Despite the now-infamous Jussie Smollett racial fabrication scandal’s toxicity and negative legacy, Empire was a refreshing TV dosage of [consummate] black creativity, energy, and music – a night-soap journey behind-the-scenes of the production and business of hip-hop. 7.6/10.

…

Plot Synopsis: Hip-hop artist and CEO of Empire Entertainment, Lucious Lyon, has always ruled unchallenged, but a medical diagnosis predicts he will be incapacitated in three years, which prompts the sharks to circle. Without further damaging his family, he must decide which of his three sons will take over. His favorite, young Hakeem, is a gifted musician but values fame over hard work. Middle son, Jamal, is talented and shy but gay — embarrassing to Lyon. The oldest, Andre, is business-minded but lacks charisma. The reappearance of Cookie, his ex-wife, complicates things; she says he owes her for taking the fall for the drug-running that financed his early career.

Full Review Coming Soon