Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 238: I'm Not Dr. Dre, I'm Dr. Ray]

The next day, at Interscope Records office.

"Mr. Rivers, you can go in; it's just you," the secretary informed Ryan specifically.

Ryan stood up, adjusted his attire, and walked into the office.

"Were you getting anxious? Sorry, I had a busy day. I canceled a few meetings just to meet with you," Jimmy said as he just hung up the phone from behind his large desk, where a few family photos were displayed.

"You know, the Black Eyed Peas have achieved unexpected success with this album. Honestly, we owe a lot to you, Ryan. Will heard your song and got inspired. To be frank, your presence solidified my decision to launch Stephanie into the market," Jimmy added with a smile.

"It's my honor," Ryan nodded.

"We could totally collaborate further. The sales from your co-branded headphones with Taylor -- take a guess at how many we've sold?" Jimmy asked.

"Over 70,000 pairs! In just a year, those headphones could generate close to ten million in revenue for both of you," Jimmy grinned wide, his glasses glinting in the light.

"The main reason is still the solid product quality of Beats headphones," Ryan smirked.

In truth, the quality of Beats headphones was quite subpar. On fan forums, there were numerous complaints about the headphones malfunctioning shortly after purchase -- issues like the ear cushions peeling off, the folding locks breaking, one ear not working... there were all sorts of bizarre problems. As for sound quality, it was definitely at the bottom of the headphone hierarchy. Ryan had used them before; they only tweaked the bass response, which varied from person to person.

"I think we could definitely collaborate further, don't you think?" Jimmy gauged.

Just as Ryan had said to Taylor before, in some sense, Jimmy was similar to Ryan; he would never pass up an opportunity to make money.

"What kind of collaboration do you have in mind?" Ryan countered.

"What do you think? I want to hear your thoughts first," Jimmy probed.

"Los Angeles needs a Bad Room, and the Bad Room needs the city," Ryan stated directly.

Jimmy listened to Ryan, maintaining a smile, but didn't respond immediately.

"Continue," he said, sizing up Ryan.

"So, you're the first option I'm considering," Ryan shifted the topic.

"Do you have other options?" Jimmy inquired further.

"Of course, I'll be meeting with a few people in the next few days, some work in Hollywood, and there are some corporate executives too. I might even move to Los Angeles to personally manage the flagship store," Ryan elaborated, presenting more possibilities.

"No problem. Ultimately, this is your choice, but you have to consider who can truly help you," Jimmy nodded, unsure if he believed it.

"I saw that article in DJ magazine; those Europeans know how to stir the pot," Jimmy mentioned, reminiscing about the previous report.

"Blockades often represent new opportunities. Didn't the Black Eyed Peas perform at the Ultra Music Festival?" Ryan pondered.

Jimmy waved his hand, "Let's not even go there. After the park incident, they faced a lot of backlash. The Black Eyed Peas won't be returning to any festivals. Those drugged-up maniacs are capable of anything."

That wasn't good news for Ryan.

"Are you planning to invite the Black Eyed Peas to the upcoming Bad Room Carnival? Including other artists? Am I right?" Jimmy suddenly asked.

"The Bad Room Carnival welcomes anyone," Ryan didn't directly answer the question.

"Sure, you've opened the door this time, but others may not walk in. Given the current situation, I doubt many big-name DJs will want to show up; they'd likely choose the international music conference on Ibiza instead," Jimmy bluntly pointed out the issue.

"And in your plans, the Bad Room Carnival is extremely important. Considering your intention to establish an electronic music academy... If I were European, I wouldn't sit still either. You're too eager and too blatant," Jimmy analyzed.

"I'm just laying the groundwork," Ryan shook his head.

"Actually, you didn't do anything wrong. Europe is naturally ahead in this area. But everything that's happening leads to you sitting in front of me, preparing for full collaboration," Jimmy finally articulated Ryan's underlying thoughts.

After all this back and forth, he had known Ryan's true purpose in coming here from the start. With Jimmy's experience and extensive connections in the industry, nothing escaped his keen eye.

"Ryan, I now have a new proposal. Including merging the 'Bedroom' and 'T&R Recordings' under Interscope Records, we'll develop electronic music -- the kind that belongs to America. I can solve all the problems you're facing now, and we can grow the pie together -- this is essentially the same for you and Taylor. You're just moving from Republic Records to Interscope. A bright future awaits both of you," Jimmy said brightly.

The Bedroom and T&R were both just subsidiary labels under Republic, and Republic held only a symbolic share. Furthermore, both Interscope and Republic were subsidiaries of Universal Music Group; in other words, this didn't change much for Ryan at all.

"And afterward, you can still lead the Bad Room in Los Angeles. I'm not interested in running the nightclub. As for the Bad Room Carnival, I'll send the best people over to make it a star-studded event," Jimmy continued, hoping to persuade Ryan.

These two issues were currently what troubled Ryan the most, like a lifeline thrown in the snow.

Seeing that Ryan still hadn't responded, Jimmy pressed on, "Look at Eminem, look at Dr. Dre, look at the Black Eyed Peas, look at Lady Gaga. They all faced similar choices, and they made their decisions. As for the outcomes they achieved, you're seeing it now; they became superstars. Ryan, to me, you are just like the Dre of the past, representing a brand new musical genre. You have your ideas and the execution to back them up. To me, this is an investment; you are the next era's Dre."

"Yes, I certainly welcome your investment, but only at the nightclub level," Ryan shook his head and stated his decision. "As for the performance roster of the festival, I'll pay market rates."

Ryan completely rejected Jimmy's plan.

"You're the first to say that to me," Jimmy shook his head, a hint of disbelief across his face. He had thought these were an offer he couldn't refuse.

"Because I'm not the former Dr. Dre; I'm Dr. Ray," Ryan replied, locking eyes with him.

"Then tell me, how are you different from him back in the day?" Jimmy asked with a chuckle.

"Dre had an uncertain future. His boss was a gang member, and he was surrounded by streetwise kids. He made music fueled purely by passion; all he had to rely on was music."

"Not long ago, I met a Hollywood star who told me she got into some trouble, Anne Hathaway. I helped her behind the scenes. In Florida, I collaborated with a company under Carlyle Group, working to develop a piece of land that was once religious grounds and later had its designation changed. Oh, and at a recent ceremony, I met Rick Scott, who's a broker for the Bush family. He has some ties with the Tea Party, and not long ago, conservative media released the draft of the 'Reinvestment Act.' It made quite a stir. Aren't you curious how those media sources got their hands on that draft?" Ryan recounted what he had been up to lately.

"Do you need me to elaborate?" Ryan finally asked.

"No need," Jimmy's smile became strained.

What seemed like offhand remarks hit Jimmy hard.

Indeed, Hollywood stars, including some well-known singers, would lend their support to certain figures, but that was mostly during presidential elections, and such endorsements were often just for show.

But Ryan was different; he wasn't seeking mere appearances but real substance.

Could someone like him be satisfied with just the music industry? Clearly not.

So, it was better not to stand in his way.

"So let's continue discussing the specifics of our nightclub collaboration," Ryan shifted his tone to a more relaxed one.

"You just mentioned you're not interested in running a nightclub?" Ryan reminded Jimmy of his earlier statement.

Jimmy absentmindedly nodded.

...

Half an hour later, Ryan exited Jimmy's office.

Hearing Teresa's gaze directed at him, Ryan nodded back at her.

"Did Jimmy agree to the collaboration?" she asked once they were in the car.

"That's right. We'll be partners in creating the most luxurious and grand nightclub in Los Angeles -- up to par with the giant clubs on Ibiza," Ryan replied.

"What about the carnival?"

"A lot of major artists under Interscope Records will be in attendance, of course, provided we can afford their fees," Ryan responded.

Hearing this, Teresa finally felt relieved.

"Let's celebrate tonight," Teresa said while eyeing Ryan with a smile.

"Since we're in Los Angeles, let's bring Daddario along," Teresa suggested.

Ryan pondered for a moment but didn't decline. The last time Taylor was around, he hadn't given her any chances.

"If we're bringing Daddario, why not invite one more?" Ryan thought aloud.

"Are you referring to Amber?"

"No, I'm thinking of another woman."

...

That evening, after Daddario wrapped up her shoot, she hurried back to her place in Los Angeles. First, she made sure to put on beautiful makeup, followed by carefully selecting her outfit and slipping into high heels. Before heading out, she made a couple of last-minute adjustments, including putting on a hat, and then she finally left for Ryan's hotel, where he had asked her to meet him.

Upon arriving at the room, she knocked twice, and the door swung open to reveal a woman who was not Teresa -- someone unfamiliar to her.

"What are you doing here?" they both said in simultaneous surprise before bursting into laughter.

After Anne Hathaway let her in and closed the door, the two women exchanged glances, both aware of each other's purpose for being there: for the same man. Their shared understanding made them shyly grin at one another.

To break the ice, Daddario glanced around, "Where's Teresa? She didn't get a head start, did she?"

Hathaway shook her head, "You mean Ryan's secretary? She's on the phone; Ryan is too."

...

At that moment, Ryan and Teresa were busy confirming the lineup for the performers at the Bad Room Carnival. Jimmy had already confirmed support from his artists, and Ryan's aim was to make immediate contact with them to avoid any delays.

As the first carnival, Ryan was determined to make a splash and didn't hold back on inviting everyone he could. In that short time, he had already reached out to the Black Eyed Peas and Lady Gaga, both must-have representatives of electronic music.

Additionally, he had also contacted Eminem, who had just released a new album after five years and was looking for exposure. His manager was on board immediately.

On top of that, Ryan leveraged his past connections to reach out to Lionel Richie and Usher. After much persuasion, they agreed to come, and Lionel even mentioned he would bring along a newcomer.

Ryan hung up and looked at Daddario, who had just placed her bag on the couch. He didn't feel particularly happy about things.

While he had secured their appearances, the costs had skyrocketed to an absurd figure, blowing away the budget he initially set.

Where would the money come from?

After considering, he realized that only sponsors might come to the rescue.

...

As it grew darker outside, the three women began chatting about their recent lives. Teresa and Daddario were mindful of Hathaway's presence and avoided delving too deep into their relationships with Ryan. Hathaway simply observed the rings on their fingers, thinking it was just a casual indulgence between a boss and his employees, something quite common. Ryan was young, attractive, and talented -- certainly, women would be drawn to him.

As for Hathaway, she positioned herself as an unexpected intruder, a woman seeking a thrill.

"I've never had a night with three women before," Hathaway remarked. "Do either of you have experience? What should I do later?"

Both shook their heads; they were just as new to this.

"Don't think about taking the lead on anything. By the time you might want to act, you probably won't have the strength to do so," Teresa responded.

Hathaway recalled her previous intimate experience with Ryan. She didn't deny the statement, "But this isn't just one-on-one; how will Ryan manage?"

"If he can't keep up, just let him take something to help!" Daddario chuckled.

Hathaway and Teresa burst into laughter as well.

...

At that moment, Ryan set down his phone and approached them. He made a playful move on Teresa right in front of the other two. Teresa shut her eyes, her breathing rapidly becoming uneven, as Ryan then invited Daddario closer, ultimately turn himself toward Hathaway.

"Tonight, let's make sure all three of you are well taken care of," Ryan teased.

Afterward, Ryan ordered some food, and when it was delivered, he told the three women to hide in the room. Once they began to eat, they indulged in a game of feeding each other, and as expected, halfway through their meal, Daddario was the first to lean in, food in her mouth going over to Ryan, and she couldn't bear to pull her lips away.

...

In the following days, a series of new announcements hit the media, starting with Ryan's collaboration with Jimmy to open the Bad Room in Los Angeles. The promotional image was a massive silhouette of a palace, clearly indicating that this investment would be far more significant than the previous two locations.

Moreover, news began pouring in daily about major celebrities attending the Bad Room Carnival, exciting the fans immensely.

Additionally, the Bad Room's social media buzzed with sponsor recruitment news, and numerous calls came in.

As interest in the Bad Room Carnival grew, it managed to shake off the shadow of the prior DJ magazine interview. Although the Ibiza-based international music conference also released news about notable DJs being invited, those simply paled next to the true pop stars that were following Ryan's carnival.

Judging by the current interaction levels on social media, the Bad Room Carnival clearly outshone the concurrent international music conference!

*****

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