Category: Empire

Categories
Becky G Celebs Chris Rock Empire Fox Network Guru Jay Latinas Lee Daniels Ludacris Music Pitbull ratings Recaps Rolling Stone Season 2 synopsis Taraji P. Henson Terrence Howard TV TV Drama

Who’s Watching Empire Season 2?

BY: GURU JAY

The second season of Empire is shattering records. Although the first two episodes started slowly, the third episode was incredible. And last night’s episode set the tone.
We’re learning more details about Lucious Lyon. The writers use flashbacks to allow viewers to piece together Lyon’s puzzling past. You gain a strong understanding of his complex relationships with family and music.
More TV shows should consider having limited commercial interruption like Empire. I believe producers have the viewers in mind. They’re obviously listening to constructive criticism too.

Synopsis
Where do I begin because there’s so much drama? Let’s see, Andre and his wife dig up Vernon in order to save his daddy’s ass. Now, the big-breasted prosecutor doesn’t have a case against Lucious because her snitch is dead.

Cookie and Hakeem started a new record label called Dynasty. And Hakeem is hell-bent on forming an all Latina music group. Unfortunately, his father buys every urban radio station and blackballs him from the air. On top of that, he signs Hakeem’s lead singer (Becky G) to Empire.

The frustrated Hakeem stabs Jamal’s giant Rolling Stone photo at their music video shooting. At one point the rapper grabs a baseball bat when attacking his brother. I guess the brothers are not gonna work it out.
Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

On the sidebar, Chris Rock, Ludacris, Pitbull, NeYo and more celebrities make appearances.

Meanwhile, Cookie believes Lucious plans to destroy her startup company by hiring thugs to rob her office. Don’t fret because Cookie is packing heat. Now, her distrust of Lucious has reached a new high.
Jamal catches his boyfriend receiving a sex act from the Rolling Stone photographer. And Andre invites the Lyons to his baptism. Surprisingly, everyone including Lucious comes.

That’s only the half of it. The new trailer shows that Hakeem’s been kidnapped. You’ll have to wait until November 4th to see what happens. You can check out my previous Empire posts here: Who’s Watching Empire?, Who’s Watching Empire Part II?, Who’s Watching Empire Part III?

I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
Categories
actresses Baby Boy Blackish Celebrity Empire Entertainment Extant Girlfriends Guru Jay Halle Berry Hollywood Movies SAG-AFTRA sitcoms Taraji P. Henson Tracee Ellis Ross TV TV shows Tyrese Gibson

Taraji P. Henson Vs. Tracee Ellis Ross: Who’s Watching Empire and Blackish?

BY: GURU JAY
I reserve Wednesday nights for Taraji P. Henson and Tracee Ellis Ross. TV turn-ons Tracee and Taraji bring a lot to the table. It’s unfair Empire and Blackish airs at the same time.
Who remembers Baby Boy and Girlfriends? Baby Boy is a movie starring Tyrese Gibson as lead actor, and Taraji P. Henson is lead actress. The film features Snoop Dogg and Omar Gooding (Cuba’s younger brother) in key roles. Moreover, Ross plays the lead character in Girlfriends, one of TV’s longest running shows. Fan crazed Game sitcom came from Girlfriends.

It’s wonderful turning on the TV and seeing two dynamic actresses. I believe Taraji P. Henson is one of the best actors in the business. Who’s seen the Curious Case of Benjamin Button? I also acknowledge Tracee Ellis Ross as one of the best comedic actors.

People are fascinated by Tracee’s long legs and hair and Taraji’s perfect silky skin. The beautiful actresses are the backbones of their respective shows. The Empire TV show causes millions of eyeballs to pop from astonishment. And, Blackish simultaneously creates ear popping effects from relentless laughter.

What’s will happen after Halle Berry’s Extant comes back this summer? Hopefully, you have On Demand, or someway to catch everything. With the intro of 3D/ Smart TVs, does it take a rocket scientist to figure out the best acting is returning home?

I believe the TV bubble will burst in 5 years. Show business is saturated and too competitive. If it stays like this, you’ll see a Screen Actors Guild strike. 

Despite my reservations, Taraji P. Henson will always have a job on TV or in film. In case you’re wondering, I prefer Empire over Blackish. But, it’s unacceptable that the shows air during the same time slot and day. I like Tracee but the Blackish Girlfriend can’t compete with His Imperial Majesty and Cookie.

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
Categories
4 AM Alicia Keys Empire Entertainment Fantasia Guru Jay Hip Hop Jazmine Sullivan Jennifer Hudson Lauryn Hill Love Lucious Lyon Melanie Fiona Musicians Mya Roc Nation soul music Tina Turner Toronto

Why You Love the Soulful Sound of Melanie Fiona

BY: GURU JAY


If it was 4 AM on Saturday and Melanie Fiona was my girlfriend, worrying about my whereabouts would be the last thing on her mind. There’s a good chance after a year or so together, I would put a ring on it. Plus, I’d heal her bruised heart the best way I could.
I’m more attracted to a sweet voice than a pretty smile because you can’t fake the former at least when it comes to singing. I’ve seen many fake smiling faces masquerading behind their makeups and cosmetics. Based on experience love is all about communication.
Like Mya said: Get to know me…”cause I’m more than a souvenir on your trophy case. Love me like a woman.”

 

There is something sincere yet sensual about singing a perfect note and carrying a flawless tune. Melanie has a dynamic style, excellent vocal range along with awesome clarity. The Lucious Lyon sound presented by Cookie Lyon doesn’t have shit on Melanie Fiona. 
Does it help that Melanie Fiona looks like a 25-year-old Halle Berry? Absolutely, but I’ll mainly discuss her fine singing abilities. Isn’t it obvious Melanie makes amazing music?
Right now Melanie Fiona has produced 2 studio albums over 7 years. She had an unfavorable contract, so her situation is understandable. Because of her deal with Roc Nation, you should expect more production from this star.

 Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

Fiona sounds like a modern day Tina Turner mixed with Billie Holiday and Etta James. First off, Canadians must be proud because she took her Grammy and music awards back to her hometown of Toronto. Second, there are not many female musicians capable of matching her soulfulness. In the soul genre, Fiona sits in a class instructed by Lauryn Hill. Her classmates include Alicia Keys, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, and Jazmine Sullivan.
I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
Categories
brand businessmen Ciroc Common Diddy Empire Entertainment ever-changing family Fashion Guru Jay Hip Hop Jay Z Kanye West money pop culture rap music Revolt TV Sean John vodka

Why Diddy’s Brand Is Ever-Changing

BY: GURU JAY

How many times has Diddy (Puff Daddy, Puffy) changed his brand name? The Hip-Hop impresario reinvents and expands his businesses. Sure you know that he maintains Sean John, a fashion company. But did you also know in October 2013, Diddy founded a digital cable television network named Revolt?
These days some people see Diddy as the Ciroc playboy. In actuality, Puffy’s empire crosses over into a variety of industries. Furthermore, Diddy represents diversity. That’s why Diddy conducts business with all kinds.
More so than Jay-Z, Diddy influences Kanye West and the Hip-Hop world. Master P was unsuccessful as an agent but there’s no doubt he inspired Jay-Z’s formation of Roc Nation Sports. If Jay-Z is the Warren Buffett of Hip-Hop, then Diddy is Bill Gates, and Dr. Dre is Carlos Slim. At the end of the day, they’re all about the Benjamins, baby!

The entertainment business has enough entertainers but not enough businessmen. What should be done to reverse this course? How about stopping young men from only thinking in the temporary mindset? What if they invested in themselves instead of buying Bentleys, Maseratis, and Ferraris?
There’s nothing wrong with splurging and flossing when you’re financially educated. Diddy owns fancy cars, clothes, and gems but he’s also highly invested in lucrative businesses. How many stars own stocks?
Diddy’s brand is ever-changing because the rap icon understands living in a violent world. Harlem’s globetrotter realizes that rough and tough circumstances make you stronger and don’t dictate unfavorable outcomes. While predicting the future is fool’s gold, preparing for the worst is not only best but also wise.
Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

Look beyond Puffy’s personas and you’ll find class and personality. In every instance, Diddy makes mention of his family. Oscar winning music artist Common was right, “Even in this generation living through computers, only love…can reboot us.” What is more, Diddy recognizes the common thread bridging together both prosperity and posterity.

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
Categories
Conqueror Danny Strong drama duet Empire Estelle Fox Guru Jay Jussie Smolett Lee Daniels musical soap opera Taraji P. Henson Terrence Howard Trai Byers TV Unto the Breach Willie Hutch

Who’s Watching Empire? Recap Part III- Brother’s Gonna Work It Out

BY: GURU JAY

Empire goes by the slogan “Have everybody talking Thursday.” Well, Guru Jay will talk about it Wednesday. In my opinion, Unto the Breach is the second best episode.
Here’s an off the cuff response for your reading pleasure.
Empire proves that all families have problems. What is more, society must confront pressing issues with compassion and empathy.
Unfortunately, every empire eventually collapses. However, Lucious Lyon and family are just beginning. I predict the IPO will happen. And Anika Calhoun will change sides once again.
You see Empire puts the fun in dysfunctional. We all can relate to these characters in someway. Furthermore, we’ve dealt with scheming and shiesty snakes such as: bitter Baretti. Maybe, you are one tough Cookie yourself.
Andre, played by Trai Byers, is bipolar and experienced a mental breakdown causing involuntary hospitalization. What an emotional ending…
Meanwhile, Baretti clarifies to Anika that his quarrel with Lucious is extremely personal. Now, understand there is a Saint Louis but not a Saint Lucious.
Lucious’ past haunts him every night. While I sympathize with ALS, Lyon is a stone cold killer. Not to mention, he’s stuck on stupid with his outdated ideas and preconceived notions.
Clearly, the spotlight shined on Trai Byers tonight. His performance warrants an Emmy. The elevator scene with the three brothers shook millions of living rooms.
Moreover, Jussie Smollett and Estelle’s Conqueror duet delivered a timely and positive message.
The writers and actors are in sync. This TV show has superb synergy.
I started the discussion earlier than usual because I want to be first this time. Also, Empire deserves more than just an honorable mention. Lee Daniels and Danny Strong win blue ribbons.
Truly, I don’t know what will happen but I’m fascinated by what could transpire. The three brothers are more united. Willie Hutch was right; brothers will work it out.

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
Categories
ALS American Idol Celebrities dark comedy drama Empire Entertainment family Fashion Fox Guru Jay Hollywood Lee Daniels Music musical Musicians soap opera Taraji P. Henson Terrence Howard TV

Who’s Watching Empire? Part II

BY: GURU JAY
Who’s watching Empire on Wednesdays? If you love music, dramas, and dark comedy, check out this hip new TV show. Also, if you enjoy watching characters develop, reserve your seat now. It doesn’t cost anything to join the fun!

Recap
When Lucious (Terrence Howard) loses his voice at the fundraiser, he calls on his ex-wife and not his fiancé Anika to deliver a persuasive speech to investors. Sneaky Anika poisons Cookie’s client because she’s so bitter and petty. Later on, she discovers Terrence and Taraji (Cookie) having sex in the master bedroom.
Taraji’s character is straightforward, hard working, and convincing. She proves you don’t need a Harvard education to appeal to Ivy League graduates. That’s what stubborn and superficial Anika doesn’t understand.

Anika is standing in her own way. She’s hurting the Empire by sabotaging Cookie. Furthermore, this family is more dysfunctional than the Addams.
Jamal and Hakeem are trying to set aside their differences. Neither one realizes older brother Andre orchestrated Jamal’s robbery. Will the younger brothers find out eventually?
Music is a cutthroat business and Empire shaves off beards. Terrence Howard aka Lucious Lyon built an empire with ex-wife Cookie’s assistance. Lucious finally reveals to Cookie and his three sons that he’s stricken with ALS. The dominoes are falling into place and Cookie is crumbling hard.

 Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

Empire airs tidbits at the end to keep you waiting for the next episode. While this builds up anticipation, it also spoils some of the fun. I suggest Empire show one week of material at a time, rather than clips from the entire season.
Following American Idol in Fox’s TV lineup, Empire is both a musical and soap opera. Decorated movie veteran and creator Lee Daniels brings his talents to television in spectacular fashion. Under Daniels’s direction, Empire is headed toward greatness.

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
Categories
American Idol Danny Strong drama Empire Fox Hip Hop Hollywood Jennifer Hudson Lee Daniels musical Naomi Campbell R&B rap Rita Ora soap opera Taraji P. Henson Terrence Howard Trai Byers TV

Who’s Watching Empire?

BY: GURU JAY


I reserve Wednesday nights for Empire. Do you? If you want a VIP treatment, then take a seat around the TV starting at 9 PM EST each Hump day.
Finally, this drama is no longer a fad. Empire is a trending topic on Twitter and via word of mouth. Everyone in town is talking about this show.
There are a lot of burning questions. Let’s discuss whether music mogul Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) will kill someone else? Why is Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson) snitching to the FBI on her ex-husband? What will happen once Lucious discovers Cookie’s involvement?
More prime time TV shows should have limited commercial interruptions like Empire. It seems the producers have a big budget to play with. So, expect only the best from here on out…
Jennifer Hudson and Rita Ora will appear on  tonight’s Empire show. I can’t wait to see Hudson perform because she’s a great singer and wonderful actress. Also, seeing the Black Widow songstress on TV will be a treat.

After watching the first three episodes, I have a couple ideas. 1. To maintain his kingdom, Emperor Lucious will bribe the police. 2. Low class Cookie will go back to prison because she’s afraid to testify against Lucious.

 Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

Is it nice to see Naomi Campbell on camera or what? Who can play the cougar role better than the seductive supermodel? Hopefully her character receives more attention.
Lucious’s oldest son, Andre (Trai Byers), inherited his father’s twisted traits. Andre, who is a lawyer, made an alibi for his dad to the police. As the blood thickens, so does the plot.
Creators Lee Daniels and Danny Strong debuted Empire on January 7, 2015. The show has already been renewed for a second season. What is more, they picked the right time slot after American Idol.

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!