Various artists, ‘Original Soundtrack from Season 1 of Empire’
RATINGS for Fox’s record-breaking hip-hop drama “Empire” are soaring, thanks to its addictive story line and entertaining cast, as well as its slew of catchy tunes which are now included in the “Original Soundtrack from Season 1 of Empire.”
THE set is worth a listen, if only for a chance to hear more from actor and singer Jussie Smollett, who plays Jamal Lyons, the middle son of “Empire” music mogul Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard). Smollett is the soundtrack’s breakout star. Songs like “Good Enough” and “Keep Your Money,” crafted by “Empire” music supervisor Timbaland and co-producer Jim Beanz, marked pivotal moments in establishing Smollett’s onscreen role as the introspective and talented Jamal.
Actor-rapper Bryshere Gray — who goes by Yazz the Greatest — makes his musical contributions to the soundtrack in line with his onscreen persona as youngest son Hakeem Lyon. Howard is an almost-believable singer alongside Mary J. Blige on the sweet “Shake Down.”
Other season one guests, including Jennifer Hudson and Courtney Love, drop in on the soundtrack. (AP)
