Knowing first-hand the challenges in getting a music group off the ground, T.J. (T. E. RUSSELL) sees the opportunity of a lifetime to promote an already established artist -- rapper Climax (RICHARD MCGREGOR). Even though Robert (CARLTON WILBORN) advises T.J. against it, since Climax's roots are in "gangsta" rap and gangbanging, T.J. forges ahead, knowing that Climax is trying to change his image. T.J. chooses Who's Who as an industry showcase venue for Climax, but his plan hits a snag when club manager Marcus (ANDY MILDER) and club owner David (WILLIAM R. MOSES) hear a radio threat against Climax.
In the meantime, Lili (ROSELYN SANCHEZ) is struggling to balance career and family obligations. Her father is unforgiving and in a heated argument his final words leave her devastated. When Lili shares this information with Liz (LESLI MARGHERITA), Liz suggests she channel her angst into her dancing.
T. J. has Climax rehearse a duet with Suzanne (HEIDI NOELLE LENHART) and they decide she will be part of the show. Just before the show, however, Climax is shot in a drive-by and his life hangs in the balance.
A hard-fought reconciliation brings Lili back to better terms with her father, who discovers just how important her dancing is to her. At the Climax show, the crowd grows impatient, chanting for Climax to perform, not aware of the shooting. T. J. decides the show must go on regardless. He and Suzanne perform, winning the crowd over before T.J. announces the news about Climax. T.J. makes an impassioned statement about Climax and other fallen artists and boldly leads the crowd in a moment of silence.