Rhyme and Repeat
This spring, Empire flooded the music charts with its cabaret of hip-hop and rap. The musical acts are the work of hitmaker Timbaland, who worked closely with the immensely talented cast. If you are just tuning in now, here are five tracks to add to your summer rotation.
Keep Your Money Taraji P. Henson’s character, Cookie, helps produce this R & B track as a first single for her on-screen son, Jamal (a.k.a. Jussie Smollett). With the sirens in the background, this song is a perfect for blaring on a road trip—just make sure you aren’t speeding.
You’re So Beautiful This song is repeatedly riffed by the show’s different characters, but the best version is no doubt Jussie Smollett’s, which he uses to come out to his father. An instant mood booster.
Drip, Drop This was arguably the show’s first breakout track. A rap-centric ballad by Hakeem (actor Yazz), the song showcased Empire’s potential to transition into the big leagues much like the young son of Lucius Lyon. Play this by the pool for the ultimate synergy.
Good Enough The smoothness of Jussie Smollett’s voice is highlighted by this moody track, which premiered on Empire’s pilot episode.
Keep It Movin’ While Tiana Brown (a.k.a. actress Serayah McNeill) is not scheduled to make any more appearances next season, she certainly left a lasting impression thanks to this duet with her on-screen love interest Hakeem. Did someone say summer romance?
The 15 Most Fashionable TV Shows of All Time
That Girl Marlo Thomas has always had style, but it was the plot of her 1966 ABC sitcom That Girl that lent itself so well to iconic fashion moments: Thomas played Ann Marie, an aspiring actress who had to pick up various temp jobs to pay her rent, each of which required a comical costume change. From her grey meter maid suit to her mod modeling looks, That Girl wore it all.
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The Brady Bunch Is that a Valentino model? Nope, it’s Marcia Brady. The Brady family took advantage of their Technicolor broadcast with bold prints, wild hues, and easy-going ‘70s beauty.
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The Partridge Family The show, which ran from 1970 through 1974, proved that dressing to match one’s siblings could be cool.
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Mork and Mindy We have a lot to thank Mork and Mindy for: the start of Robin Williams’ career, his extraterrestrial ensembles, and Mindy’s continuously inspiring laid-back style. Na-Nu Na-Nu.
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Charlie’s Angels Jaclyn Smith, Farrah Fawcett, and Kate Jackson fought crime with feathered hair, flared pants, and plenty of plaid—70s style at its best.
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Soul Train Live music, up-to-the-minute trends, and unparalleled dance performances kept Soul Train grooving for 35 years.
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Dynasty Few families mix catfights and diamonds with as much flair as “the Denver Carringtons.” Krystle struggled with the idea of how much her fall wardrobe cost; Fallon wore feather boas as shawls; and Alexis (played by Joan Collins) spouted off brutal backhanded compliments. “I love that outfit,” she once said. “I’m amazed it’s lasted so many seasons.”
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Knots Landing Big hair, sequined dresses, and fierce stare-downs—what else would you expect from a Dallas spin-off?
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House of Style Hosts of this MTV show—which originally ran from 1989 to 2000 and covered topics like the modeling industry, fashion, and eating disorders—included supermodels Cindy Crawford, Amber Valletta, Shalom Harlow, and Molly Sims. Luckily for new fans, MTV revamped the show with a pop culture twist, which you can watch here.
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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Meshing his West Philadelphia past with his posh home in Bel Air, Will Smith wore the best of the late ‘80s, early ‘90s styles on the show. Think Air Jordan VIIs, backwards hats, printed Zubaz, and a never-ending wardrobe of vests.
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Ally McBeal Calista Flockhart redefined corporate casual as young lawyer Ally McBeal. In short skirts, tight blouses, and high heels, she was ready to rule.
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The O.C. Lacoste polos met Chanel jumbo bags in the small beach community known (on TV) as “the O.C.” As Seth Cohen once said, “Every day’s a fashion show for these people.”
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Sex and the City Each cast member brought something to the table: Charlotte spoke to the Burberry-clad ladies who lunch, Miranda to the lawyers who power lunch, and Samantha to the showoffs. But it was Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw—with her Fendi baguettes, Manolo Blahnik obsession, and fur coat-and-sandals looks—who made the show legendary.
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Mad Men Throughout the series, 1960s-era designs like cat-eye sunglasses, high-rise pants, and cinched waistlines evolved alongside the characters themselves.
Photo courtesy of CNP Montrose.
Empire Taraji P. Henson wears head-to-toe leopard and fur; Terrence Howard dons smooth suits; and Naomi Campbell makes cameos as a fashion designer. Does television get any chicer?
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