Report: Hip-Hop TV Soap Targeting Radio Programmers

Empire, Fox's upcoming hip-hop soap opera, is aiming to win over radio programmers and music fans when it premieres on Jan. 7. Unlike the network's Glee, Fox's last big scripted musical, Empire will feature almost all original songs instead of covers, according to TV Guide.

"That presents a whole lot of new challenges," says Geoff Bywater, senior vice president of music at 20th Century Fox TV, which produces the show. Unfamiliar tracks can be a tough sell for audiences, says Bywater, but "one thing we really did learn on Glee, as much as we tried, is that trying to get a cover single [on the radio] is difficult. Original music will lend a stronger, credible voice to Empire."

Veteran record producer Timbaland and his team (including Raphael Saadiq) are overseeing the music on the drama, which stars Terrence Howard as hip-hop artist-turned-label mogul Lucious Lyon. While Howard will sing and rap occasionally, most of the songs are performed by series regulars Jussie Smollett and Bryshere Gray, who play Jamal and Hakeem, two of Lyon's sons battling for control of their dad's business. "They were cast for their musical ability as well as their acting ability, and we tailored the music to their strengths," says executive producer Ilene Chaiken.

And unlike Glee's recordings, which are credited to the "Glee cast," Empire's songs will be cited from the "Empire cast, featuring [the actors' real names]." (Established artists will also perform on the show, including Courtney Love, who will not play herself.)

To add some authenticity, the actors will record two versions of most tracks: One clean to air on TV, the other with explicit lyrics.

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