As Fox's new drama Empire continues to rise in ratings, a fan favorite's dream is now a reality.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Jussie Smollett, who plays Jamal, has scored a record deal with Columbia Records. The 31-year-old says he's thrilled he can display his talents outside of the show.

"There will be a Jussie Smollett album," he said. "I signed to Columbia. So darling, I'm label mates with Beyoncé and Adele and Barbra Streisand."

The actor previously released an EP titled, The Poisoned Hearts Club in 2012. Smollett, who is the older brother of Jurnee Smollett explained how his role as Jamal has affected his life. With swarms of women following him while he's out and about, the actor compares it to Michael Jackson's success after the release of Thriller.

"The other day I went to Whole Foods and bought some chewable Vitamin C and got mobbed by like 15 girls," he said. "I kind of feel like how Michael Jackson must have felt after "Thriller" was out and he had to come out with "Bad." Here we are through the first season and we're five months out until we start the second season, and I'm like, "What the hell are y'all gonna do next?" Because it's going to be very difficult to top this season."

As for his album, the singer says he would like for Terrance Howard and Timbaland to serve as producers. 

"It's going to be a whole different thing," he said. "Now, the Empire family will still have something to do with it. I would love for Terrence to come and oversee the production of all of the music. And I would love for Timbaland to come on and Jim Beanz. We've all talked and they're all down to work on it."

Source: Entertainment Weekly | Photo Credit: Splash News