Some of the best shoes in the world were released in 2015 and this article analyzes presents the top 10 using our favorite Empire characters. Some of the coolest shoes in the world dropped this year as sneaker companies continue to innovate, delivering better designs that offer more comfort and stability.
While many still consider the Nike Air Jordan I the best basketball shoes ever there were numerous classic sneakers released in 2015 that can be compared to Michael Jordan’s 1985 classics. The top choices on this list may be included on a top 10 list of the coolest shoes ever considering the hype they were able to generate as well as their amazing design.
Our favorite companies deliver some of the best sneakers in the world year-after-year and most of the time we just complain about any flaws we can find. Then there are those rare releases that earn instant approval as some of the coolest shoes ever.
There were numerous major sneaker releases this year: From that patent leather classic that many consider the best basketball shoes ever to an outspoken rapper’s record-breaking releases with a new sneaker brand. Some of the coolest shoes in the world came out in 2015.
Enjoy our list of 2015’s best sneakers in the world:
10. Nike Air Max 1 Patch
Nike Air Max 1 Patch
Nike’s Air Max 1 Patch Pack features 22 patches, paying homage to the important people, landmarks and moments in the sneaker’s 28-year history. Empire’s Jamal Lyon understands the importance of paying homage to history as he paid his father, Lucious, homage by performing ‘Nothing to Lose’ in the finale episode of the show’s first season.
Jamal Lyon Nothing to Lose
9. Air Jordan VI Maroon
Air Jordan VI Maroon
The Maroon version of the Jordan VI’s are one of the last original colorways to be released by Jordan. Jordan brand’s new remastered edition approach was used to deliver the classics in their truest form. Frank Gathers knew something about being an OG, before Lucious took care of him.
Frank Gathers Empire
8. Fragment Design x Nike Sock Dart
Fragment Design Nike Sock Dart
In 2004 the Nike Sock Dart became the first shoe made with computer-controlled knitting. Nike reminded us how important it is to collaborate, joining Fragment Design to re-release the innovative sneakers. Hakeem and Tiana showed us the importance of collaboration in Empire’s initial season, creating Drip Drop, a song that helped the show’s popularity increase rapidly.
Hakeem Tiana Drip Drop
7. adidas Ultra Boost
adidas Ultra Boost
The adidas Ultra Boost took the company from relevant to dominant this year. The company is changing the game one innovation at a time. adidas has traveled a similar journey as Empire’s Jussie Smollett who took his career to the next level in Season 2, landing a record deal with Columbia Records and a commercial deal with Pepsi.
Jussie Smollett Pepsi
6. Air Jordan II x Just Don
Air Jordan 2 Just Don
Jordan Brand collaborated with Don C to create the Jordan 2 Just Don. The Chicago-native decided to use the quilted design after being inspired by a high fashion purse. Don C is currently a G.O.O.D. music label manager yet he started as Kanye’s DJ before becoming his road manager. Speaking of Kanye we loved the award-winning rapper’s recent White Hot Holiday special!
Kimye White Hot Holiday
5. HTM x Nike Kobe X Elite
HTM Nike Kobe 10
HTM added FlyKnit to the Kobe X, creating yet another classic. Nike revolutionized the way footwear is made with their FlyKnit technology. The company understand that you can not influence the world by trying to be like it similar to the way Hakeem understands that he won’t be able to lead Empire in the right direction if he makes the same mistakes as his father.
Hakeem No Lyon
4. Air Jordan I Chicago
Air Jordan I Chicago
Michael Jordan’s first signature shoe, the Air Jordan I, was re-released in the white/black/red ‘Chicago’ version. Chicago is where it all began for MJ similar to Empire star Ta’Rhonda Jones who plays Cookie’s assistant, Porsha. Not only is she from Chicago, Jones also attended Simeon Career Academy, the same school as the Bulls’ current point guard, Derrick Rose.
Ta’Rhonda Jones Empire
3. Air Jordan V Supreme Camo
Supreme Jordan V
They say if you’re not ready to go to war, don’t put on your combat clothes. The camo edition of the Jordan V Supremes helps sneakerheads let people know that they are fighters considering the sacrific most had to make to get their hands on a pair! Cookie needs a pair. The camo represents the fact that she is always ready for war.
Cookie Lyon
2. adidas Yeezy 750 Boost
adidas Yeezy 750 Boost
Kanye West proved his influence on the shoe game as he jumped over the Jumpman with yet another unforgettable release. The release black adidas Yeezy 750 Boost made shoe heads around the world camp out to get their hands on another Kanye creation. Lucious would approve. All black everything.
Lucious Lyon
1. adidas Yeezy Boost 350
adidas Yeezy Boost 350
Kanye West’s Yeezy Boost 350 won Shoe of the Year at the 29th Footwear News Annual Achievement Awards. While accepting the award the award-winning rapper described how happy he was to welcome his son Saint into the world. We are all hoping the Empire’s favorite saint, Andre Lyon will still be welcoming his newborn into the world considering Rhonda’s horrific fall.
In this article we present the top 10 basic wardrobe essentials for women. There are certain things every girl needs in her wardrobe and the ladies of Empire would love to offer a tutorial.
Trying to find an outfit to wear can be very frustrating, especially when you’re under the impression that you don’t have anything to wear. Add the essential wardrobe pieces included on this list and you’ll always be able to put an outfit together.
Invest in these essential wardrobe pieces and you’ll always have the perfect outfit no matter the occasion. Taraji P. Henson uses every episode of Empire to remind us that Cookie’s closet is fully equipped with all the things every girl needs.
Don’t try to keep up with Cookie Lyon unless you are financially built like the CEO of Lyon Dynasty. You wardrobe does not have to include the newest most expensive items, the simplest pieces can be dressed up to suit your style.
Enjoy our top 10 wardrobe essentials for women:
1. Day dress
Skye Summers Day Dress
2. Lightweight cardigan
3. Black pumps
Cookie Lyon Black Pumps
4. Little Black Dress
Roxanne Ford Black Dress
5. Figure flattering undergarments
Anika Empire
6. Sunglasses
Cookie Lyon Sunglasses
7. Plain white tee (Cookie)/Crisp white shirt (Mimi)
Empire Fox Cookie Mimi
8. Pencil skirt
Cookie Pencil Skirt Empire
9. Leather Jacket
Rhonda Lyon Leather Jacket
10. Wrap dress
Cookie Wrap Dress
Can you think of any additional wardrobe essentials that we can add to this list?
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! Here’s hoping you’re reading this during a break from your family-filled celebrations — to check in and imagine what an Empire Christmas episode would look like. And I don’t mean Taraji & Terrence’s White Hot Holidays, which was a very fun holiday special, but let’s face it — it’s no episode of Empire. So let’s get our imaginations going to envision what a Lyon family Christmas would be like.
NOTE: All those mid-season cliffhangers? Let’s pretend they don’t exist for now.
Now that they have that enormous mansion, I think the responsibility now falls on Andre and Rhonda Lyon to host the holidays for the Lyons. Naturally, Rhonda would go all out decorating for Christmas, with a glamorous tree and lots of trimmings.
Before any celebrations go on, Andre would insist on the family attending Midnight Mass at a church. The rest of the family agrees to do so — reluctantly.
The Lyon patriarch isn’t having such a good year — his company just got turned over to someone else and his sons aren’t the biggest fans of him right now. It’s hard getting him into the holiday spirit…until Jamal initiates a family sing-a-long!
Hakeem Would Invite All The Christmas Orphans via GIPHY
Let’s say Laura or any of the other Mirage a Trois ladies weren’t able to make it home to see their families — I bet Hakeem would invite his girl group over to celebrate with the Lyons. Whether or not Cookie approves is to be seen.
A few of Taraji Henson’s movies have shown us how much the amazing actress loves music. In Baby BoyTaraji Henson’s husband, or boyfriend, Jody, is played by R&B singer Tyrese. Henson was featured in Tyrese’s video for ‘Stay’ and she maintains a great relationship with him.
Taraji P. Henson Nicki Minaj
In the Academy Award-winning film ‘Hustle & Flow’ Henson helped Three 6 Mafia win an Academy Award for Best Original Song thanks to the amazing vocals she provided on their unforgettable track ‘It’s Hard out Here for a Pimp‘. Henson also has a great relationship with singer Mary J. Blige and we are well aware of Taraji’s dancing skills:
Taraji P. Henson Dancing
After every amazing episode of Empire Taraji P. Henson’s age is the topic of conversation. The talented actress makes 45-years-old look like 20 as she entertains us with her youthful spirit Wednesday-after-Wednesday!
We are all familiar with Terrence Howard’s ability to rock the mic and above we mentioned Tyrese’s musical talent but Taraji Henson’s list of talented co-stars doesn’t stop there! Taraji Henson’s movies have featured some of the most sought after actors in Hollywood:
It’s hard to believe that Taraji Henson’s husband in real life doesn’t exist!? The actress is single despite rumors that she was dating Michael Strahan of Live! with Kelly and Michael.
Taraji P. Henson’s husband on Empire should be Lucious Lyon but that hasn’t worked out therefore Taraji P. Henson’s husband on Empire also does not exist. Adam Rodriguez (Laz Delgado) could not be trusted and we are still hoping Malcolm makes a return!
We feel your pain girl, it is truly hard out here for a pimp! Music is my best friend when nobody else understands me! I have used music to get through those lonely nights, inspiring me to create a playlist for Cookie.
Taraji P. Henson’s age has not impacted her youthful spirit and we are certain she/Cookie will be satisfied with the tracks we chose. Enjoy Taraji P. Henson’s hot playlist, featuring songs inspired by her role as Cookie Lyon.
To think that last year at this time, we all had no idea that Empire would come into our lives and become our new obsession. At this point during the final weeks of 2015, I think it’s time to reflect on how much Empire has brought into our lives and pop culture — via GIFs, of course.
First up is Jamal Lyon, who has had quite a year. He started out being his father’s least favorite son and cut off from the Lyon family financially. At the end of Season 1, suddenly Jamal had become Lucious’ chosen heir. In Season 2, Jamal is a star on the rise — but not without some drama.
Empire had an incredible year as a TV series, but if there was one character that truly broke out in 2015, it was the one and only Cookie Lyon. With her fabulous fashion sense and witty one-liners, it’s no wonder that Cookie became a household name in 2015. The role even scored actress Taraji P. Henson an Emmy nomination, a Golden Globe nomination, a Critics Choice Award, and a Fox holiday special with co-star Terrence Howard. How’s that for a banner year?
Let’s relive Cookie’s best moments with some awesome GIFs, because this is the Internet, after all.
Terrence Howard’s talent was inherited by his mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. It’s about time we take a more in-depth look at the actor who plays Lucious Lyon. Terrence Howard’s movies and TV shows did not start with Empire.
In 1995, Howard’s acting career took off after he played in the his first major roles: Dead Presidents and Mr. Holland’s Opus. The talented actor is best known for his roles in Hustle & Flow, Winnie, Ray, Crash and Get Rich or Die Tryin’.
Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows Wikipedia
Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows Wikipedia
Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows Wikipedia
Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows Wikipedia
Terrence Howard Net Worth Terrence Howard’s net worth is currently about $30 million. Acting is not the only talent that has contributed to his net worth: Howard began his singing career in 2008 with the release of his album “Shine Through It”.
Terrence Howard Spouse Terrence Howard’s spouse, Miranda “Mira” Pak, is a former model-turned-restaurant owner. The couple have a son named Qirin Love. The two are no longer together, secretly divorcing earlier this year yet they attended the 2015 Emmy Awards together.
Terrence Howard Spouse Miranda Mira Pak
Terrence Howard Parents Terrence Howard’s parents, Tyrone Howard and Anita Williams, raised Terrence in Cleveland, OH though he was born in Chicago, IL. Howard’s parents were biracial parents: his mother was black and his father had European features, hence Terrence’s complexion and green eyes.
Tyrone Howard
Terrence’s father served 11-months in prison after being convicted for a man’s death in the Santa Line Slaying on December 21, 1971. Terrence was 2-years-old when his father and mother, who was pregnant at the time, took the family to Higbee’s department store in Cleveland to see Santa Claus.
Terrence Howard Parents Tyrone Howard
People waiting accused the Howards of cutting in line and an argument ensued between Terrence’s father and another patron. The other man pinned Terrence’s father against a wall and kneed him in the groin. Terrence’s father suffered a previous groin injury so the blow made Tyrone’s groin bleed.
Tyrone then used a sharp object to stab the man in his neck and thighs. Tyrone fled to his mother’s house before turning himself into the police. The man, Jack Fitzpatrick, was rushed to the hospital where he died from his wounds.
Terrence Howard Parents Tyrone Howard Santa Line Slaying
Tyrone was charged with second-degree murder and pled self-defense. Terrence’s mother denied that Fitzpatrick used racial epithets yet she testified that he stated, “Doing things like this has set your race back five years.”
After a long deliberation, Tyrone Howard was convicted of manslaughter and received a sentence of 1 to 25 years. He was released for good behavior after serving 11 months.
Anita Williams
Both Howard’s great mother, Anita Williams and great-grandmother, Minnie Gentry, were stage actresses. Anita’s mother, Terrence’s grandmother, was a singer in Cleveland. Williams spent a few years in Los Angeles and New York pursuing her talents in the entertainment industry yet she was satisfied to become a devoted wife and mother. Terrence’s mother passed away due to colon cancer when she was 56-years-old.
Terrence Howard Parents Mother Anita Williams
Minnie Gentry
Terrence Howard’s great grandmother, Minnie Gentry appeared on Broadway and in numerous plays at the Karamu House, the oldest African-American theater in the United States located in Cleveland, OH. She also performed in numerous films and television shows, including School Daze, All My Children and The Cosby Show.
Terrence Howard Great Grandmother Minnie Gentry The Cosby Show
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge 2015
There was nothing like the first season of Empire. ALS was a major issue and Lucious was very excited to find out that he was misdiagnosed.
It was great to have ALS mentioned on prime time television yet we must remember that people are battling the deadly disease in real life, not Hollywood.
Lucious Lyon Misdiagnosed ALS
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, 2015’s top social media campaign, actually started in 2014. The challenge involved people pouring cold water, many containing ice cubes over their heads and posting the videos to social media.
We learned that Lucious Lyon was diagnosed with ALS in the first season of Empire. ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The condition leads to a loss of muscle control and the cause is unknown.
Everyone from Oprah to Mark Zuckerberg took part in the ice bucket challenge to increase awareness for ALS.
The special will air live on New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. (tape-delayed for the West Coast) and will ring in 2016 with Mr. Worldwide himself, along with co-host Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and daytime talk show host Wendy Williams. Other performances on the live special include Puff Daddy and the Family, Shawn Mendes, R. City, and Earth, Wind & Fire. via GIPHY
Pitbull actually appeared on Empire‘s second season as himself and recorded a song and shot a music video with Smollett for the song “No Doubt About It.” Because of course Mr. Worldwide would exist in the Empire universe.
Together, Smollett and Yazz have performed on co-stars’ Taraji and Terrence’s White Hot Holidays and the Nickelodeon Teen Choice Awards earlier this year. Pretty darn cool. It’ll be the icing on top of a year that launched both Smollett and Yazz into stardom through their roles on Empire and their talent as musicians on the show. via GIPHY
It’s nice to have the Lyons back to ring in 2016, even if we do have to wait all the way until the end of March 2016 to get new episodes of the hit TV series. So many days, but I think we all know it’ll be worth the wait.
