Empire, FOX network’s newest music television drama, after only two airings has been renewed for a season two. Thanks to the massive number of viewers the drama, starring Terrence Howard and Tariji P. Henson, is rated as FOX’s highest debut since 2012. Following this new trend of music drama series, is an entire list of new musicians. It’s a music show, it’s only right that they have real-life musicians involved. Que, Veronika Bozeman and Bryshere Gray.
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Bozeman, singer/actress/model – all around “triple threat” – talks to Rolling Out on how her connection with Timbaland allowed her the opportunity to jump on the Empire project.
How did you get involved with “Empire”?
I got involved with “Empire” through Timbaland. I’m signed to Mosley Music/Epic Records. In the course of doing our album, I showed him a video that I did called “Race Jones.” He was so taken aback by it, he just said you need to get on this show, it’s crazy and I think you’ll fit in the cast. I didn’t really think too much of it because so many times people tell you in the industry that stuff is going to happen, and then you get married to it and then get disappointed. But a day passed and he called my manager and everything was history since then.
Gray, a Philadelphia native who initially had set foot in the music scenes has decided to transition over to acting. Just so happens that his experience as stage name, Yazz The Greatest had prepared him for the role of Hakeem Lyon; it all came naturally. The 21-year-old oenps up to VIBE about landing the role, how he can relate to Hakeem and more.
How did you score this role?
I was doing my thing. I was living in Philadelphia and rapping. I was doing a lot of shows all over my city and performing out on the street. I just wanted people to hear me. I was just so eager and ambitious. If I wrote a song that night, I was going to perform it to the world and that’s what I did. So I met my manager, Charlie Mack, who is like Will Smith’s best friend, and he gave me the audition. I did a video audition for Lee Daniels and he loved it and sent me to L.A. I auditioned [there] with Taraji and Terrence, cause they were doing their auditions for Lee, too. We got to do it together.
How do you relate to Hakeem?
I see similarities music-wise. I don’t get to write the music on the show, Timbaland writes the music so that’s a non-similarity because I write my own music, but to have Timbaland write is an honor. There’s really no other similarity because Hakeem is so disrespectful, ruthless and spoiled. I’m the complete opposite. I’m a sweetheart.
If you have yet to watch, tune in to FOX on Wednesday nights at 9/8C.
