When a former rapper takes a job teaching at a community center in an underprivileged neighborhood in Casablanca, he encourages his young students to express themselves through hip-hop in spite of the restrictive traditions of their culture.

Three months have passed since Lucious Lyon's shocking arrest. Now, released from prison, he and Cookie enter a hostile competition to dominate the music industry. Despite an ongoing feud between their sons Jamal and Hakeem, a stunning betrayal may unite the family against an outside takeover of Empire Records. Meanwhile, Cookie learns a frightening truth about her new lover, and tragedy tests Andre's newfound faith.

Empire returns for a third season, with its hottest music and most tantalizing storylines yet. While Lucious launches Empire's music streaming division, his half-brother Tariq launches a murder investigation of Lucious. And as Cookie's romance with Angelo Dubois heats up, so does Angelo's campaign for mayor. The Lyon brothers face troubles from the heats up, so does Angelo's campaign for mayor.