'Empire' S02E08 "My Bad Parts" Jussie Smollett/Jamal, Bryshere Gray/Hakeem Recap

Fox continues with the musical Season 2 soap opera of Empire. In Episode 8, the music industry will never be the same as Jamal Lyon (Jussie Smollett) and Hakeem Lyon (Bryshere Y. Gray) suddenly learn what's My Bad Parts?

Lucius arrives at his concert to send a message to Hakeem and then introduces his protege to the crowd. The lyrics are definitely aimed to get on Hakeem's nerves. At home, Hakeem gives a gift to his virginal girlfriend. After getting a text, Hakeem is unable to control himself and slams his laptop after watching the performance.

Wooed by Pepsi's promo, Jamal is excited to deliver a song in a week for their campaign. Mimi (Marisa Tomei) and Andre (Trai Byers) don't see eye-to-eye on how to resolve their new streaming business. Andre isn't happy with his father insulting Hakeem with his new song. 

Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) enjoys watching Jamal perform his new track in front of her. Hakeem goes on Periscope to call out his father's protege. Unable to get hold of Hakeem, Anika (Grace Gealey) is holding a knife very tightly as she takes a pregnancy test. Laz (Adam Rodriguez) and Cookie aren't too happy with Hakeem being dragged into a rap battle.

Cookie, Laz, and Hakeem argue whether or not he can actually win against the protege. After Laz and Hakeem end up pushing each other, Cookie slaps her lover for touching her son. Cookie is afraid of Hakeem losing to Lucius. 

With Cookie hiding, Jamal thinks Lucius' tribal track is too edgy for Pepsi. Rhonda (Kaitlin Doubleday) warns Anika what it's like to have children, with Lucius around. Hakeem is jealous seeing Cookie help Jamal with his song. Cookie stops him from revealing to Lucius that she is working with Jamal behind his back.

While Lucius continues to argue with Thirsty and Andre, Hakeem gets a visit from Anika. Revealing he's in love, Anika is unable to tell Hakeem that he's pregnant. Jamal tells Lucius he wants to use his own track, not his father's. 

At the studio, Jamal wants to combine his parents' tastes in his track. His parents end up embracing his son in front of his musicians. Still arguing, Cookie and Lucius bet on their children. Surrounded by their entourage, Hakeem and the protege are practicing for they rap battle. 

Hanging with his brother, Jamal tells Hakeem to win the crowd. As Mimi arrives late for the signing, Lucius takes his time with the contract. Forcing his parents to sit down, Jamal performs his track in front of the of the Pepsi executive, winning the campaign.  

At the rap battle, round after round, Hakeem follows his brother's advice as he performs and wins over the crowd. Hakeem drops the mic, cuts off ties with the Lyon name, and just goes by his first name. The crowd chants, "Hakeem, no Lyon!"

At the after-party, Cookie is spending time with her sons. Cookie's sister, Candice (Vivica A. Fox) arrives, telling Cookie that their sister left her kids. Cookie has to leave for Philadelphia immediately as Anika kidnaps Hakeem's girlfriend. 

Readers, what did you think of My Bad Parts?