Carlotta's protective nature is in full force as someone close to her is in jeopardy. Trying to raise enough money for a recording session, Jahil finds himself in great danger. Meanwhile, Simone's past continues to haunt her and Star goes to great lengths to make sure her sister is safe.

After getting a glimpse of their local competition, tensions rise between the three girls as they work on revamping their style. Simone discovers old tapes of her mother's, but Carlotta wants nothing to do with them - and she isn't the only one who feels that way. Meanwhile, Star puts her new relationship in jeopardy and Jahil finds himself in a sticky situation of his own.

When Star, Simone and Alex are invited to perform at a fancy charity event, Jahil puts Alex in the lead and strongly encourages Star to ditch Hunter. Ultimately, Star still manages to be the star, while Jahil dodges a debt.

Otis' murder wreaks havoc on God's Blessings Beauty Salon, and threatens to break up the family. More information is revealed about Carlotta's troubled past, Jahil is faced with an ultimatum and Cotton moves out.

Although Carlotta enjoys spending more time with Maurice, her family remains her No. 1 priority and she'll let nothing stop her from protecting them. Meanwhile, things don't go as planned during an interview with radio hosts Headkrack and Da Brat, which Midtown had arranged for its artists to promote the upcoming showcase. Also, Elliot is eager to take his relationship with Cotton to the next level, Jahil realizes he and Brody have a lot more in common than expected and the love triangle drama between Noah, Alex and Star intensifies.

Carlotta is devastated after the fire that resulted in someone's death. As she tries to pick up the pieces, her mother, Miss Christine, and sister, Cassie, unexpectedly show up. Meanwhile, Star struggles to hide her jealousy and feelings for Noah, while Gigi decides to do "Take 3" a favor that could put them back on the map

Rapper Quavo is recruited to join Midtown Sound, which causes drama with Noah, who is still harboring ill feelings towards him from their past. Meanwhile, secrets about Angel's family are revealed when his mother, Paola returns. Then, Arlene's twin sister, Charlene, visits Atlanta to learn the truth about her sister's death, and Star has a revelation about her mother's final days.

Major competition ensues between Midtown Sound artists Take 3 and Noah Brooks when they fight for a coveted track produced by one of the industry's hottest producers. Blasts from the past are in full effect when Paola and Jahil explore their complicated history, Noah and Alex revisit their time together and Derek invites a date to the salon's reopening celebration.

Everyone is on edge, but the girls must stay focused on the events leading up to the ASAs. Star and Noah struggle with parenthood while being in the spotlight, as Alex deals with her father's retaliation for her refusing his "gifts." Meanwhile, Cassie continues to manage Rashad's music career and Carlotta makes a shocking discovery that will change the lives of many.