On the Come Up: Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Bri walks fifteen minutes west to the Maple Grove projects, which is a rougher neighborhood than hers. A man recognizes Bri as “Li'l Law” and shouts at her from a passing car, and Bri waves. Bri thinks that if Lawless had lived, he'd have gotten a record deal and they'd be fine. She thinks of all the other people who have power over her life: the dealer who sold Jay her first hit, and the cop who killed the boy, starting the riots. She vows to take back power as a young boy on a dirt bike, Jojo, stops inches from Bri. Bri sees that he has money pinned to his shirt and reasons that it must be his birthday. She gives him free skittles and asks him why he's not in school.

Jojo follows Bri to the courtyard of Aunt Pooh's apartment building. Pooh and one of her closest friends, Scrap, sit on Pooh's car, surrounded by other Garden Disciples. Bri explains she got suspended and tells them everything. Pooh angrily says she'll take care of the guards, but Bri insists it's fine. Scrap tries to buy candy on credit, but Bri refuses and says it's against the "Ten Snack Commandments." Pooh excitedly announces that Bri rewrote the famous song "Ten Crack Commandments" and ask Bri to perform it. When Bri is done, a few of Pooh's friends bow and Jojo's mouth hangs open.

Aunt Pooh sends everyone away including Jojo, who wants desperately to become a Garden Disciple. After he leaves, Pooh looks at Bri with concern and asks if she's okay. Bri feels as though she has "hoodlum" branded on her forehead and says that Jay won't let her transfer to Garden High. She says she feels invisible, but Pooh encourages her to focus on the big things coming—especially after her Ring performance.

Pooh asks how Bri got home, and Bri explains how and why Jay got laid off. Bri admits she's not okay and Pooh promises to help. Bri knows Jay won't accept, since Pooh's money comes from drugs. Pooh assures Bri that they won't let this stop "the come up," which is their goal to get out of Garden Heights by rapping. Bri says she just doesn't want to be deadweight, since she's the only one at home not working. She says she wants to make the rap thing happen now, so she can make money and help Jay. Pooh says that they'll keep going back to the Ring and then says that she arranged for Bri to record a song with a local producer tomorrow. Bri is ecstatic. Scrap suggests Bri do something like "Swagerific"—even though it has no substance, it's catchy.

A skinny old man shouts at Pooh from across the courtyard. Pooh goes to him and sends him away with a little baggie. Bri doesn't know how Pooh can sell drugs when her own sister used to be addicted. She thinks that if the rap thing happens, Pooh will give up dealing. Scrap tells Bri that she has skills and she's good for the neighborhood. He says that Lawless was a big deal and gave everyone hope, and Bri can do the same thing. Bri wonders if it's true.