Summary

In Part One, "Old School," Chapter 1, the first person narrator Brianna waits anxiously for a callback from DJ Hype. She cannot focus on her ACT practice test. When time is up her teacher Mrs. Murray asks her why she was distracted, warning Brianna about her grades. Brianna feels defensive. She knows her grades are poor, but she has not been sent to the principal's office in weeks.

She explains that she is waiting for DJ Hype to call and tell her if she has been chosen to participate in the freestyle rapping ring. Everyone in town knows you have to perform in the Garden Heights Ring before you can make a name for yourself. Mrs. Murray supports her desire to be like her late father, but emphasizes the importance of her education. She knows all her teachers compare her to her...