‘Empire’ Actor And Rapper Yazz Is Being Mentored By Will Smith

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Fox’s new drama Empire is slowing becoming one of the must-watch shows for the hip-hop audience. Although each and every actor on the show plays a significant role in captivating viewers, the role of Hakeem holds a lot of weight when it comes to the action-packed plot-line. The man behind the antics of Luscious Lion’s youngest son is none other than Philadelphia rapper Bryshere Gray, better known as Yazz The Greatest. Even though the show can be deemed as Yazz’ breakout moment, the Philly native has long been prepping for this moment, way before the opportunity to appear on the drama arose.

Not only is the buzzing MC-turned-actor being mentored by fellow Philadelphia native and icon Will Smith, but prior to appearing on Empire, the 21-year-old also performed at Budweiser’s 2013 “Made In America” festival curated by Jay Z. Yazz’ catalog also entails a 2012 track called “Need A Badd Chick” featuring Beanie Sigel, and the man calling himself the greatest has opened for both 2 Chainz and Trey Songz.

XXL recently linked up with Yazz to reflect on the craziness of being cast in Empire. Not only did he share funny stories about Snoop Dogg on set and Naomi Campbell getting lipstick in his eye ball, but Yazz also exposed a deeper layer of himself that many do not witness on screen. Pay attention. —Miranda J