THE LYON KINGS…

This year, the world was introduced to FOX’s runaway hit Empire and the Lyon family—led by a diabolical patriarch and a just-released ex-con matriarch. Season one’s finale left 16.7 million viewers hanging by a thread. Fans eagerly tuned in each week to watch the fictional Lyon brothers—Trai Byers (Andre), Jussie Smollett (Jamal) and Bryshere “Yazz” Gray (Hakeem)—bear the weight of their parents’ sins while trying to carve out identities of their own. Weeks before filming began for the next season, ESSENCE chatted with TV’s baddest brothers about life, art and success.

“If I can help someone else feel less alone, no matter what they’re going through, I’m happy to have that opportunity…”—Jussie Smollett, ESSENCE

ESSENCE’s June “Vacation Issue” hits newsstands on Friday, 5/15.For more on this month’s issue—and all FOUR covers!—please visit ESSENCE.com.

BMWK, which one is your favorite? I can’t choose!