The Real People Behind Empire

There's talk that Hakeem's character might be rapper Tyga because of his age and cocky swagger, but I'm more inclined to think he's a healthy mix of Diggy Simmons and Big Sean, like Vulture does. Diggy is the son of superfamous music juggernaut Rev. Run of Run-D.M.C. fame, and he sort of cashed in on his father's fame. From a distance, Hakeem might sound a little like Big Sean, and his taste in the ladies is a strong case for that comparison.