LUCIOUS: Previously on Empire KINGSLEY: You'll only b*at Lucious if you play dirty.
This is now a Lucious Lyon joint and we will do it right.
COOKIE: I miss music.
Why don't you give me a music segment?
- Hi, Daddy.
- Hey, sweetheart.
You good?
Isn't it funny how the people we thought we left in the past keep coming back to us?
I'm just finally seeing you for who you really are, and that ain't much.
(DRAMATIC HIP-HOP MUSIC)
- Why are you here?
- Can we talk?
(TENSE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)
I know I got lost along the way, but I'm here, same as you all and that should count for something.
So, what, you're down and played out?
You finally see the light?
Why the hell should we trust you?
Because nobody understands how dangerous the Lyons are like I do.
We all were hurt by them, Warren.
The difference is, none of us played house with that trash.
It's more than hurt.
They destroyed us.
And they're alive and well While some of us are So what exactly is Little Warren prepared to do?
I want what Aunt Diana wants To make them pay With blood.
So I see you think you got balls now, huh?
(g*nsh*t)
(g*nshots)
(expl*si*n BOOMS)
(GLASS SHATTERING)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC)
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
I'm so excited to kick off our new musical segment, The Hot Spot, where I get to do what I do best, and that's showcase the hottest new artists on their way to stardom.
I would like to introduce Bossy Media's Lala.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
("EVEN" PLAYING)
You ain't even like this - Look at you now - SINGER: Look at you now Finna fall so hard for me You're about to drop your guard for me 'Cause my body is catching your eye I see, boy, you can't lie Fair trade for the both of us Fair trade if we both give the most of us If you give love, I'm gon' give it If you ain't, then I ain't with it Give and take, baby, that's the ticket If it's real love, then it's even SINGER: It's real, real love LALA: Want a sh*t 'cause my frame so wicked - Level up to a ten - Girl, they are loving Lala.
She is making me look like a genius for demanding this musical segment.
(GIGGLES)
Thank you.
No, thank you, Cookie.
I support women promoting women, but women who promote Bossy?
- Even better.
- Same.
Also, hi.
This musical segment of yours is genius, okay?
You about to be a whole Oprah out here, girl.
Well, trust me, I'm just getting started.
- Y'all better take notes.
- SINGER: On this Better give me enough (HOLDING NOTE)
BOTH: If you give love, I'm gon' give it She better sing.
Where did she get that from?
She didn't do that in rehearsal.
It slap, don't it?
COOKIE: More than that, though.
I I've heard that before.
Actually, Lala has been getting some fairy godmother magic from Melody.
Backup on the right?
She's vocal coaching her.
- (CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
- LALA: Whoa-oh-oh Well, thank y'all again.
LALA: Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh - Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh - Oh LALA: If it's real love, then it's even Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh If it's real love, then it's even (CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
- BECKY: Wow, you hear that?
- GISELLE: Yeah.
Lala is now on the national radar.
Well, all that clapping need to translate into actual money, because if we want a real win, we need an ASA nomination, which means media rollout, which means, ergo, money.
(CAR HORN HONKS)
I cannot remember the last time that I spent the night with a woman and all we did was talk.
(SOFT JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING OVER STEREO)
(LAUGHS)
Is that a complaint?
(LAUGHS)
Not with you, it's not.
Okay, don't change the subject.
So now, you said your mom tried to make you believe that you were evil?
I'm a grown-ass man, but it was like this huge weight had been lifted off of my soul to know that my mother didn't think that I was born a monster.
Wow.
Yeah.
You know, we're all blessed with free will to make our own choices.
I can't say I always make the right ones with mine.
You know, I definitely won't win Father of the Year award for none of my boys, especially Andre.
Well, you supported Andre last night, so you can make that your first step.
(LAUGHS)
Yes, indeed.
(GRUNTS SOFTLY)
I am, um I'm really happy that we got to catch up.
(CLEARS THROAT)
Yeah, we're we're not done, right?
Look at what we got here.
Look at what we had here.
No, you got me.
You see me, Yana.
Right.
That's why it's a shame that I'm not in your life anymore, but that's the choice that you made when you decided to run off with Uncle Ray's money and leave me in that motel.
All right, I did that.
Look, all right.
Well, you don't leave until tomorrow, right?
So all I gotta do is stop in on this little charity thing today, and then after that, I'm all yours.
So why don't you and I spend the day together?
Maybe?
- Fine.
- (CHUCKLES)
But I know what I want, Lucious.
I want to know you.
The real you.
(SOFT MUSIC)
Well, you got me, then.
EMCEE: All right, everybody, let's keep those donations rolling in.
Next up, let's welcome to the stage Prophetic.
- (CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
- ("IT'S ALL LOVE" PLAYING)
Money can't make me, but I'm gon' make some Search for something greater I'm evolving like I'm a new me Got a army right behind me like it's a movement I'm just trying to get the biscuit I got a two-piece It get rowdy, I'ma start me a revolution I don't know what you think about me All I know is, the sauce ain't free It's all love, the way we dance, dance, dance, dance It's all love, the way we move, move, move, move It don't matter where you came from ANDRE: Brother's even more gifted live.
I see why he's independent.
Why let anybody mess with genius, right?
TERI: Be careful not to lay it on too thick.
He's here to promote his cause and not do business.
Look, I get it, babe, okay?
g*ns took something from him that no amount of money could bring back.
But if he managed to build a career from that tragedy, I know I can convince him that Empire's the one place that genuinely gets him.
Not even Lucious could make him see that, and he tried more than once, believe me.
Let's go sign your unsignable genius.
Let's.
PROPHETIC: It don't matter where you came from It's all love, the way we do, do, do, do (CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
EMCEE: Andre Lyon, everybody.
ANDRE: Thank you.
My family has seen more than its share of g*n v*olence, and this brother lost his father and his brother and his best friend.
Now, given our share of tragedy, it's only right that we follow his lead in wiping the scourge of g*ns from our streets.
The Empire family wants to help.
It is our honor to make a contribution to an organization dedicated to bringing about a better, safer world for all of us.
So on behalf of Empire, I present this check for $10 million to g*ns Down, Fists Up.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
Congratulations, brother.
- (TERI LAUGHS)
- PROPHETIC: Wow.
You have saved many a black life with this one, my good brother.
Thank you, Andre.
(APPLAUSE)
So now let us celebrate life, and please, find your way to donating even a dollar, as no amount is too small because no black life is too high.
SINGER: Hey, hey ANDRE: (CHUCKLES)
Yes, sir.
After today, g*ns Down, Fists Up is gonna go from indie to double platinum.
Indeed, my good brother.
I am grateful beyond mere words for this.
Well, when I believe in something, I do what it takes to make it real.
That's my operating principle at Empire.
Listen, I I understand your hesitation about signing with a label, okay?
I I do, but you heard me out there, man.
We're more than a label.
We're family.
- A family.
- That's right.
Indeed.
I get it.
Let me not waste your time.
I've already respectfully declined your father.
Repeatedly.
Again I appreciate what you did out there, black man.
All of it.
Lucious' Empire is not my Empire, okay?
I'm taking this company in an entirely different direction.
Let me walk you through what I have for you Brother, exchanging one Lyon to another does not matter to me.
I'm not signing to anybody because I don't answer to anybody.
And we will respect your autonomy, brother, but you gotta see this thing through the lens of your entire brand.
Imagine what the size and weight of Empire could do for your g*ns Down, Fists Up program.
So your little donation comes with invisible strings?
I'll tell you what.
Keep that check.
We good.
W-wait, I didn't mean that We are good, Andre.
Peace, brother.
Lucious.
(TENSE MUSIC)
Save the lecture, Pop.
Nah.
About him?
He'd have been an asset, but ain't the only one.
He would have been huge for us right now, Pop.
You did a great thing for a great cause, and Empire has never been defined by a single damn artist.
There will be other Prophetics.
And for me, I gotta take a personal day, so I'm going to leave the keys to the kingdom in your hands.
The keys?
I've been running Empire solo for months now, Pop.
That came off wrong.
You've been holding it down, and I'm sorry if I didn't act like I appreciated it, because I do.
Okay, I appreciate that.
I do.
Thank you.
Just breathe, huh?
- Okay.
- (CHUCKLES)
(SIGHS)
KINGSLEY: Oh, come on.
You're not buying Dad's little community theater performance, are you?
Oh, hey, there you are.
Where did you want to go for lunch?
(LAUGHS)
- Lunch?
- Did you forget?
We were talking next steps with Philly Street.
Oh, well, look, Trace, we gon' have to reschedule, okay?
(SCOFFS)
Papa Bear is setting you up for failure.
And I'd be a fool to fall for it.
Mm.
Now, the good thing is that with Lucious away, you and I can play.
We are going to need another go at Prophetic.
Now, you tried the nice way.
How about we do it the right way, little brother?
I'm already ahead of you.
(SMOOTH HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING)
Oh, thank you so much.
You know, it's only been So anyway, Becky, let me BECKY: Yes?
Oh, I know that is not my soror!
- Oh, my - BOTH: (SQUEAL)
- Okay.
- (BOTH SQUEAL AND LAUGH)
Should have known.
Well, damn, you look good.
- It's been a long time.
- Yes.
Wow, so you guys, like, went to college together?
- Hold on.
- (LAUGHS)
I smell a little vibe of drama or something.
Did you guys hate each other or like each other?
- Um - Depended on the day.
- Yeah.
- Oh.
We were roommates the first two years.
I studied all the seconds of all the days, and you got the good grades.
I cheated.
Are you serious?
Girl, no.
No, I didn't.
Stop hating.
(LAUGHS)
- Once a hater, always a hater.
- That's true about her.
- Oh, hey.
- She still is one.
But you are k*lling it.
I mean, you own Bossy now.
Yeah, we are.
- It's a lot of hard work.
- We're in a good place.
- GISELLE: It's hard work.
- Yeah.
But we are blessed to be k*lling it.
- Yes.
- I'm really proud of you.
I don't know.
Is it weird to say that?
BECKY: No, it's not.
Be proud of us.
Um, this has been weighing on me all these years.
You know, um, when I was really mean to you back in the day, spreading those rumors about you when you took that semester off.
I'm so sorry, Giselle.
Uh, well, we were kids.
- And thank you.
- Uh, thanks.
(BOTH LAUGH)
- Ah, so what do you do, sis?
- Oh, I'm a day trader.
I stare at boring, soul-crushing numbers 24-7.
EMCEE: If I could have your attention, please welcome Ms.
Sarah Lawson to the stage.
- Oh, you're that Sarah Lawson.
- SARAH: Excuse me.
Oh, you're that Sarah Law Okay!
(APPLAUSE)
g*n v*olence is one of our nation's biggest unanswered problems.
That's why I am so honored to be here tonight making my very own pledge for $2 million.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(LAUGHING)
What?
Did you know your friend was rich?
(MELLOW MUSIC)
Yes!
"Skee whee!" - Right?
All of us.
- No.
No.
I am so happy you could make it.
Anyone with a link to Lucious' past makes for a valuable resource.
(LAUGHS)
Um, tell me about the pages Lucious had you leave out.
I thought that they added flavor, but he felt that they distracted from the story.
- Ah.
- That's what you get when the protagonist is a producer.
(CHUCKLES)
Yeah?
What other juicy flavors did Lucious want you to leave out?
I'm not sure I should be sharing script revisions with you.
I am one of Lucious' oldest friends, and I am part owner of Empire.
I just want to make sure your story is accurate.
If you want me to tell Lucious you wouldn't play ball, no problem.
Uh, okay, then.
Uh, there is something I'm trying to get to the bottom of.
There's an older rumor about Philly Street getting robbed right around the time Lucious' star began to rise.
That's not exactly a smoking g*n.
(TENSE MUSIC)
This is an old basement tape of Shine freestyling about the robbery.
It never came out.
(LAUGHS)
Wow, you really do your research.
I mean, we just all thought that nonsense was buried years ago.
(GROANS SOFTLY)
Can I borrow this tape?
And you'll let me read the pages too?
Just to see if it it sparks something that could help you.
You'll tell Lucious that I played ball?
Of course I will.
(LAUGHS)
You know, you are really talented.
(LAUGHS)
Okay.
If you ain't, then I ain't with it Give or take, baby, that's the ticket If it's real love, then it's even - Want a sh*t 'cause - BOTH: My frame so wicked Level up to a ten when you bring it Give or take, baby, that's the ticket If it's real love, then it's even Yes, that's good.
But don't drop off at the end, okay?
- Okay.
- Keep that vibrato strong before you hit that final riff.
- Okay.
Got you.
- Okay.
Lala, can I have a word with your girl?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
You sound amazing.
LALA: Thank you.
I'm Cookie.
I'm familiar.
So you're Lala's musical sensei, huh?
I don't know about all that, but we working together, yeah.
That run she did on the Tea Talk, did you teach her that?
If that's what she says, okay.
Can't stop thinking about it.
I mean, I know I heard it before.
I just couldn't place it.
You know, Cookie, a lot of people do a lot of runs.
Yeah, but that run in particular.
Uh, only thing I could think of is a is a track a decade back by a artist Melvin Austin.
Had a song, "Calling You.
" Yeah, well, it made sense, cause the run, the same voice.
Melvin.
That was you, wasn't it?
Melvin is a dead name.
Don't call me that.
Wait, I I didn't mean to offend.
I'm sorry, I I think it's great that you (SIGHS)
You look amazing, Mel Melody.
You know what?
All you Lyons are the same.
I want nothing to do with you.
You and your demon-ass husband can go that way.
Excuse me.
Lucious.
(SIGHS)
All I know is, it's about to be a bunch of fake-ass Cookies running around in these streets.
Oh, I wish separating was as easy as getting rid of some clothes.
Yeah, you can't sort through baggage of 30 years in an afternoon, sis.
(SIGHS)
(CLOTHES THUD)
Things would be a lot easier if the drama that is Lucious didn't follow me everywhere.
What do you mean?
(SIGHS)
There's this singer actually, she's a producer now, and she's the real deal.
I know exactly what to do with her so the world can see it, right?
But turns out, Tornado Lucious wrecked her back in the day, and so she doesn't want to have anything to do with me.
You know more about Lucious' wreckage than anyone.
And you know what else?
It's not like you to give up that easily.
Talk to her.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
- Is that your wedding ring?
- Yeah.
- Hand it over.
- Eh!
Cookie.
It's mine.
You ain't gon' do nothing but pawn it anyway with your greedy ass.
Or make some earrings.
I was gon' make it into toe rings.
- Oh!
- (BOTH LAUGH)
You crazy.
LUCIOUS: You asked me about my soul.
YANA: I did.
LUCIOUS: Well You can't see my soul unless you come into a place like this.
Now, my indie hustle might have made me a ghetto superstar in Philadelphia, but it wasn't until I left Philly and came to New York and I discovered this place that I found my real art.
And, Moishe (LAUGHS)
Look what I brought you: a lifetime customer.
- Lucious Lyon himself.
- LUCIOUS: How are you, bro?
- (LAUGHS)
- MOISHE: Yana?
Oh, my sweet.
How long has it been?
It's been forever.
How are you?
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
How how do you know about this place?
Yes.
Oh, she practically lived here.
St.
Mary's up the street.
I had chemo there for about a year.
Instead of dwelling on my illness, I just used to write songs about the people and how they were fulfilled through music, - and here we are.
- (BOTH LAUGH)
It's good to see you doing well.
- Good to see you.
- And you too, my friend.
If you'll excuse me, I have a violin lesson in the back.
- The place is yours.
- Thank you, brother.
See ya.
- (LAUGHS)
- Wow.
Surprise.
I always knew this place had this kind of electric attraction to it, you know?
Oh, my God, this place inspired me so much.
I literally just got rid of all the materialism in my life and I just dedicated every day to music.
Tell me (SOFT MUSIC)
What are the chances that both you and I would be inspired by this incredible place?
Well, there's no such thing as coincidence, Lucious.
You and I found this place because you and I were destined to find each other.
(21 SAVAGE'S "A LOT")
SAVAGE: Yeah, yeah, yeah Ah, whoa, whoa, whoa, yeah - How much money you got?
- Straight up - How much money you got?
- Straight up - How much money you got?
- A lot - How much money you got?
- A lot - Give me one second, babe.
- Of course.
- Oh, my gosh, how are you?
- Hey.
- How's the service, brother?
- Hey.
I have to say, my good brother, you know how to apologize.
Well, I appreciate that you accepted the olive branch.
I should have kept charity and business separate.
Bottom line, Prophetic: I respect you, I respect your spirit, and from here on out, I remain strictly a fan.
SAVAGE: But I'm 21 for L You and your queen won't be joining us?
Would if I could, brother, but, uh, there's a Lyon prince who's gonna be pretty upset if his mom and dad get in too late, right?
Anyway, you enjoy yourself, all right?
You already know.
- Anything they want, they get.
- Yes, sir.
- (WHISPERING INAUDIBLY)
- (LAUGHS)
(SLOW, MELLOW NOTES PLAYING)
Uh, Melody, can I have a second, please?
I'm working.
Look, I had no right to bring up the past or make any assumptions about you, and for that, I apologize.
Well, that's more than I ever got from your husband.
I would never pretend to know what my ex what that man did to you.
Hell, he threw my baby boy in the trash can, so I can only imagine.
I wish you the best, Melody.
You're really a true talent.
You know most people in this business wouldn't apologize.
Well, I'm not most people.
You know, you're more than just an artist.
You're a star, Melody, and you deserve to shine bright.
Do I?
Because shine for somebody like me means a life full of scrutiny, mockery, prejudice, and death threats.
Yeah, you always gon' have haters, honey.
(CHUCKLES)
But, uh what I can see is that you've been living your truth.
But performing is also a part of that truth.
It's who you are.
That's easy to say from the sidelines, Cookie.
Close your eyes.
What?
Trust me.
Close your eyes.
Come on.
Just imagine yourself onstage with Lala.
And I mean, Lala is on fire, and all that magic and energy you feel it?
Yeah, I do.
Well, how does it feel to hear her do your run and you sing background?
(STIRRING MUSIC)
All I need is one song.
One song to prove to you that you belong on that stage.
There is this one song I wrote.
I was still on Empire, but Lucious never let me perform it.
It was meant to be my Your debut?
My birth.
That's it.
That's the song.
Let me hear it.
Come on.
YANA: Doo-doo-ooh Oh Whoa, whoa, whoa You ain't been here from the jump So don't try to finesse my life Just say no more Just say no more Maybe there will come a day I can say that I forgive you Once the pain all fades away I won't wish that I never met you But that day is not today You ain't been here from the jump So don't try to finesse my life Just say no more Just say no more Oh, oh I swear, I could listen to you sing forever.
Well, you only have tonight.
That's our deal.
All right, then let's keep this date going.
Great.
Where to next?
SAWEETIE: Hennessy on my lips Take a little sip, privacy on the door, I'ma make that grip Grip, grip Rich, eight-figure, that's my type That's my type, that's my type Eight big, that's good Bad, I'ma ride it, ride it all night MAN: Chastity!
Chastity!
Chastity!
Where the hell are you?
- Chastity!
- GUARD: Hey.
- (GRUNTS)
- (CROWD GASPS)
- MAN: Chastity!
- Oh, my God!
She's 15!
- What?
- Let's go, Chastity!
- CHASTITY: Dad, stop!
- Damn pedophile!
Stop it, Dad!
Chastity, let's go!
Come on!
Oh, my God, Dad.
We're not we're not done with this, man!
You little pervert, this is not over!
SAWEETIE: From the from the Bay Goin' dumb on the D I'm getting this.
LUCIOUS: (SIGHS)
This right here - This is it.
- Wow.
Now, keep in mind, I signed my very first artist (DOOR CLICKS SHUT)
On a paper plate and a handshake.
What?
And then after that, all these artists kept coming, and next thing you know, I gain this reputation as this hit maker, and, um, the single man became a global empire.
Wow.
Okay, and so so where does Cookie fit into the whole story?
Well, back in the day, I mean, she was my ride or die.
- Yeah?
- (CHUCKLES)
But then she got locked up and, um I had to choose between quitting or keep building, and I just couldn't put that hammer down, you know?
So now, is it true that she went to prison for you?
We was both in the dope game and she just got caught.
And you let her get caught?
Cookie gon' do what Cookie gon' do.
- Hmm.
- (SIGHS)
This place there's a a spiritual energy.
It's very real here.
See, I knew you was gon' get it.
But there's also a heaviness here.
(PENSIVE MUSIC)
I don't know, I feel, like, a dark, malevolent energy manifested in these walls.
That's that yin and yang.
It's necessary for balance.
I was born into a dark world, but from that darkness, I managed to harness it and grow into this living light, this beautiful light.
You know, you don't need dark to have light.
That's a myth.
So without Empire, I wouldn't have this light Which is you.
She told me she was 22.
My life is over.
I need you to trust me.
Take a breath.
It's being taken care of.
This whole situation is gonna go away.
But how did you (SUSPICIOUS MUSIC)
My God.
Thank you, Andre.
I don't know what to say.
It's what friends do.
All right?
Have a drink.
SHINE: Hit men and hustlers Wrap around like tentacles And just squeeze your life out Can't even pay your light bills Turn your lights out (LAUGHS)
Mike Tyson, first round Now take this L Took a p*stol to his head, took all of his bread Philly facedown in the street Ain't that sweet?
- And he did what I - (TAPE REWINDS)
Now take this L Took a p*stol to his head, took all of his bread Philly facedown in the street Ain't that sweet?
And he did what I said That's why the brother ain't dead (TENSE MUSIC)
Lucious, you need to call me back ASAP.
I have something you need to hear now.
(NO AUDIBLE DIALOGUE)
GISELLE: Hi, Sheila.
Girl, Sarah just sent me a check for $100,000.
Okay, why is your college frenemy sending you money?
Well, uh, I sent her $10,000 from our business account because, uh, she had an IPO and I wanted to test the waters.
And then bam.
She turned that into 100 Gs.
How dare you do that without telling me?
You know that that Wait.
100% return is not bad.
Bitch, it's 1,000%, which is why I want to go all in for the 2 mil.
If we get in now, the two becomes ten and we have all the money we need.
(LAUGHS)
Yeah, I'm sure she told you it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and that you have to act now, that she's a Nigerian prince Very funny.
Look, Sarah's not a scammer.
She's my friend, and the check cleared.
- Bam.
- Okay.
Giselle, first of all, I believe you called her a frenemy, okay?
What if she's some financial catfisher and you're about to get got?
- You gotta be careful.
- No, no.
You need to trust me on this.
This is the solve to all our problems.
(UNEASY MUSIC)
- Okay.
- Okay.
Fine, invest it.
But girl, I pray that you are right and that my instincts are wrong, but if they are not, then Bossy is done.
Okay.
(DEVIOUS MUSIC)
Oh, hi, sweetie.
Spectacular performances.
Thank you.
Oh, hey, I'm happy for the gig.
The legit ones are few and far between these days.
Try telling my agent that I can play 15 and he'd laugh you out of the room.
Ah.
(LAUGHS)
Right this way.
I'll show you out.
Thank you again.
KINGSLEY: A regular Machiavelli, truly.
(LAUGHS)
That was a move right out of Lucious' book.
Ah, no, brother.
Lucious would have blackmailed Prophetic and create an enemy.
I signed a new artist and made a friend.
One who owes me for the rest of his life.
(LAUGHING SOFTLY)
(LAUGHS)
(OBJECTS SHUFFLING)
(ZIPPER SCRATCHES)
Oh, hell no.
You just gon' up and leave like that, huh?
I have a few meetings before my flight tonight.
Lucious, our time was magical.
I'm really grateful to you for allowing me into your heart and into your world.
But it's even more clear to me now this is where you belong, not me.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
Take care of yourself.
(SIGHS)
(DOOR CLICKS SHUT)
(CELL PHONE BUZZES)
(SIGHS)
All right, Cook.
What's all this that you got me rushing down here for?
COOKIE: Sit down, shut up, and listen.
Well, if it's gon' be like that, then I'll just get the hell out of here.
Look, let me reintroduce you to someone you know very well.
Have a seat.
After you.
(BAND PLAYING MELODY'S "RIGHT HERE")
Never felt like anyone else I never did Barely even felt like myself But how could I know?
I was so low And everything just felt like a lie But I couldn't tell anybody else I was lying Where could I go?
Out on my own?
The more that I kept running away LUCIOUS: Look, I don't care.
Just have him tell another joke.
I'm getting him now.
Hey, Mel, we're on in MELODY: I had to slow down This some weird-ass Halloween joke?
Lucious, I need to tell you something.
Me I was so lost, lost, lost Until I found, found out That I'm right here Wait, wait.
What what are you doing, huh?
What what are you doing?
My name is Melody.
All those scars This is the face that I wear and this is the body that I live in.
Tonight I'm gonna sing a new song, one that addresses my transition.
Shut the hell up!
You're Melvin.
MELODY: Here Felt like I was holding my breath Uncomfortable But now I can't be anything less Than all of me Now, you need to get out of that ridiculous costume.
- Get on that stage.
- No, I won't.
I poured $1.
2 million into Melvin, a man.
You signed the contract as Melvin.
You don't own me, Lucious.
No, I don't, but Empire does.
Start loving myself So lost, lost, lost You need to pay the $1.
2 million back with interest, or you won't perform here or on any damn stage.
Take the damn dress off, put on your pants, get out there as Melvin, or it's a r*fle in your ass.
And underneath all those scars I'm someone so beautiful, yeah Yes.
MELODY: And I am right here This is who I am.
This is who I am.
You know what?
Do what you gotta do.
I'm done.
I'm standing right here Yeah I'm still right here (HOLDING NOTE)
COOKIE: Whoo!
(SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC)
Here's your ring.
That should cover the $1.
2 million for Melody.
I made a terrible mistake many years ago.
I wasn't sensitive enough at the time to see you for who you really are.
The song you sang was absolutely it was beautiful.
And Cookie will be the right person to help guide you along your journey.
Best of luck.
(GIGGLES)
That was amazing.
And it didn't work, so just scrap the whole thing.
There she go!
- Let me call you back.
- There go my boo.
- Girl - What's going on, Becky?
Okay, you deserve all the love.
- What do you mean?
- All the hugs, all the praise.
I have been stalking our stock all morning.
- We - Oh, no.
Are now $10 million richer.
Bitch, we did it!
- $10 million!
- Oh, my God.
I know!
Ten whole million dollars!
Girl, I should have never doubted you or our best friend!
(STAMMERS)
Becky, I've got something I have to tell you.
- Also, just so you know - I I went and ahead and committed to eight ASA nomination spots.
Eight of them, okay?
Are they ready for us?
Are they even ready for us?
- Oh - Happy tears, right?
I didn't invest the money.
(TENSE MUSIC)
I didn't invest the money.
- Do not play with me.
- I'm not playing, Becky!
I you brought up all these valid concerns!
And you gave me the face, the finger!
- I - This finger?
Didn't want to let you down, and so I didn't go through with it.
You don't wanna let me down, so now's the time when you chose to listen to me, right?
(SHRIEKING)
Now?
(MELODY'S "RIGHT HERE" PLAYING)
MELODY: No, oh Ooh Never felt like anyone else I never did Barely even felt like myself But how could I know?
I was so low TERI: Are you gonna tell me what we're doing here?
ANDRE: Well, um, I haven't been completely honest with you these past few days, Teri.
Andre, you're scaring me.
Close your eyes.
Take a breath and trust me.
Close your eyes.
Uh-huh.
Sweet.
Come on.
Yana.
Yana!
- Lucious, what are you doing?
- No, what are you doing?
- All right.
- I got you.
- Okay.
- All right, last step right here.
All right, I'm opening a door.
Okay, you're opening - We're gonna walk through it.
- (EXCLAIMS)
Lucious, listen, I had a great time, but I have to go.
No, you don't have to go.
- I do.
- You can stay.
Open them.
TERI: (GASPS)
I keep my promises.
I'm gonna give my wife the wedding of her dreams.
I felt that energy at Empire, Lucious, and if I'm being completely honest with you, it scared me.
What in the world are you doing?
I am going to do this the right way.
You gotta at least give us a try.
You gotta try.
You're the only light I see in this darkness.
Teri, my light in the darkness Will you do me the honor of being my wife?
(SNIFFLES)
(LAUGHS)
Yes.
Yes.
I need the truth from you.
Do you hear me?
The truth.
Always.
You want the truth?
The truth is, I need you.
I need you.
Okay.
(BOTH LAUGH)
Come on in.
(SIGHS)
You think Lucious is your hero?
Well, he's not.
He owes you everything.
SHINE: Diplomats and generals And now we're gonna make him pay.
SHINE: And just squeeze your life out Can't even pay your light bills Turn your lights out (LAUGHS)
Mike Tyson, first round Now take this L Took a p*stol to his head, took all of his bread Philly facedown in the street Ain't that sweet?
And he did what I said That's why the brother ain't dead, yeah With my Westside hustler And that's how we hustle up Wait for the right time Hit you and it's all mine, let me see your g*ng sign Bang, bang Let me see your g*ng sign, bang, bang
06x08 - Do You Remember Me
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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...