Empire - 06x01 - What Is Love
Previously on Empire...
Every boy needs his father.
No!
You're gonna have to offer more than money to get me off your ass, Mr. Cross.
I can get you Lucious Lyon.
I figured we'd take off for a little bit.
Just get on the damn helicopter!
I got to put me first!
I got to put me first, Lucious!
- I understand baby, I know.
- Damon Cross.
I slept with him, okay?
♪ ♪ _
So I see you think you got balls now, huh?
(g*nsh*t)
(g*nshots)
(GASPING)
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
So happy you could join us today, Cookie, to serve a little tea again.
I love the outfit.
Oh, well, thank you, Janice.
(CHUCKLES)
You know I love to serve the children, hey.
- (LAUGHTER)
- LIZZIE: How hard is it to look good if you're her?
Now find me a dress that makes my lard ass look hot, that's something.
You always look hot to me, Lizzie.
Okay, you're sweet.
Obviously blind, maybe a little bi, but sweet.
- (LAUGHTER)
- JANICE: Let's get into today's topics.
- Donald Tr*mp...
- Please tell me they finally threw his lying ass in prison.
- (APPLAUSE)
- Maybe he has your old bunk.
Or your husband's. Or your son's.
- (LAUGHTER)
- (LAUGHS)
Well, wherever he is, I'm sure you'll be lobbying to be
- his prison bitch.
- (AUDIENCE GASPS)
JANICE: What I would really like to talk about is what it's like to work with family.
Cookie, you have famously worked with yours.
What is it like to manage your boys?
Well, you know, I can't tell my boys too much of nothing nowadays, child.
They grown. (CHUCKLES)
Yeah, they flew the nest, but they still want breakfast.
(LAUGHTER)
How many of you mothers out there can identify with that?
- I know that's right.
- (CHEERING)
("WHAT THE DJ SPINS" BEGINS)
♪ That's what the DJ spins ♪
♪ Turn up ♪
♪ That's what the DJ spins ♪
♪ All y'all might die tonight ♪
♪ This is your party, right? ♪
♪ Live it up, the drink is on me ♪
♪ That's what the DJ spins ♪
♪ All y'all not getting home ♪
♪ Live it up till the break of dawn ♪
♪ Live it up,
'cause life is all free ♪
♪ That's what the DJ spins ♪
♪ Hopin' you don't mind little minor change ♪
♪ Propofol for novocaine, Kryptonite, Lois Lane ♪
♪ Saw the dude, didn't know the dame ♪
- ♪ Holding onto my jacket saying ♪
- ANDRE: Cut!
- ♪ "Don't let me go..." ♪
- Cut! Cut.
We have to cast this right or none of this is gonna work.
And it's not gonna happen on my watch.
This is Empire's first film.
It has to be on point.
Uh, he's got this.
- ANDRE: Charlie.
- Yo, yo. What's up?
- A word with you, brother.
- Yes, sir.
(SIGHS) What do you know about this scene?
I mean, it's about Lucious.
Yeah, okay, well, let me tell you what it means to me, okay?
This is my father's first time taking the stage.
All right?
He was hungry. He was desperate.
He needed this more than anything, but he kept that, that need, that want, that desperation, he kept it underneath the surface,
- you understand what I'm saying?
- Yeah.
In this moment, on this stage, he owned this place.
And that crowd became his because he took it.
He took it!
This is the moment my father realized he was a king.
- You got it?
- I got it.
- Good, good.
- Thank you, man.
- Yeah, you got it.
- I can go again?
- Please.
- A'ight. Thank you.
Let's do it again.
King doesn't tell you who he is, Charlie.
He shows you.
♪ That's what the DJ spins ♪
- ♪ Turn up ♪
- Show me, Charlie!
♪ That's what the DJ spins ♪
♪ All y'all might die tonight ♪
♪ This is your party, right? ♪
♪ Live it up, the drink is on me ♪
♪ That's what the DJ spins ♪
♪ All y'all not getting home ♪
♪ Live it up till the break of dawn ♪
- You see?
- ♪ Live it up, 'cause life is all free ♪
♪ That's what the DJ spins... ♪
(CHEERING)
Ooh, that bitch got one more time to come for my family
- before I go for her throat.
- She's goading you.
It's the only way she gets attention.
Yeah, well, she will get my full attention
- with my Louboutin fully up her ass.
- (CHUCKLING): You're so funny.
Yeah, I know, but I'm not playing.
I did years, I'll shank that bitch.
Easy, Scarface.
Listen, your trial run has been fantastic, and the producers want to make you a permanent co-host.
They just need to know that Lucious and Empire
- are finally behind you.
- That's none of their damn business, baby.
Is it a problem? Do you even know where Lucious is?
I don't. Okay? But nobody gets to tell Cookie Lyon
- what she can and cannot do, sweetheart.
- I hate it when you refer to yourself in the third person.
Well, Cookie Lyon loves it, so get used to it.
Look, I am proud of what my family did with Empire.
And Lucious is my husband.
But you left him.
That was your choice.
- Why not make it public?
- (CHEERING)
My choice, my damn business.
Hey, babies!
- Cookie, Cookie!
- Cookie!
How you... (WHOOPS)
A Patti pie, honey.
I love you. I love you.
Okay, well, if you want this gig, the producers need assurance that you've moved on from the Coocious drama.
I mean, really, don't you think Lucious has?
FAN: Love you, Cookie!
COOKIE: I love you, too!
That's the tea, baby!
(CHEERING CONTINUES)
(CHUCKLES)
AGENT DAVIS: Burning the midnight oil, Mr. Lyon?
- (SIGHS)
- You look mighty comfy in your daddy's chair.
The FBI. What an unexpected delight.
- (CHUCKLES)
- Are you here to have the same conversation we've been having over the last six months?
I don't know where my father is.
I haven't seen him.
- I haven't had contact with him...
- Produce Lucious Lyon or we're gonna go public that he's wanted for money laundering.
I have a feeling that might dampen the excitement over your little Empire movie.
And that Fox Sports deal that you just inked.
You've been reading the trades.
- Mm.
- Good for you.
You're not gonna do that, Agent Davis.
Really? Why, why not?
Well, because any day now, my father's going to show up with evidence that'll prove his innocence.
And you'll end up with egg on your face.
Not a good look for a man or woman as ambitious as yourselves.
I have a lot of work to catch up on, so... you can see yourself out.
(CHUCKLES)
(SIGHS)
COOKIE (ON TV): Well, you know, I can't tell my boys...
♪ I am your candle ♪
- (COOKIE CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY)
♪ Make a wish, I'm your star ♪
♪ My body's your treasure... ♪
Hey. k*ll that mess, man, it's k*lling the whole vibe.
♪ My eyes are the windows ♪
♪ That will enter your soul ♪
♪ You've been touched by an angel ♪
♪ When I put my hands on you, it's the power to heal ♪
♪ A magical thing we do ♪
♪ How does it feel to have Heaven so close ♪
♪ To you, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo? ♪
♪ Heaven so close to you ♪
♪ Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo? ♪
♪ Heaven ♪
♪ Heaven ♪
♪ Yeah... ♪
(CHEERING)
(WHOOPING)
- I'm sick of you.
- (LAUGHS): What?
- Bad girl. You didn't do
- What?
A damn thing that I told you to do.
So?
I followed my spirit, and it felt divine.
Well, it could have felt better.
Hmm.
Better than this?
Come on, baby.
(BOTH LAUGH)
I got the neck.
- Mm-hmm.
- I got the mole.
- That's a lot.
- Oh. People might come in.
Well, yes, that's the idea, isn't it?
That's the idea?
- You just don't care, huh?
- Just let me get one bite.
Just one.
(LAUGHING): That's two.
All right. We had a guest on the show.
She swears by this; says it's the best thing for the baby.
Hmm. Here.
Really, Cookie?
Yes, really. Now, drink it up.
- (GROANS): Okay.
- I know what I'm talking about.
I'm taking care of my grandbaby. Mmm.
(COOKIE CHUCKLES)
- Mm.
- It's good, right?
- Hey.
- Hey!
Hey, you good?
- (MUFFLED GRUNT)
- Oh.
Well, you look good.
How's my boy?
Your ma is trying to poison us.
- Oh, please.
- Ma, Teri is a nurse.
She knows what's best for the baby.
And I'm your mother.
I raised you, didn't I?
Uh, look, how is your heart, baby?
You taking your meds?
Ah, my heart is good, Ma.
- In fact, I'm doing better than good.
- Oh?
- I found somebody to play Lucious.
- (COOKIE GROANS)
You're still going ahead with that stupid-ass movie?
You ain't slick, Teri. I'm just gonna pour you another one.
ANDRE: That stupid-ass movie burnishes Empire's brand, Ma.
Or it brands us as corny, like all them other Hollywood movies.
I thought you were staying out of Empire business, Ma.
Boy, I'm bigger than Empire.
Didn't y'all see me on that show schooling them b*tches?
Y'all saw me on TV.
Yes, Ma, you're a star.
- There's only one Cookie Lyon.
- Damn right.
- Thank God for that.
- Oh, look at Miss Teri Sunshine.
Where you get all that spunk from, girl?
You better be careful 'fore I throw them big-ass cankles out my house.
Oh, no, no, no.
I love your cankles, baby.
- Oh...
- Mm, they're not too big.
- They're too big.
- No, they're not too big.
COOKIE: Girl, what the hell are you wearing?
Um... Jamal and I used to wear these to our sleepovers all the time, so...
No wonder that boy ran off to London.
I thought he was running away from Lyon drama.
I really miss him.
COOKIE: Please don't get me started.
I miss him so much.
Anyway, why do we need to have this slumber party?
Okay. I need some advice.
- Mm-kay.
- Okay, so Giselle and I have a really big meeting tomorrow.
Like, big. "Big" as in "huge."
I'd tell you who it is, but I can't, so I won't.
But I really, really need to nail the pitch, okay?
- We really gotta land her.
- Oh.
So it's a her.
Of course it's a her.
Our label is about women, for women, by women, featuring women, women, women, women.
Oh, honey, that's a lot of weave and tampons.
It's half the budget.
- Yeah.
- (LAUGHING)
Well, y'all go right on ahead with your vajayjay power.
(GROANS) The only thing is, Giselle will not sign anyone before we get our marquee artist, so...
I mean, doesn't Giselle understand that it is your job to go out, find the artists and turn them into stars?
I mean, that's what good labels do.
Oh, look at you. You miss it?
What?
This. Empire, the music.
This used to be in your blood.
I need something new, something fresh.
Like your talk show.
And my community center, among other things.
Uh, this is time for me.
Okay? I'm building my own brand.
Oh, you about to be a whole mogul out here.
Yes. It is Cookie's time.
Ooh, I almost forgot.
- Potato chips?
- Yes, girl, salt and sweet.
Isn't that Lucious's thing?
So?
So, you miss him.
Look how mad you just got.
- You miss him.
- I didn't get mad.
- No, you miss miss him.
- (SIGHS)
Do you think you guys are gonna get back together?
Girl, do I look like a damn fortune tell...
Look, uh, Becky?
Eat this ice cream 'fore I put your ass out my house.
- (CLICKS TONGUE) I thought we were sharing.
- Ah-ah. Please, just...
- The... a quiet moment, please.
- I thought we were girlfriends.
J-Just eat-eat the ice cream.
♪ Five, four, three ♪
♪ Two, one, leggo, level up ♪
♪ Level up, level up, level up, level up... ♪
BECKY: And we just want you to know that we will be dedicating all of our time and attention to you as if you are our only artist.
Ain't that what I'd be, though?
Well, actually, you would be treated like our first artist.
- Ah.
- I mean, we have a vision for your career that nobody else has.
My experience in brand marketing, Becky in A&R, that's a k*ller combination.
Yes, you're big, but we can make you even bigger on multiple platforms.
Yeah. I...
Listen, I really like and admire the both of you, so I'm-a be honest with y'all.
- Thank you.
- I appreciate that.
I'm not signing with Bossy.
Y'all too small.
But I'll tell you what I can do.
I'll let y'all leak to TMI that we had this meeting.
That should help y'all out a little bit.
- So generous of you.
- Thank you for that.
These some nice-ass offices, though.
Hit me up with your designer's info, okay?
- Okay.
- (LAUGHS SOFTLY) Be well.
(WHISPERS): Bye, now.
(ELEVATOR BELL DINGS)
"Treat you like the only artist"?
Why did it sound so good in my head last night?
- Were you high last night?
- No, I wasn't high...
Yeah, but just a little bit.
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
MAYA: Andre, security brought this gentleman up.
He says that you're expecting him, but he's not on my calendar.
Mouse.
Oh, no, no. He's good, he's good.
Maya, close that door, please.
- (BOTH LAUGH)
- When the hell did you get out, boy?
Hey, why didn't you call me?
I tried to hit you up. I think you must've changed your number.
Ah.
I been here about an hour.
They wouldn't let me up.
Oh, I'm sorry about that, man. Listen,
I am stoked to see you. Have a seat.
I'm-a pour you something to drink, man. What do you like?
sh**t, everything. No ice.
- So, what you got planned, man?
- Frankly, uh, I could use a job.
You know how it is. Or maybe you don't.
ANDRE: Maybe I don't?
(LAUGHS) You playing, boy.
- You know I know.
- (CLEARS THROAT)
And I can help you out.
What type of job you looking for?
All right. (CLEARS THROAT)
I've been thinking about this for a long time.
All right.
I want something where I can wear a suit.
- Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah.
- I've always dreamed of having an office with a window.
Maybe something here at Empire?
Close to yours, so we can hang, huh?
See, that's what I'm talking about.
Let me go down there, check out, see what's open.
But first step is gonna have to be, you know, you go to HR...
Can't you just do me a solid?
I mean, you came out to this.
I came out to nothing...
...after staying in because of you.
Damn right you owe me.
I know I owe you.
And I'm-a square you up, okay?
Might take a day or two.
You got my word.
Just like in the day, right?
All right. I got you.
Yeah, man.
I'd like to thank you all for getting behind me while my father's on sabbatical, and for stepping up in light of some recent staff departures.
Are you gonna be announcing promotions to fill those slots?
Absolutely. Very soon.
Thank you very much, Porsha.
We got some big announcements this week.
Empire will provide the theme song for Fox Basketball...
...and Charlie Dupree
- will star as Lucious Lyon...
- All right.
In the new Empire film.
Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
(SLOW CLAP)
Hey, Andre.
Maybe you should make an announcement about me?
Tracy? Um...
What are you doing here?
Where else would I be?
I'm Empire's newest co-owner.
(RISING CHATTER)
Hi.
Your own interest in Empire...
- How the hell is that possible?
- Cookie gave me shares in exchange for my son's heart.
You traded Kingsley's heart?
I saved your life, Andre.
Close your mouth.
You're attracting flies.
Why would you want a part of Empire?
I need a little fun in my life.
I used to help Lucious with his music back in the day.
I was really good at it, too.
I had a real ear.
And I want to be close to my son.
I-I... miss him so much.
- Hey...
- (STAMMERS)
Can I hear my boy?
(HEART b*ating)
Oh... (EXHALES)
There you are, my love.
(CRIES)
COOKIE: You got to make sure
you eat some of them lamb chops, girl.
Okay? That's iron.
That baby needs iron, now.
Mmm, these green beans, though. Mmm.
Give that baby some meat, girl.
No vegan grandchild...
(LAUGHS)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
ANDRE: You gave White Tracy a stake in Empire? Have you lost your mind?
Have you lost your damn mind, hollering at me?
Dre, I would have given her the whole damn company if that's what it would've taken to save your life.
(COOKIE SIGHS)
Now, she was supposed to let me break the news to you, but I guess that goes to show you can't trust an ex-crackhead.
So you just let her into our boardroom.
That's great, Ma. That's real great.
Does Pop know what you did?
Oh, you think I need your daddy's permission?
(CHUCKLES) Boy, you don't know me at all, do you?
TERI: You know, Andre, you cannot be mad at Cookie for trying to save your life.
COOKIE: Thank you, Teri. Glad somebody around here got some good damn common sense.
Oh, and I'm going with you to your checkup tomorrow.
Yeah, I need to make sure my investment is paying off.
Yeah, you better sit your ass down.
Well, I've been thinking...
- Not a good time to start that, Hakeem.
- Um, hello?
I want to play Lucious in the Empire movie.
You know, I could bring that realness, bro.
Nobody can do that.
We need a star in that role. An A-list actor.
COOKIE: Well, now, you can get a lot of press, a lot of hype, if Hakeem plays his daddy.
But I'm not sticking my nose in Empire's business.
Miss Maya is here.
MAYA: I keep telling her she doesn't need to introduce me.
Um, we have a problem.
- What is it?
- MAYA: The feds just held a press conference telling the world that Lucious is a wanted fugitive.
- Oh, that's great.
- (PHONE BUZZING)
Andre Lyon.
Yes.
I think that's shortsighted.
Charlie Dupree is no longer willing to play Lucious, and our co-financiers are pulling out of the film.
Yeah, 'cause they heard that bitch press conference, right?
Fox deal is gonna come off the table next.
The feds are trying to destroy us.
Look, when the hell is this doctor gonna get here?
He'll be here soon, Ma.
Look, Andre, I know Empire is on your mind, but...
Pop trusted me with Empire, Ma.
I can't let it fail.
Boy, that thing will work itself out. Okay?
Andre, your health is more important, baby.
We got to make sure your heart is fine and that cancer is cleaned u...
- Anybody see you?
- No, I'm good.
What the hell is he doing here?
- We're not here for the doctor, okay?
- (LAUGHS SOFTLY)
The feds are coming for Empire, we're about to take a huge hit.
We need the evidence on Damon Cross to clear Pop's name, and it's gonna take us... all of us, Ma... working together to do it.
This is about family.
Our legacy.
It's bigger than your marriage.
Now, you two can kiss and make up later, or not. I...
We need a solution now.
Give you a minute to work this out.
- We have minutes.
- I'm-a b*at your ass.
Work it out, Ma.
(CHUCKLES) Well, if it isn't the Third Coming of Jesus?
Amen.
Oh, look, that's just me trying to be civil.
To hell with your damn civility.
We wouldn't be in this situation if it hadn't been for you and what you did with Damon.
I wouldn't have gone to Damon Cross if you were willing and able to give me what I needed.
- Wait, what you needed?
- Yes.
What I needed.
What?
You didn't even sleep with him.
- (SCOFFS)
- You didn't.
That is none of your business.
No, I knew it. You can't cheat on me,
'cause can't nobody do for you like I do for you.
(LAUGHS):
What? And what is that, Lucious?
'Huh? Give me pain and misery and heart att*cks?
I never had to screw Damon to get more from him what I ever got from you.
Then why ain't you with his ass right now, huh?
Why ain't you with that son of a bitch that put our family in the crosshairs so he can get you?
Lucious, I don't need Damon no more than I need your ass.
Yeah, well, half of that's a lie, and I bet your dumb ass
- don't even know which one.
- (CHUCKLES) Yeah, see, you know about lies, don't you, Lucious?
Lies and deceit, and broken promises, backstabs.
- You know about that.
- Wait, I couldn't tell you about Andre!
It's not about Andre! It's about us!
I needed you to think about me for a change.
It ain't always about you, Cookie.
Oh, yeah, well, you proved that, Lucious!
You proved that already.
Don't worry, I'm-a fix this for my family, not for your black ass.
I don't need your help.
I will fix this, and when I'm done,
I'm gonna go back to my girl.
- Oh, your new bitch.
- Yeah.
Right. Okay.
I'm over you, Cookie.
Nah.
You could never be over me.
You can change your hair, get as fancy as you want, get all the new b*tches you need, honey, but you'll never be over me.
- Hey, partner.
- Hi.
I want you to check this girl out.
- I found her online.
- (WOMAN SINGING ON LAPTOP)
She can sing, and she has millions of views.
♪ Where there is no time ♪
♪ All these cloudless blue skies... ♪
TheTube? What... I-I thought we already discussed this.
Ooh, you're being kind of negative.
Can you just listen?
- I don't need to.
- (MUSIC STOPS)
Because if I don't know her name, then she's obviously not our marquee artist.
First of all, she sings her ass off, she's gorgeous and she's got four million followers.
So if I didn't act fast, there was gonna be a bidding w*r.
Becky, do not tell me what I think you are about to tell me.
I made an executive decision,
- and I signed her.
- Oh, my God.
You had no right to act unilaterally.
That is not what Black Girl Magic is all about.
Oh, no, I betrayed Black Girl Magic.
Girl, rent is due, okay, and she's already on the plane on her way here to meet us in person.
You signed somebody you haven't even met yet?
(LAUGHS) Wow. Okay, baby girl, we had a digi-meeting; that means digital.
I fell in love with her, and you will, too.
Okay? So... so we have signed our first artist.
Congratulations.
(SHRIEKING)
No, no matter what happens,
I'm gonna handle Damon Cross' ass.
Are you all right, son?
I just don't want to let you down.
I mean, I'm doing everything I can to build Empire back, Pop, but Empire's being att*cked on all sides.
That's the nature of a kingdom.
It's always under att*ck, and the problem is
I raised you to be a prince, but a prince has no real power.
You only have power when you become king.
And as a king, you will have to defend your kingdom by any means.
And when the time comes, you'll know exactly what you need to do.
Sorry, Andre, but Empire cannot represent Fox while your father is a fugitive.
If my father is guilty of what they're accusing him of, it is a direct violation and betrayal against what my new Empire stands for, and I will turn him in myself.
I'm inviting you to be a part of the new Empire.
Join me.
I can sell that.
I'll take it back to our team.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
- Thank you. Smart man.
- Yes, sir.
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
(BIG BAND MUSIC PLAYING)
(INDISTINCT VOICES)
Teri?
(VOICES CONTINUE)
Hey, sweetheart.
Yo, what's up, man?
Oh, Teri and me, we just been kicking it, waiting for your ass to get home.
Um, I'm gonna get off my feet, and I'm gonna let you two catch up.
ANDRE: I'll be up in a minute.
Man, that is one sweet...
You don't come to my home without an invitation.
Ever.
My bad. I'm just anxious, man.
All this waiting for you to come through.
I'm ready for my life to start.
Want to top me off?
I got nothing for you, Mouse.
Soon as I got something tight, I'll let you know.
- Cool.
- Cool.
That's all I needed to know.
Nice house.
Nice family.
(DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
(CHEERING)
Trini Bayer's new book, Marrying the Bad Boy, has sh*t to number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.
Why does a book with a title like that rocket to the top?
LIZZIE: Well, Jan, maybe the time has come when we women have to stop pointing our fingers at men, at what men do to us.
Why do we let them do it? Am I right, Cook?
Excuse me?
Well, let's face it, Cook, y-you seem like a smart woman, but you've been married to an abusive, lying, womanizing thug
- for how many years?
- (AUDIENCE SHOUTING)
I mean, is anyone surprised that the FBI's after Lucious Lyon?
First of all, don't call me "Cook."
- (AUDIENCE HOLLERING)
- And second of all, get your mouth off my husband.
- (AUDIENCE EXCLAIMING)
- Okay, don't be so hostile.
Oh, okay, there's a topic.
Now why is it that when white women get mad it's called strength, but when black women get mad it's called hostile?
- Okay, I'm feeling threatened by that.
- Oh, now you're threatened?
Why are you defending Lucious Lyon?
I mean, if Lucious is a womanizer or abuser or all these things you claim that he is, then why are you pointing your finger at me like it's my fault?
When are we going to stop blaming women for the things that their men do?
- AUDIENCE MEMBER: Yeah.
- COOKIE: That's right.
I left my husband and the company we built together, and... it's hard.
(SIGHS)
It's the hardest thing I've ever had to do.
And for you two to sit up here and slam me with his name every damn chance you get doesn't make it easier.
Can we cut to commercial?
Oh, what, you need to change your diaper?
- (AUDIENCE GASPS)
- Okay, this is blowing my mind.
Oh, no, stupid, your mind was blown after those three white lines you snorted in the green room.
(AUDIENCE LAUGHS)
There's your tea, baby, with a Cookie on the side.
(MUSIC PLAYS)
(HUMMING)
(BOTH HUMMING)
(CHUCKLES)
- I missed you.
- I missed you.
- I was singing you home.
- Mm, well, it worked.
(LAUGHS)
Look, baby, um...
I got to tell you something.
Okay.
My real name...
- who I really am...
- Shh.
You're Lucious Lyon.
You knew?
Of course I knew.
I knew the minute you started talking music to me.
Then you also know that I'm on the run from the FBI, and that I got to keep things moving.
Wait, so you're saying that you're leaving?
Now, look, baby, I'm... I want to stay,
- but I got to be realistic.
- Okay.
If I'm gonna ever clear my name, I got to get some money.
- Oh, I have money.
- No.
Baby, you sing at a dive bar.
And I have a very, very, very rich father.
I mean, he's horrible, but he pays all of my bills, and even though we don't really talk, if I ask him for money, he'll send it.
- Baby, that's not what I want.
- Uh, stop.
You have got to stop blocking your good.
I don't care what you're running from or to.
But you and I, though,
I just have this feeling that we're destined to be.
Okay.
(LAUGHS)
LALA: I can't believe I'm really here.
I can hardly believe it myself.
This where it all starts, Lala.
So, today, you're going to sing for us.
Uh, just us, you know.
And it's unamplified, so why don't you just, like, make yourself comfy and, you know, sing out?
Oh, okay. Yes, you?
I usually sing in the dark.
That's no problem.
Hey, why don't you just...
- Yeah.
- We'll draw the shades.
GISELLE: No problem.
BECKY: We'll dim the lights.
Let you get in your mood.
And, um, could you both turn around, please?
I'm not used to people looking at me.
(SCOFFS)
Oh.
But you were a YouTube sensation, right?
- That's what you said.
- She is.
Four million views, right?
Looking at you.
That's people that's looking.
No problem. It's gonna be so good.
Let's just do it.
Let's just, let's just do it.
It's gonna be great. You got this.
You realize how stupid this is?
Shh. She is singing.
(SINGING SOFTLY)
No, she's not singing.
Okay. La-Lala.
Honey, can you just sing out?
GISELLE: Like, "out" as in louder.
(SOBBING)
- Is she sobbing?
- Yes.
- No, she's not... Oh.
- (SOBBING LOUDER)
GISELLE:
You realize you have signed us
- a silent singer.
- Totally unamplified. God.
No, no, no, no. I didn't... No, no, no. This is not what I...
Um, hey... (CHUCKLES)
Lala, what's, uh, what's happening?
- What's going on?
- I-I only know how to sing in my bedroom.
Oh, Lala, you signed a deal.
Did you see "only sings in bedroom" anywhere in the contract?!
Oh, no, no. I didn't mean to yell. I was frus... I'm hungry.
GISELLE: I hope you have the receipts on this girl, because she has to go back.
(SOBBING)
What are you so stressed about? Hmm?
Well, I'm supposed to announce the Empire film tonight, and I've got no star.
That's the first thing everybody's gonna want to know.
Well, if you don't have an answer, don't give one.
Oh, Teri, it doesn't work like that, baby.
Okay.
Let's pray about it, then.
(SIGHS)
Teri...
I don't remember how to pray.
- (LAUGHS): Oh.
- I don't remember.
I don't... (SCOFFS) Listen.
- Ah.
- I've turned my back on God as many times as He's turned His back on me.
So I must have forgot.
He saved your life, Andre.
I know you believe that.
How can you not?
Ooh.
- What's wrong?
- Oh, nothing.
- You okay?
- Uh, no, I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine.
It's just our little boy is putting on weight.
Well, Teri, if you're tired, w-why don't you stay home
- and get some rest?
- No, no, no. I-I'm coming out.
- Teri, no, no. Teri?
- I want to...
- I want to support you. I...
- No, no, no. Listen. No, no.
I will be fine.
Okay? I will go out there in front of all those people and lie...
- (LAUGHS): Lie? Lie?
- Yes, ma'am. I will, I will lie and tell them all
we're having a nationwide talent search to find the right Lucious.
That's actually a great idea. A...
A... Wait, a talent search?
Baby, the press would run with that.
Really.
You know, you're right.
You're right. My baby, the genius.
Mwah. (CHUCKLES)
You see what God did?
- That's what we did, okay?
- (BOTH LAUGH)
- Mm.
- I love you.
- I love you.
- Stay off your feet.
I'll be back soon.
♪ ♪
(CHEERING, APPLAUSE)
♪ ♪
♪ If you gonna do it, do it right ♪
♪ Live your life, feel the high ♪
♪ Let it shine ♪
♪ Don't let 'em k*ll your vibe ♪
♪ It's all right, we win, we win ♪
♪ We win and run it back one more time ♪
♪ If you gonna do it, do it right ♪
- ♪ My trip is so frio ♪
- (CHEERING)
♪ My mami so fuego ♪
♪ Mucho dinero ♪
♪ Never poquito ♪
♪ They're not on my level,
I got a big ego ♪
♪ She love to call me Papacito, yeah ♪
♪ You know you see, see, come check up on me, on me ♪
♪ If you want to keep it, keep it , ♪
♪ Problems, you don't want these problems ♪
- ♪ I'm-a need a big bag, su casa, mi casa ♪
- ♪ If you gonna do it ♪
♪ Do it right ♪
♪ Look like a winner, walk, talk like a winner ♪
♪ Climb from the bottom, got heart like a winner ♪
♪ I ain't ever need a head start, I'm a winner ♪
♪ Winner, winner, winner, winner ♪
♪ I do my dance, I do the Runnin' Man ♪
♪ Go to the bank, this is my winner's speech ♪
♪ I like to thank all of my haters ♪
♪ My haters, my haters, my haters, my haters ♪
♪ I'm a little bit too good, you a little ♪
♪ Bitty, bitty, bitty, bitty, bitty too small ♪
♪ I take the G to another city just to ball ♪
♪ I ball way too hard, I'm a winner ♪
♪ Uh, whether the odds are against me, I'll never fall ♪
♪ Of course and all this attention, let's give ♪
♪ Another round of applause and a mention ♪
♪ If you gonna do it, do it right, do it right ♪
♪ Live your life, feel the high ♪
- ♪ Feel the high ♪
- ♪ Let it shine ♪
- ♪ Don't let 'em k*ll your vibe ♪
- ♪ k*ll your vibe ♪
♪ It's all right, it's all right, we win, we win ♪
♪ We win and run it back one more time, one more time ♪
- ♪ If you gonna do it, do it right ♪
- ♪ Do it right. ♪
(CHEERING)
(MICROPHONE DISTORTION WHINES)
ANDRE: It's a new day for Empire.
(CHEERING SWELLS)
Empire is stretching out and holding new dreams.
Fox Basketball.
The new Empire movie.
(CHEERING)
And as a part of that new day,
I would like to announce that I am now the new permanent CEO of Empire.
(CHEERING)
ANDRE: Thank you. Thank you very much.
Thank you so much.
(CHUCKLES) Thank you very much.
And now I have an exciting announcement about the Empire movie.
("WHAT THE DJ SPINS" BEGINS)
(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)
♪ That's the DJ spins ♪
(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING SWELL)
♪ That's what the DJ spins ♪
♪ All y'all might die tonight ♪
♪ This is your party, right ♪
♪ Live it up, the drink is on me... ♪
"What the DJ Spins"? It's like, why that?
What the hell is Hakeem doing?
♪ Live it up 'cause life is all free... ♪
HAKEEM: I bet y'all didn't know we were doing an Empire movie, did you?
(CHEERING)
HAKEEM: But wait!
I'm playing my father, Lucious Lyon.
(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING SWELL)
♪ When gon' get your head tight, I'm gon' get my meds right ♪
♪ Shoulder lean, confident ♪
♪ Rolls the team monster pimp... ♪
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
You can't play Lucious.
What? Bro, you hear the crowd?
They seem to think different.
You don't get to make those type of decisions, Hakeem.
Decisions like you being permanent CEO?
You want me to back you up on that, back me up on this.
(SIGHS)
You're on the Empire jet tonight.
You'll work with the director first thing in the morning.
- Cool.
- Hakeem...
You better deliver.
Always.
Wait a minute. Where you going?
(SCOFFS) I'm calling my father. Shh.
MAN: Hey, hey.
Hi, Daddy.
Hey, sweetheart, you good?
I'm good. I'm just feeling, um, a little stressed.
I was, um, thinking about going back to the ashram in Delhi for a while, but I kind of can't afford it.
What? Come on.
You know you don't have to worry about no money.
I mean, the ashram works for you.
I'll have Ray give you whatever you need.
Thanks, Dad.
So, you sure you're okay, though?
Yes, Dad, I'm fine.
I don't believe in illness, remember?
Well, good, then.
If you don't believe in it,
I don't believe in it. I love you.
Take care, baby girl. I love you.
You said that already.
It's late, and you're old.
(LAUGHS SOFTLY) Go to bed.
Voilà!
Just like that?
Yup.
Hmm.
You should meet him sometime.
He's a real character.
(LUCIOUS SIGHS)
I bet he is.
(POUNDING ON DOOR)
(POUNDING CONTINUES)
You owe me, bitch.
Hey, babe,
I was trying to wait up, but I got to get to bed, so, just no rush.
(SING-SONGY):
You know where to find me.
(DISTANT TIRES SQUEAK)
MOUSE: You late.
I told you I'd be here, man.
Chill out.
- Where's my gig?
- What, you want me to pull your future
- out of my hat? That's what you want?
- (LAUGHS)
I heard you out there tonight.
You're Mr. Big Man, Mr. Empire.
You're no better than me, Andre.
I k*lled for you in prison.
What-What...? What if I told the world that, huh?
Which would they hate most?
The fact that you paid for m*rder, or the fact that the leader of Empire got no balls?
Get the hell out of my face, Mouse.
Oh, or what? You're gonna hire somebody to k*ll me?
Huh?
(GROANS LOUDLY)
(PANTING LOUDLY)
Should I carve you up, or should I wait and catch the wife?
Oh, no. (GASPS)
God. Oh, God.
Maybe one day when you're at work...
- Son of a bitch!
- (BOTH GRUNTING)
- (GRUNTING)
- (MOUSE'S BONE CRACKING)
(YELLS)
(BOTH GRUNTING)
(INHALES SHARPLY)
(GRUNTING)
(YELLS)
(GROANS, SHRIEKS)
- (GRUNTING)
- (GASPING FOR AIR)
You're gonna k*ll who? Huh?
Who you gonna k*ll?!
Huh?! Huh?!
- Huh?
- (CHOKING)
k*ll who?!
- (GASPS FOR AIR)
- (GRUNTS)
(GRUNTS)
(MOUSE CHOKES)
(ANDRE PANTING, WHEEZING)
(SIGHS)
(PANTING)
(GRUNTS)
(PANTING)
(GRUNTS)
(g*nsh*t)
(GUTTURAL GASPING)
(SOFT WHEEZING)
06x01 - What Is Love
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Hip-hop artist and CEO of Empire Entertainment receives a medical diagnosis predicting he will be incapacitated within three years, prompting the sharks to circle. Without further damaging his family, he must decide which of his three sons will take over...
Hip-hop artist and CEO of Empire Entertainment receives a medical diagnosis predicting he will be incapacitated within three years, prompting the sharks to circle. Without further damaging his family, he must decide which of his three sons will take over...