Empire Midseason 2 Finale Review

Hey People,

Okay I know this should have been written last year when they showed the finale, but I was being lazy and I can't help that now but to review this the day of the spring premiere, which meant I had to rewatch again. Let's get into it. I totally thought this premiered yesterday, but it turns out it won't premiere until next week. I guess I am early. That's one way to get me to write a post.

Damn, I'm not going to lie to you folks, I did not see that one coming. Lucious lost the company and when I mean lost I don't mean he won't be there anymore, he'll still be there he just won't be in charge in making decisions anymore. They still hold majority share so it's not like Mimi and Camilla can go around Lyons. Speaking of Mimi and Camilla, what the fuck? Is anyone as curious as me as how they got together? I was picturing Camilla just manipulating Mimi because she was sick and needed someone to be there for her. Either way, I couldn't have predicted that one. It was too much of a leap, but a leap I liked risking because I like when occurring characters come back. I was wondering what that bitch was doing this whole time.

Previously On Wednesday...

Hey People,

S2 E9

Oh Lord, Empire is probably confusing the shit out of heterosexuals everywhere. Jamal kissed Skye (Alicia Keys, who I have to say looks more beautiful now then she did before). I'm going to file it under someone Jamal would go straight for just like straight people have someone they would go gay for. Will anything come of it? I doubt it, but there is a possibility they might have a one night stand together.

Lucious is selling off parts of his company to build up capital to buy that streaming company. I hope this backfires in his face. He needs to lose people. It's not cool how he's always one step ahead of everyone. I mean, he's the one that found out about Cookie's new boyfriend. I'm guessing he got the Frank Gathers treatment. But this still doesn't save Cookie's Cookout. I feel like something is going to happen there.

Speaking of Cookie, she was in Philly trying to find her sister, with her other sister and OMG I loved every minute of it. Taraji P. Henson, Vivica A. Fox, and Tasha Smith, all 3 very strong black women, who always play the woman that don't take shit from anyone, so seeing them play off each other was amazing to me. They find their addict of a sister with the help of Cooke's inmate friend (Rosie O'Donnell). Another great scene was Cookie talking to her sister and telling her she needed to go to rehab (BTW, Congrats to Empire for their Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress and Best Drama).

Boo Boo has gone cuckoo! It's like Fatal Attraction up in here. She's in love with Hakeem and Hakeem is like bitch stop messing with my life. He still doesn't know she's pregnant and when he does find out there goes his girlfriend right out the door.

In other news, Andre no longer has to prove himself to Lucious any longer. It's just sad that Lucious didn't feel like he could trust him on his own, if Andre wasn't having a child, he probably would still be in the dog house with Lucious.

Luv ya,
            Diva

Empire Music

Hey People,

This is your weekly dosage of music from the hit show Empire. Whether you missed it, or want to hear the full version, this is the place to be. Here is what I think warrants a 2nd listen.

I got to say Yazz and Jamila are a great combo. this rivals "Keep It Movin" from last season. It's not as fast paced, but you can tell they can perform miracles (get it?) by teaming together. I expect even better songs to come.

"Miracles" - Yazz & Jamila Velazquez

This is equivalent to the amazing duet between between Jussie and Estelle last season except it didn't end with a kiss (we'll get into that in the recap). What can I say, but that it was a powerful duet.

"Powerful" - Jussie Smollett & Alicia Keys

Just another good one from Jussie.

"Supernatural" - Jussie Smollett

You know how you aren't feeling a song at first, but then you find yourself singing along to it time later? That's kind of what happened to me with "Runnin'" and "Snitch Bitch", so I'm adding it to my collection. I didn't like Hakeem's part in "Runnin'" and I didn't like "Snitch Bitch" because it's about Cookie and Cookie didn't snitch on him, but the songs are stuck in my head so what else can I do but add them to the list.

"Runnin'" - Yazz, Jamila Velazquez, Raquel Castro, & Yani Marin

"Snitch Bitch" - Terrence Howard & Petey Pablo

Luv ya,

            Diva

Previously On Wednesday...

Hey People,

S2 E8

Last time on Empire, Hakeem was called out by Freda. It was a great rap battle and in the end Hakeem became victorious. I have to say I thought they both work good, but the only reason Hakeem won was because he knows how to work the crowd. So proud that he dropped his last name. He don't need it.

Lucious signed the papers to partner with the streaming company. I hope this backfires on him. He needs to lose sometimes. Well now that I think about it he did lose the bet Cookie and him made on who would win the rap battle. Now, Dynasty can produce Jamal's next album.

Speaking of Jamal, he got the Pepsi commercial deal. He's on his way to being like Michael Jackson. I just hope he doesn't set his hair on fire.

Boo Boo Kitty, you should just be called Boo Boo because right now you are just plain sad. She's pregnant with Hakeem's child and didn't even tell the boy. Instead, she just steals the girl he claims to be in love with (I think their relationship went too fast, I don't even know how it got to that point and girl is a virgin on top it, she should stay clear of Hakeem). Is it bad of me to be rooting for Hakeem and Boo Boo Kitty? I don't know why, but I just want to. What is BBK going to do with that girl? She just went cuckoo on us.

Luv ya,
            Diva

Empire Muisc

Hey People,

This is your weekly dosage of music from the hit show Empire. Whether you missed it, or want to hear the full version of it, this is the place to be. Here is what I think warrants a 2nd listen.

I got 2 new songs to add to my list. I'm starting to think Jussie has too many songs, at least for the first half of the season. I'd like to hear from the other artists too. I'm just saying, they're good, but let's mix it up Empire. "Daddy's Little Girl" is now stuck in my head and although I'm not completely in love with "Ready To Go" there are parts to it that I like, specifically Cookie's beat rather than Lucious's. You can't win them all.

"Daddy's Little Girl" - Bre-Z

"Ready To Go" - Jussie Smollett

Luv ya,

            Diva

Empire Music

Hey People,

This is your weekly dosage of music from the hit show Empire. Whether you missed it, or want to hear the full version of it, this is the place to be. Here is what I think warrants a 2nd listen.

This week we have 2 previous songs that have different beats to them that you could definitely dance to at a club, but I like them just as much as I like the originals. And we also have 1 new joint that will grow on you with every listen. Press play already.

"Born To Love U" (Club Mix) - Jussie Smollett

"Yo Vivre (I Will Survive)" (Club Mix) - Jamila Velazquez

"Heavy" - Jussie Smollett

Luv ya,

            Diva

Previously On Wednesday...

Hey People,

S2 E11

It's true dedication when you recap from your desk at work. Lucious will never be as good as Cookie at least that's what I learned last week. He can act as tough as he wants, Cookie will always have that good ear. But Cookie lets her cookie doing the talking sometimes, Hakeem is definitely the son of Cookie because he does the same thing.

Cookie is literally sleeping with the enemy and I want to know who is going to shoot who first when the guns come out. But at least she's setting up for the next big event for Dynasty. Lucious just partnered with a music streaming company with the help of the lesbian from hell. Lesbians were upset with the scene of her and Lucious trying to have a 3sum, but I didn't see anything wrong. They weren't going to take turns with each other but the girl. To each their own.

Isn't it cute how Cookie and Jamal sneak around? Jamal always knew he would be better than his daddy, but he'll always need the help of his mom. And Hakeem is finally starting to grow. He put his job as partner ahead of his feelings. As for Andre, I do not trust that pastor. He's definitely corrupt someway. Maybe Lucious already paid him off or something.

Mirage a trois was having some issues, but Hakeem trained her to talk the talk and Tiana showed her how to walk the walk. Now everyone knows who the lead is.

Luv ya,
             Diva

P. S. How did Cookie spend like 3 days in bed? Please tell me she took a shower.

Previously On Wednesday...

Hey People,

Happy Veterans Day!

S2 E6

I hate Lucious, but what else is new? He torments Hakeem and tells him he made a beat just for him and then when Hakeem rejects him once again, Lucious just gives it to the female rapper who likes to kick people in the face and then say he made it for her.

Cookie is getting in bed with the devil or should I say bull? I actually thought of this scenario when we first meet this expensive security guard. You get your boys to kidnap Hakeem and then hire him as the security. Speaking of Hakeem, he was having some PTSD, but got over it by the end of the episode. I kind of feel bad for Boo Boo Kitty because she slept with him again. It was a bit random for me. I don't think they're using BBK like they should this season. She's a strong woman and they made her into this weak thing. Is it wrong that I'm still rooting for BBK and Hakeem? I know I said before that I like Hakeem and the lead singer of his Spanish group, but I like BBK and him too. We shall see.

Jamal is sick and tired of being promoted as a gay artist and so he hired an old friend of Lucious and when I say friend I don't mean a friend at all.

I also feel bad for Andre, but then again Empire is what he wanted and that's what he got. His father telling him he didn't put him in charge, but put him in place was just cold. I always hope Andre will come to his senses and leave from there. I do like the artist that he's backing and speaking of him there has been some controversy of him and Becky's love scene. I loved it and enjoyed every minute of it. It's about time we got to see a big girl get down with her bad self. Haters are gonna hate.

P.S. I wonder if we'll ever hear Porsha rap.
P.P.S. Where is Tiana?

Luv ya,
            Diva

Empire Music

Hey People,

It's really weird. Some of the songs that I think I like on the show, I end up listening to the full song on YouTube and don't like it as much. But then there are some that I hear on the show and I don't think anything of it and then I listen to the complete song and I end up loving it. It's just really weird. But most of the time, I'm on point. This is not one of those times. Here's what I think warrants a 2nd lesson.

I didn't really pay attention to this one when it came on during the show, but I listened to the song online and I love it. Reminds me of Eminem for some reason, just the flow of the song, not necessarily the rapper.

"Ear 2 The Street" - Mo McRae

Jamal definitely has a theme this season and it's called all of his songs have love in the title. I must say though that they've all been good songs so I can't hate on it. I love the piano in the background. Makes the song a thousand times better. They even have some french words in here! That's always a win in my book.

"You Broke Love" - Jussie Smollett

Nothing really to say about this one other than the obvious great beat and great collaboration. 

"Boom Boom Boom Boom" - Terrence Howard & Bre-Z

Luv ya,

            Diva

Empire Music

Hey People,

This is your weekly dosage of music from the hit show Empire. Whether you missed it, or want to hear the full version of it, this is the place to be. Here is what I think warrants a 2nd listen.

"Mimosa" - Jamila Velazquez, Raquel Castro, & Yani Marin

I said it before and I'll say it again. Ne-yo knows how to write for Jussie. He sounds so much better when he sings one of his songs. Sounds like his voice is less stretched.

"Never Love Again" - Jussie Smollett

This song is so out there for Empire. It's not the usual, but it's Kelly Rowland, who just has an amazing voice. I wish they weren't using her just in the past, so she could sing some songs from the present. 

"Mona Lisa" - Kelly Rowland

Luv ya,

            Diva

Previously On Wednesday...

Hey People,

S2 E5

Lucious is out and is stirring up trouble. So basically nothing has changed for him since he was causing problems when he was in jail too. He wants to steal music from Dynasty to destroy them. Even sent in goons to wire the place, but something tells me the ones that stole from Tiana and up stole Hakeem isn't with Lucious at all and will find out soon enough how quickly they are in and over their heads.

Cookie has seems to have a new love interest and he's a cutie, It was gun at first sight. She accepted Porsha back and now has a security dog named Whoopty Whoo. Of course, she would.

Michael cheated on Jamal after he decided to bring on tour with him. Ne-yo gives some good advice. Actually he's a natural when it comes to acting. I was shocked and surprised. People are complaining why Michael would cheat and I would have to agree. I don't really understand it myself. He complained so much before that Jamal's music career would change him and then he's the one that steps out on him. It really makes no sense. Why bring Michael back if you were just going to have him cheat on Jamal? And people wanted them to end up together too.

Hakeem acted like a grown up for the first time and realized how he treats women around him. I am really liking the new lead of Mirage a Trois. She would be good for Hakeem and needed change from the other girls he's been dating.

Andre went on a confession tour before his baptism. He told his brothers the truth about putting them against each other and telling those thugs about Jamal, which almost led to him getting killed. But even after all that, they still said they would come to his baptism. He went to his father and told him how he made his mother take an interest in managing Jamal's career when she got out of jail. Andre also told Lucious how he almost committed suicide in his music booth. Lucious said he wasn't going to show up, but he did. Didn't stick around for long though. He got bad memories from his childhood when his mother almost drowned him in the bathtub. Me thinks that's why he will never give Andre the keys to the kingdom. Lucious doesn't trust him because Andre reminds him of his mother. Cookie was the only one who didn't get a confession and that's solely because she already believes Andre is a good person, no matter what he's done in the past.

Cookie got it right. I believe people should choose to be baptized. It means more when they are and it sticks with him if they do. Religion should be chosen, not enforced.

Where is Boo Boo Kitty? I miss her.

Luv ya,
            Diva

Empire Music

Hey People,

Trying to catch up in the music department with Empire but I think these 3 are worth a listen to.

"When Love Finds U" - Jussie Smollett



"New New" - Becky G

This is probably the one that stuck to me the most while I was playing catch up on Empire. I don't understand a lick of Spanish (have no idea what the title says, but I'm guessing this song deals with love); however, this song was beautifully sung so I had to put it on here.

"Lago Azul" - Jamila Velazquez

Luv ya,

            Diva

Previously On Wednesday...

Hey People,

S2 E3 & E4

E3
Okay so I'm getting really sick and tired of Lucious winning all the time. It seems like he's always 1 step ahead of everyone else and it's starting to get on my nerves especially when he's smug about it. I'll always be #TeamCookie.

Boo Boo Kitty and Cookie are working together again to bring down Lucious. I like them working together. Yea they may hate each other, but together they are a force to be reckoned with. Lucious took the lead the girl group. I liked the name (Mirage a Trois) though better than what it was originally going to be called. Let's not forget he bought practically all hip-hop radio stations and will eventually sign the new girl rap artist.

I don't understand why Andre wants to be part of Empire so bad when he keeps getting rejected. Then you have Jamal who is just missing his mother, which is just sad really since he just kicked her out last episode. But like Becky said, he will always be her son. However, that was short lived because now Lucious promised to produce his record. I doubt he'll live up to his word. I'm loving the hatred Hakeem has for Lucious. I like them better when they're at odds with each other than when they work together.

Can the Dynasty team catch a break?

E4
Lucious is still winning. He found out Andre killed Uncle Vernon so now he knows the prosecutor has nothing on him. Speaking of the prosecutor, I liked her because she was going after Lucious, but when she went after Cookie's sons that have nothing to do with anything, I was like that bitch needs to get what's coming to her. But I'm so glad Cookie is using this opportunity to stop Lucious from buying the radio station. A sort of win for her.

Jamal and Hakeem aren't getting along. I don't really care about Jamal since he's being a dick this season, but at least Hakeem's girl band isn't dead just yet with this new girl he just found.

P.S. Porsha would give out Cookie's name, which is why I love her.

Luv ya,
            Diva

Previously On Wednesday...

Hey People,

I checked out Code Black and thought it was intense, chaotic, and depressing. Safe to say I won't be adding this to my list. On to Empire.

S2 E2

Lucious is getting out which means Empire vs Dynasty. I really like the new name Cookie and the gang gave their music label and a tip of the hat to Dynasty the show. I can't believe the judge ruled in his favor over some S&M pictures. Who cares this day and age? But both the prosecutor and defense attorney were playing dirty so I don't really care about the outcome. Lucious still has a trial to prepare for.

I'm glad that Hakeem and Cookie are working together. Look how far they have come? They went from one beating the other with a broom to sweeping together and I am really digging this new female artist group Hakeem wants to start. But with one of his great ideas comes a stupid idea with him leaking his own album and then announcing it to the world that he's the one that did it. Ugh, next time just claim someone hacked your computer.

Man do I feel for Andre, he always envisioned being in charge of Empire. The scene between Cookie and Andre was just heartbreaking and the rejection of Andre by Lucious made my blood boil. It's sad to see one parent want their son desperately and the other always thinking he isn't good enough just because he isn't an entertainer. I thought when Rhonda went to Jamal that it was a trick, but I guess it wasn't.

Boo Boo Kitty is still roaming and I hope that she sticks with Dynasty because they need at least 1 person that knows the business side of things now that Andre is out, but maybe he'll return and I just really want another Boo Boo Kitty and Cookie fight to happen and it's more likely to happen if they're at Dynasty together.

I still need more Tiana, V, Becky, and Porsha in my life and from this episode, I recognized Ludacris (one of my favorite rappers) and Kelly Rowland (one of my favorite singers). I hope this isn't the last we see of Kelly Rowland because I really wanted her to sing a song and I'm looking forward to seeing more of Lucious's past. Can't forget about Bubbles from The Wire showing up as Lucious's new attorney.

Luv ya,
            Diva

Empire Music

Hey People,

Okay so I'm starting to find some of the songs that aren't on the album; however, I still managed to miss 2 that will be on the album so I'm posting them now even though they were in the premiere episode because they are worth a listen to.

I heard this in the premiere and I just couldn't find it for some reason, but here it is now.

"Same Song" - Bre-Z

I knew this song existed, but I was waiting for it to drop during the show, but I didn't hear it play. Apparently, it did. I must have missed it. I was waiting for Pitbull to show up. Anyway, it's here now so have a listen to it. 

"No Doubt About It" - Pittbull & Jussie Smollett

It's good to have Tiana back in the mix on the show. Since Serayah has been bumped up to a regular, I hope they start using her more. Didn't even know girl could move like that.

"Get No Better (2.0)" - Serayah

Okay when I first heard this song, I knew I wanted this on my must hear list. I do wish they went with a lower voice with the auto tune, but this'll do. 

"Born To Love U" - Jussie Smollett

I don't mind having a clam and soft song like this one. Apparently Ne-yo produced and wrote the song. I actually prefer Ne-yo producing Jussie's songs because when he does, he's mindful of Jussie's range and it's better on the ears, in my opinion.

"Sorry Just Don't Cut It" - Jussie Smollett

I didn't know who Becky G was and I'm not a fan of her character on the show, but she did have a good enough song to land her on the list. I can't believe this girl is only 18. 

"Do It" - Becky G

Luv ya,

            Diva

Previously On Wednesday...

Hey People,

I did watch Rosewood and I've decided to pass on it. Rosewood is in the same category as Bones, Castle, and Forever (still missing you), but it isn't as good as any of them. I still wish it luck and hopefully Morris Chestnut can be in a show that I can actually watch.

I used to be able to find recap videos of Empire, which I thought were way more hilarious than me writing about it, but it seems like they aren't doing them anymore. Oh well, back to the old way.

S2 E1

Lucious is still in jail, but he still has his power since he not only stopped Cookie and the gang from taking Empire away from him, but he also killed a major threat to his family. I'm kind of upset that Chris Rock was only used for 1 episode. I read some comments that said Chris Rock was miscast and you could definitely make that argument, but I think it's just because we've known him for so long as the funny guy that it's hard to see him as a thug, so it's really not his fault, and therefore, I can't blame him.

Cookie had her best line of the night talking to Boo Boo Kitty with her "You can't even dyke right". I had to stop the video and laugh for a few seconds there. Andre is still worried that someone will find out about what him and his wife did to Vernon. Hakeem hasn't done anything in the studio yet and if Jamal has his way, he's never going to.

Speaking of Jamal, he's now back with his "little Mexican" and I'm glad he's back, but Jamal is no longer the Lyon to root for. As people have stated, his personality has done a complete 180, and there's a reason for that. During the end of last season, Jamal got a taste of what power feels like and he finally got the approval from his father that he desperately desired, so it makes sense why he's all of a sudden acting out and kicking everyone out of the house. He likes having daddy's approval, but what he will soon learn is that road will only lead to loneliness.

Some people thought last week was scattered, slow, and boring, but I thought it was well paced (slower paced than any of last season's, which I thought was a good thing) and finished some stories that weren't finished last season. I don't know what the rest of the season will be about, but you know I'm going to continue to watch.

P.S. When Jamal kicked everyone out, was I the only one thinking that his auntie is still upstairs with her noisy kids?

Luv ya,
            Diva

Empire S2 E1 Music

Hey People,

It's a new season, which means new music, but it seems like it's so much harder to find the ones that aren't on the album. Anyway, I'll try to find as much as I can that's worth a listen.

I believe this is their theme for the season like how "No Apologies" was last season and the great thing is it's just as good.

"Ain't About The Money" - Jussie Smollett & Yazz

I'm not really a huge fan of this song because it seems like all of a sudden the song becomes a totally different song, in other words, I hate when Jussie & Yazz come in, but I thought it was important to add it to my list because of the message it has about black men in the US being imprisoned. 

"Born To Lose" -- Sean Cross, Jussie Smollett, & Yazz

The recap has already been written and will be out Wednesday.

Luv ya,

            Diva

Lucifer, Minority Report, and Blindspot Leak

Hey People,

So Game of Thrones and recently Supergirl aren't the only shows that have been leaked this year. Just recently, newcomers Lucifer, Minority Report, and Blindspot have also been leaked and you know me. I cannot not look and so I looked. Here's a quick guide if you're interested in these shows.

Empire Season 1 Finale Review

Hey People,

Well that was some finale. It's been a week since I've watched and since it is Wednesday I thought it would be a good time to finally release this review. It definitely did not disappoint me with the hype and so much happened in these 2 hours that I don't even know where to begin and I think that was a complaint among some viewers--too much happened. I'm going to try to keep this short (keyword is try). But first let's do a quick recap of what happened video-style.

This saved me a lot time writing because I had paragraphs and paragraphs about what happened in the season finale. So now I can just dive into the good stuff and talk about what I liked and didn't like and also where I think this show is heading.

Part 1

I couldn't believe Lucious would fire Cookie, but not Mr. Security. Hell, he shouldn't have fired either of them since it's not like they did anything wrong. She's not marred to him. She wasn't even dating Lucious. Lucious should know how to separate business from pleasure. 

Speaking of Mr. Security, this is one of the reasons why I wouldn't mind if the show added a few more episodes next year or this year if they start in the fall. Maybe they should do something like The Walking Dead does and run 8 eps in the fall and 8 eps in the spring. I say 16 because it needs to stay short and concise. It doesn't dwindle on the same drama for long and I like that. I feel like everything is fast pace, which is so unusual in a drama because I always feel like dramas like to dwell in it for a few episodes until they move on. However, I felt Mr. Security changing his mind all of a sudden about pursuing Cookie came from no where. One minute, Mr. Security was saying no he can't and the next he was all up in that cookie. I think he saw a piece of that cookie when she was flashing it in his face and he got all interested. I felt like I missed an episode in between those two because they were so disjointed. This isn't the only instance I felt this way. I felt the same thing when Boo Boo Kitty was found out and Porsha and Cookie started packing her shit to go. I loved the scene, but it felt disjointed with the end of the previous episode. Would have loved to see Prosha stalking Boo Boo Kitty and then running to tell her master so I'm thinking 4 extra episodes would do them some good on the storytelling front.

Empire Season 1 Finale Music

Hey People,

Okay I know that I owe you guys a review and it's coming trust me, but while you're waiting you can listen to the beautiful songs that came out of the finale that I think deserve to be replayed.

I actually prefer the Terrance version even if it isn't clean because they're laughing in between. I probably prefer this version because of the way they played it on the show or it could be due to the fact that I love duets. As a bonus I've added another version of the song covered by a pianist.

"Nothing To Lose" - Jussie Smollett & Terrance Howard

"Nothing To Lose" - Jussie Smollett

The only Rita Ora song I know is "Black Widow" but at least I know who she is. Charles Hamilton I do not know, but I like the way he raps. He reminds me of J. Cole who I love. It's so funny how Empire promotes the artists only to see them for 2 seconds on the show. Wish I heard more of it then, but at least I can hear it now.

"NY Raining" - Charles Hamilton feat. Rita Ora

Love me some J. Hudson and hope she comes back for season 2 because her story-line isn't over with just yet. There is a rumor going around saying she isn't coming back, but it's not definite. It always comes down to scheduling. Juicy J is also on the track and no offense to Juicy J, but you weren't needed. 

"Whatever Makes You Happy" - Jennifer Hudson feat. Juicy J

Let us not forget this song that was either Empire making fun of 50 Cent's Power (which I have yet to see) or they could actually be talking about the power of Empire. I choose to believe the former just because it makes the song more clever.

"Power of the Empire" - Yazz

The review is COMING SOON!

Luv ya,

           Diva

P.S. Now you can listen to all the best of the best music from Empire here.