Month: December 2015

  • Who Pushed Rhonda?

    Who Pushed Rhonda?

  • ‘Taraji & Terrence’s White Holidays’ Special Is Going To Be Awesome

    So much awesome. Judging by the previews and press photos, Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard are going to deliver a Christmas special no one will forget. Taraji & Terrence’s White Hot Holidays airs Wednesday night at 9 p.m. and sounds like something Cookie Lyon would come up with, doesn’t it? Perhaps this is what Cookie’s Cookout might have been.

    Taraji & Terence’s White Holiday Special

    Back to real life now. Empire is on hiatus until March, but thankfully Taraji and Terrence’s holiday special will give us one last dose of the TV series in 2015. Jussie Smollett (Jamal) and Bryshere Gray (Hakeem) will appear during the special, as well as Chris Brown, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Jamie Foxx, will.i.am, and more.

    People observed that the special will also include some funny skits. In one, Taraji is dressed like Kim Kardashian and Terrence channels Kanye West. It sounds hilarious already! And of course, there will be a number of Christmas and holiday classics with their own Empire twist to them.

    And from past history, we all know Taraji and Terrence work (and sing) so well together. In 2005, they starred in the Oscar-nominated movie Hustle & Flow together and performed its Oscar-winning song, “Hard Out Here For A Pimp.”

    Earlier this summer, Taraji and Terrence performed the song again on Lip Sync Battle.

    There’s no doubt their chemistry off the charts and I look forward to them making beautiful Christmas music together.

  • Pepsi x Empire Reality v. Fiction

     

  • Yazz from Empire

    One reason we can’t wait for Empire to return is because we miss Yazz!

    The third season of Empire will be here very soon.  The last time we saw the youngest Lyon brother, Laura Calleros broke his heart.  Some call him ‘Yazz from Empire’ while others call him Bryshere Yazz Gray.  The talented rapper used his recent rap battle to make it clear that he no longer wants the ‘Lyon’ attached to his name.



    Bryshere Yazz Gray aka Hakeem Lyon is the new CEO of Empire Entertainment.  The Philly rapper recently visited The Late Late Show with James Corden where he delivered an amazing freestyle:

    Yazz’s Drip Drop features Tiana, played by Serayah McNeill and was written by Philly producers Jim Beanz and Justin Bostwick.  The club hit, produced by Timbaland, was Yazz’s first solo single.

    Yazz’s Drip Drop set the tone for the show’s music.  The song’s beat is better than the beats that mainstream rappers have used on recent hit songs.

    Fans show their love for Yazz via social media on a consistent basis.  Here are a few examples:

    Yazz recently posted the following image alongside Wiz Khalifa:

    Meek Mill recently posted the following image, featuring Yazz, via Instagram:

    All hustle …. @tyrese @charliemackfirstout @future @yazzthegreatest @tak215 @ksmith215

    The young rapper’s presence on Empire has earned him respect from Philly’s current King and former Prince.  That is not the first time the two Philly-rappers, Yazz and Meek Mill, have been spotted together:

    @yazzthegreatest philly in da building!
    A photo posted by Meek Mill (@meekmill) on Jun 28, 2015 at 2:48pm PDT

    Hakeem’s role holds major weight considering Empire’s action-packed plot line.  The Fresh Prince knows a few things about playing a major role in a hit television show at a young age.

    Yazz is mentored by fellow Philly-native, Will Smith.  In the following video Smith explains that he is teaching the young star how to take his career to the next level:

    Philly’s Finest:
    #philly
    A photo posted by Meek Mill (@meekmill) on Feb 24, 2015 at 9:59pm PST

  • Lee Daniels Net Worth

    Lee Daniels’ net worth is currently $5 million.  Prior to his career in the entertainment industry the talented actor, director and producer launched his own staffing company.  He than began working a manager and casting director before branching out into producing.

    Daniels recently inked a multi-year contract with 20th Century Fox that guarantees he will remain the executive producer of Empire and enables him to start developing additional projects for Fox.

    We know Lee Daniels’ boyfriend was happy about the talented director’s new deal.  Lee Daniels’ boyfriend, Jahil Fisher is a 34-year-old stylist.  Daniels is 55 and has explained that the age difference makes the relationship interesting.  The two met at the Chateau Marmont, a luxury hotel in Hollywood, California, while Daniels was living there working on the script for ‘The Butler‘.

    Lee Daniels was born and raised in Philadelphia and and his hard work is making Philly proud.  Another individual that is making the City of Brotherly Love proud is Fox’s Next Empire Artist semi-finalist, Jemila Worley.  The talented professionally trained dancer and singer is a member of the Philadelphia 76ers Dance Team.

    A fun filled day of green screens & TV! 🎥🏀
    A photo posted by Jemila Worley (@jemilaxo) on Nov 27, 2015 at 12:48pm PST
    Fox Next Empire Artist Jemila Worley
    Originally from Atlantic City, NJ Worley has been singing since she was a little girl and often shares her talent with the world via her YouTube channel.  She fully understands that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery covering some of today’s most popular songs. The following video shows Worley singing Christina Aguilera’s ‘Hurt’:
    Jemila grew up dancing at Encore, where she studied numerous forms of dance including tap, jazz and hip-hop.  Worley’s first job ever was a hostess position at Friendly’s Family Restaurant and her next could be on the Empire TV show.

  • Alicia Keys Mother On Empire

    Alicia Keys’ mother, Empire’s Terria Joseph, plays multiple roles in Skye Summers’ life: Alicia Keys’ mother on Empire is played by Alicia Keys’ mother in real-life, Terria Joseph.


    Alicia Keys Mother on Empire

    Born in Detroit, Joseph graduated from NYU’s School of the Arts in 1971.  After graduating from NYU she began her acting career in independent films, performing on stage as well as television projects.

    Terria Joseph’s father, Alicia Keys’ grandfather, Joseph “Little Joe” Augello, was an actor as well, playing in numerous television shows including ‘Lone Ranger’ and ‘Green Hornet’.
    Alicia Keys Mother on Empire

    Alicia Keys’ mother, Empire’s Terria Joseph was a single mother who supported Alicia as she pursued her dreams.  Keys began her career on The Cosby Show when she was just four-years old.


    Alicia Keys Cosby Show

    Alicia Keys’ father, Craig Cook left the family when Alicia was only 2-years old and Keys’ was raised in Manhattan, NY.  When Keys was younger her mother worked as a paralegal to support her as a single parent.

    Joseph is Italian, Scottish and Irish.  Alicia Keys’ father is Jamaican and is a former flight attendant.  Keys once felt anger towards her father for leaving the family but after her son Egypt was born she began reshaping her life.  Egypt has been able to build a positive relationship with his grandfather who Keys has forgiven. 



  • Cookie Lyon Meme, Contradictions and Conflict

    It’s election season therefore the lies and contradictions are being delivered on an everyday basis.  Cookie Lyon lives by the motto keep it real or keep it moving.  The CEO of Lyon Dynasty never hesitates to tell the truth as proven by the following Cookie Lyon meme:

    Cookie Lyon Empire Memes

    Similar to politicians Cookie has contradicted herself numerous times on Empire and we love her too much to give her an easy pass.  While her quote in the above meme was real the statement she made in the scene below showed the sweet side of Empire’s street queen.  Cookie sounded a bit shook on the sidewalk…?

    Cookie Lyon Bad Neighborhood Empire

    While Cookie may have been joking in the scene above the CEO of Lyon Dynasty has contradicted herself on numerous occasions.  This article explores some of our favorite Cookie Contradictions.

    One of our favorite Cookie contradictions involves her youngest son, Hakeem Lyon.  After Cookie’s former boy-toy, Laz, pushes Hakeem Cookie smacks Laz silly letting him know to never touch her son:

    Cookie Lyon Smacks Laz Empire

    While we fully understand the ‘I’m the only one who disciplines my child’ concept, Laz pushed Hakeem whereas Loretha beat him with a broom, leaving visible wounds that Lucious found amusing:

    Cookie Lyon Beats Hakeem With Broom
    Lucious Hakeem Lyon Empire TV Show
    Speaking of Laz, Cookie didn’t waste anytime giving up the Nookie!?
    Cookie Laz Empire

    Wait, didn’t Cookie just meet Laz? The real Cookie Lyon understands that men like a chase and she gives them something to pursue:

    Cookie’s Nookie, Ditch the Bitch

    Never mind, 17 years.

    Cookie Malcolm Empire
    In Empire’s Season 2 premiere Cookie assures her son Jamal that she is not a snitch.
    Cookie Lyon I Ain’t No Snitch

    We guess Cookie forgot about that deal she made with the Feds:

    Cookie Lyon Frank Gathers Snitch
    Cookie Lyon Snitch Bitch
    Whether Cookie knew what she was doing or not, Lucious would probably describe the situation like this:

    Speaking of the former CEO of Empire Entertainment, he explains the contradictions of his relationship with Cookie the best:
    Lucious Love Hate Relationship

    Cookie and Lucious Lyon prove that love is complicated: One second Cookie is insulting Lucious, letting him know that she doesn’t need him, the next second the future looks bright for Cookie and Lucious Lyon:

    Cookie Always Gonna Eat
    Cookie Lyon Empire Love
    Cookie Lucious Lyon Empire Wipes Tears
    Cookie Lucious Look Empire 
    Empire Midseason Finale Cookie Lucious Hug
     Cookie’s contradictions make her the fabulous person that she is and we love her! Alice Walker explains “Be nobody’s darling; be an outcast. Take the contradictions of your life and wrap around you like a shawl, to parry stones to keep you warm.” 
    “A flower’s appeal is in its contradictions – so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance, so small in size yet big in beauty, so short in life yet long on effect.” Keep up the great work Cookie, we’ll never forget how much better you make us!
    Cooke Lyon Make You Better

  • Alicia Keys on ‘Empire’ & Will She Return?

    Empire‘s Season 2 has had its more than its fair share of celebrity guest stars and cameos this season — Vivica A. Fox, Chris Rock, Rosie O’Donnell, Ludacris, Kelly Rowland, Naomi Campbell, and more — so Alicia Keys as Skye Summers just seemed like another one. But she actually has another connection to Empire: She’s married to Swizz Beatz, one of the main producers of the music on the hit TV drama. Pretty cool, eh?

    via GIPHY

    Swizz Beatz and Keys got married in 2010 and have two sons, Egypt and Genesis. Swizz Beatz has also appeared on-screen in Empire during the Season 2 premiere and is one of the show’s music production team, producing several tracks.

    Empire isn’t Keys’ first foray into acting, either. The Grammy-winnings singer has also appeared in the movie The Nanny Diaries, The Secret Life Of Bees, Smokin’ Aces, and Charmed. It’s no wonder Skye Summers was able to charm Jamal Lyon on Empire.

    But does that mean Keys will be back — and is there more acting in her future? Summers seems like she might make a good rival or mentor for Lyon Dynasty singer Tiana or even Hakeem’s girl group Mirage A Trois. and what if Jamal changes his mind and decides to pursue the connection he has with her? That would certainly be different — and as their song says, “Powerful.”

    Keys also put a lot of thought into Skye’s character, according to the behind the scenes video below. “I really want people to get lost in Skye and not Alicia,” she says. Goal achieved. Now let’s hope she returns for the rest of Season 2.

  • Hakeem Lyon Real Name

    Hakeem Lyon’s real name is Bryshere Y. Gray.


    Hakeem Lyon Age
    Hakeem Lyon’s age is 22 years-old.  The talented younger rapper/actor was born on November 28, 1993.

    Hakeem looked great in Empire’s midseason finale, wearing an Alexander Wang Baja Striped Hooded Jacket:

    Hakeem’s brother Jamal stole all the glory in the first half of Empire’s second season but things are about to change now that there’s a new sheriff in town.

    Hakeem Lyon Empire TV Show
    Hakeem loves the ladies and Fox’s Next Empire Artist semi-finalist Karibel could be the first artist he signs as Empire’s new CEO.  If Karibel looks familiar it’s because she was featured in Chris Brown’s ‘Gimme That’ video but there’s so much more to the beautiful singer.
    Karibel Fox Next Empire Artist

    The marvelous song ‘In The Clouds’ showcases Karibel’s diversity as an artist.  Unlike the sweet voice she uses on most tracks, Karibel delivers this song with attitude and grit:

    Karibel would certainly keep Empire fans entertained, on Halloween the talented singer was an enlightened, cracked Caribbean twerking wind up doll! The last beautiful Empire character to twerk on Empire went crazy and decided pushing people down stair was acceptable.

    I was an enlightened ,cracked Caribbean twerking wind up doll!😹😹 👻🎃 #halloween2015
    A video posted by Karibel Rodriguez (@freebelle) on Nov 1, 2015 at 8:24am PST

    The New Jersey native has been singing since she was 8, delivering a unique pop fuzed with R&B sound.  Similar to Hakeem, music has been a saving grace for Karibel.  The two would represent Empire’s future, like they say: The best is yet to come!

  • The Real Cookie Lyon

    The Real Cookie Lyon, actress Taraji P. Henson has been adored by many.  This past Halloween there were countless Cookie costumes, making the celebration more entertaining than usual.

    The real Cookie Lyon, actress Taraji P. Henson does not even like repeating her past punchlines as she is far too authentic to be lost for words.  While many of us consider Cookie Lyon on Empire ‘as real as it gets’ some have argued the character is an imitation of their reality.

    Lydia Harris Death Row

    Devon Maloney’s Vanity Fair article ‘Meet the “Real” Cookie Lyon‘ explores the life of Lydia Harris comparing it to Cookie’s life on Empire.  In 2005 Harris won a lawsuit against Suge Knight after she proved that she co-founded Death Row Records with $1.5 million from her husband, Michael “Harry-O” Harris a former cocaine kingpin.

    Michael “Harry-O” Harris is currently incarcerated, serving 28-years, on drug and attempted murder charges, similar to Lucious Lyon.  Harris grew up in South Central Los Angeles where he started selling drugs at a very young age.  Soon after meeting Lydia Michael decided to go legit, producing ‘Checkmates’ a broadway hit starring Denzel Washington and Vanessa Williams.

    Denzel Washington Michael ‘Harry-O’ Harris

    Then there was Sophia Eggleston, the 53 year-old from Detroit that sued Fox for $300 million arguing that Lee Daniels stole her life story.  Eggleston argues that she gave Lee Daniels a copy of her book and he used her life to create Cookie Lyon.  A decision has not been made on the case.

    A video posted by Sophia Eggleston (@sophiaeggleston) on Oct 16, 2015 at 5:47pm PDT

    In other Empire-related news from Detroit, Fox’s Next Empire Artist semi-finalist group, DMK (Damoli Melanee Kourtney) is making ‘The D’ proud, earning their way to the competition’s final 10.  DMK is dedicated to continuing the legacy of girl groups like SWV and The Supremes.
    DMK Fox Next Empire Artist
    The group formed in 2007 and includes Damoli, Melanee and Kourtney.  DMK’s talent does not stop at singing, each member can also act, trained at the Winston Institute of Arts.
    DMK prides itself on positivity and growth, dedicating themselves to delivering quality music that everyone will love.  Check out DMK’s amazing cover of Aaliyah’s ‘At Your Best’:
    Hotline Bling Cover. (@xofficialvx) #DMKofficial #TeamDMK #Detroit #GirlGroup #L4L #Atlanta #Music #HotlineBling #Drake #HotlineBlingCover #RnB #ATL #Covers #15SecondCovers
    A video posted by DMKmusic 🎤 (@dmkofficial) on Nov 9, 2015 at 7:24pm PST


    In 2007 DMK auditioned for Showtime at the Apollo and was featured as “Apollo Kid Stars of Tomorrow”, a fitting title considering DMK may soon be stars on Fox’s hip-hop series, Empire.

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