Hakeem Lyon, also known as Hakeem Smithers, is a fictional character from the original FOX musical drama, Empire played by Bryshere Y. Gray. Hakeem is one of the main characters within the series and the youngest son of hip-hop mogul Lucious (Terrence Howard) and his ex-wife Cookie (Taraji P. Henson). Hakeem has the star quality to become a superstar like his father, but lacks the discipline and guidance because of his strained relationship with Cookie.