Looks like there’s about to be more Latinos in hip hop. Not in a literal sense of course, there are already plenty of Latinos in hip hop. We’re talking specifically about the fictional world of Lee Daniels’ Shakespearean urban soap opera, Empire, which recently announced a handful of guest stars to fill out the roster for its highly-anticipated second season. The Latino in question is Yonkers-born Cubano-Boricua Adam Rodriguez of CSI: Miami fame, who in addition to starring in the upcoming Magic Mike XXL will be joining the cast as a recurring guest star in the role of Laz Delgado, an astute EMT turned concert promoter who catches Cookie’s eye as a potential suitor. (We’re a little scared for him.)
After its debut in January 2015, Empire rapidly turned into an unprecedented TV phenomenon, climbing the coveted Nielsen ratings week after week to finish out its first season as the most watched scripted program on television. Starring Terence Howard and Taraji P. Henson as ex-spouses vying for their stake in an entertainment empire, the series has racked up critical praise for its performances and evidently made a strong impression on viewers.
Other announced guest stars slated to make an appearance in season two include Lenny Kravitz, Chris Rock, and Alicia Keys. Rodriguez will be joining Venezuelan-born Rafael de la Fuente — who plays the ex-boyfriend of spurned Lyon family scion, Jamal — as the other Latino in a show dominated primarily by African American roles.
Empire’s season 2 premiere airs on September 23, 2015 at 9 pm on Fox.