A GC hired me and hasn't paid me for 3 weeks, what should I do.

I am a subcontractor and was working for a GC. He didn't pay me for the last 3 weeks that me and my guys worked. I had a notice of intent sent to him and the home owner from Levelset but I am not a lic. contractor and afraid I can't file a Mechanic's lien. I wanted to know what options I had to recover the $8000 he didn't pay us. Also he became racist on the text messages, referring to me as "his nigger". After that I didn't respond his was humiliating and wrong. The following is our convo from Levelset...H Ally June 29 at 11:25 AM Already Paid - I have paid Sunil Remodeling LLC, $20,500. by checks and cash. Ck # 1379, 05/28/2022 $5000. Ck# 1372, 5/24/2022 $ 4000. Ck# 1371, 5/19/2022 $ 5000. Ck# 1367, 5/5/2022 $ 5000. Cash $1500. This company needs to provide an invoice or bills for its services. Also I need the insurances ( general liability, workers comp, and disability) and DCA license for working as a home improvement contractor. Also need proof of work completed. You Deoraj Seebarran June 30 at 3:15 PM I'm curious, what gave you comfort to pay the $20,500 from 5/5/22 thru 5/28/22 but not the remaining $8,000 owed for end of May thru the 3rd week of June? Whose license was used to obtain permits with the NY DOB? As stated before, I uploaded screenshots from our text conversation. There I listed the work I have done for you, and you haven't paid me or my guys for the last 3 weeks we worked for you. You ended the conversation by calling me "your nigger". You robbed me, disrespected, and insulted me, I am willing to settle for a lower amount than the $8,000, if not, then as you suggested we will let the courts decide, all evidence will be submitted there. Racist / Racism have no place in business or in society.