Continuously set American TV ratings, became the most discussed drama on social networks, the original soundtrack is about to win the Billboard 200, the black music superstars are vying for guest appearances, and the starring Jussie Smollett will be debuted as a singer by the record company. There are many honors, Empire can be said to be the big winner of this year's new drama. But what kind of drama is it?
It’s also difficult for Wikipedia to define whether Empire is a musical or a soap opera. In fact, compared to the 2006 movie Dreamgirls (starring Jamie Foxx & Beyoncé), which established a black music empire, the role of music in this play is greatly reduced, and many of them are recorded demo/ Performing live does not play a role in promoting the development of the plot. The story of Dreamgirls is obviously too simple. The only thing that is remarkable is Jennifer Hudson's wonderful performance. For this reason, she also won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, becoming the first American Idol singer to have both an Oscar and a Grammy. Empire is very different. Its plot is obviously compact and much more complex (xie).
The prototype of Jamie Foxx in Dreamgirls is obviously Motown boss Berry Gordy, and Beyoncé is playing Diana Ross; but it is controversial who is the prototype of Lucious Lyon in Empire. Screenwriter Danny Strong said it was Jay Z, but Diddy blamed Empire. The plot is too similar to his life experience-the same as Diana Ross's accusation of Beyoncé. Similar to Dreamgirls, Empire basically doesn't use white actors, and Kaitlin Doubleday like Iggy Azalea is just a contrast-so this film is obviously a blaxploitation. Other minorities can also get a share. Anika's actor Grace Gealey looks white, but is actually Caribbean; Michael's actor Rafael de La Fuente is Venezuelan.
The most popular characters in the show are Lucious/Cookie and Jamal. Lucious actor Terrence Howard has won an Oscar nomination for best actor. Like Will Smith/Jamie Foxx, he plays and sings. In 2008, he released an album that reached sixth place on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop score. Cookie actor Taraji P. Henson has won an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress. Every time I substitute her as Ashanti (the two look very similar). She and Terrence Howard were previously in the 2005 movie Hustle & Flow 》). They have collaborated in It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp. They also won an Oscar for Best Soundtrack, which was the inspiration for Lily Allen's new song Hard Out Here the year before. Jamal actor Jussie Smollett is like a mix of Babyface, Usher, Brian McKnight, John Legend and J. Holiday. No wonder Columbia Records put it together. Andre is an old drama bone, the bipolar episode is really good; Hakeem's actors are like Tyga+Chris Brown, and Tiana is...Rihanna?
In addition to the elements of business war, sales, homosexuality (...), this show The most important key point is black music. It may also take into account the audience. This drama R&B/Hip-Hop and even Rock (Elle Dallas) are involved. Timbaland is escorted as an executive producer. The quality of music is not up to the top, and it is definitely an excellent level. Drip Drop/ Conqueror and other tracks naturally have the potential to capture the Billboard Hot 100.
Another highlight of the show is the joining of stars from all walks of life. My favorite guest guest is Gladys Knight, and her cover of The Makings of You is one of my favorite works. In addition, the appearance of Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson and Estelle is also quite eye-catching. Courtney Love must be a true character. As for Naomi Campbell, I dare say that Kelly Rowland definitely took her image to make up.
In short, I think the biggest advantage of Empire is its hodgepodge, all elements, fast pace (see the commentary that the 10th episode will be performed for 100 episodes of Korean dramas), in addition to the development of the plot of Qijue (...), there is also excellent music As a buffer and adjustment, work and rest are combined, and the whole process is high-energy. The disadvantage may be that not everyone can accept the all black cast. I hope that this show will allow more people to accept and love black music.
[2015.3.17 Supplement two points]
One is the "It's a family business" and "You're black" that Lucious constantly emphasized in the play. The family consciousness and racial consciousness of black people are very important. Remember the last time I saw family. The word business is still in the reality show of the Brandy/Ray J family-they are also a small family of black music.
Second, in addition to original music, the show also has many quoted reality hits, such as Drake's 0 to 100/The Catch Up, Pharrell's Come Get It Bae, Lil Kim's The Jump Off, etc.; and even the first audition. The short tune can also be heard that it was recorded and produced with great care. It's no wonder that its original soundtrack has also achieved gratifying results. It is worth mentioning that Mary J. Blige's Shake Down with Terrence Howard is her 2007 old song ensemble. In the original version, she collaborated with Usher. The song composed and produced by Ne-Yo is very sweet and lively.
[Impressions at the end of the season]
It's really suitable to finish with various suspense. In fact, it doesn't matter how they develop after seeing them. It's good to continue singing.
The 11th episode used John Legend’s Made to Love and Mary J. Blige’s Doubt, both of which are newer songs (2013/2014).
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