Prince-themed episode of 'Empire' to be shot next week in Chicago

Prince-themed episode of the Fox hip-hop drama "Empire" is scheduled to be shot in Chicago next week for the upcoming fourth season.

A birthday celebration for the young daughter of rapper Hakeem Lyon (played by Bryshere Y. Gray) will feature a Prince cake and a special performance of Prince's song "Let's Go Crazy" by Lyon and his older brother Jamal (played by Jussie Smollett). "Empire" executive producer Sanaa Hamri revealed the plans for the episode, which would likely air in October, at a Television Critics Association event earlier this month.

"We actually shoot the Prince day on the 21st of August, which is actually the day of the solar eclipse, so I find that very meaningful and I think it's almost like his energy is shining upon the moment," Hamri said.

Hamri, who directed music videos for some of Prince's singles, invited Prince's sister Tyka Nelson and members of Prince's band to the shoot. The pop superstar died last year at age 57 from an accidental overdose of an opioid painkiller.

"I'm just so happy to be able to bring this to life this season and kind of celebrate him as a person," Hamri said. "I think it's the best way to pay homage."

-The Chicago Tribune