Fox TV’s new musical/drama series ‘Empire’ probably lost half of its viewership last night. Viewers on social media platform Twitter.com bashed the show for promoting negative stereotypes.
‘Empire”s impressive cast includes Taraji P. Henson (Cookie), Terrence Howard (Lucious), Gabourey Sidibe (Becky), and Malik Yoba, but Gabourey and Malik’s talents are wasted in this bloated series that lacks a cohesive script and any semblance of a plot.
There are so many things wrong with ‘Empire’, it’s hard to know where to begin.
It’s hard to ignore Empire’s unspoken message that black women are loud and overbearing “hood rats” who belittle and emasculate black men, or confused lesbians who want to be men (AzMarie Livingston).
Taraji’s “Cookie” is all over the map. Cookie spends most of her screen time in an unfiltered rage. Her scenes are limited to barging into Lucious’ office, disrupting his meetings and confronting his white girlfriend. We’re reminded constantly that she gave Lucious $400K in drug money to launch his recording empire back in the day. The only time Cookie is in chill mode is when she has a drink in her hand.
Executive producer Lee Daniels‘s male characters are likewise stereotypical and one-dimensional.
Lucious, the terminally ill Berry Gordy of his generation, carries the burden of deciding who among his 3 sons will run his record label when he’s gone.
His sons include the sensitive homosexual Jamal (Jussie Smollet) who’s in a relationship with an effeminate white male. Then there’s the Chris Brown character Hakeem (Bryshere Gray) who disrespects women and can’t seem to keep his anger in check. And finally, there’s the straight-laced, well mannered heterosexual son Andre (Trai Byers) who’s Caucasian wife dominates him in and out of the bedroom. Oh, and Andre just happens to be on bipolar medications.
‘Empire’ is such a huge fail that Terrence Howard already has an out; his character’s terminal illness.
Taraji is carrying that whole show on her bayck!
I still ain’t watched this show. I’ma try again….next month
I watched last night, missed the first episode. Not my cup of tea. I’ll keep that timeline for Modern Fam & Blackish.
Boogabears across the land…Unite!
That bish is serving you hear me??? Without a neck, with church mama arms on fleek and all.
It’s hard to ignore Empire’s unspoken message that black women are loud and overbearing “hood rats” who belittle and emasculate black men, or confused lesbians who want to be men (AzMarie Livingston).
************************************
Good morning Miss Sandra and Roses! I have not watched the first episode as yet now I am not sure if I should
i heard they was talking ish about my :obama: on the show?????
So…how he become the “chris Brown” type…y’all just blame errthang on that child..
:crying1: Gaborey why, why tell em that it’s human nature why, why, must it be that way….
Taraji age is showing
beautiful chick but damn 
Malik’s talents are wasted
This ashy bastard can’t even afford a good dermatologist! What the hell has HE been in so great? He got smashed by a fuggin truck in his last film. You gotta suck if you get killed off of a TP sequel.
^^^^^^
Is this a joke?
i heard they was talking ish about my :obama: on the show?????
___________
I didn’t like that chit at all but when Terrence was on the phone like he just rung Barack ass up I hollered
Oh, and Jamal just happens to be on bipolar medications.
—-
No. He’s off of them. I can tell you don’t really watch.
I can’t believe Precious is still looking a mess like that
damn where are her friends
Without a neck, with church mama arms on fleek and all.
*****
Fugging
Between this and the California Mountain Bear
It’s hard to ignore Empire’s unspoken message that black women are loud and overbearing “hood rats” who belittle and emasculate black men, or confused lesbians who want to be men (AzMarie Livingston).
—————————-
That’s Raven’s girlfriend correct?
I ain’t here for the POTUS slander at all!
But it was aight..Blackish was funny last night tho
You old You Old …
jeniefrumdabloc says:
I can’t believe Precious is still looking a mess like that damn where are her friends
^^^^^^
From the looks of it they may have became appetizers
Thoughts on Empire:
Oldest son- his wife trying to keep him healthy so he can get the company and she can divorce him and get half.
Middle son- I guess daddy money was more important. I like him beat out the trio.
Youngest boy- Cookie right. He entitled Abd just nasty. I guess him and that singer gone be Breezy and Rihanna.
Cookie- completely carries the show. Her one liners are everything.
Slickback- I’on like his crocodile year having tail
Porsha- Keep her. She funny.
Gabby- Sigh. If she has nothing she got confidence. :smh:
Annika- she trash. Coming out naked. Girl don’t nobody want yo man.
Malik Yoba- Still feeling him out.
by lovezoe on Jan 15, 2015 at 9:01 am
Auntie now you no that Terrance wife is not white on the show, lol
Is Gabby’s hair like that on the show? Sh1t looks like a dish rag
It’s hard to ignore Empire’s unspoken message that black women are loud and overbearing “hood rats” who belittle and emasculate black men, or confused lesbians who want to be men
~~~~~
Shyte there’s more then BLK woman that are over bearing.. You ever encountered Jewish Men and THEIR MEAN Ass wives who will bop them over the head in the shoe store
I can’t believe Precious is still looking a mess like that
damn where are her friends
^^^^^
Lee Daniels IS her fren!
church mama arms on fleek
Church mama arms aint NEVA gon be fleek
^^^^^^
I ain’t know Jamal was on meds?
@Dub,
He was in New York Undercover. His lips looked casket read, but Michael de Lorenzo’s lips more than compensated for that.
jeniefrumdabloc says:
I can’t believe Precious is still looking a mess like that damn where are her friends
^^^^^^
From the looks of it they may have became appetizers
by Locapoca on Jan 15, 2015 at 9:42 am
_______
Well she can have babyhair5 on her team. “Mommy she’s fat” she will tell her what she needs to hear. She just can’t be healthy.
I was wondering did that DJ have a peen.
VDot says:
Is Gabby’s hair like that on the show? Sh1t looks like a dish rag
January 15, 2015 at 9:42 am
_____________
Oh! Did yall see the big arse pic of Mimi on the wall? When fake Rihanna went to Youngest Lyon dressing room??
I was like look at gay azz Lee Daniels showing that he is a STAN!
Yes Dub that picture of Mariah was the best!!!!!
Selma got an Academy Award Nomination for Best Picture
Michael de Lorenzo’s lips more than compensated for that
—————-
Yes Lordt!
Whoooo That Latino man was fine!!
Shamana
@Loca…yews a LIE! Them church mama arms oiled DOWN…no stretch mahrs. Sheeeet.
<–Doesn't Talk To Strangers says:
Selma got an Academy Award Nomination for Best Picture
________________
:woot: I heard that the movie could have been a bit more powerful, but I am going to see it for myself
Without a neck, with church mama arms on fleek and all.
*****
Fugging
Between this and the California Mountain Bear
when she had that fur on.
________
full grown California Mountain Bear
Well she can have babyhair5 on her team. “Mommy she’s fat” she will tell her what she needs to hear. She just can’t be healthy.
^^^^^
@ Hair Hell naw she cant be healthy! they probably have to yell “cut” so a bish can catch her breath and why did they “stuff” her in leather up top. Leather is not forgiving, Leather does not stretch. Gabby needs to opt for… well fukk I dont know what the bish needs but this look is not it. she looks like she cant breath up top
Yardgirl
It’s on fox Duh
Imma catch an episode in about 5 yrs, yeah ill ketchup then
I watched for about 15 minutes and tuned out! Not for me!
Truth be told, the oldest boy the most ruthless. The other two don’t even want to fight. Matter fact, Hakeem even said that that’s what they want to happen.
Jenny
Go see it. But I would wait until the little one is around 16-ish for her to understand IMB
I haven’t watched this show. something is telling me its going to piss me off. With everyone having a caucasion significant other, may be the the only reason the show got the time slot anyway. Gabby, Gabby, Gabby… That blonde with black roots killing a nicca right about now tho
I ain’t know Jamal was on meds?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Isn’t Andre the on on/off his meds????
I’m not talmbout fat people today
KDub says:
@Loca…yews a LIE! Them church mama arms oiled DOWN…no stretch mahrs. Sheeeet.
^^^^^
Nooooo Youre not making me a believer!
I watch it, I support these actors, they need to eat too
I am more upset about Gabby’s shoes struggling to whole her up in every seen. I kept thinking, anytime know them kitten heels are going to just give up and gon to the Upper Room!!!
A.J. says:
i heard they was talking ish about my :obama: on the show?????
___________
I didn’t like that chit at all but when Terrence was on the phone like he just rung Barack ass up I hollered
****************
but what happened tho? so terrence called the prez like they played marbles back in the day? and then what?
That nigga in those flowery camp pants feet look big as hell.
And does Terrence have on burgundy wedges?
I’m mobile and can’t zoom in like I want to, but they are looking mighty suspect
#hold
Loca the put her in the leather for the same damn reasons they put her in stripes last night. Like stripes tho?
OH! :wave: Good Morning Everyone
Milky says:
I ain’t know Jamal was on meds?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Isn’t Andre the on on/off his meds????
—————–
Yes it’s Andre
<–Doesn't Talk To Strangers says:
Jenny
Go see it. But I would wait until the little one is around 16-ish for her to understand IMB
______________
Good to know
cause I was going to take her ….
*camo pants
Is this a joke?
This ashy bastard can’t even afford a good dermatologist! What the hell has HE been in so great? He got smashed by a fuggin truck in his last film. You gotta suck if you get killed off of a TP sequel.
I said that nig looking so old. Up there looking like Bill Cosby relative 
——————
does Terrence have on burgundy wedges?
at wedges. Go Away
^^^^
Milky says:
Isn’t Andre the on on/off his meds????
________________
Yes, Andre is on bipolar meds. But he stopped taking them or his prescription ran out. I pointed that out on Twitter last night. Why the normal one have to be bipolar?
but what happened tho? so terrence called the prez like they played marbles back in the day? and then what?
____________
Right; The prez hung up on that azz. Terence pushed his son down to the ground like I would have but I would’ve swung on his ass tho!! Belee dat!!
but what happened tho? so terrence called the prez like they played marbles back in the day? and then what?
by free on Jan 15, 2015 at 9:51 am
____
His son the one that look like the cartoon character off of fat Albert was videoed bad talking the president. So Lucious called to smooth things over, and got hung up on.
@DTTS…I try not to. Talk about em. Cause…I try to be about ish. But damn it! I’m not sure what’s wrong with me past few days. I will be nice rest of the day.
@Locomotion,
Waymin……now you can’t tell me you ain’t moved when church mama arms get to wavin and flailing to a song……like Rejoice by Israel and New Breed or one of the hymnals?
On second thought……this one church lady’s arm knocked me sideways one time. We were singin and she had stood up to praise the Lord. Those arms were flappin like a gossip’s mouth, and when it came to the hook part of the song, she gave that left arm some extra umph, and next thing I know I’m fallin over in my seat. Chile why did she mouth sorry while still on beat and flailin those church arms?
BTW, the song was
Just shoot our shyt down why don’t ya
With all the othe bullshyt shows out there, this one is alright with me 
I Was all in the show until they had to drive POTUS into this. fcking Fox News
Is Malik Yoba married? And if so, why his wife aint get his skin together. Nigga look like he has a deficit in the following vitamins: A thru Z
And does Terrence have on burgundy wedges?
___________
They are smoking loafers. I have a few pairs, wedges they are not!!
Nancy Grace just asked 2 chains for a rematch
Rejoice by Israel and New Breed. Had to think fah a minute as to why that song popped into my head. Now rememmas why.
Nancy Grace just asked 2 chains for a rematch
—————–
She mad!!
Nah ubitchu he DID That and YOU look the fool!
One time for titt’y boy!
Is Malik Yoba married? And if so, why his wife aint get his skin together. Nigga look like he has a deficit in the following vitamins: A thru Z
———-
His face need a massage too
He left his damn wife. He wasn’t ashy when he was with her either.
Yes, Andre is on bipolar meds. But he stopped taking them or his prescription ran out. I pointed that out on Twitter last night. Why the normal one have to be bipolar?
—
He is not normal. He is in fact the puppet master in this whole game.
why his wife aint get his skin together.
______________
That aint the wife fault. Bad skin is just that. Dermatologists be every which’a way!! Hell you can order Proactive, there is no excuse.
One time for titt’y boy!
^^^^^^
Is Malik Yoba married? And if so, why his wife aint get his skin together. Nigga look like he has a deficit in the following vitamins: A thru Z
by VDot on Jan 15, 2015 at 9:54 am
______
Ummmm ion if he is married but his skin is rather grayish
He left his damn wife. He wasn’t ashy when he was with her either.
———————-
I read awhile back that he likes the lady bois
They are smoking loafers. I have a few pairs, wedges they are not!! ?
******
FuturedocDonte says:
DONTE
Nancy Grace just asked 2 chains for a rematch
~~~~
I bet she did, 1. Im sure the ratings were thru the roof 2. she didn’t expect to be slayed the way she did, she’s getting her flash cards proper.
Hair Lova Formerly Known As Dark Ceaser says:
Loca the put her in the leather for the same damn reasons they put her in stripes last night. Like stripes tho?
^^^^^^
Yea I think if I was extra plus size I would stay in solids.. Primarily black (and not that leather shyt up top). And fukk a heel. I would just wear flats. Whats the point of a kitten heel anyway?
I Was all in the show until they had to drive POTUS into this. fcking Fox News
—–
Then they gone act like Obana would take a call from him. But I can imagine IF Barry did call like that, he probably woulda used some terse language.
I still liked it
but then again I watch soap operas 
why his wife aint get his skin together.
______________
That aint the wife fault. Bad skin is just that. Dermatologists be every which’a way!! Hell you can order Proactive, there is no excuse.
by A.J. on Jan 15, 2015 at 9:57 am
One time for titt’y boy!
_____
Nah it’s her fault AJ. Bad skin or not his ish got a gray over cast. Whatever is going on in the inside will appear on the outside. He needs water and maybe kale in his life. Ion
Don’t do it Titty Boi. She gone use you for ratings. You gotta. Don’t return to the scene of a massacre.
So you walking around in executive height adjusters too?
Only when I’m going out on the town!! Not apropos for work. I don’t smoke cigars but that’s where you would normally find them at Cigar Rooms and Country Clubs.
_________
You trying it Vdot!!
she’s getting her flash cards proper.
—————
I don’t know why this tickled me so !
a server called KCOLE Cheap for leaving a $10 tip on a $136 dollar tab.
Gd morning! Although I don’t watch empire I was rooting for the show. Mainly bc we need more shows with african americans and bc I wanted 50 cent to eat his words. He wants this show to fail among other things…
Well Blanche it’s one big musical soap
One time for titt’y boy!
********
TWO CHAINZ
All I want for birthday is a big booty hoe
Malik got eczema cause he went in on someone who called him out not too long ago. He need a good dermatologist. I got eczema and my dermatologist was the absolute Shiznayee.
I had been with her practice since I was 12. She retired in 2013 and I literally cried like a baby. 
@Locomotion,
Chile she would squeeze the meow and hairball out of a kitten heel.
Unshakable says:
@Locomotion,
Waymin……now you can’t tell me you ain’t moved when church mama arms get to wavin and flailing to a song……like Rejoice by Israel and New Breed or one of the hymnals?
On second thought……this one church lady’s arm knocked me sideways one time. We were singin and she had stood up to praise the Lord. Those arms were flappin like a gossip’s mouth, and when it came to the hook part of the song, she gave that left arm some extra umph, and next thing I know I’m fallin over in my seat. Chile why did she mouth sorry while still on beat and flailin those church arms
^^^^^
See this is scary to me. You were just minding your business and BOOM! You’re knocked over by a wave of fat! This is why I sit in the back in church. Them big ones be moving and doing the most to them songs
I didn’t catch on to the fact that Tianna was supposed to be Rihanna
Auntie pointed that out
You trying it Vdot!! ? Only when I’m going out on the town!! Not apropos for work
*************
Time to Waste says:she’s getting her flash cards proper.
—————
I don’t know why this tickled me so !
Cause u silly 
~~~~
Malik got eczema cause he went in on someone who called him out not too long ago. He need a good dermatologist. I got eczema and my dermatologist was the absolute Shiznayee.
I had been with her practice since I was 12. She retired in 2013 and I literally cried like a baby. 
by KDub on Jan 15, 2015 at 10:02 am
_____
He needs someone to look at that skin then. Smh
a server called KCOLE Cheap for leaving a $10 tip on a $136 dollar tab
————–
Bish, STFU
Unshakable says:
@Locomotion,
Chile she would squeeze the meow and hairball out of a kitten heel.
~~~~
MYLANTA!!! I spit something terrible on my monitor
Taraji’s “Cookie” is all over the map. Cookie spends most of her screen time in an unfiltered rage.
———————–
If I did 17 years in prison for someone & miss out on raising & watching my kids grow up I’m gonna be angry all the time also
Malik got eczema cause he went in on someone who called him out not too long ago. He need a good dermatologist. I got eczema and my dermatologist was the absolute Shiznayee.
I had been with her practice since I was 12. She retired in 2013 and I literally cried like a baby. 
————
And that nig got too much money not to find him one
Has anyone here ever try crochet braids? If so how were they? Did they damage your hair any?
Unshakable says:
@Locomotion,
Chile she would squeeze the meow and hairball out of a kitten heel.
One day The damn shoe is just gonna morph into a real live kitten that looks like this 
^^^^^^^
They need to quit playing and give that girl some flats. The brave people that dress her need a recognition for their courage
Are they velvet
________
Velvet. Check out stubbsandwoottondotcom I have a blue pair of screw U’s. They get a lot of attention!!
San ah make ya dance says:a server called KCOLE Cheap for leaving a $10 tip on a $136 dollar tab
————–
Bish, STFU
~~~~~
Im sure she’s received much less on bigger tabs. FDB
———————–
If I did 17 years in prison for someone & miss out on raising & watching my kids grow up I’m gonna be angry all the time also
…………………
Especially if you treat me like chit afterwards. I didn’t do anything but help YOU
I’m tired of folks calling out people for not tipping. It sucks, but thT don’t mean you post it to IG/FB. My standard is 15 unless you trash more if you superb.
Anika gone be Luscious downfall. Cookie has a natural business acumen that you can’t deny. OAN:!Them switching the deal prices why folks don’t like the pigs.
Jeezy on WhooKid!
He is FUNNY!
A.J. going to
the site now
FDB
————-
lovezoe says:
I’m tired of folks calling out people for not tipping. It sucks, but thT don’t mean you post it to IG/FB. My standard is 15 unless you trash more if you superb.
^^^^^
Yes this is silly. I used to work at Hooters in college and this just comes with the job. Not everyone is going to tip what YOU THINK you deserve. Be happy he left you that and keep it moving.
lovezoe says:
He is not normal.
——————–
By “normal,” I mean “heterosexual.”
Morning Roses
I did not watch this show last night, don’t know if I want to.
So now Black people are doing the work of the White man. Feeding and reinforcing negative stereotypes.
Lucious pain in the neck girlfriend is not white Sandy. Why you always hating on light skinned folks and gays?
I said this about the premiere episode. There was no true plot or story to follow because they were all over the place. They can bring Taraji’s style into the 90’s at least. Those dry furs and animal print have me gassed face the entire episode.
If they’re getting 3-4M viewers a week, it’ll get cancelled by Fox. This would be cable gold, but not network tv. I’ll support it, but yeah, they have to improve the writing and give us a real story to follow.
This is my first time viewing Empire and Despite a lot of the negative reviews on Empire (from this Blog, specifically) I found this (2nd) episode QUITE engaging and hope to see the next one (though I am not too fond of this genre in general). Nevertheless, Taraji P Henson seems to be the Glue that is keeping this show together (and the young lady playing her assistant is nice & Spicy – – they make a great pair!)
Thank You Ms. Rose for making this viewing possible as I do not own a TV – – gave same to my sister many years ago!
GBO
but the ratings actually went up it had 10 million plus viewers and won the coveted 18-49 viewership that the advertisers pay the bucks for so at the time right now its a hit.