A High Hope for a Low Heaven

Lucious works on a new track with Jamal, urging him to put his issues into his music. The family discovers Hakeem’s whereabouts, and Lucious and Cookie must team up to uncover a conspiracy. In the aftermath, Hakeem expresses himself to Anika. Frustrated at only being defined as a gay artist, Jamal accepts an offer from Jamieson, one of Lucious’ old rivals. Fallout from Jamal’s recent experience causes damage that threatens his ability to make music. Cookie takes a dangerous suggestion from Laz, and makes a move to avenge Hakeem. Andre, making a decision in his position at the label, urges rapper J Poppa to put a positive message in his music, but his creative decision crosses Lucious. Lucious makes an ovation to Hakeem, but his brothers are the ones who talk some sense to him. Freda snaps at a live show, and Lucious speaks with her after. Mirage a Trois premieres and Hakeem’s ability to perform is called into question. That night, Cookie takes Laz up on his offer.