Cyrus Langhorne
G-Unit head 50 Cent recently talked about his overnight hit “Power” show and addressed its constant comparisons to revival series “Empire.”
In Fif’s opinion, “Empire” is more musically-inclined as opposed to the drama “Power” brings.
“Yeah, and it’s become something completely different. It’s almost like they cast people who were musically talented, who they could turn into stars in the process—and also create another revenue space for the television show, to profit on the sales of the actual records that they sell. They’re doing a push like that. Like at the Billboard Awards they had that guy [Jussie Smollett] perform. That’s what I identify with, him actually being a vocalist, because he was good. Then you go: OK, that casting was, “Can you sing? OK. Now, can you act?”” (Salon)
The Unit leader also detailed how much more of a writing process “Power” goes through in contrast to “Empire.”
“The process is a lot longer. It’s a lot different, and you need the chance to make changes. With music, when you condition for it, sometimes it takes me 30 or 45 minutes—and simplicity is a part of the recipe for big hit records. Like, “Go shorty / it’s your birthday”: Doesn’t take a long period of time for you to come up with that one. It’s just one of those things that comes out, organically; it’s the right time for you to make the statement, and it becomes hits that don’t go away, for quite some time. People enjoy it. The writing process for film and television is a lot more leeway, a lot more time for you to: “look, wait, let me, nah that’s not it, let me change it.”” (Salon)
50 posted up a picture alongside “Empire” star Taraji P. Henson onto Instagram last night (May 17) and used the opportunity to promote his own “Empire”-like show “Power.”
In response to rap star 50 comparing their show to his “Power” series, “Empire” star Terrence Howard recently joked about sharing a big role in his 2005 movie, Get Rich Or Die Tryin’.
“Fifty is my monster man. We served jail time together in his film, you know, we’ve been naked together. I love the fact that we’re both pushing the envelope with our shows and what it says about cinema and television, how the change has occurred to where black men can be on opposing levels, because we’re both telling a similar story,” he went on. “So it’s kinda great. I’m proud of him – very proud of him.” (The Wrap)
Can we let this BS go already!?!?!?, They are 2 different shows. I watch Power I don’t watch Empire, my family says it’s a Good Show, It’s not my thing. For once can we have more than 1 very successful African American Majority cast on TV at the same time?!?!
True
I support black television but #Power for me is where it’s at! Gives me the 1990’s “New York Undercover” vibe and I dig it.
Dick wolf made that show & also created “Law & Order”, powers content is more gripping. Empire is for the dreaming Rap Star thinking they will get industry pointers.
Power all day…Ayo Queens get the money!!!!