Empire (2015) s05e11 Episode Script

1 Previously on Empire Lucious Lyon is my father.
Leah, it's time for you to take a break.
Are you going to sit there and let them lock me up? MTA Bank of Panama.
Money disappears from Empire, and ends up in your Panama account.
DAMON: You a regular here, Mr.
Lyon? - And you are? - Damon Cross.
- I'm married.
- I hope he knows how lucky he is.
I'm a Lyon, and I'm done apologizing for that.
Empire was built on people's pain.
Our future is now.
(CHOKING, COUGHING) - Andre! I need an ambulance.
- (HORN HONKING) ("PERFECT PLACE" PLAYING) Ooh, yeah All the shine I left behind Now I'm here, to my surprise Nothing different, no Nothing different, yeah Was it worth the sacrifice 'Cause being here is all a lie Nothing different Oh, nothing different It's so bad I'm out of emotions It's so bad I'm stuck on this roller coaster Roller coaster, roller coaster Will you do me the honor of becoming my husband? Oh, and it's a shame 'cause now I finally Found a place that's all mine Nobody knows ya, no one knows ya No one knows ya Yeah It's this perfect place, this perfect place Where no one cares about yesterday They're simply happy Just happy And if it feels like nothing's going your way, no Look around, it's a better day You're always happy Just happy But now that place is gone, gone, gone, gone, gone (VOCALIZING) Nothing's worse than family 'cause you (SIGHS) Seems like every day with you, it's I'm blindsided or a new grenade blows up in my damn face.
I didn't know that this was my son.
I-I didn't know that.
"It's not my fault" and "I didn't know" is two different things, Lucious.
- Are you really judging me right now? - (SIGHS) I thought no matter what, we had each other's back.
That's what I want, Lucious.
Hello? That's what I want.
But we got to start doing things a lot different around here, 'cause Different? What the hell are you talking about, different? Everybody that ever gained anything gained at somebody else's pain.
Well, where did you get that little nugget from, huh? Your evil son? He looks just like you.
How dare you say something like that to me? - Why? 'Cause it's the truth, huh? - Truth? - It hurts? You don't - No, you want the truth? The truth is that you and I have busted our ass for this family.
'Cause we're Lyons, and that's what we do.
And if it feels like nothing's going your way, no Look around, it's a better day You're always happy Just happy Gone, gone, gone, gone, gone LUCIOUS: We do what we have to do, and if what we're doing isn't what you want, then tell me what you want us to be.
I want us to act like two people who know they did a lot wrong and hurt a lot of people and know they need to make it right.
(PHONE BUZZES) Just happy But now that place is gone, gone, gone, gone, gone (VOCALIZING) He'll be back, Mal.
No.
He's already back in London, back to work.
- Covering some war.
Hey, Mom.
- Hey, baby.
I'm so sorry.
You-you know, you can you can go after Kai if you want to.
I'll totally understand.
Ma, I made a a promise to be here for the family, so I'm good.
I just I need to get back to work, you know? Okay, good, 'cause I need you more now than ever.
I am trying to convince your daddy that we have to start doing things different.
Course we have to.
- Yes.
- Ma, I didn't give up my man and-and God knows all that you gave up just so that Empire can eat us up alive again.
- No, we got to be better.
- (CHUCKLES) Do we even know what "better" looks like, Jamal? I don't know.
But I'll you this.
- We gonna figure it out.
- That's right.
Because I can't go back to knocking people down just to build us up.
Like you said, we are better than that.
We're Lyons.
A little something for your first day back at work.
(CHUCKLES) What is this? Quincy helped me pick it out.
Teri, I don't want you to spend this much money.
I'm just trying to say thank you.
(EXHALES) (SIGHS) Wow.
(CHUCKLES) Wow.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
You know, I'm, uh, kind of excited to get back to Empire.
- Yeah? - Yeah, yeah, yes.
First time in a in a very long time my whole family's on the same page.
You know, ready to do whatever we have to do to succeed.
Sounds like you're going to war.
In a way, we are.
(PHONE RINGS) Thank you for this, love.
Dr.
Miller.
Yes, sir.
Okay.
No, I-I got it.
Yeah.
Thank you, Doc.
Test results? (EXHALES) - What-What'd he say? - It's nothing.
- A bloody nose from a burst blood vessel.
- (BOTH CHUCKLE) Oh, but he also said to, uh, tell Nurse Teri What? Stop worrying.
- Can you do that? - I'll try.
(BOTH CHUCKLE) WOMAN: When finished, lay pamphlets upside down on the table.
Do we have to listen to all of this? I mean, the focus group is telling us what we already know.
LUCIOUS: Okay, I don't know, man.
Let's just let's just be quiet.
I want to hear.
MAN: It's just not the same.
Not as good as it was, man.
Plus, they've been snitching on us.
No Empire track is worth all that.
MAN: Especially not with that generic music they've been dropping.
- Where's Lucious Lyon? - You know where he is.
Out making babies behind his wife's back.
(EXCLAIMING, LAUGHTER) (MAN GASPS) - LUCIOUS: Good afternoon, everybody.
- (GASPING) Ooh, it's Lucious Lyon.
LUCIOUS: Yeah, it's me.
And I heard everything y'all said.
I love you, Lucious.
- I love you, too.
- I am so sorry.
- Bet you are.
- Man, you know I was just playing.
And that didn't sound like y'all loved us back there.
But I understand.
I mean, Empire has lost its way.
Done more than lose our way.
We've lost your trust.
MAN: So, hey, hey, is-is Cookie back there, too? Yeah, we want to see her.
- Yeah.
- Where's she at? Hey, y'all.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) Now, with without me at the helm, Empire managed to fail you miserably.
But y'all ain't got to worry about none of that no more, 'cause I'm back.
(INDISTINCT WHISPERING) We are back.
COOKIE: Look, I know y'all have been hearing some nonsense.
I want you to know it's not true.
Lucious and I are good.
And we will restore your faith in us again.
Thank you.
- Thank you.
- (CHEERING) Yeah, baby, thank you for having my back.
I don't have a choice.
This is half my company, too.
Maybe y'all don't know, but analytics are dead.
- (ALL EXCLAIMING) - Dead! Dad.
(STARTLED CHATTER) We are Empire.
We're the best music label in the whole damn world.
And anybody that's here that don't recognize that, you need to get the hell out of here right now! Okay, let me translate for my husband's dramatic display.
What he's saying is that Empire's going to be new and improved, y'all.
GISELLE: Yes.
Cookie and Lucious, Empire's founders, are now co-CEOs, and with me as their partner, I will be your COO.
And I'll resume my role as your CFO.
And Jamal is our new Chairman of Music Development.
Thanks for staying with the family, son.
Family first, music always.
So, we gonna crank out some hits, y'all.
LUCIOUS: Amen.
Now, as y'all know, our music comes from our heart, not from a hard drive.
And therefore, my son Hakeem Lyon is gonna make sure that Empire stays on the creative edge and ahead of all trends with him as our Creative Director.
We got you.
- We got him, right? - Yes.
(MURMURS OF ASSENT) - (CHUCKLES) - Yeah, we got him.
And my sister from another mister, Ms.
Becky Williams, will remain SVP of A&R.
Her instincts are undeniable.
Mmm.
Definitely undeniable.
I got you.
As my lovely wife said so eloquently, Empire is new and improved.
So I want y'all to go out there with your hearts, with your love, with your passion and make some music, 'cause that's what we do.
- (STAFF CHEERING) - Okay, and make some money, too.
Come on.
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER) - Yes.
Come talk to me.
BECKY: Okay, I don't to admit this, but you actually pulled this off.
- No, we pulled this off.
- That's true.
(WHISPERING): And even though the Lyons are back, I just want to make sure that you still have my back.
As long as you have my back.
Come on now.
No question.
- Now, let's get to work.
- Okay.
During this re-launch, image is everything.
I want every Empire artist everywhere that's worth being seen.
(EXHALES) Fashion Week.
- (LOW VOICE): Bitch.
- (LOW VOICE): Bitch.
- It's Fashion Week.
- (GIGGLES) Fashion week.
Okay, I have the perfect dress.
Yeah.
Okay.
But it's not about you, though.
It's always about me, don't do that.
What was that about? Hey, guys.
That speech was awesome.
Everybody's really hyped up.
It's great.
Yeah, that's the point.
Do you guys have, like, a minute or two, maybe we could talk? A minute or two? That seems like a mighty long time for a chick who thought recording in our living room was cute.
Cookie, look.
When I left LFM, it was just a business decision.
- It was nothing personal, I promise.
- COOKIE: Mm-mm.
Now, what happens when we drag your little ass out that door by your pretty little feet, hmm? I'm sorry, what? Hah! Now you see how fast that got personal.
LUCIOUS: If you and your disloyal vocal cords makes us some money, guess what? You get to stay.
But if you don't make any money, you got to kick rocks.
Clear? Yeah.
Very.
So why are you still sitting here? Come on.
Let's make some money! (POUNDING BAT ON FLOOR) COOKIE: Chop, chop.
Hmm.
Good.
When did you become so damn forgiving? Didn't you say I had to "be better"? Just a little bit.
Oh.
Give me this bat.
(CHUCKLES) Nah, I get it, I get it.
All right.
Hey, Devon.
You all right? Look.
I want to be a part of New Empire.
Well, you will be, you're managed by LFM, remember? Listen, Jamal is definitely gonna want to put you in the studio with Empire Artists, so don't worry.
Look, my label ain't having it, man.
All right? No co-writes, no features.
None of that.
No collabs.
Not until my debut.
Well, I'll-I'll check 'on that for you, bro.
- You can try, but - Brother.
I'll check on that for you.
Okay? - I got you.
- All right.
I'm thinking 18 months, minimum, before fans believe Empire is Empire again.
Financially, the road is longer and bumpier.
Kingsley made bad investments - and took on considerable debt.
- (SIGHS) I've sketched out a five-year solvency plan.
- Wait.
Five years? - The company's a financial mess, Pop.
Yeah, well, why can't Patel pump some money into this? (CHUCKLES) That's not gonna happen.
Well, what about the money your ex-husband took? (SIGHS) Lord, I've been there.
Done that.
I couldn't convince the Panamanian bank that the money Eddie deposited was mine.
I mean, Empire's.
- Of course.
- Of course.
So here, my legacy is just weighing in the balance.
I don't care how much money it costs.
We need to fix this, ASAP.
I need some air.
(MUMBLING) Hey.
I was just on my way up to see you.
The nursing home called about your mom.
Yeah, I ain't got time.
I'll need to set up a meeting with Damon Cross, man.
Whoa, whoa, Damon Cross? A meeting about what? I did my research after that little poker game.
He's got a nice little cleaning business, don't he? Look, I know who he is, you know? What-what's that got to do with us? Yeah, I also know you used to work for him.
Now, I assume you know how to contact him? (CHUCKLES) I did my research.
As your attorney, I'm advising you not to meet with this guy.
- Let's just do - As your employer, I'm telling you, set up a meeting with Damon Cross.
He owes me.
I'm going to collect.
Thanks, Thirst.
- Cookie, um - (DOOR OPENING) What's all this? Uh, I-I couldn't remember whether you liked regular, almond or soy milk in your coffee, so I brought you all three.
Nah, you're a little too extra.
- Look.
Um, uh, Cookie, um - (SIGHS) I was really inspired by what you guys said today.
Look, I have a lot of ideas for Empire, okay? And I was hoping that we could talk about maybe an elevated position - like a choreographer? - Okay.
Ba-boop, boop, boop, boop.
You've been with me for less than a month and you're already expecting a promotion? I have so much more to offer.
Oh.
(CHUCKLES) Very ambitious of you.
Okay.
Why don't you elevate your ass on up to Porsha's office and discuss all your little ideas with her? Oh, I don't-I don't get coffee now, huh? Okay.
Petty.
- Hey.
- Hey.
So You know that your niece and nephew have been begging to see their Uncle Mal and Uncle Kai-Kai.
- Where y'all been at? - (CHUCKLES) - Oh.
Uh - (CHUCKLES) Uncle Kai-Kai has gone bye-bye.
I'm so sorry, Jamal.
I didn't know.
It's all good, you know? Just gotta stay grinding.
Got to stay focused on the task at hand.
But you know about something like that.
That's actually what I was calling you about.
Empire's gonna need straight hits out the gate, you know? So I've been working on a bunch of things, and this one situation I have, I just need a strong female vocal.
I'm your girl.
(CHUCKLES) You haven't even heard it yet, but (CHUCKLES) I don't have to hear it.
I trust you.
And plus, I really appreciate you showing me love, - even after all the - Hey.
I mean, you're still family.
Yeah.
I'm a young fella with the swag, yeah, I'm groovy You've been dealing with too many lanes and goofies Smart choice, smart choice LUCIOUS: drop by this way, huh? - Let's see what happens.
- GISELLE: Yeah.
(CLEARS THROAT) Everyone.
- Mr.
Damon Cross.
- It's good to see you again, brother.
Well, yeah.
It's hard to recognize you when you ain't dodging bullets, man.
- Ah.
(CHUCKLES) - Giselle Sims.
It's nice to meet you.
And this is my wife We met At the Moët.
Wait, when did we go to the Moët? "We" didn't.
I mean, everyone knows the amazing Cookie Lyon and no one could forget meeting you, but I think you have me confused with another brother.
No, no, no.
At the elevator.
Never mind, it'll come back to you.
All right, well, let's get down to some business, all right? So how can I help you? LUCIOUS: Well, a recently departed friend was siphoning a great deal of money from Empire.
So now, our money is sitting in an offshore account.
And we need someone with a certain amount of influence over the Panamanian banking community to help us.
I appreciate the consideration, but if I can accommodate you, how soon could you be on a plane? You know, this is not gonna work without an Empire boss.
Well, Lucious has interviews back-to-back and it wouldn't be a good look if he just disappeared in the middle of our rebranding, so I'll go.
No, I don't think it's a good look for Eddie's ex to go again.
So I I should go.
- No, you don't need to.
- Yeah, I should.
Well, that's if Mr.
Cross is up for the challenge? Well, I'm always up for a challenge.
I guess we got a deal.
- (SMACKS LIPS) We got a deal.
- Got a deal.
Can I be the one you call for, yeah.
I hope this isn't seen as disrespect, Mr.
Jones.
Loyalty is highly regarded among the Samurai.
Samson, all we're asking is that you loosen the reigns a little bit.
It's an original Takeda Shingen.
To me, it's priceless.
It represents my warrior spirit.
We just want Devon to record a couple of songs with Empire artists.
And you know they'll be hits.
It's a win-win.
(SIGHS) Look, Andre.
If Devon has a hit with you before he has hits with me, we look like sloppy seconds.
Thanks for your interest, but "The future of R&B" is not for sale.
Okay.
Why don't you, uh, take some time and, uh think it over.
(CHUCKLES) Hey.
(CHUCKLES) That is hot, I like that a lot.
- Hey.
Yeah, working - (CHUCKLES) on some new stuff.
What's up? New like you're looking for a collaboration? Or? (CHUCKLES) Uh, not exactly.
Not on this one.
- Tiana's already got this.
- Yeah, that'll be a cute little breathy throwback, I guess.
Wow.
Look, can I play you something? Sure.
Right there.
JAMAL (ON TAPE): Oh, got nothing to lose Oh, yes, you playing me my own song.
- Just wait a second.
- Whoa, yeah TREASURE (ON TAPE): I try to be patient I'm so tired of waiting - Mm-hmm.
- I gotta do better than that It's so hard to take it, I just wanna make it They just wanna stop my bag Well, you sound amazing.
Thank you.
And listen, I don't have any distractions.
I don't have a diaper change, I don't have a playdate.
I'm ready to make a hit right now.
Tiana's my family so ease up on that.
All right, I'm sorry.
I didn't meant it like that at all.
All I'm saying is that you should think about it.
Me and you on a track? I would love to work with you, Jamal, like, really.
'Cause I ain't got nothing I'll think about it.
- Thank you.
- Without you here.
Please leave if I'm in the studio.
- Okay.
Okay.
I'm sorry.
- Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, thank you.
To prove I got so much to prove to you I came too far to hear no Gotta go hard or go home I ain't got nothing to lose.
SAMSON: Did we have an appointment? You know, when I left here earlier, I thought to myself, there must be something I neglected to offer.
Look, kid, maybe you missed the memo while you were locked up, but begging is still unbecoming.
Let's test that theory.
- Shall we? - (CHUCKLES) - What the hell are you doing?! - Sit your ass down.
Sit down! Samurais were clever.
They knew how to deceptively disarm their enemy.
You, sir, are not.
Aah! - But you very well could be.
- (SIGHS) - Put the sword down.
- Begging is unbecoming, remember? (SAMSON YELLS) Your father must be real proud.
His Ivy League son, following in his thuggish footsteps.
My father moves out of necessity for his clients.
Can you say the same, Samson? - What are you getting at, Lyon? - I'm talking about the escorts you expense to your artists' accounts.
You have them paying for your little call girls and call boys.
That's ridiculous! Not according to your ex-wife, it's not.
You know, it's incredible how a few dollars can jog a scorned woman's memory.
Stop! (PANTING) You can use Devon.
I asked for that this morning.
You remember how polite I was when I asked for that this morning? Now I want his whole damn contract, so sign it.
Sign it! Sign it! (STEEL CLINKING) Sign it! Come on, Samson! (WHOOPS) Come on, Samson! Come on, Samson! Sign it! (SAMSON PANTING) Pleasure doing business with you, Samson.
Bitch.
Welcome back, Mr.
Cross.
I'll have your bags brought up to your suites, and just one moment - for your keys.
- Thank you.
So I set up the meeting with Julio Calderon.
Just as a warning he's old school, so he expect a woman to know her place.
(LAUGHS) You see, I thought you were tripping when you said we never met, but it's clear, because you know Cookie doesn't play by any man's rules.
(CHUCKLES) It's cute when you do that.
- Do what? - Pretend like you don't care.
The Moët.
I knew I wasn't crazy.
- (CHUCKLES) - Here are your keys, Mr.
Cross.
Thank you.
Yeah.
I'll always be grateful for what you did for me - in that elevator.
- Mm-hmm.
And that's the reason why I'm helping you.
Well, why why were you pretending like you didn't recognize me? Well, I mean, if I admitted my truth, you think Lucious would have allowed you to come? (CHUCKLES) Allowed? I don't need my man's permission.
We are here for one thing and one thing only, and that's to get Empire's money back.
(ELEVATOR BELL DINGS) LFM and Empire have merged, so I don't understand why we're not expanding beyond artists.
We could be signing dancers and models, even influencers.
- That is a great idea.
- Thank you.
For another day.
Right now, our main focus is on new sounds and musicians, not no dancers.
- Okay, so why take Blake off the list? - T.
M.
Easy, Girl! That is none of your business.
I'm just saying, he's undeniably a draw.
Listen, Blake plus Hakeem plus Tiana that is a bomb I'm not trying to detonate.
Sorry, I I-I didn't know.
Look, I get it, okay? I was you once, with much better style.
Hmm, 'cause that sweater - got to go.
- Okay.
It take a minute to pay your dues, okay? You just got to know your place and stop overstepping.
It's funny that you have that logic of knowing your place, 'cause that hasn't really helped you around here.
I'm just saying.
I didn't hear your name called with a new position behind it yesterday.
When they lose the blueprint I mean the pinkprint, so let it sink in (CHUCKLES DRYLY) This bitch.
He's still the only hitter that I woulda signed to If I ain't sign to Wayne perfectly designed crew 'Cause we the big three, don't need a big speech Yo, you know, Empire will be the freshest and flyest company, we strike up that musically first.
The Lyons are back, baby! - (INDISTINCT, CHATTER) - MAN: Tiana! Tiana, this way! WOMAN: Tiana, you look beautiful! MAN 2: Tiana, over here! Over here! (OVERLAPPING CHATTER) If that chick get slick, I'll the chick I'll up the chick, I'll gut the chick Hey, babies.
Treasure's here.
(CHUCKLES) Hi.
When we say "Burn the chick," it's up the chick She was stuck-up so my hitters stuck up the chick Still draggin' her so don't pick up the chick Get the combination to the safe Drug the chick Know the whole operation been bugged the chick (VOCALIZING) - Happy! - WOMAN: Bella! - MAN: Yeah, you and Bella! Tiana, right here! Ritchie like Guy and I still eat Thai You want the Nicki cheat code? Come on, sis, nice try Let's be real, all my children want to look like me Wanna be in demand, get booked like me Wanna run up in the lab and cook like me But ain't nan you girls cookin' good like me I heard you tried to steal my duet with Jamal.
I'm sorry? Oops.
Listen, little girl, you might think you can come up riding on my coattail, but you're just gonna be stuck under my Louboutins.
Look, all I'm trying to do is bring Empire back to life, like a real vocalist should, baby.
I know you don't know anything about that TIANA: Okay.
Your voice may be real, but that ass you crafting with sand, duct tape and a prayer sure as hell ain't.
Touch me again.
You want to get your finger - get your finger out of my face.
- What you about to do about it? TREASURE: Say "hi" to Mommy! Come say "hi" to Mommy! Don't talk to my daughter! Don't talk to my Now you done - pushed to a different level.
What's good? - (BECKY STAMMERING) Put your hands on me one more time.
- You don't know where I'm from.
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER) - Get your own songs, boo.
- Get to your seat.
- Meet me inside.
- What about your own songs, boo? Hey, hey, hey.
Why don't you go to your seat? Okay.
Huh? What do you do? What do you do? What do you do? Put your earrings back on.
Get out of here.
Get out of here.
How y'all doing tonight? Did you maybe just want a little bit of Becky? I'm just trying to find out When the new Porsche come in Well, you know.
Just like a body without a head is dead, a kingdom without a king is the same.
I mean, Empire was always number one when I was at the helm, you know? Well, how's it feel to know that the king's own prince is responsible for the company's troubles? Um, excuse me? Former Empire CEO Jeff Kingsley.
- He's your son, correct? - (DOOR OPENS) Hey, sorry to bother you guys.
Lucious, we got to talk.
Uh, I'm sorry we got to wrap this up, brother.
(SIGHS) What's up, man? That, uh, matter from earlier.
I thought you bought me time.
Time ran out.
You got to take care of it now.
Oh.
Hey, somebody take this.
Get him out now.
So sorry it's come to this, but she requires double the staff to manage her tantrums, and your balance is overdue several months.
Yeah, well, this should more than cover what we owe and take care of the next six months.
LEAH: I'll be dead before I step foot in that double-trash room! Dwight? Get your crusty hands off my things! - Give us a minute.
- 'Kay.
You gonna burn in hell for letting me rot in this rathole.
You know I don't deserve to be here.
Look, Ma, you need the kind of help that I can't give you right now.
You're rotten to the core.
Just like your father and your bastard son.
How do you even know about Jeffrey? Your demon spawn came to see me.
You and me finally have something in common knowing what it feels like to wish your child never breathed its first breath.
What did little chocolate chip say when you told her? How long did it take her to march her sassy ass out the front door? Cookie didn't leave me.
She will.
Soon as she realizes that no matter how much you promise to be a good little boy you'll never change.
I know my whole life I've spent it hurting people.
But it was because I didn't get the love that I needed from my mother.
So, if I'm a monster it's because you made me that way.
That evil has always been in you.
It ain't going nowhere.
Neither are you.
(LAUGHING) (SIGHS) Look, I'm sorry about that mess that Treasure started on the red carpet.
Sit.
But I'm letting it go.
I got to focus on this hit that me and Jamal are about to make.
- (GISELLE AND BECKY LAUGH) - She want to focus now.
It don't work that way, does it, G? It never really does, does it, B? - Never.
- Never.
Hey, guys.
UM (CHUCKLING): No.
What is Mama Tee doing here? - What are you doing here? - Okay.
Sit down.
(TREASURE CHUCKLES) Look, $100,000.
That's how much it's going to cost to find and gather all the photos of you two wannabe divas ready to throw blows.
Do you think Empire has the time for this right now? 'Cause we don't.
We really don't.
Okay? And Jamal has a very specific vision for Empire's music.
And y'all better thank y'all lucky stars that he still wants you to be involved, okay? Which is why he is willing to work with both of you.
TREASURE: Both of who? I'm-I'm not - working with her.
- Oh, you don't have to.
Jamal, what the hell is going on? (CHUCKLES) It looks like you're being replaced, Mama.
First of all, sweetie, you can - never replace me.
Top shop.
- 'Cause that's what's happening.
- Vintage Dior.
Top shop.
- Look Wow.
Wow! - Now, y'all done? - (TREASURE EXHALES) 'Cause I hope you know you ain't the only ones going through stuff.
But guess what? Seems like I'm here.
Seems like I'm acting like a professional, and I'm ready to get the job done.
So if you and you, Tiana, are not willing to do the same, y'all can dance your happy asses up outside the studio.
Hmm? Okay.
(SIGHS) Now, I am taking my vocal off of the song, and you two are gonna - record it together.
- Oh, no, no, no, no.
- Tee, listen to me.
- Jamal, no.
- That's not gonna work here.
- Listen.
Listen.
Excuse me.
Tee, you've never done a song with a strong female.
- Thank you.
- And, Treasure, you've barely ever done a song, so you could definitely use the cosign from Empire's princess.
Huh.
You're welcome.
- (SCOFFS) - GISELLE: Look, any more issues, and neither one of you are gonna be working with Jamal.
You got it? Are we clear? 'Cause you better get clear.
Quickly.
We're clear.
Now, get y'all mean asses out of here.
Yo, Dre.
- Thank you, ma'am.
- Of course.
Tell me you heard.
They let me out of my contract, man.
Yes.
I know we didn't ask for that, but I'm here, man.
I'm a free man.
Yeah.
Sometimes people do the right thing out of the goodness of their hearts, huh? My guy.
- My man.
- Appreciate it, man.
- Welcome to Empire.
- Yes, sir.
- All right.
- Let's get it.
(LIVELY LATIN BEAT PLAYS) (INDISTINCT CHATTER) She's here.
She's here.
Oh, my God, you look so beautiful.
It's unbelievable.
Look how you look.
Oh, I hope I didn't keep you gentlemen waiting too long.
A star has fallen from the heavens.
Handsome and charming.
- Thank you.
- DAMON: Of course, of course.
A round of Seco.
Allergic to anything, Cookie? Fake Chanel.
(CHUCKLES) Why do people do that? (LAUGHS) (RAPPING ON TABLE) COOKIE: I'm sorry, I don't speak your beautiful language, but, uh, it appears that negotiations with you two are going south.
Beautiful and astute.
(CHUCKLES) Well, may I sweeten the deal with something that only I can offer? - By all means.
- I'm sure your clients would enjoy a private concert with my Empire artists.
Gratis, of course.
The Saudis paid millions for the privilege.
This is true, but COOKIE: No buts, Julio.
That bastard Eddie Barker embezzled Empire money, money I need to save my company.
Look, I'm willing to give you ten percent of what's in the account.
25% of what's in the account.
You are insulting the lady, Julio.
- Let's go.
- No.
I'm not going anywhere without my money.
So, unless you plan on room- and-boarding me, Mr.
Calderon DAMON: Or lose a significant portion of your clientele.
You would end our lucrative relationship over this woman? That's Cookie Lyon.
She's worth it.
- Salud.
- Salud.
And then when you switch to 16, you know, just go crazy.
I want you to do your thing.
- (INTRO TO "MAGICIAN" PLAYING) - Yeah.
I'm the best to ever do it - Like Brady - Kip New flowers got 'em Pushing up daisies So hot now they beggin' - For some A/C - Uh-huh Only place I ever lose is in your daydreams Let's go, lately, I do this on the daily I'm the only one they all chasin' - Like Amy - Uh I double park, then I hop out - The Mercedes - Uh I'm-a show 'em how it's done - Like tasty - Ooh I can promise you it ain't no competition - Competition - I know everything They talkin' 'bout is fiction Call it how I see it Y'all ain't ready for the vision - Uh - I'm makin' somethin' Outta nothin' like magicians, yeah.
- Ooh! - (LAUGHING) Okay.
Okay.
Okay.
I see how you rockin'.
I'll go lay these bars down, then.
- All right, cool.
- Let's do it.
Bring the heat right back I got 'em sweatin' in the winter time - Charged up, no felony - What is this? What it look like? I just signed Blake.
Boy lyrics out to tenderize - All about the loyalty - What? It ain't even like that, so stop looking at me.
Isn't it, though? Because there's a guy spitting in the booth right now that I could have sworn I suggested you sign.
Girl, whatever.
Look, Cookie liked the idea, and you best believe I took the credit for it.
Oh, so not only did you steal my idea, but you're acting like it was yours.
So much for me knowing my place, right? I mean, stick to your grind.
Eventually, you'll get yours.
You don't want to stay and listen? No, I think I'll come up with some more ideas for you to steal.
Okay.
Dope.
We gonna run it back one more time.
(PANAMANIAN INSTRUMENTAL PLAYS) So, what do we owe for your services? Hold on, hold on, hold on, don't kill the vibe.
- We're celebrating.
- Celebrate? Oh, no, no, no, no, these feet aren't celebrating anything.
Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes.
We did that.
- Okay, we did do that.
- Let's go.
(COOKIE CHUCKLES) - All right.
- I'll show you how to dance.
COOKIE: Watch out, now.
You can't see me.
DAMON: I see you all day.
You can't see me.
I'm seeing you.
(LAUGHING) Gonna do one spin, one spin, one spin this way.
Come back to me.
See? I got you.
Got you.
I should go.
But we're just getting started.
Do I need to remind you that I'm married? I'm well aware of that.
But do you want to be? What kind of question is that? It's a simple question, an honest question.
I ain't never lied to my woman, I never will.
Is that so, mister? I don't believe we've ever met.
Yeah, but you ain't my woman yet.
Yet? You're delusional.
I will have my office send you a check for all of your troubles.
Have a great life, Damon.
I don't plan on chasing you.
When you realize that I spoke the truth, trust me, you're gonna come back to me.
I'm dying to receive you Must be great being back at Empire.
For the first time in a long time I feel good.
- You hear me? - Mm-hmm.
I feel really - really good.
- (BOTH LAUGH) I want you to come here (PHONE RINGING) Dr.
Miller? It's kind of late.
Hey, Dr.
Miller.
Uh no worries.
Tomorrow morning? Yes, sir.
Thank you.
What was that? He wants to see me in the morning.
Something about missing lab results that just came in.
MAN: What you want? THIRSTY: Right on, brother.
Let me get the Thirsty Special.
You know, two orders of the Ackee Salt Fish, two Jamaican beef patties with the coco bread, - and a ginger beer.
- Coming right up.
All right, it's gonna be a Netflix and chill - FBI.
- Damn it.
(EXHALES) Your boys could have waited till I got my food at least.
Common courtesy.
Mr.
Rawlings, Assistant U.
S.
Attorney Conway.
It's a real pleasure.
Well, you must not get out much if you think this is a pleasure.
Let's talk about Damon Cross.
Damon who? Well, now you're boring me, Thurston.
I was told you were clever.
That's the best you can come up with, "Damon who"? It's disappointing.
Well, says no girl I've ever been with.
Okay, look, you're wasting your time, Miss.
You can call me Meghan.
Now, you're either gonna tell me what I want to know about Damon Cross, or we're gonna talk about your other buddy, Lucious Lyon.
Remember him? Meghan, you know what I do remember? Something called attorney-client privilege.
That's what I remember.
I thought they would have taught you the exception to that rule at University of Guam Law.
Here's the billion-dollar question.
Lucious Lyon or Damon Cross: whose freedom are you gonna trade for your own? (LATIN DANCE MUSIC PLAYING) (KNOCK AT DOOR) Lucious, what are you doing here? I just wanted to make sure you was all right, baby.
I'm fine, I'm fine, okay? We're fine.
We got the money, it's gonna be wired into our account tomorrow.
Great.
Then let's turn this little visit - into a celebration.
- No, no, no, no.
What about your interviews? Look, I want to show you something, okay? Is that the crack house on 29th and Ontario? Yes, it is.
Guess who owns it now.
We do.
Oh, come What the hell do you need with a crack house, Lucious? Not like it's gonna break the bank or nothing.
Look, my plan is to turn it into a little rehab center.
You know, for teens and for young boys who whose mothers don't know how to teach 'em how to be good people.
What's wrong, Lucious? I'm sorry.
For what? The other day, when you were all over me, you know, about change.
I got defensive.
I took it like you was attacking everything we built together.
I didn't mean it like that.
I know, I know, I know.
When you say you want to make right the things we did wrong, I think that's the way for us to rebuild and retell our story together.
You know? Yeah Correct me if I'm wrong Correct me if I'm wrong You said you never want to share You never want to share And now I'm stuck between What I love and who I love And I know it's all unfair Ooh.