Autumn Beat (2022) - full transcript

There are times you can't go back.

Nights like these, when you think

your life could really change...

And there we were,

ceaselessly waiting

for something I called happiness.

We didn't realize those

were the days we'd look back on forever,

carried away by that music that bounced

on the most intense beat ever.

On my feet Timberland boots

Air Force I don't wear Supra

It's 7 p.m. and Milan's gloomy

Guys move

Money makes you comfortable

We imagine ourselves millionaires

But always in hoodies

The dark eye of judgement

Looks at you but does not say hello

Suspicious of our dark skin

People mute, like these walls

They change their skins

But they still sound like Judas

Fixed values, sad jobs

Record my messy feelings

Love is a dissing

I don't give a fuck if you don't get it

I feel like Shakur, spitting on reporters

When my brother started rapping, he kept

saying music would make us winners.

-Our prerogative is to be strong

-Strong! Strong!

In these places

A bad cocktail makes things wrong

-There are too many traps

-Too many!

Fear can fuck you up, hard

Thank you, Milan!

Our mix tape is out!

You can find it over there.

And that's my brother, treat him well!

I said it would keep us close.

Look, they don't mean anything to him.

You've got to get used to it, Ife.

Go... go to him.

Here, I'll... I'll take care of it.

Aren't we staying?

What the fuck did I do this time?

- If you want to stay, stay.

- Why?

You're in good company already.

- What the fuck are you saying?

- I saw it!

You mean the girls by the stage?

Yes, that too.

What the fuck was I supposed to do?

Chase them away?

Yes, exactly.

You know we're here to do a job, right?

This is part of the job.

I'm not doing anything.

If you don't trust me, ask Tito.

Petit!

Tell her.

Last time, at the bar,

did I fool around with someone?

No, Ife. He...

he just bothered me.

Like... like always.

Besides, you know that...

that he's a jerk.

Every time the same fucking drama.

You... you could've...

Not hit on them.

Can you at least tell me how much we sold?

Paco!

- Paco.

- Yes?

- Come with me.

- What is it?

Come on, get moving. Come.

Teflon Don was Gotti's nickname.

Wait, wasn't it Rick Ross', bro?

I thought so too, but it was John Gotti's,

because Teflon is like bulletproof,

you know?

He never got caught,

after every trial he was acquitted.

By the way, the record rocks.

We need to get to that level.

I like the versatility,

the street single and the radio hit.

- Come, we're not too far.

- I think so too.

Sooner or later,

I'll do a feature with him.

Whatever, let's get serious,

we have to play soon.

Come on, Paco, don't hide, come here!

Tell me what it's like up there.

What's it like outside? Did you rock?

It was the bomb, Guè.

The audience is the best. Hell yeah.

That's great.

And tell me, I saw some people around,

did you get a proposal, any offers?

No big deal. Lousy labels.

- But I won't sign unless it's a real deal.

- That's the spirit.

You'll never guess

what just fucking happened!

The guy said our stuff is dope.

- What guy?

- Guè Pequeno.

He said he wants to sign us.

- Guè?

- Bro, I told you, didn't I?

Yes, but easy, easy.

He said our lyrics are cool,

but not deep enough.

Your bro has been saying that

since forever, fool!

Yes, but chill out, I'm no idiot.

I'm meeting him and Harsh.

If we convince them,

they'd give us the feat.

- Guè?

- That's right.

Our song, shit!

Petit, did you hear that?

This time we'll score big.

Guys move

Money makes you comfortable

Millionaires to be

Our prerogative is to be strong

-To be strong

-Strong

In these places

A bad cocktail and it all goes wrong

-There are too many traps

-Too many

-Too many

-Fear can fuck you up

- Hard...

- Guys.

Guys, the gig's about to start.

Ife.

This time we'll do it your way.

Okay, but... but how much time do we have?

Until Tuesday. No worries.

You have to write us something cool.

Now that I fly it's all my city

But it makes no sense

If I fly on my own

Come, come here!

How do you fake love?

Time goes by, but I never turn back

Cast me out of Heaven

Give me a little push

Tattoos in view like a rebel

We thought we'd break the world

But instead the one who got

Under our skin won

And we watch it all go down

I can't see, alone as a dog

Maybe it's better if I don't focus

I smell tar and watermarks

The emotion doesn't last long

You know there is no love if

You're using me and I'm using you

Money talks

And you listen to it

More than you listen to me

We're always alone, yeah

CHAPTER 1

BROTHERS

Being successful and making money

are two different things.

Paco couldn't walk around outside

without some kid stopping him.

And he couldn't walk around the house,

because it was too small.

In 2011, this was the life of a rapper.

Go pay the bills.

Dave...

When your mom kicks you...

you out, what will you do?

I'll crash here.

Right?

Instead of breaking my balls, listen.

Cute.

What's... what's it called?

Autumn. But it's a working title.

Suppose tomorrow we make it...

What's the first thing you want?

Don't... don't jinx it, come on.

Tell it to our camera, Tito!

I wish for a house...

so big we can all fit in.

But... but enough not to see you

for two days.

So that I'd be able to...

to eat breakfast

without you breaking my balls.

We'll buy one house each, T.

MTV Cribs special episode, Fifty my ass.

Yo, Fifty,

our luck's starting to turn.

Yesterday, after Guè's thing,

I made a sick beat, listen.

No, D. Give me something serious, come on.

Okay, Mr. Paco wants something serious.

When I come back to you

I'll come back there as a king

To tell you about my troubles

Tell you the things you don't know

Of my trouble

Tell you the things you don't know

Trust me, it's him.

If I come back to...

Could I get an autograph?

Thanks.

Could you take a picture?

Actually, I wrote that line.

But no one knew that.

Those were the rules of the game.

Those who rap get by on their own.

But it was different for us.

Paco put in the voice, I put in the words.

He was the star,

while at the time, I was a ghost.

An action that the main character

is pushed to against his will.

- It's a necessity...

- As in the Workers' Movement.

- To Dickens, literature becomes...

- My payback is a necessity...

It becomes an act of protest.

It's not a choice.

It's not a choice...

After a semester of silence,

I finally hear your voice.

Do you want to share,

or just keep it to yourself?

It lacks...

it lacks pressure from the bottom.

Louder, I can't hear you.

That... that kind of rebellion

lacks pressure from the bottom.

The poor people that...

that Dickens wrote of

didn't even know... know how to read.

Okay,

I guess a bunch of bejeweled ladies

would have... would have been moved

reading about a child begging for soup,

but... but that's all.

No revolutions,

just... just hypocrisy.

This is a very interesting point of view.

That brings us back to the delicate

relationship between authorial intent

and reality.

Now, what was happening in those years?

Life is nothing but not giving up

Five in a room like rats in their nests

I was tending bar

Selling it for ten per gram...

Hey, go arrange the tables!

Coming!

You know, if I go out there they'll just

come to bother me.

They aren't even here to eat.

They're a pain for both of us.

The kids are still in school. Move!

Come on, Wang.

No, guys. In my opinion, the piece should

sound like "All The Money In The World."

Again? That... that doesn't work here.

How... how else can I tell you that?

Not "All the Money in the World."

- How can I...

- Not "Song Cry."

Why don't you find

a fucking reference yourself?

I already did, "Blame Game."

I'm not singing, Tito,

I'm not John Legend.

I mean the mood...

- Period.

- Paco, we're not going to sing.

But Tito's right.

We need something more open.

Guys, the man says

you have ten minutes left.

But I paid for an hour.

Come on, let's wrap it up here.

It's... it's not our day, anyhow.

What the fuck will I show them?

Bro, we still have...

still have three days.

And it's better to go empty-handed

than show them something bad.

Where the fuck are you going, huh?

You... you know where.

Want me to come with?

"Come with," my ass.

You're dumb going to see her.

And you're even dumber

saving your money for her.

I know you're not happy

with the old lady...

- Come on, guys.

- No, D.

We can sort it out in five minutes.

We'll put her in a nursing home

with a hot tub.

You always say that.

You should only think about one thing, T.

Hey, calm down. Go for a walk.

Don't start playing psychologist, Ife.

She's... she's right.

The air's stagnant in here.

Your girlfriend is...

She is smart, you should listen to...

to her more.

Come on, T. Let's get back to it, sorry.

Hey, T!

Who the fuck am I to you, Tito?

The one who lets you do

whatever the fuck you want in college!

I've always taken care of you, haven't I?

And when the fuck will you stop

taking his side?

The light falls down

It falls like a waterfall

I light up even though

You want to bring darkness here

To me, to me, to me,

The light falls down

I light up even though

Even though Even though

You bring the darkness to me

You... you know, Mum,

things are starting to... to move along.

If everything goes... as I hope it does,

we'll go back to live together.

Paco!

No, Mom.

My present from heaven.

I brought... brought you this.

He was... was busy,

and he... he couldn't come.

No matter.

Pray with me.

I told you already, I'm not...

Wait a minute.

- What's up?

- All good, and you?

- Yeah, same, thanks.

- Yo!

Fuck, this shit is dope.

Weren't you supposed to come on Tuesday?

You got the day wrong.

Well, since you're here...

We heard your mix tape.

It's not bad. I mean...

It's a bit raw, but there's something.

- I agree.

- Raw?

Yeah. I mean, with your writing skills

you could go way deeper

instead of repeating the same shit

every other rapper does.

That's how you'd get to people.

Trust me, you'd be twice as sick.

Let's hear it. If you came here

is to show us something.

I got it, I got it.

I stand with the bandana on my face

AK-forty-seven, I kill the beat

Plus even without a moustache

Let's do it

I'll eat this stage up

I don't eat lunch at two o'clock

I do brunch

Your stuff is weak

I don't want a rain of money

I want it to snow millions

I go out without a jacket

I have my Sean John sweatshirt on

I've got so much flow

That my future is florid

I think I made it clear

Enjoy the live gig

From your favorite rapper

Before I get to kill him

Again, it isn't bad.

Yes, it's not bad, bro,

but it's nothing mind-blowing.

You've got the flow,

the lyrics, the style, but in the end,

it's still the same old freestyle.

In my hood, they dig it.

No doubt, bro, but you gotta think big.

Your hood is your start,

not your destination.

Is there something?

Something, but not what you promised me.

I gotta think of your career.

I don't know about you, Harsh, but...

Today's test is a flop.

A flop?

- We'll see about that.

- We'll see.

I wanted a role...

role model that... that...

Ife! Your...

Your... your phone's ringing!

Ife, is... is everything all right?

Ife, I'm coming in.

Everything okay?

Yo, are... are you sure?

I'm late. Six weeks.

Does Paco... Does he know?

Okay.

Tito, I don't know what to do.

I don't even know if I can do it.

- Take... take your time.

- I haven't taken an exam for a year.

I don't even know if I want to do Biology.

Paco moves forward, and I'm left behind.

So... so what? You're... you're not alone.

We're... we're a family.

But he's making it,

and I don't think now is the right time.

He took... took care of me.

He... he's going to make it.

You... you want to keep... keep it, right?

I want to have more certainty.

We... we know...

know you're a train wreck.

Take a breath now and then.

- How do I do it?

- You... you have to move like this...

First of all.

Then add some dance moves, like this...

And then, like this.

Where... where were you?

Say hello, at least.

I went to Guè's.

I improvised some stuff,

but he didn't like it.

Easy. No big deal.

We... we can still...

still...

still bring a song?

Right?

Why, do you have one?

Huh?

Look, Petit.

We got by before Guè,

and we'll get by without him.

He's the one who called us, right?

If it's not Guè, it'll be someone else.

Yo, look at me, Tito.

We've always managed on our own.

Are... are you having fun?

But why... why...

Why do you always screw everything up?

I wanted a role model that...

that would teach me how to recognize love

And... that...

My retaliation is a need

We're only passing through

We're just passing through this land

There's nothing that...

that is good for me

Only you

There's no one like you

This... This is dope.

There's a past that chews you up more

and more every time you tell it.

A past you choose to forget.

Until it comes back.

Reminding you why

you chose to never give up.

What's this stuff, T?

Put...

put on "Autumn."

Enough with this weak shit.

D, put the other one back, come on.

No, bro.

I want that... that contract.

- We'll have others, T.

- Yes, but...

that's all there is now.

Paco, you know we can't go on like this.

Guys, I don't sing.

If you don't sing, who... who should?

David?

Me?

Stop... stop thinking that...

that everything revolves around you.

You...

you make me... feel like your number two.

You treat... treat Ife like shit and...

and you never go visit Ma.

Who... who am I to you?

Huh?

Nobody...

nobody can... can give me my voice back.

But... this time, trust...

trust... trust me.

Go on.

Put the beat back on, D.

Who would teach me how to recognize love

Who'd tell me how not to

Throw my seeds to the wind

3 knots outside

But I'm not going to stay in here

My retaliation is a need

Not a choice

Pain's part of the journey

There's no "if I can make it"

There's no "if I can make it"

No "if I can take it"

We're going to leave this place

Let's make a great song, guys!

I wanted a role model

To teach me how to recognize love

Who'd tell me how not to

Throw my seeds to the wind

33 knots outside

But I'm not going to stay in here

My retaliation is a need

Not a choice

We're just passing through this land

My mother with voices in her head

Looking out the window

And me dreaming of a different life

Pain's part of the journey

There's no "if I can make it"

No "if I can take it"

We'll leave this place

As soon as I put it right

Two or three things I feel the burden of

Downtown looks like the hood at Mid-August

We smoke in the car, the stereo pumps

The world belongs to us

We're not a team We're an entity

It's a matter of energy

Rather than identity

There is nothing

That sounds together

Like us, like us

Like us, like us, like us

There is nothing that is good for me

Only you

There's no one like you

I said thank goodness you're here

There's nothing that sounds together

Like us

There's no one like us

I wake up and thank goodness you're here

-There's nothing

-There's nothing that sounds together

Like us

There's no one like us

I wake up and thank goodness you are here

So? Shall we make some dough?

- That song really rocks.

- Bro.

- You really made a great song.

- Thanks.

- Cheers.

- Nice, bro.

Before you go, read the contract.

So you can have your crew look at it too.

You haven't heard my terms yet.

Your terms?

Now the boss dictates the terms.

I want an advance now

and 30% of the royalties.

- Wow, 30%. That's harsh.

- Let's bring it down to 20%.

And the advance will be your first check.

Okay, but David, who's my producer,

will be the art director

of the whole album.

No, that's not how we do things.

And there's still work to do on the beat.

But is it alright if I back him up

with one of my people?

Okay.

- But on the album cover, I'd like...

- What?

Don't put weird stuff on the cover

like no naked ladies or...

As long as the record's good,

you can put whatever you want.

I'd want my brother's name on it.

On the cover? But why?

It's between me and him. I owe him.

Bro, we're creating your brand, got it?

We're investing everything on you.

Otherwise it becomes a mess.

But it's just one more name.

But by putting his name on the cover,

it looks like you're a duo writing songs

together, which isn't the case.

No.

It's not like I need a ghostwriter.

You clearly don't,

but we're wasting a lot of time, bro.

Now take it or leave it.

Either you read and sign this contract,

or let's forget about it.

Well?

Give me the contract.

Hallelujah!

Do you have any ongoing conditions?

Allergies? Food intolerances?

No.

Are you on any medication?

Or do you use drugs?

It's just to avoid complications.

You can keep Fluoxetine,

but it would be best to stop the rest.

It's not good for the baby.

Okay, I'll take care of that.

I'll be right back.

I don't...

I don't know what kind...

kind of mother you'll be,

but when... when Paco and I were...

were left alone, you were the one who...

who kept us together.

Yo.

He says to go up to the third floor.

Where... where are you going?

You wanted a house

we could all fit in, right?

Yes.

This is my gift to you.

What... what do you mean?

We got the contract, T.

And... and what did the guys

at Tanta Roba say?

- Will my name be there?

- Sure, it'll be there.

Dave's will be on it too.

They were hesitant, but I convinced them.

Sweet.

- Oh, my God.

- Yo, so why are we here?

New place. Don't you like it?

Bro, I thought this was Guè's place!

I swear!

Wow.

Hey, Harsh.

Pleasure, I'm David. Yo, guys.

Won't you drink something?

Guys, get them something!

- I'll get on it.

- Okay.

So?

- I heard your productions.

- And?

- They're dope.

- Thank you. Thank you, Harsh!

Thanks.

Sorry about the mess, it's a new place.

- New place?

- Yes.

Nice. Same here, new studio.

Come by soon, I'll introduce you

to the producer you'll work with.

What do you mean?

Paco didn't tell you?

No, with the party and all

we haven't talked.

But I thought I'd be working alone.

It's hard enough just the three of us.

Three?

It's how we usually work,

hasn't Paco told you?

Don't worry, nobody's throwing you out.

But it's time for an upgrade, right?

Yeah, sure.

Read the email.

There's the contract with all the details.

Okay.

All it's missing is your signature.

Great, thank you. Thanks, Harsh.

- Hey, stop!

- Sit. Read it, T.

- Did you see that girl?

- T, read!

Your name isn't on the contract.

What... what are you saying?

Paco said this time we're all together...

Said what?

Did he say that they don't know you?

Or that I'll have to work

with their producers? No?

That's all bullshit.

No, come on, chill, bro.

I think that... that this is a draft.

A draft?

Where did he get the money for the house?

Do you think

we can afford this kind of place?

He screwed us both.

But I spoke to Harsh.

He seems like a nice guy. T.

T?

We'll drop by the studio tomorrow,

we can sort this out.

Tito, trust me.

- Trust me.

- No. He's...

he's a bastard.

Let's talk about it, Tito!

How can the best

and worst moments of your life

happen just a few seconds apart?

We've learned from life

What school doesn't teach us

The oldest of us is only

A quarter of a century old

Sometimes I ask God

Why he spit us out here

But contexts like brothers

We can't choose them

You look at the world as if it were ours

You shout it loud

And I answer, "Yes, maybe someday"

Stories change from building to building

Gates look like bars

If this life is a prison

I put inside my pen

All of the blood I've spilled

I only write so that our pain

Is not wasted, bro

You're too focused, bro

To notice that his eyes are tearing up

I fear that getting it all

Might make us worse

Make us take a step back

May drive us apart

As I collapse with his secret in my head

My remorse, disappointment

Here it's still autumn

Rock, paper, scissors!

Rock, paper, scissors!

Come on, Ma, let me try.

No. Put your seat belt on.

Here comes the driver.

Doesn't want to start.

Bet you I'll cross when it's red.

- No way. You don't have the guts.

- Don't believe me?

Now we'll see who has guts.

Paco!

You idiot!

You could have been killed!

CHAPTER 2

SONS

Yes?

- Did you call about the house?

- Yes, I did.

Someone's just seen it.

It's basically rented.

If you want to see it,

while you're here...

So, this is all going away.

We can take out the walls, too...

No, ma'am, sorry, that's going.

It's going.

I'm taking it. There's no need.

The walls don't... Ma'am! Ma'am.

Please, don't touch.

Don't touch. Thank you.

- I need two months deposit.

- Beautiful.

The heaters go... What is it?

I don't want cash, ma'am.

I need a bank transfer.

Do you have an account?

An active account.

You know what? The house is already taken.

All right? Excuse me.

Be careful,

because if the mirror falls, it'll break.

What are you doing? Please stop that.

Never mind, there's no need to...

This belongs to my mother, ma'am!

Can you leave?

Come on, out. Enough.

Come on! Leave this here.

Let's go, come on!

You too, out. Go, now!

Do you understand? Out! Come on!

They'll never give us a home.

If we're here, it's because we deserve it.

Actually, she deserves it.

Are you done with the newspaper?

I can help you.

Will you come with me

to the market tomorrow?

Mom, if I miss more school days,

I'll fail the year.

There isn't much time left now.

Why waste it?

Better to stay together.

I'm going to school tomorrow, okay?

You'll see, it's going to be nice.

No need to worry.

"Blessed are the meek," as the Bible says.

"We will ascend to heaven."

Yes, or an asteroid will fall

and we'll all die.

Jesus, Ma, pull yourself together!

- What did you say?

- Ma, calm down.

- Paco!

- I'll stay here with you.

My gift from heaven.

Mom thought the world was about to end.

Paco thought that a world with her in it

was unbearable.

And I was in between those two worlds.

More and more crushed.

What, are you upset because I pushed you?

- Are you going back to school?

- No.

You're going to get stupid.

Stupider than you?

Impossible. Fail another year, will you?

Yo, give it here.

- Make it last until Monday.

- Yeah, sure.

I'm not kidding.

Enjoy Mom.

I don't understand.

We don't cut kids' hair here.

I'm not here for that.

Do you know him?

No, I don't know him.

Thank you.

Potato chips.

Thanks.

Be a brave boy.

Hi.

Helping your mom?

At your age, I was in school at this time.

It's just for today.

Listen...

Do you like crepes?

What are they?

They're like lasagne, they're very good.

Come on.

I haven't read them all.

Ah, here it is.

This was my favorite as a child.

Would you like to read it?

Go. Ife is in the other room.

Mom?

- And who are you?

- I'm Tito.

Don't come close, I have a temperature.

Why aren't you at school?

Because my mom asked me to stay.

What a weird mother.

I had to beg mine to stay at home.

- What are you doing here?

- I invited him over.

Maybe get to know each other.

Here.

No, don't worry.

I'm going now. Thank you for the book.

- Goodbye.

- Bye.

He was here on the landing.

- He looks nice, doesn't he, Ife?

- No.

Wu-Tang, are these Chinese?

No, they're from New York.

They rock, you can keep it.

Tupac. This sounds like a medicine.

What music do you listen to?

What they play on TV.

Or my mother's Evangelical chants.

I'm talking about serious stuff.

- American rap.

- Like Eminem?

No, I'm talking Nas, Biggie, Tupac.

The crazy thing is that this is our music,

but here in Italy,

there are no black rappers.

Listen to this.

THE TIGERS OF MOMPRACEM

- Hi.

- Hi.

Have a seat.

- Hi.

- Yo.

What the fuck are you doing?

When you talk to Ma, show respect.

The money from this morning?

I got this for myself.

Keep it until I give you back the money.

Even though I didn't get the lyrics,

that music changed my life forever.

DECEMBER 1999

- Hi.

- Hello.

Can I stay here with you for a while?

To make my mom happy.

Pretend friends?

It all began as a game.

And then it became our favorite game.

Are you sure we won't get in trouble?

No, nobody can see us here.

Come on, come and sit down.

Tito, do you have any friends?

I did when I played soccer,

but now I have to stay with Mom.

Your mom's a bit weird.

I saw her yelling at a dog.

My mom might be weird, but yours is white.

Sorry.

She's white,

but at least she cares for me.

The ones before couldn't care less,

after two months they were already tired.

And they were white as well.

Don't you have a black mom?

This is my dad.

I don't know him either.

When I was little,

Grace promised to take care of me.

So, Grace isn't your real mom?

She says I'm her cadeau ngaye yola.

What?

Her gift from heaven.

I'm trying to search for him,

but he's like a ghost.

Nobody knows where he is.

I bet my plane will fly further

than yours if I throw it.

Yeah, sure.

Mine can go all the way to Paris.

Don't you have a home?

You should be with your mom tonight.

I know it's hard to accept,

but tomorrow's going to be a new world.

Those like us will rejoice with the Lord.

Take it off.

First the bleached hair, now this.

This isn't going to be

anyone's last night, okay?

Where are you going?

Paco!

David, come.

Look.

Guys, this kid says he know how to rap.

Turn down the music a bit, please.

Show me what you got, then.

Go bro, start.

I break in with my freestyle and I rock

My name's Paco

Anagram of "Capo"

I'm the baddest guy around

Milan, California, call me Tupaco

I'm not west or east

I just wanna make money

Till I rest in peace

Listen to my rhymes

I'm the new king

I move to the beat

Like Ali in the ring

I have a dream like Martin

One for the glory

Two for the cash

I wanna be loaded

And spend it in San Babila

I'll on a bus today

But in a Cadillac tomorrow

So how does that sound?

Bro, you know your rhymes,

but it's clear something's off.

How so?

"How so," bro?

You talk about cars, Cadillacs,

you talk about money, jewels...

You're 12, bro.

More like, bro,

we're in Italy,

we're not in America.

Here, either you rap about rap,

or do love songs.

Got it, bro? Look at Neffa and Deda,

they rap,

they do everything and the opposite.

- And they rock.

- Does he look like Neffa and Deda?

No, I don't think so.

Since you're all so cool,

let's hear what you've got.

Put a beat on, please.

Make way for me when I enter

I'll take up the whole room

Like Roxy on the floor

They talk hip hop

but what they don't know is

They got no flow

And they can't keep rhythm

This is the real bomb that kills the beat

Your rap's nothing more

Than a summer hit

Shut up, don't talk

You don't know nothing

Go back to school

School here is sacred

Got no mic in the jam

See this MC

Like a feat with Premier

If you don't like this sound

It won't make you laugh

I push from the underground

Nothing mainstream

I'm not dancing in the clubs

We're just street lone wolves

Like Neffa and Deda

Listen to my rap

And how it tears you apart

The radio plays your shit

But who gives a fuck

Sorry to jump in

I'm a bit mad at Paco

Partly 'cause he's bad

Partly 'cause of his hair

Bro, hope you're bald

'Cause I swear what I see here

Is a leopard-skin hat

I have been asked

"What's a toy?"

"The opposite from us"

That's what I replied

But here

I introduce him to you all

Give it up for the sixth

Backstreet Boy

You don't know what Wu Tang is

Kiddo go back home

It's cartoon prime time

In the jam there's no place

For your rap

Don't try to imitate me

Try the Festival bar, bro

- Cool, bro.

- Cut out the beat, bro.

- They killed you, you're done.

- Wait, let him do it.

I'm new like the euro

Listen, I spit rhymes

He wanna sound true

But he's not worth a dime

Don't challenge me, pal

I can't imitate you worm

'Cause I can't crawl

Your style is so crap

It belongs in the sewer

My ass, the new sound

You could post to the lost and found

You talk about my hair

But your outfit sucks

Did you get the purse

From your daddy's closet?

Okay, listen to the flow

I'll get you doggy style

Like Snoop Doggy Dog

Freestyle isn't for you

"Cut it out" I hurl

Better a Black street Boy

Than the sixth Spice Girl

He kicked ass! Let's make noise for Paco!

Good, that's how it's done!

Ten, nine, eight, seven...

Two, one...

- Hey.

- Hi, how are you?

- Good. You?

- All good.

Do you need a hand?

No worries. I've got this.

Mom, breakfast.

Today's a beautiful day, do you wanna...

I asked my mother.

Maybe I know where to find him.

Come on. Come on!

Hello.

Good morning.

Hi.

You can only come here

with your mom or dad.

I'm looking for my dad.

What is his name?

Mayele. Jason Mayele.

Is he Congolese?

He hasn't come home for a long time?

He renewed his residence permit

three years ago.

This is the only information we have.

I'm sorry.

Look, hold on.

Don't waste your time searching

for someone who chose to leave.

Think of those who stayed.

Enough with this photo.

Why don't we take a funny one?

You face is funny in this photo.

- Show me.

- No!

It's a secret. I have to write something.

- Write what?

- You'll see later.

Turn around.

To my friend Sanpei.

Why Sanpei?

You both have ears that stick out.

- I thought this moment would never come.

- If my ears...

Of all the pictures from that day,

that was the only one I'd want to keep.

But I remember that moment regardless.

I also wanted to rap.

But even if I had the right words,

after that day I could never

express them anymore.

Happy birthday, Paco!

You could've told me

it was his birthday too, I could've...

It was my Mom's idea to save money.

His birthday's on the 18th.

Pour me a coffee with a shot

And keep the change

I have five fingers

But you deserve this

I kill chickens

Like Marilyn Manson

Happy birthday, Paco!

What are you writing?

- Bye, thank you!

- Are you leaving already?

Yes.

Thank you for dropping by.

- Bye.

- Bye.

- Bye, Tito.

- Bye.

- What are you writing?

- Nothing.

- Bye, thanks.

- Bye.

- Are those rhymes?

- No.

Too bad. If they were good,

I'd steal them.

Bye, bye.

Come on, let me try.

Actually...

Let me hear you try.

Come on.

What, are you scared?

Come on, I'll listen. Go.

Shoot. Come on.

I have to shout

'Cause I sing from the underground

I'm not like you

Got no clothes in my closet

Dad won't take me

To the game tonight

I can see in Mom's eyes

How pain results in changes

And something's missing

Maybe, but I can't believe she's mad

It's a myth that's she's mad

Love doesn't always save us

She tells me to look up high

That stars aren't the limit

Now you know

What I'm fighting for

And that I can't fail

When did you write these?

Cool.

They're nice.

You're big now. Want to try

something for grown-ups?

Quick, hurry up.

Come on, move.

Imagine if Mom finds out.

Yeah, she's gonna be pissed!

When will you let me drive?

Easy, give me a minute. Don't worry.

Why were you so sad earlier?

I wasn't sad.

Did Ife dump you?

You can tell me these things.

She didn't dump me.

Do you even like her?

Of course not.

I missed you, Petit.

I know I haven't been around

for a while, and...

With what mom's going through, you know...

I'm sorry. Okay?

Listen,

I also have to apologize.

You told me not to, but...

I tried to look for him.

Who the fuck gave you that?

You know who. Mom.

Why do you care about him?

He went away like my asshole dad.

At least you met him.

I just want to know where he was.

Did Mom tell you he went to France

and built a new life there?

Who am I to you?

I'm your brother, we're a family, right?

Right?

Since your parents aren't coming,

I'll start by telling you.

Your brother suffered a trauma

which result in articulatory issues

affecting speech and word fluency.

Mo... mo...

- Mom?

- Hey.

Tito?

How are you?

Mom's okay,

but she won't be able

to stay with us for a while.

I'll go call the doctor.

How are you?

Do you want some water?

Who am I to you?

Remember this phrase?

In the basement together

Looking for some peace

How I envied people

I used to feel bad about it

I just wanted a life

A normal apartment

Who am I to you?

To this world, zero

In fact maybe less

That's why I look to the sky

As if the sky would lift me from the earth

Saving me from this shit

As if I had another choice

It was a game Our favorite game

Who is Tito?

Who is my friend?

Who understood me?

My voice is gone

But not what I feel

And I feel like crap

But still alive

Who am I to you?

Who am I to her?

Who am I to my dad?

Who am I to Grace?

Who am I to tell you

How to grow up?

I would say value added

Yes, here it's still autumn

"With this name...

he will live on..."

"With this name,"

"he will live on."

Okay, enough...

Enough, you can go back to your seat.

I... I liked it,

but the audience doesn't understand.

So,

you... you see?

Scego,

starting... starting from...

the very first page,

lets the memories do... do the talking.

Because this is what brings us to...

Professor, can you come please?

There is something I don't understand

Like diving into the Red Sea

I forgot it too soon

But I remember well

When you told me "I'm staying"

Lost in a messed-up life

If you think about me

I complicated it

You used to see the same

Phone call over and over

To hell with this wasted youth of yours

What do they know about departures

If farewells were in fashion

Maybe you'd be a trendsetter

I used to play in the car

With Nintendo and Pokémon

And you'd complain

If I didn't want to talk anymore

You'd open the window

To throw the ashes out

No use hiding with a smile

The shit I already know

There's something I don't understand

Like diving into the Red Sea

I forgot it too soon

But I remember well

When you told me "I'm staying"

Lost in a messed-up life

If you think about me

I complicated it

You used to see the same

Phone call over and over

To hell with this wasted youth of yours

Aisha. Hey, come here.

This is Tito.

I told you he'd come.

CHAPTER 3

The kid...

FATHERS

- The kid doesn't know who I am.

- You're her uncle!

Dave, my... my apartment's a dump

and with work I don't...

I don't have time to... to raise a child.

Hire a nanny. If it's about the money,

you don't have to worry.

Besides, I've always taken care of Aisha.

As a father, Paco was doing a great job.

But with the bills...

Do you know why

Fati left me?

She wanted... she wanted a child.

I don't... don't know how to be a father.

But you always took care of Grace.

So... so what? It's different.

Her... her mother?

When she left, Paco made sure

she couldn't take care of Aisha.

T...

Do you want her end up

with some strange family?

Then, you know what to do.

Aisha!

On my feet Timberland boots...

Aisha!

It's 7 p.m. and Milan's gloomy

Guys move

Money makes you comfortable

Yo, Foxy Brown!

The dark eye of judgement

Looks at you but does not say hello

Lower the volume, it's bad for your ears!

Know that you can come here anytime.

Then why are you sending me away?

I'm not sending you away.

But it's time you spend some time

with Uncle Tito,

to get to know each other, okay?

I... I know...

a... a place in Milan with...

with a marvelous aquarium.

Why... why don't...

don't you look me in the eyes?

Do you think fish can talk to each other?

You don't... you don't always

have to talk to communicate with...

with someone.

So Dad can still hear me

even if I can't talk to him?

Yes. Of...

of course.

Why is your voice hard to understand?

Because...

because I'm a... a robot inside.

That's not true.

Can you wait... wait until we...

we get home at least?

I miss his voice. I want to listen to it.

I'm grading...

I'm grading my students'...

students' homework.

Would... would you like to give...

give me a hand?

The "n" is wrong.

Why are there so many mistakes?

When you're... you're older it's harder

to... to learn a language.

For... for example...

For example,

I know French, but I can't write it.

Since...

since you're being sassy,

let's... let's see how well you do.

Let it go!

Let go!

Did you write lyrics for Dad?

Yes, a... a long time ago.

Uncle David says you're the best.

Uncle... Uncle David likes to remember...

remember things better than they...

they were.

But were you good?

Can you tell me what you think?

I wish I could...

I could fly, so I could... could forget.

I wish for a...

a new house with... with a sea view.

You don't like it?

The... the rhymes are a bit...

a bit amateur.

But it's cute.

There's... there's something...

that I don't get.

What does... what do you mean,

"I don't like school"?

"I don't... don't want to go there."

It's true.

So... so you don't want to see...

to see your... your friends?

And the... the teachers?

I do.

So what... what don't you like then?

I just wanted to be with Dad.

I also, when...

when I... I was young,

sometimes... sometimes I stayed home

to be with... with Grandma.

I've never met Grandma.

So when she starts...

starts talking nonsense?

I'll give her this.

Good.

Hi.

I don't want to go back.

They steal my blankets in there.

Nobody... nobody steals anything from you.

They... they're probably washing them.

And they eat my licorice.

They take them away from me.

Luckily, we brought...

brought something better.

Go on.

What a pretty girl.

Is she yours?

No.

She's... she's Aisha,

Paco's... Paco's daughter.

She wanted... wanted to meet you.

Aisha.

You're such a big girl.

How old are you?

Eight.

Doesn't she remember you and Dad?

No.

I'll... I'll be right back.

Dave, I need... I need to talk to you.

When can we... we meet? It's urgent.

Grandma? This one is my favorite.

That sounds

Like us, like us

Like us, like us, like us

There's nothing that is good for me.

Just you

-No one is like you

-Like you

I said thank goodness you're here

There's nothing that sounds together

Like us

There's no one like us

I wake up and thank goodness you are here

I want to thank the artists

who're performing, on this beautiful day

that follows a dark, sad time,

as you know.

So, enjoy the night, have fun, thank you!

Thank you!

What did you want to talk about?

Nothing.

You said it was important.

It's just... just that...

I... I thought about it,

and I... I want to try anyway.

Can... can you give me the address?

I'm sure... sure that if I talk to...

To Ife, she... she'll listen to me.

T, she's in Lugano,

she has a new life, let it go.

Do you have it, yes... yes or no?

Tomorrow I have something to...

to take care of.

Would... would you like...

Like to spend some time with Uncle David?

Then we'll take the...

the rest of your things after.

If I behave,

will you take me to the aquarium?

All... all right.

You're coming back, right?

Yes, I'll... I'll only leave for...

for a few hours.

I... I promise.

Because there's no one here

We're going out, yeah, from those

Halls that stink of piss

We're going out, yeah,

With that bitch with the Krizia bag

Good guys on the block

Don't get justice

Good guys on the block

Get their own justice

Good guys in bad neighborhoods

Smoke and speak different languages

But don't talk to the cops here

They do things that are better not said

They do things that are better not done

Good guys in bad neighborhoods

No, Mom, Don't you worry

I'm only going out for a ride

With the good guys

They sped by at

3 o'clock in the morning in the Audi...

How are you?

- You?

- Good.

That... that girl

really... really looks a lot like you.

And she's... she's waiting for you.

Tito, I have a new life.

And a man who loves and respects me.

I've never told him about Aisha.

She... she doesn't...

She doesn't know about...

about her mother either.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

Paco was a far better father

than he was a partner.

He was ready, I wasn't.

But I am now.

I am for this child.

So if you could take care of her

at least for a while...

I don't know, maybe things will work out.

Do you...

Do you remember when...

When you wanted to help me find my father?

And you came with me to... to that place?

That... that day...

That day, I went...

went home with an answer.

Your... your daughter can't wait for...

for you forever.

What... what matters is who's there.

What... what matters is who stays.

Everything else doesn't... doesn't matter.

T, wait!

That one is Gianfranco...

That one is Ahmed, the one who's yawning.

- Who?

- The one that's yawning.

We'll eat...

We'll eat that one for dinner. Okay?

No!

That one is Big Spot.

- Who?

- Big Spot, 'cause he has a big spot.

20 DAYS EARLIER

Every day the hatred is intense

Every night when I put on

My headphones

And close my eyes

Only then I don't hear them

They're afraid Of the different

I keep feeling different

And every night

When I turn off the light

I close my eyes and then

I don't think about it

I'll find a meaning to it

- Paco! Do Autumn Beat.

- Come on, Paco!

Paco, Paco, Paco!

There is nothing that is good for me

Only you

There's no one like you

I said thank goodness you're here

There's nothing that sounds together

Like us

There's no one like us

There is nothing that is good for me

Come on, Paco!

Paco!

So, T. How are you?

You'll never believe it.

Yesterday I was in Aisha's room.

I wasn't snooping!

I went to make her bed

and I noticed some papers.

She started writing.

She didn't even tell me.

Can you believe it? Damn!

She's as proud as I am.

But the talent,

you know who she got it from.

Why the fuck do you want to play

this game, Tito?

You're quiet as a ghost.

Why the fuck do you do that to me?

T!

You want to talk to me or not?

Then why the fuck even pick up, Tito?

You gonna make me pay for it?

I wanted to call him back,

every time he got in touch.

The truth is, I never did.

If you love...

love someone,

you can't afford to...

to leave things unfinished.

I don't... don't know if...

if I'll be capable.

But...

but I can try and be your father.

I already had a dad

and I don't want another one.

But will you take me to your home?

I'm not taking you to my...

my home, you hear me?

You dropped the keys!

You dropped the keys in the drain.

Say it, say it properly!

Go... go home.

Come on, I'm... I'm coming right away.

What... what is it?

You were right.

And... are you... are you sure?

Yes.

Look, she's already lost...

lost one parent.

I... I can't let her lose another one.

T, I'm sure.

Then we...

we have to give her some... some time.

Sure.

T, will you promise me something?

I'm going to stay,

but you have to be there.

This family can only work with you in it.

And I need you.

Okay.

I'll be back tomorrow, okay?

You and me

The same past

The same we lived

We believed it You and I

Different style

But the same array

One existence, two lives

You and I

The same passion

We are the same song

The pen and the voice

Always you and me

When there was no pay

When there was no date

When there was no home

I saw God in you

Like in Aisha's eyes

I hope someday you'll realize

I hope one day you'll understand

That you and I

Like an orchestra playing

We hated the world together

And loved the same person

Because regrets are poisoned arrows

When you do nothing

to change the direction of things

Taking care of her

Is a direct extension of your life

The flow of the same line

You and me, us

Same rope, at the ends two slipknots

It'll be us, like that

Till I catch up with you

Dulcis in fun do

Here it's still autumn

There is nothing

That sounds together

Like us, like us,

Like us, like us, like us

There's nothing that's good for me

Only you

There's no one like you

I said thank goodness you're here

There's nothing that sounds together

Like us

There's no one like us

I wake up and thank goodness you're here

I wanted a role model

Who would teach me how to recognize love

Who would explain to me how not to

Throw seeds to the wind

33 knots outside

But I'm not going to stay in here

My retaliation is a need

Not a choice

We're just passing through this land

My mother with voices in her head

Looking out the window

Me dreaming of a different life

Pain is part of the journey

There's no "if I can make it"

No "if I can take it"

We'll leave this place

As soon as I put right

Two or three things

I feel the weight of

Downtown looks like the hood at Mid-August

We smoke in the car, the stereo pumps,

The world looks like ours

We're not a team We're an entity

It's a matter of energy

Rather than identity

There's nothing

That sounds together

Like us, like us,

Like us, like us, like us

There is nothing that is good for me

Only you

There's no one like you

I said thank goodness you're here

There's nothing that sounds together

Like us

There's no one like us

I wake up and thank goodness you're here