Okay, so let’s talk about Bryshere Y. Gray. You know him best as Hakeem Lyon, right? The rapper with the swagger and the daddy issues on Empire? That’s him, the guy who could go from a pouty tantrum to a killer freestyle in a single scene.
But here’s the thing—Hakeem isn’t the whole story. Bryshere has been sneaking into other roles, and honestly? The journey is wilder than a Lyon family dinner. Grab your coffee, and let’s dish.
The Breakout That Broke the Internet
You cannot talk about Bryshere without shouting out Empire. This show was a phenomenon, y’all. It was like opera meets hip-hop meets your auntie’s favorite soap opera.
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Bryshere played Hakeem from 2015 to 2020. That’s five seasons of him being the spoiled, talented brat you loved to hate. But wait—did he have range? Oh, absolutely.
One minute he’s crying over Cookie, the next he’s dropping a diss track. The guy made being messy look like an art form. And let’s be real: his chemistry with Taraji P. Henson? Electric. You believed every single “Mommy!” he screamed.
From Lyon to… Laughs?
But what do you do after a mega-hit like Empire? If you’re Bryshere, you pivot. Hard. He popped up in the comedy-drama The New Edition Story (2017).
Bryshere Y. Gray
He played Michael Bivins, the group’s hype man. And guess what? He crushed it. He brought that same explosive energy but with a ’80s haircut and a New Jack Swing beat. It was like seeing Hakeem’s cool uncle.
Then came Step Up: High Water (2018). Yeah, the YouTube Red series. Bryshere played Jaden, a dancer with a chip on his shoulder. Did we need more drama in a dance show? Apparently yes.
He wasn’t just standing there looking pretty—he was moving. And the guy can actually dance, which, I mean, duh. He raps, he acts, he moves. Is there anything he can’t do? (Don’t answer that—I’m on a roll.)
The Under-the-Radar Gems
Here’s where you might need to dig a little. Bryshere did a movie called Painted (2020). It’s a small indie film about artists, love, and surviving in Atlanta. He plays a character named “Dre”—which, alright, not the most creative name, but the performance is raw.
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He also showed up in The Last O.G. with Tracy Morgan. It’s a comedy series, so you get to see him joke around. No tragic backstory, no rap battles. Just pure silly energy. Refreshing, right?
And if you blinked, you missed him in All-Bright Court (2021), a TV movie about steel mill workers. He plays a young man struggling with family expectations. It’s heavy, but Bryshere holds his own against seasoned actors. Respect.
The Elephant in the Room (Yeah, We Gotta Talk About It)
Okay, coffee’s getting cold, so let’s be real. In 2020, Bryshere had some serious legal trouble. It was messy, public, and honestly, kinda sad.
Photo de Bryshere Y. Gray - Empire (2015) : Photo Bryshere Y. Gray
He was charged with assaulting his wife and resisting arrest. That’s not a “oops, my bad” moment. It’s a big deal. His career went quiet for a hot minute. And it’s tough to write about his “movies and TV shows” without mentioning this.
But here’s the thing about art: it doesn’t forgive, but it also doesn’t disappear. His work on screen still exists. So we’re just gonna acknowledge it and move on—because you asked about the work, not the human drama.
What’s Next for Mr. Gray?
Truth? I don’t have a crystal ball. But Bryshere is still young (born 1993, folks). He’s got time to bounce back. If he wants to.
His last credited role was in 2022’s short film The Throwback. It’s a comedy about a retired basketball player. Very niche, very indie. Maybe he’s taking a break? Maybe he’s cooking up something new? Who knows.
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What I know is this: when you watch Empire reruns on a lazy Sunday, you will still be glued to Hakeem. That charisma? Unforgettable. And that’s why we’re still talking about him, even with all the messy layers.
Final Sip of Coffee
So, should you binge Bryshere’s work? If you want talent with a side of chaos, absolutely. Start with Empire (obvi), then hit The New Edition Story for a palate cleanser.
And if you’re feeling brave, watch Painted. It’s not perfect. But neither is the guy playing the lead. And honestly? That’s what makes it interesting.
Now, go forth and stream. And maybe send some good vibes—for the art, if not for the artist. Cheers, friend. ☕️