I know we ride hard for Sofia Stanley, but who wouldn't be happy with Kennelia visiting & giving us Cold Piece of the Week??? Minute 33:00 I was laughing so hard I had tears, lol!!! The Michael Jackson video & "You can keep the money..." *DEAD* LOVE how you guys pointed out that Jamal, now a starving artist, now shares that similarity to the way his father began (I totally missed that one). The way this show is constructed is typical in mythology and medieval literature: weakened ruler in his waning days must choose among three heirs to rule the kingdom, each heir reflects a piece of him but not enough of him, so it becomes a contest of survival of the fittest amongst the kids. Until now, we haven't seen exactly how much Jamal mirrors his father until he was placed in starving artist mode, so he's now more believable as a contender for the throne. His little brother, while equally as talented, is missing the drive that Jamal always had, a drive that has now been strengthened as a result of leaving Dad's back pocket. Re: Hakeem: poor thing has mother abandonment issues manifesting as fetishism. Naomi Campbell is exploiting it (rather brilliantly) to her benefit. Sick and twisted? Yup. But by virtue of what they do for a living, designers are rather adept at the art of hedonism, seduction & mind control. I don't see her playing this any other way, and I also wonder if she's in cahoots with someone. Re: Andre. I think his acting as Luscious's alibi goes deep. As the oldest child he's seen so much of what his parents went through in " 'nem STREETS, it's imprinted on his psychological hard drive to be the cunning one who covers for Daddy. From the time he was a child, he's been acting as pop's lookout when the heat is on, thus earning dad's love, trust, pride, and respect. It's fostered a reflex in his sub-conscious to play that role on the drop of a dime. Re: Aninka Boo-Boo Kitty for Miss Erica (!) ; I don't think Luscious is planning to make her the head of Empire vs. simply trusting her enough through the years to take her on as an ally/ support system as he, " the Lyon King" weakens & will increasingly need to rely on her to keep up appearances. After all, she already is in a position in his life both professionally AND personally where she is there keep up a certain "appearance" for him. However, don't think she's not going to make a play for the kingdom. That'll come soon enough. But while competent enough on PAPER, you're all on point that Kitty's lack of street smarts in a game framed by thugs is her ultimate Achilles Heel. Re: Cookie...I think that 17 years of being behind bars has simply taught this woman how to bide her time. I agree with Kennelia that she definitely has a strategy in place. While I don't think she necessarily wants vengeance or to harm Luscious, I think she likely understands that "revenge is a dish best served cold"- and in order to carry that out, you need patience, and (a degree of) emotional detachment from the person you're trying to get your "just due" from (the just due in this case being Cookie's legacy and $$$ back) .

@pmonpl

9 жыл бұрын

Yessssss

@madimax0911

9 жыл бұрын

I totally agree ! The funny thing is I think Lucious is proud of Jamal. When Jamal walks out of his office Lucious picks up the check looks at it looks at the empty doorway and smiles like "that's my boy"

@mickeyknox8086

9 жыл бұрын

Yeah I do love ms stradwick she's funny but also has great points.

@HoochiePapa85

9 жыл бұрын

Kennelia is dope

@stylecollective-qt9um

9 жыл бұрын

Indeed!

I think we saw how smart cookie was in this episode , bc kitty wanted to meet with the manager , but cookie knew to go to his mom & be able to relate to her. Which ultimately is how they got Titan. I love the chemistry between her & luscious , but she never really lets him think she's a fool & just falling for his stuff. I think she still loves him , but is gonna do something to surprise us.

@mzsuzuki9715

9 жыл бұрын

Cookie has instinct you can't teach it!

@TigerLIL-yo3gq

9 жыл бұрын

diddo on that one Cookie is street smart, tune with the hood and she is instinctive as well as a mother so she knows where the son's most influence and heart may lie and that is usually with his mother. Anika is a young girl who has a business education and corporate experience but she is not in tune with the people who create the music for a hip hop company, the artist, nor is she instinctively creative and like one of the artist said she is a suite. However she is smart and her and Cookie would make a formidable team. But still Cookie's ability to surmise that she needed to gather intelligence, like military strategy what we call gathering intelligence on her subject prior to making a move to capture him is all the telling of her ability to achieve a goal and be successful in acquiring critical assets (artist and songs) for the company. That is what makes her value to Empire most profound. I'm glad they are showing that it takes multiple intelligence to be successful in business and combining street smarts and education can be a winning combination. If I was summing it up I would say Cookie is a great entrepreneur (visionary) and Anika is a sharp Business Manager but you need both to won.

You guys are correct Naomi Campbell's character needs to be in jail!!! They clearly said Hakeem was an infant when Cookie went to jail. And if you remember the flashback in the pilot episode he looked all of 5-6months when Lucious and Cookie were holding him at the dinner table!!! Hakeem can't be older then 17-18 !!!! And they been dating for over a year!!!!!!! I hope Tiana tells Cookie and she threatens her to leave her baby boy alone!Secondly the boy is constantly drinking/smoking with a 2million dollar apartment Lucious is a terrible parent !

@TigerLIL-yo3gq

9 жыл бұрын

Yeah and that baby was working that corn....I fell out laughing he was so cute to I want to kiss those fat little jaws go man, man...lol

Yall are so consistent with having people on your show who have great chemistry. I haven't seen one person who I didn't like on this yet.

The second I saw Kennelia on the panel I hit pause and liked the hell out of this video in advance... I was not disappointed. I think I died twice laughing so hard sitting at my desk. Great review!

This may be long! With Tiana, she's far from naive. If you remember when she was rehearsing in episode 2 she was upset that Anika wasn't there. She sees that Anika doesn't care about the artist only what she make from said artist. She sees that Cookie cares about not only the art of the music but about the artist. She saw how she stood up to Lucious for Jamal. And trust she's no more into Hakeem than she is into captioning from what being with an up and comer can do for her career. Cookie has something up her sleeve and I am sure this proposal will be her driving force. She is planning to take what is owed to her, Tiana, Jamal, and Titan will be apart of that as well. I can almost guarantee that Lucious is using Boo boo kitty just as much as she is using him. How much use will he have for her once Cookie really remind Lucious just how good she is? I got more but this has gotten long enough.

oh my gosh i am so happy y'all are doing this aftershow. The hosts pretty much make the perfect panel.

No one makes $400,000 "standing on a corner selling rock". LOL Cookie must have been part of a caper with some big drug distributor. Then ratted to the FBI to get out early.

Hakeem has to be 18-19 now. If you remember the flashback when Lucious threw Jamal in the trashcan, Cookie was holding baby Hakeem at the table. I don't even think he was one at that juncture. Fast forward, he has been with Camilla for over a year, which means he was 16-17 when that started with her. She is clearly playing on this boy's "mommy issues" but he's too busy enjoying the "good good" to think straight. On the other hand though, he could be 21 simply for the fact that he was drinking and was clearly drunk when he went on that Obama rant in that restaurant. No upscale restaurant/bar is going to serve an underage individual and risk losing their license (especially one of that caliber). But all I do know for certain is that Lucious know he still want some Cookie. Those two will inevitably link back up; the only question is, when! This was another great episode though and it continues to get better each week.

@TigerLIL-yo3gq

9 жыл бұрын

Yeah and baby Hakeem was working that piece of corn...I fell out laughing..LOL

@TigerLIL-yo3gq

9 жыл бұрын

Well one thing I can say the cougar did for him was turn him on to a book by Robert Green called the 48 Laws of Power it is a great read if you believe that he would actually be inclined to sit down long enough to read it. Hakeem has a lot of issues as Baby Boys who do not have secure attachments with their mothers go on to have behavior problems later in life. I really hope the show explores that more.

@OMGitsAmora

8 жыл бұрын

21

Good review. Everyone was confident, cool and enjoyable. Kennelia brought out the best in both Emil and Erica.

Great recap! Kennelia I'm going to need you to add Empire to your Afterbuzz roster 👏. Miss you Bamm & Sophia!! Hey did you all notice how Vernon was looking when Andre volunteered an alibi for Lucious? He definitely knows Andre was lying.

@evilzlatan

9 жыл бұрын

I feel like Vernon knows Andre is bipolar or je knows some other big secret because he also gave him that look in the elevator scene when kid fofo disrespected Cookie

@stylecollective-qt9um

9 жыл бұрын

I was wondering if Vernon was in the car when Luscious killed Bumpy.

@madimax0911

9 жыл бұрын

Vernon totally gives me uncle Scar from The Lion King vibe! He told Andre don't forget about me when you take over. He's always watching and listening........he's plotting something

@evilzlatan

9 жыл бұрын

madimax0911 you are sooo right at Scar! Something's up with him and I wanna know what it is

Where's Sofia? I love her commentary! Please bring her back for the rest of the season!! Thanks

@therightstuff14

9 жыл бұрын

They said she's back next week.

SUBSCRIBED! I love the set and the conversations.

Kenneliaen I'm giving you cold piece of the week for saying Hakeem had on a Bobby Brown every little step jacket! For the most part I agree with everything you guys said today. Only as far as Cookie not seeming angry, I'm sure she has her own agenda but she's been in prison for 17 years and was abandoned by her husband immediately. I'm sure she has already been pissed and hurt and emotional about that situation and now she can think and act rationally.

I enjoyed your hosting, this is the first time watching. I love this show, cookie is my favorite character.

As for Cookie and Lucious I really can't wait for him to really step back and see what this woman went through for him and those ungrateful kids. The pain in her voice when she was talking to Titans mom almost made me cry. And for him to invite her to the engagement dinner........I mean really haven't you hurt her enough does she really need to see that ! Talk about kicking someone when their down! If Cookie woke up one morning and said f these kids , f the feds , f my ex husband adopt Tiana and disappeared on everyone who could blame her ! This fool brought in Anthony Hamilton got down on one knee with a diamond ring for Boo boo kitty! I hope the flashback to his proposal to Cookie cause I know it was basic as hell ! Ive heard it said since 2013 Hoes is wining!!!! They out here "in dem streetz" getting rings , houses, cars, Empires ! I blame Peter Guns for wifing the side how, I blame the Kardashians, I blame all the love and hip hops lol I mean divorced or not Cookie deserves the ring and everything else ! And I pray they don't try to turn her into the side bish while he's engaged to boo boo kitty , Cookie deserves so much better.

@pmonpl

9 жыл бұрын

The only ungrateful ones i think are Andre and Hakeem, Jamal appreciates his moms sacrifice he is the only one so far that has willingly spend any time with her.Hakeem wont acknowledge her and neither does Andre.

@madimax0911

9 жыл бұрын

pmonpl while I do believe Jamal is the only one who cares/ semi respects his mother he still has his moments. As much as I love Jamal he still doesn't really respect her completely. Notice how if she's around or on the room he and Andre call her ma or mom. But when she's being talked about in conversation they call her Cookie! Listen when the talk about Lucious it's always dad, daddy, or Pop. Only once has one of them called him Lucious (Jamal when he was reading him) and that was to his face ! I'm sorry but they obviously know better because they including Jamal at least give Lucious that respect

@TigerLIL-yo3gq

9 жыл бұрын

You know this whole situation is f-upped and Lucious is the blame. How you have kids by a woman who started you the business you now flossy and then not have the common decency to respect her is beyond me. He is making a mountain out of a mole hill and got two women at odds looking completely crazy for no reason. What ever reason you decided to leave Cookie in jail and cut her off from her kids is now irrelevant. You knew for a fact if she survived jail for 30 years or 2 minutes at some point she was getting out. Given she not only started the company but was the initial investor you lucky after four weeks you still standing without a bullet to the dome. He should have been putting money away for her which he indicated he did and it should be equivalent to 50% of the value of the business. When Cookie got home you should have given her all the cash to her F a salary sat her down offered her an A&R position with the company that put her in charge of both her son's career a recording budget for both of the boys and a whole floor of space not some corner office so she would have access to all the company facilities and operations needed to get her operation off the ground. If she takes it cool if not she got her money and she's gone. Let Cookie know up front you have moved on with your life and now you are doing BOO BOO Kitty but you respect her position as the mother of his children but that our relationship is history and keep it moving. Now that don't interfere with BOO BOO Kitty operation as your new woman soon to be your wife. Tell BOO BOO Kitty the truth, the history that you and your first wife built the Empire Company and she was the initial investor you don't have to give her all the she sold drug details and all that shit and that you still love Cookie as the mother of your children and respect her as a former business partner and her contributions to the company and that you are turning over her rightful 50% ownership of the company out of what you still own and that she will be operating on another floor clear of anything you and I are building with our half of the Empire Company. What he should not want is two women who appear to be fighting over his sorry ass instead of what the real issue is their rightful places based on what each brought to the table. Don't dis one woman for the other it not necessary and a reasonable mature man would handle the situation differently. Cookie position was made clear in the pilot I'm not going to be swept under the rug. This is half my company and my sons are all my family and the family thing has nothing to do with Anika because the boys are adults. Unless you have a death wish and prefer a bullet to the head don't flaunt you engagement to your ex-wife. First tell you ex-wife you are getting married as a courtesy since you still have ties not that you owe her but to mentally prepare her for the event out of respect. Give her the option out of respect to come if she wants because the boys will be there or not come same flavor for the wedding but don't tell her you love her then crush her by marrying someone else. I know it's TV but I wanted to pimp slap that dude myself. Lucious is callous but in the streets its easy to develop that kinda persona. Let him keep on playing with Cookie its gonna be a who done it because he is driving her and its no reason to. One thing I can say on a personal note my mother and father met in the 5th grade and wind up having four kids they divorced after 25 years of marriage after being separated for 11 years. My daddy was no saint but he left the marriage tactfully. He never made my mother feel like an outcast. He provided us monetary support until each child was 18 and I do mean not a day over that. He left my mother in her home with us kids and gave her the house when they divorced after we were all adults. We love his new wife, she is kicks, we are close with the children he had with the new wife. We have family events where both families come and the wives get together at these events and talk about my dad and some of his shenanigans but its always in fun. My father had the God given since to never make our mother feel less important in his life than his new wife and he never has made his new wife feel less than important his former wife. Its nothing for me and my fathers new sons to wind up over to my mother's house for an event or thanks giving or Christmas or us over to their mom's house for an event. When I think about it maybe my family was just lucky or blessed. People never forget how you made them feel during an event in their lives and leaving people bitter and disrepected is always a receipt for disaster and that is what is coming to Lyonsville soon. LOL

@TigerLIL-yo3gq

9 жыл бұрын

true that

I was hoping they would discuss the flashback between Andre and Lucious. It really shows why there's such a huge rift between the two. Lucious is singing to Andre, trying to make a connection through the only way he knows how, music. Andre is building with Legos. Unlike Jamal and Hakeem the music only nudges Andre, he never turns to even look at his dad. The music is secondary to him engaging his mind. It shows that even though he can sing, and probably has great talent, he doesn't have the interest. I mean, Lucious is, literally, singing to his son's back. Later on, Andre says he covers for his dad regardless. The flashback highlights that it gets him favor because his dad appreciates, but doesn't value, his quick and strategic thinking. Finally, when he gives his dad the gun they make a true connection. It also shows how perceptive Andre is, not only is he cool under fire, but he asks his dad if he's OK, so supporting his dad's emotional state. Lucious looks sad, as his son hands him a gun, taken out of his toy box, and then asks him if he's all right. I can only imagine that, even though Andre was a child, he understood everything that was happening around him. Now to the present, Andre's story about being in the house with Lucious, really made his dad look like a liar. If Lucious can remember that he has 15 maids, why would he be unable to remember that his son was with him?

@c.reneelittle1873

9 жыл бұрын

Great points.

YESSSSSS KENNELIA!!!!!!! ❤️😩👏

Actually, I was thinking the "Black Or White" video with the car at the end! Heeheeeeeeeeee....(lol)

hakeem was an infant when cookie went away. he does not know her at all. your insight and comments are great !!!! TEAM Empire all the waaaaaaaay !

This week's episode was really good. I think Cookie is too smart not to have a bigger plan, she has to be playing a long game on Lucious. Jamal is gonna be huge, he is so good. Hakeem and his other mom are NASTY. But I'm starting to like Tiana, she is and I love that. She's gonna be a mini Cookie. I'm so glad Kennelia was on the panel this week, even though I missed Sofia and Bamm. Great aftershow guys. #TheChemistry #TeamJamal #IDontDoTaxes #HeAKid #AboutThatBusiness #Waterbugs #ComingToAmerica #ShouldaKeptTheMoney #HustleNFlow2

I'm on Team Cookie. Cookie was Ride or Die for a man that wasn't worth it.

@TigerLIL-yo3gq

9 жыл бұрын

So true not worth the nut it took to bring him into the world

@mzsuzuki9715

9 жыл бұрын

#noloyalty

The one thing you didn't touch on was the whole "Nation of Islam" angle with Titan, his mom and Lucious. What IS the story about some of the disciples being responsible for the death of Lucious's father? You KNOW we will be seeing more about that....

Cold piece of the week - Bunky's chain! Lol

I think Hakeem wasn't even 1 yet when Cookie got arrested. So, he's either 17 or 18. I could be wrong.

@mzsuzuki9715

9 жыл бұрын

He was at the bar drinking....

@TMKJG24

9 жыл бұрын

mzsuzuki under age drinking he has to be atleast 18 no more than 19

@mzsuzuki9715

9 жыл бұрын

TMKJG24 - if he was at a neighborhood juke joint or the family club I would agree but Hakeem was at a swanky restaurant...taping his drunk azz actions.hmmmmmmm?

@TMKJG24

9 жыл бұрын

mzsuzuki right lol i"d give him 21 but definitely not 24

@madimax0911

9 жыл бұрын

He can't be older the 18 she's been locked up since he was an infant 17 yrs! That's basic math lol ...any who a lot of underage artist drink and get into clubs it's all about the money and status

Cookie the show..a G , the swag & mastermind..I hope Cookie & Jamal run the empire together...Hi Kennelia..hope to see u more on Empire Discussions..even tho u do Love & Hip Hop

Did she really say "get over it, you got money" like money replaces having a mother .SMH

I would assume hakeem is 17-18 since he was just a baby when cookie went to jail. At least no older than 19 but 21 is pushing it. lucious lets him get away with WAY too much. he also has serious mommy issues that camilla (naomi) is taking advantage of because she thinks hes gonna get the empire. I hope at some point this season he gets a serious heart to heart with cookie because I dont think he understands the consequences of the situation that cookie was put in. I agree with your point about cookie I didnt think of it like that but yeah shes acting way too chill and flirty with lucious for someone whos been in prison for 17 years without no support from her family. she MUST have a plan up her sleeve. at least I hope so. the flashback between andre and lucious was sweet but besides that andre just doesnt leave an impression on me, he doesnt seem important. I dont really dislike him or like him hes just kinda there lol. jamal is too stuck on his pride he should've kept the money. lucious was telling the truth when he said first rule of the music industry 'you KEEP the money!' lol. I had to laugh at that! but I want more jamal and lucious scenes. also I was dying laughing when yall was talking about jamal's michael jackson moment! LMFAO

I just love Kennelia !!!!! I would love to see the Scandal crew do this show review :)

With all due respect to the cast I kind of think you should just bring the scandal crew over to do this recap as well :/

@lynnebaby2474

9 жыл бұрын

Know they can fine some other people to host this after show, love the scandal crew

I think the als was written before the challenge , bc his aunt has als.

Noooo Anika was too calm when Cookie took her artist (Teyanna) . I have watched hair stylist show more emotion when a client makes an appointment with another stylist at the same shop than Anika showed when she lost an artist ($$$) nooooo boo boo!

@TigerLIL-yo3gq

9 жыл бұрын

Now that was classic...LOL

@madimax0911

9 жыл бұрын

#DEAD #ICANT :)))

I think the reason Teyanna didn't care so much about Hakeem being with another woman is because she's bio and loves women herself.

@lolaiiar3237

5 жыл бұрын

seriously!! she's cute for women

Loving Kamillas chain. Where can I get one?

Hakeem's mama issues is like some girls' daddy issues. You've seen those young girls with way too old men, looking for "daddy love." Hakeem and Naomi is just gender reversal. There is no way Naomi is the main chick. I think Hakeem really thought he and Tiana were a couple. You see how he was so worried about her reaction when Tiana was just about the business. Hakeem is maybe 18 or 19. They said he was barely 1when Cookie went to jail.

@lindajulien3868

9 жыл бұрын

Safe to lean on 18

Hakeem has to be atleast 21 he drinks everywhere even if he is lu's son he drinks to open for the businesses not to lose their permit. I love K, lol so funny. Also Lou telling boo boo is going to bite him in the ass, that little tear didn't fool me I don't have a cold piece because it was a transition episode

Hakeem is 18 or 19. They said he was one when she was sent away. It's been 17 years. Yeah he drinks, but he's rich isn't that what underage rich kids do? Idk lol

@pmonpl

9 жыл бұрын

Hakeem is 18 or older I think because the interviewe reminded Lucious of that fact when he did the video about Obama and showing his stuff in the restaurant.Remember when Lu was saying he was an imnature kid and the lady was like but he no kid tho.So am inclined to believe despite his immaturity he is 18 and over especially since he is living on his own, cause no way money or no money a 17 year old can live by themselves.

on the topic of Hakeem. Remember Hakeem is the most like Candy so maybe that's why he's the most hurt, cause he's most like her. . . just a thought.

Yay! Kannelia!

Andre was the oldest. He was the kid in the back of the car when Lucious and Cookie were doing their drug deals. Andre was 'in those streets' with Lucious and Cookie. Which makes his run to be Mr. Brooks Brothers/Mr. Corporate complete with the White wife makes a whole lot of sense. Hakeem wasn't even potty trained when Cookie went to jail. Yes, he's drinking, but then again, he's rich, and who the hell would turn him down. There is a set of underaged rich kids that do what they want to do. Jamal wanting to write his own material - when he finally HITS IT, he will be rolling in the money, because the real money is music is publishing. Jamal's 'struggle' will be short, because he will be independent of Lucious very soon.

@TigerLIL-yo3gq

9 жыл бұрын

Actually both of the boys were in the back of the car you see a little head covered in a hood that was Jamal and Andre he is sitting behind Cookie on the passenger side.

cookie to run the Empire brains, beauty and ratchetness what else do need

The reason why Tirana went to Cookie is Boo Boo Katty, only think about the business side, if you remember when was doing her video, Boo Boo Katty was there, and Tirana said that she was going to be when they shot it and she was not, that is one of the reason she wanted Cookie.

Please oh please replace Sofia with Kennelia! I like her she is great on love and hip hop afterbuzz! She is funny, allows others to speak, listens, does not try to out/over talk the other hosts, and too many other reasons to name. #Kennelia4Empire

Sorry but if i were cookie my love for lucious would've went out the window leaving me to rot in jail to take the rep for him and no visits or anything and he just moves on with his life, screw you lucious just give me what you owe, its gonna be strictly business between us, thats where cookie is weak, her love for lucious even after what he's done, he still kinda has her wrapped around his finger

As good as it is, it sucks that this show probably won't make it past season.

@ReneeDeborah

9 жыл бұрын

Already renewed for another season.

@rokkudai

9 жыл бұрын

ReneeDeborah I'm glad that it's been renewed. Looking at Fox's track record with their shows over the years, still has me questioning how long will it last.

@raygarza5593

9 жыл бұрын

ReneeDeborah will jones you are a HATER

@rokkudai

9 жыл бұрын

Ray Garza Yes, I am a hater, but I didn't think it was because I like the show and fear what Fox as a network is going to eventually end up doing to it. If I'm proven wrong then it's still a win because I can continue to enjoy EMPIRE.

@ReneeDeborah

9 жыл бұрын

Will Jones I think all fans of the show are right to fear where this show might go on Fox. I'm sure Fox is relishing every stereotype the show portrays and I think the totally unnecessary shots at Barack Obama on the show reflect Fox's handiwork!

Great review Andre he hot but crazy Hakeem need help Jamal is too cute, like Jussie is too abores Lus is ugh kill him off Cookie is my girl Michael is my fave

@pmonpl

9 жыл бұрын

Lucious cant die yet if at all he is cookies lead counterpart.

What's a simp?

@KenneliaStradwick

9 жыл бұрын

Basically an ol' sucka ass dude.

@2theOmega

9 жыл бұрын

A simpleton

this show empire is a bad and I do mean a bad influence on today's youth

these people on buzz talk too much

Kennelia NEEDS TO STAY!!. I can't stand Sofia. She reminds me of a female Urkel