On the Come Up 2022

In the midst of adolescence’s complexities, 16-year-old Brianna “Bri” Jackson embarks on a quest to reclaim her inheritance—the legacy of her late father, Lawless Jackson, a beloved local rapper from Garden Heights. With the unwavering support of her Aunt Pooh (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), who takes on the dual roles of confidante and manager, Bri finds herself navigating the murky waters of her identity—balancing who she wants to be with who she is, as well as the expectations imposed by those around her. This existential battle rages on within the walls of her school, where the challenge lies in aligning her dreams with the brutal truths of teenage life.

After an intense confrontation at the “Ring,” a hub for local MCs involved in rap battles, Bri returns home grappling with the insecurities that have haunted her for years. Her mother, Jay (Sanaa Lathan), is dealing with the fallout from losing her job, and together they must find ways to support themselves while healing their strained relationship. It’s Jay’s steadfast encouragement that fuels Bri’s sense of resolve, a steady presence throughout the turmoil brought on by her mother’s previous struggle with addiction.

As Bri maneuvers through her high school experience, she finds solace and purpose in selling candy to help contribute to her family’s finances. However, her efforts take a drastic turn when an aggressive security officer confronts her about her bag of sweets, leading to a chaotic encounter where Bri is shoved to the ground, handcuffed, and taken to the principal’s office. Jay is summoned to the school, voicing her displeasure over how Bri has been treated. While the principal assures them that such incidents are not uncommon, the consequences for Bri culminate in a suspension, a harsh reminder of the challenges she must face.

In the wake of the embarrassment, Bri and Aunt Pooh celebrate their recent victory over Milez but are soon disinvited from the Ring due to an ongoing feud between Aunt Pooh and the Kings Crown gang. Not letting this setback deter her, Bri takes matters into her own hands, engaging in an unsanctioned cypher outside where she once again displays her talent, capturing the attention of Supreme (Method Man), a prominent producer linked to her father.

Supreme offers Bri the chance to collaborate on a new track in Atlanta, bringing along Sonny and Malik for the ride. However, tensions arise in the studio when Malik expresses his discomfort with how Bri is portrayed in their song, leading to a serious disagreement that threatens their budding partnership. Despite the friction, their song quickly becomes a hit. Yet, with its rise to fame comes backlash, as its lyrics spark concern among parents at Bri’s school and infuriate the Kings Crown gang.

When Bri returns home, Aunt Pooh is furious about the song’s content, setting off a heated debate between them. Amid the chaos, Jay and Bri engage in a heartfelt conversation about their past and agree to start fresh. Their family then faces the school’s administration, attending a meeting with the superintendent to address the fallout from the controversial song.

During the meeting, Jay holds the superintendent accountable for his lack of response regarding Bri’s experiences with school security and her recent suspension. As the underlying tensions rise, it becomes evident that the repercussions of Bri’s hit single extend far beyond her immediate world, calling for careful navigation and emotional growth.

As Bri and Malik reconnect, they are blindsided by two aggressive members of the Kings Crown, who launch a vicious attack on Malik and make off with Lawless’ prized chain that Bri wore, a direct consequence of her bold lyrics. Arriving just in time, Aunt Pooh demands to know what happened, but her attempt at retaliation results in a tragic situation, leaving her hospitalized and at risk of serious legal trouble upon waking from her coma.

When Aunt Pooh regains consciousness, she delivers a prophetic message to Bri, expressing faith in her potential for greatness. The pivotal moment comes during a showdown at the Ring against Infamous Millz, Supreme’s talented artists. As the battle unfolds, Infamous leverages the opportunity to taunt Bri about her mother’s complicated past. Drawing from the pain and growth she has experienced, Bri delivers a potent counterattack, triumphing in a confrontation that symbolizes years of struggle and triumph.