Tyler pulled up to Black Gold Records, his nerves tightly coiled despite his calm exterior. It was a strange feeling, meeting Kiana Monroe for the first time. He hadn't really interacted with any high-profile artists at the label before, but he was looking forward to it.
The uber he rode in came to a slow stop at the entrance. Tyler took a deep breath, glancing at his reflection in the rearview mirror. His low cut fade was sharp, his dark skin smooth, and the tattoos that ran down his left arm peeked out from under his black, short-sleeved shirt.
He wore the tattoos like armor, symbols of the past that reminded him of who he was and what he'd been through. They contrasted against his smooth features, giving him a dangerous edge that, in this industry, only added to his appeal. His brown eyes were intense, thoughtful, and always calculating, especially in moments like this.
"Alright, let's get it," he muttered to himself before stepping out of the car.
He put on his baseball cap, wary of the paparazzi that always seemed to circle like vultures. The last thing he needed was to be plastered across some blog or tabloid with the wrong headline. Jamal had done his best to shield him from the spotlight, but Tyler knew it was only a matter of time before it became impossible to stay low-key.
He took the elevator up to the fifth floor, where Kiana's space was. As the doors opened, he walked into a quiet but high-end part of the building. Everything here screamed luxury, from the marble floors to the polished glass walls. It was a far cry from the world he grew up in.
He stopped in front of her studio. Before he could knock, the door opened, and there she was.
Kiana Monroe.
Her eyes met his first, dark and sharp, with an intensity that held both curiosity and caution. She was even more striking in person, with caramel skin that practically glowed under the soft studio lights, her long curls cascading down her back. She was dressed casually but in designer gear, a soft sweater and fitted jeans, effortlessly blending comfort with high fashion.
Beside her, standing slightly back, was Cynthia—Kiana's manager. A woman with sharp features, slicked-back hair, and the kind of cool professionalism that could both command and unnerve a room. Her sharp, assessing eyes fell on Tyler, but she didn't say a word yet.
For a brief moment, Kiana and Tyler just looked at each other, sizing one another up. Tyler, with his low-cut fade, the tattoos running down his left arm, and his dark, handsome features, exuded a quiet intensity that wasn't lost on Kiana. She took note of his smooth yet rugged aura, and he noticed the easy confidence she carried, even after her recent struggles in the industry.
"Tyler," Kiana greeted, her voice warm yet firm as she smiled.
"Kiana," he nodded back, his deep voice even and smooth, returning the energy she gave.
Cynthia, always direct, stepped forward to break the silence. "Let's head inside. We have a lot to discuss." She gestured toward the studio.
Tyler followed them in, taking in the space. It was as luxurious and professional as he expected. The equipment was state-of-the-art, the walls adorned with framed awards, while large windows overlooked the city. The atmosphere was relaxed, but it was clear that this was a place where serious work got done.
Kiana settled on a plush leather couch, crossing her legs casually. Cynthia sat in a sleek chair nearby, her posture rigid, always business-like. Tyler sat across from Kiana, sinking into the couch, trying to balance his thoughts between her and the matter at hand.
"So, you wanted to meet," Tyler started, his voice calm but curious, testing the waters. He glanced briefly at Cynthia, knowing her presence added another layer to this conversation. She was the gatekeeper, and everything would pass through her.
Kiana leaned back, her hands resting on her knees. "Yeah, I did. I've been listening to Heart on a Sleeve. Gotta say, I'm impressed." Her eyes held a spark of interest that told Tyler she wasn't just here because it was a smart business move—she genuinely liked his work.
Cynthia, sitting with her legs crossed, nodded. "Kiana thought a collaboration could be a good move. Something fresh for both of you."
Tyler, keeping it real, gave a small shrug. "I appreciate that. Honestly, I wasn't expecting someone like you to be interested in a remix, though."
Kiana tilted her head, a playful smile on her lips. "Someone like me?"
"You know," Tyler gestured vaguely, "You've been in the game for a minute. You're a big name. I'm just getting started."
Cynthia leaned in, her sharp voice interjecting. "Don't sell yourself short, Tyler. You're making waves, and that's why we're having this conversation. Kiana sees potential in working with you. This isn't about where you are—it's about what you can do together."
Tyler nodded, taking in her words, but Kiana took the moment to dive deeper.
"I've been in this game for a while, yeah," Kiana admitted, her voice softening slightly. "But these past two years haven't been easy. You can fall off quicker than you rise, and I'm trying to get back to where I was—or even further. The label's been pressuring me to drop a hit, and... let's just say, not everyone's been supportive."
Tyler could read between the lines. He'd heard stories about the politics in the music industry, the power plays and compromises that had nothing to do with talent.
"Yeah, I get that," Tyler said quietly. "But I'm not looking to chase fame either. I just want to make real music, put out something I believe in."
Cynthia seemed to raise an eyebrow at that, but Kiana's face softened, and she leaned forward. "And that's why I think this could work. I don't want to just chase numbers either. I want something that feels right."
The room settled into a comfortable silence, the tension from earlier dissipating as they found common ground. Tyler could feel the sincerity in Kiana's words, and even though Cynthia's presence reminded him that this was business, there was a genuine opportunity here.
"I think we can make this work," Tyler said, leaning back into the couch, his gaze flicking briefly to Cynthia. "I'm down to play with the beat, maybe record a new verse. We can make this feel fresh."
Kiana nodded, her excitement visible. "That's what I was hoping to hear."
Cynthia cleared her throat, leaning forward now, her sharpness returning. "We'll iron out the logistics, but we can schedule the studio time to make this happen. We'll need a clear timeline so we can make sure it aligns with your other projects."
Tyler glanced between Kiana and her manager, feeling a growing sense of anticipation. This was about to be his first high-profile collab. If they played their cards right, this could take him to a whole new level.
As they wrapped up the meeting, Tyler stood, extending his hand first to Kiana. "Looking forward to working with you."
She took his hand, her grip firm, her smile genuine. "Me too, Tyler. Let's make something great."
Cynthia shook his hand next, her professional mask never slipping. "We'll be in touch with the schedule soon."