Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Reinvention
On the weekend, major music radio stations in New York simultaneously received a new single CD. The cover still featured Raymond, and Republic Records showed no intention of obscuring him. Except for the color change to a deep blue with a yellow title and Raymond being covered by a pink halo, it was identical to the first single.
Unlike the cover of the previous single, this one was still eye-catching, but the title had changed from "Beast Star" to "Reinvention."
Yes, the song "Eight Hours Later" had been renamed "Reinvention," and along with it, a handwritten card was delivered to major DJs.
At the same time as the radios received the new single, music stores in New York also received the CD of Raymond's new song, "Reinvention."
Divaal was one of those store owners. He was dark-skinned with a third of Indian ancestry, had a small curly head of hair, and appeared shrewd and stingy. He habitually waved his hands while speaking to express his emotions.
After receiving the sample disc from Republic Records, he casually placed it aside and didn't pick it up again until after lunch.
"Reinvention? Why does this cover look just like the Beast one? Damn, is it the same person? Do they think changing the color will make people forget about the previous noise?"
After grumbling, he inserted the CD into the DVD player. Music quickly played, and the screen showed the visuals.
Unlike the usual chaotic streets or a group of friends rapping in front of a car in hip-hop music videos, this time the screen showed a closed blue door. As the prelude progressed, the door moved closer, as if something awaited revelation inside.
Divaal was somewhat surprised. The entire MV from the start presented a very unique tone and atmosphere. The blue and yellow were strikingly paired, immediately grabbing his attention.
"Well, it seems there's some skill here." Divaal had to admit that the MV's colors were indeed stunning, but just that wouldn't make people reach for their wallets.
Then, he saw a suspenseful murder scene.
Raymond was killed by a plastic bag, and when the killer removed the mask, it turned out to be Raymond himself!
He was bathed in blue light, holding a pink cross, destroying everything, as if destroying his former self.
Although it was somewhat unclear, it was impressively powerful.
The music, honestly, wasn't very catchy, but it was a vast improvement over the previous screaming rap, and oddly addictive. The repetitive lyrics and deep blue visuals made even Divaal hum along a few lines.
"I feel like I've learned it already. Is this really the Beast Raymond? It feels like a different person, but it's fine as long as it sounds good!"
After watching the entire MV, he sang along a few more lines, then picked up the phone to call the contact at Republic Records: "Jack, I want eight hundred copies of 'Reinvention'!"
"What? Not enough stock? How could that be?"
"Only three hundred left? Damn, when will you restock? I'm sure it'll sell out!"
And there were many store owners like him wanting to restock. Even Giorgio didn't expect that, without any promotion, the fifteen thousand CDs he had prepared were snatched up by various music stores.
Meanwhile, Ethan and Raymond were in a car, listening to DJ old Ai's radio show.
"Old Ai, I heard you've been playing a certain song on repeat lately?" The host didn't introduce the song directly but instead posed a question.
"That's right, you wouldn't guess who it is. SHXT, I'm actually listening to his song! And I'm hooked!"
"Come on, tell us, I'm sure everyone's curious."
"It's Raymond, Beast Raymond, the terrifying contender who shook up the streets of New York!"
"FXXK!" Raymond angrily hit the steering wheel, like a gorilla escaped from a zoo. "When did I shake up the streets?"
Davis, sitting in the back, smirked. "Not just shaking up the streets; many people want you to pay for accident damages!"
Raymond turned around and glared at Davis, who immediately shut up, while Lil B and Big M grinned and mocked.
Only Ethan remained unaffected, continuing to listen to the conversation on the radio.
"Wait, wait! Don't rush to leave," Old Ai's anxious voice held back the departing host, explaining, "I want to clarify, this isn't a promotion. I didn't take any money from them. I was the most critical of Raymond's previous shitty song, so listeners, don't go away. Let me finish."
"Alright, alright, I admit I'm a bit scared. After all, I don't want to be threatened with bullets again," the host said with a cowardly tone, followed by an electronic laugh track.
"When I received the album the day before yesterday, I was going to throw it in the trash, but you know what? This Beast Raymond actually wrote a letter himself. Damn, when did hip-hop artists get so cultured?"
"What did he write?"
"It's very short. Let me read it to everyone." Old Ai took out the card and said into the microphone: "First, this is my last song. Secondly, I want to tell everyone that Black people are not just about gangs and flaunting wealth. I'm a kid from the streets. Everything about me originates from my family and neighborhood. It's like my father.
"Although I fight, steal, and often make my mom sad, and my songs don't match market trends, I really love music and have changed. I don't ask for everyone's forgiveness, but I hope you can give me a chance. I want to use this song to prove that I haven't forgotten the streets that raised me, to prove that I've reinvented myself."
After reading it, Old Ai remarked: "Just like he said, I'm also a kid from the streets, so I understand this guy."
"It does sound quite sincere…"
"Did you really write a letter?" Big M asked incredulously.
"Of course!" Raymond snorted. "But most of it was Ethan's idea."
"I see," Lil B said, understanding. Old Ai continued to praise: "Yes, after that, I listened to the song, and guess what? It's amazing! Whether it's the MV's filming or the song's rhythm, it's fantastic. I'm on cloud nine!"
"Even though it's the same person, how could he sing two completely different kinds of songs? Really, it's amazing!"
The host clearly didn't believe it: "Really? Are you sure you're not lying to me?"
"Of course!" Old Ai raised his voice.
"Then let's hear it? If the first line isn't good, I'll cut it off."
"Don't worry, you'll feel the absolute contrast. This time, Beast Raymond has turned into Lyric Raymond, reinvented himself!"
With that, the music started, and all the listeners immediately felt the difference from the previous slow and gentle rhythm.
The people in the car also quieted down with the song.
Only Ethan continued to smile while listening to the music. The effect was excellent.
In essence, this tactic was two words: selling pity.
But those listeners would likely forgive Raymond. After all, isn't this the most favored script in America? A bad boy's self-redemption—a truly inspirational story.
This was inspired by various social media posts from the future, turning professional guidance into emotional output, using seemingly correct words to cover up Raymond's past mistakes.
Moreover, self-redemption in the style of Robert Downey Jr. was the most politically correct approach nowadays. After years of cinematic influence, everyone could empathize.
Even if they weren't particularly interested, just giving Raymond a chance to be heard was completely sufficient!
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