The First Big Check

The sun was setting as KJ sat on the stoop of his building, his mind still buzzing from the events of the past few weeks. He had made the decision to walk away from Limitless Records, and although it hadn't been easy, something about it felt right. The weight he'd been carrying had finally lifted, but there was still a gnawing hunger within him, the drive to prove that he could succeed without compromising his values.

He had spent the last few days diving deeper into his music, writing new verses, and revisiting old tracks. There was an energy he hadn't felt in a while—one that came from the freedom of knowing he could create on his own terms, without the pressure of a label looming over him.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him out of his thoughts. He pulled it out, squinting at the screen. It was a number he didn't recognize, but the area code was familiar.

He answered on the second ring.

"Yo, this KJ," he said, trying to sound casual but feeling a surge of anticipation.

"Hey, KJ. It's Shawn from Rhythm Events. You got a minute?"

KJ stood up, his heart rate quickening. Rhythm Events was one of the hottest event planning companies in the city. They organized everything from underground parties to large-scale concerts. The kind of company that could get him the exposure he needed.

"Yeah, what's good?" KJ replied, his voice steady despite the butterflies in his stomach.

"Listen, I've been following your music for a minute, and I think you've got something special," Shawn began. "We've got a show coming up next month, and we're looking for a fresh face to open for one of our bigger acts. We've got a decent budget for this, and I wanted to know if you'd be interested in performing."

KJ's pulse quickened. Opening for a big act? That was huge. But the real kicker was the budget.

"I'm listening," KJ said, trying to keep his cool.

"We're offering $10,000 for the performance, plus you'll get a share of the merch sales. It's not a huge arena or anything, but it's a solid crowd, and it could be a great way to get your name out there."

KJ felt his heart skip a beat. Ten thousand dollars. That was more than he had ever made from music in his entire life. And it wasn't just the money that was exciting—it was the opportunity. The chance to stand on a stage in front of a crowd that might actually listen to his music, to be seen by the right people.

But then his mind flashed to the last few weeks—the decision he had made to walk away from the offer that had seemed too good to be true. He had chosen to do things his way, without being tied down by anyone else's expectations. Could this be the break he had been waiting for, or was he just being swept up in the excitement?

Shawn's voice pulled him back to the present. "What do you think, KJ? Are you in?"

KJ exhaled slowly, the weight of the decision pressing on him. Ten thousand dollars. A chance to prove himself. But he couldn't let the money be the only factor here. He had to think bigger. He had to think about what this could mean for his career in the long run. He didn't want to take a step backward, but the thought of having his name in the lights, even if only for a night, felt like a step forward.

"Let me think about it for a second," KJ said, rubbing his chin. "I'm definitely interested, but I need to know more about the details. What's the crowd size? What kind of exposure are we talking about?"

Shawn didn't hesitate. "It's a 2,000-person venue, and we've got press lined up for the show. We'll be promoting it through all the major social media channels, and we've got some bloggers coming out to cover the event. You'll have a chance to really get your name out there if you can impress the crowd. Trust me, it'll be worth it."

KJ took a deep breath, the weight of the decision still hanging in the air. He had never performed for a crowd that big. Sure, he had rocked small venues and bars, but this was different. This was the kind of opportunity that could change everything. The exposure, the press, the potential connections—it was everything he'd been working for.

"I'm in," KJ said, his voice steady, but there was a spark in his chest. "Let's do it."

Shawn let out a relieved laugh. "That's what I like to hear. I'll send over the contract and all the details tomorrow. You're gonna crush it, KJ. This is the start of something big."

The call ended, and KJ stood there for a moment, staring at his phone. It was real. Ten thousand dollars. A show that could open doors he hadn't even dreamed of. But more than that, it was validation. It was proof that the hustle was paying off, that people were starting to take notice of his talent.

He opened his banking app, just to double-check. The number staring back at him was $7,000. A solid amount, enough to keep him going for a while, but nowhere near enough to cover all his expenses if things didn't pick up soon. His family had always been supportive, but he hated relying on them for money. His mom and dad had their own struggles, trying to keep the rent paid and the lights on.

KJ's mind drifted to his parents. They'd worked so hard for so many years. His mom, cleaning offices late into the night, his dad working double shifts just to keep food on the table. They had given up so much for him to chase his dream, and he wanted to make sure they didn't have to struggle anymore.

Without hesitation, he tapped on the transfer button, pulling up his parents' rent details. The rent was due in two days, and while he didn't have quite enough to pay everything in full, $1,000 was more than enough to cover their portion for the month.

He transferred the money, a smile creeping onto his face as he thought about the look on his mom's face when she found out. She was always so proud of him, even when he had nothing to show for it but a handful of mixtapes and a dream. This, though—this was real. He was starting to make something of himself. And now, he could help his parents in a way that mattered.

"Yo, KJ!" a voice called out from across the street.

KJ turned to see Rico walking toward him, a big grin on his face. "What's good, bro?"

KJ held up his phone. "Guess what just happened?"

Rico raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "What's up?"

"Rhythm Events just offered me $10,000 to open for a big act next month," KJ said, the words still feeling surreal. "They're promoting the hell out of it, and they said I could get some serious exposure."

Rico's eyes widened. "Hold up. Ten thousand? For a show?"

"Yeah," KJ replied, shaking his head in disbelief. "Can you believe it?"

Rico let out a low whistle. "Man, that's crazy. I knew you had it in you, but this? This is big. You about to make a name for yourself, KJ."

KJ smiled, feeling a rush of excitement. "This is just the beginning, bro. This is what we've been working for."

Rico slapped him on the back. "You've earned it. And when you're on that stage, don't forget where you came from. This is just one step, but it's a big one."

KJ nodded. "I won't forget. This is for us."

They stood there for a moment, the city buzzing around them, but KJ's thoughts were elsewhere. Ten thousand dollars. A chance to perform for a real crowd. This was his shot. And he wasn't about to let it slip away.

As they walked back inside, KJ's mind was already racing with thoughts of what to do next. He had to prepare. He had to bring his A-game. This wasn't just about the money—it was about proving to himself, to everyone who doubted him, that he was ready for this. The hustle had only just begun.

And as he thought about the transfer to his parents, a deep sense of pride filled him. He had helped them out, just like they had helped him all those years. This was the kind of life he wanted to build—not just for himself, but for his family too.