Empire Season 2 Ep 6 Recap: Jussie Smollett/Jamal, Bryshere Gray A High Hope For A Low Heaven

Fox continues with the musical Season 2 soap opera of Empire. In Episode 6, the music industry will never be the same as Jamal Lyon (Jussie Smollett) and Hakeem Lyon (Bryshere Y. Gray) suddenly learn there's A High Hope for a Low Heaven?

As the kidnappers take Hakeem to their hideout, Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) keeps calling him on his cell. Cookie tries to keep the girl group busy with their routine. She doesn't believe the warning message that pops on her cell though.

While Jamal and Luscious (Terrence Howard) perform their track, Cookie interrupts and shows them the footage. Hakeem takes off his mask, sees the tattoos of his kidnappers, and gets beaten up. Though Cookie is a wreck, Luscious wants to believe this is a snatch-and-grab hustle.  

Andre (Trai Byers) runs his business meeting and proposes to drop some of the talent. During the dropoff, Hakeem is dropped off in the middle of the streets and finds Anika (Grace Gealey). Back at home, Cookie sees the bruises on Hakeem's back. Humiliated and bruised, Hakeem blames his folks for being taken hostage. 

Jamal returns back to the studio, recording his track with new vigor. A new record producer Jameson (William Fichtner) shows up but there's beef between him and Luscious. The two strike a truce as they attempt to bring Jamal into the spotlight. Hakeem is unable to concentrate and screws up during rehearsal. 

Andre meets with a hardcore rapper, who happens to be a preacher's kid. They shake hands as Andre thinks of changing his style. Luscious and Cookie argue over Hakeem before she leaves the room with a wine bottle. Filled with rage, Hakeem punches a mirror with his bare fist.

Laz Delgado (Adam Rodriguez) is with Cookie, who has to find a new security team. He recommends hiring the kidnappers as her security team and pay them off. The two end up sharing a kiss but Cookie feels uncomfortable. Hakeem and Cookie meet with the kidnappers as he pulls out a gun. Cookie tries to calm him down and takes the gun from him. 

Cookie promises the kidnappers they will die if anyone from her family is hurt. Andre's new artist is stealing the show as he quotes a bible verse. Luscious' artist ends up starting a fight at the party, which leads to an argument between Luscious and Andre .

Luscious tries to teach Hakeem a lesson but he rejects the track. Cookie stands in the middle as Hakeem and Luscious argue. Andre and Jamal have to kick their parents out of the room. Hakeem reveals to his brothers that he didn't fight back. 

Andre and Jamal tell Hakeem that they are survivors of their parents. He is still alive and thats what matters. With newfound confidence, Hakeem is able to concentrate and jumps back into his stage performance.

At the after-party celebration, Hakeem gives a toast and thanks his crew. Anika shows up at the door but Hakeem kicks her out. Luscious actually feels closer to his protege than his own sons. He uses Hakeem's track for her instead.

Cookie and Laz end up in each other's arms. Laz has the same tattoo as the kidnappers. 

Readers, what did you think of A High Hope for a Low Heaven?