Could Anyone From 'Empire' Really Make It in the Music Business in 2015?

Although I share Justin Charity’s sentiments about the Empire soundtrack, based on the sales projections [Editor's Note: Since the writing of this piece, this happened.], the fish fry I went to ’bout a week ago, and audience members of The Wendy Williams Show, no one gives a damn about our thoughts and feelings about how awful much of the music on the show is. Very much like the other FOX musical-based drama before it, Glee, with great success comes the opportunity to jump on the money train heading straight for the Billboard charts. Now, just because the chance is there doesn’t mean it will happen—see copies of Lea Michele’s album collecting dust at a store near you—but it does beg the question, “Who on this show could really make a way in real life?”

I’m here to answer.

Michael Arceneaux hails from Houston, lives in Harlem, and praises Beyoncé’s name wherever he goes. Follow him @youngsinick.

Do you remember Terrence Howard’s debut album, Shine Through It? It was fucking hilarious. I imagine he thought he was going to be the coffee shop or Shug’s Juke Joint equivalent of Jamie Foxx’s solo career, but ultimately, no one bought his album and most people blocked it from memory. It’s not that Terrence Howard cannot sing or is not musically inclined. He has a voice, but like, Marsha Ambrosius, sings as if he’s doing so while inside of a haunted house. I imagine Howard is itching to put that perm back in and give singing another go. Don’t go chase waterfalls; please stick to the soundtrack cuts that you’re contractually obligated to commit to. No more.

My hate for “Drip Drop” has been remarkably strong. However, I have to confess my sins: When Bryshere Gray made an appearance on The Wendy Williams Show, I joined the moms, gays, and homegirls in dancing and reciting “Drip Drop” line for line. Does that mean I think Gray, who will go by Yazz when he releases music, will be as big as the rapper Hakeem is on the show? I won’t go that far, but Rae Sremmurd is out here flourishing, so with the right beat and hook, maybe Yazz can score a couple of hits as Roscoe Dash Jr., Tyga the future SVU-storyline version.

Of all the show’s characters, Jamal Lyon, played by Jussie Smollett, probably has the best chance at taking his newfound TV stardom and turning it into some level of success in music. He’s basically Lea Michele, only my concern is he has to work with the right people. I saw Smollet say he wants work with Terrence Howard. If by work, you mean invite him to the session, sure. Other than that, no.

Charity is right about him sounding a little bit like Usher, and since Usher is too busy proving he’s the uncle at the club who's still got it, Jussie should call Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and snatch up all the songs Usher passed on. Babyface might’ve emailed him already, but unless he plans to spin one of the songs from the Waiting To Exhale soundtrack, ignore him. Also, Jussie, listen to the R&B cuts Hit-Boy did for Mariah Carey’s last album—namely “Dedicated.” Duplicate that. Oh, work with people like JoJo and Jhené Aiko. It’s new, but because you can sing, aunties will still want to support your work. Put me in a video. You’re welcome.

I know that Cookie doesn’t really do anything besides curse people out and look amazing while doing so on the show, but Taraji P. Henson did spit a few bars on Mary J. Blige’s My Life II...The Journey Continues and she was actually pretty solid. Solid enough to drop an album? No, but I would be here for an EP featuring a bunch of rappers like Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, Da Brat, Missy Elliott, and rich ass Eve. Don’t act like you wouldn’t Spotify that. Otherwise: nah.

Hole’s “Celebrity Skin” will also have a special place on my iTunes, but Courtney Love’s solo material has yet to fare as well and this show will not change that. Love may be able to now get back to booking acting gigs due to this show, but a renewed interest in a solo career that never took off? Probably not. Yes, I’m aware that she and Lana Del Rey are doing a joint tour, but I still find Love more likely to deliver her best performance via Twitter rant than on stage. Best of luck all the same.

So, initially, I didn’t pay this girl Serayah McNeill that much mind. She is very pretty, but the world doesn’t need anyone trying to sound like Forever 21 Rihanna. See Rita Ora’s music career in America. Upon further reflection, I think there may be a smidgen of hope for Tiana if she so chooses it. She’ll need better Timbaland beats, though if he’s too busy with Tink, she should call Da Internz and churn out some quick hits before Sevyn Streeter comes back. I’m now a believer after listening to that hook on “Drip Drop” 96 times.