While many assumed the character of Lucious Lyon, played by Terrence Howard from the hit series Empire, was based on a combination of record execs, show co-creator Danny Strong just confirmed on Sway in the Morning that at least one of those execs is Jay Z.
When asked about portraying African-Americans in a stereotypical light, such as Lyon's history as a drug dealer who turned dirty money into millions, Strong admits that that aspect of the character is loosely based on Hov.
"I've heard that, but there's certainly some truth in that," said Strong. "The Jay Z story, which very much inspired Lucious Lyon, certain elements of Lucious Lyon, was that story."
Strong continued, "So for me, I don't think in terms of, Okay we have to be careful of certain things because of certain negative stereotypes. I view it as, The entire cast is African-American, we're gonna have all different types of characters, and we're gonna tell good stories. We're not gonna sit here and play defense or think that our show is a representation as Black culture in its entirety. It's not; it's just this story."
He also brings up the fact that other cultures have been portrayed highlighting their criminal pasts as well, such as in Italian and Irish gangster movies.
"This is metaphorical of so many people in America, how they rise up to power is through these means... Our goal is to make a great story."
Watch the interview above.
Source: SwayInTheMorning
