Shotgun Willy

The contestants buzzed with anticipation as the next song appeared on screen. The previous tracks had already exceeded expectations, leaving them anxious to discover which song would be assigned to them.

However, when the next producer's name flashed across the screen, there was an almost unanimous reaction from the trainees—excitement, awe, and a growing sense of competition.

The screen displayed the name Bruno Mars.

Gasps rippled through the room, followed by excited murmurs.

Prince immediately recognized the name. Bruno Mars was a global sensation—his hit songs, even in Prince's old world, had made waves. Grenade, Just the Way You Are, The Lazy Song, Marry You—all chart-topping classics that had cemented his status as one of the best.

At the front of the room, Kitty and Dexter exchanged knowing smiles, fully aware of the effect the name alone had on the contestants.

Then, Bruno Mars himself appeared on the screen. "Hey, everyone! Bruno Mars here, and I'm thrilled to introduce the song you'll be performing—Uptown Funk."

The energy in the room spiked.

Bruno's assistant chimed in. "Bruno's signature style shines through in Uptown Funk. This track is a funk-pop and boogie fusion with strong influences from 1980s funk, R&B, and the Minneapolis sound. Inspired by legends like James Brown, and Morris Day & The Time, the song boasts funky guitar riffs, a bold brass section, and an undeniably catchy bassline."

The screen displayed the song's title in bold letters, and a wave of excitement rolled through the trainees. Everyone in the industry knew—landing a Bruno Mars song was like getting a golden ticket. Even just starting with it felt like a major step toward stardom.

As the chorus played, the room instantly filled with infectious energy. Contestants watched in awe as the dancers on the screen executed intricate footwork with confidence and flair while effortlessly delivering the vocals. The sheer groove of the song was irresistible.

CJ leaned forward, practically vibrating with excitement. "This is it. We have to get this song."

"Damn," Rocky muttered, eyes locked on the screen. "I want to perform this one."

Bryce, who had been relatively quiet, nodded in agreement. His usually composed demeanor faltered as he, too, was drawn into the song's allure.

Prince remained outwardly calm, but deep inside, something sparked. Out of all the songs so far, this was the one he felt connected to the most. He had listened to it countless times before, and unlike the others, he knew exactly how to approach it.

But judging by the reactions around him, he wasn't the only one who wanted it.

Even after the teaser ended, conversations about Uptown Funk dominated the room. The excitement refused to fade.

However, the energy shifted as the screen displayed the final song.

The title: Married to the Bag by Shotgun Willy.

The room stilled for a moment before whispers spread through the contestants.

"Wait, what?" someone muttered.

Shotgun Willy was a big name. A powerhouse in the rap scene, known for hit tracks like Oreo, Bombs Away, and Dalai Lama. His reputation had been cemented as a judge on Show Me Your Bling, a popular rap competition show. Anything he put out was bound to be a hit.

(A/N: This is fiction so don't take it too seriously. )

"How much budget does this show have?" one contestant mumbled in disbelief. "They're bringing out huge producers."

"This is crazy," another added. "But… I don't rap."

"I don't care," someone else insisted. "My mind is set on Uptown Funk. I need that song."

The murmurs died down as the beat kicked in.

Prince's ears perked up. The intro alone was catchy—laid back but bouncy, with a playful, almost mischievous vibe. It felt different from the other songs.

Then, Shotgun Willy's voice came through the speakers.

"This song revolves around money, success, and personal independence," he explained. "The phrase Married to the Bag represents a deep commitment to making money and staying focused on financial success over distractions."

The song had a heavy rap influence—nearly every verse and even the bridge were pure rap. The chorus, while melodic, had a sing-rap quality to it.

Prince frowned slightly as he listened. Something was off. Some parts of the lyrics were either missing or weren't quite the same as the version he remembered from his old world.

Then, Shotgun Willy clarified the reason.

"But here's the catch—some parts of the song are intentionally left blank. A real rapper knows how to make a track their own. So, this is your chance. The performing contestants will have to incorporate their own rap verses into the song."

A ripple of surprise ran through the room.

Contestants who had initially been excited about the song were suddenly second-guessing it.

They wouldn't just have to perform it. They had to write for it.

Learn the track. Adapt to its style. Then craft original verses to match its energy.

No thanks.

Many looked away, their interest visibly fading. It was too much pressure. Too much responsibility.

But Prince?

Prince felt something different.

A slow realization crept up on him.

This song…

This might be exactly what they needed.