You were staring at my girl kinda hard there."
"She's beautiful. I couldn't help myself."

I was blushing like a complete idiot now. Malika gestured for me to come over to them and despite feeling shy, I walked over still blushing.

"Nip, this is my girl Lauren. Lo, this is Nipsey Hussle."
"I'm a rapper and -..."
"I know who you are. To be honest, I'm a fan of your music."
"Oh really?!"
"Yeah. "Crenshaw" and "The Marathon" are two of my favorite rap mixtapes."