With only a few months left to go before "Empire" returns to the small screen, talks about the characters who will be making an appearance on the second season have begun to surface.

According to TV Line, Adam Rodriguez (The Night Shift, CSI: Miami) has joined the second season of Empire in a recurring role, and it looks like his character will be mixing both business and pleasure with Empire Entertainment's matriarch Cookie.

Rodriguez will reportedly play native New Yorker and former EMT Laz Delgado, who's described by producers as "a smooth-talking concert promoter with expert hustler skills... who takes an interest in Cookie."

Aside from Rodriguez, comedian Chris Rock, R&B superstar Alicia Keys and rock legend Lenny Kravitz have all agreed and signed on for guest-starring roles during season two as well. Cookie's lackeys Becky and Porsha, played by Gabourey Sidibe and Ta'Rhonda Jones respectively, have also been given an upgrade this next season, since they have become full-fledged series regulars.

"Empire" is an American drama television series which made its debut on Fox back in January 7, 2015. It tells the story of the lives of the family behind the hip hop music and entertainment company called Empire Entertainment, and how they fight each other for control and dominance. The show was created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong. Lead stars include Terrence Howard as Luscious Lyon and Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon.

Trai Byers plays their eldest son Andre Lyon who suffers from a bipolar disorder. He plans on one day running Empire Entertainment by himself, but he has to outsmart his siblings Jamal Lyon played by Jussie Smollett and Hakeem Lyon played by Bryshere Gray.

Jamal is a gay singer and songwriter who is the "black sheep" of their family, although he is the favorite son of Cookie. He is estranged with his homophobic father and wants nothing to do with the corporate side of the family business. Jamal has a pretty good relationship with Hakeem, a fame-obsessed hip-hop artist on the rise. Shortly after its premiere date, "Empire" was already renewed for an 18-episode second season, and it will premiere on September 23, 2015.

The show has received positive reviews from critics, with entertainment gauge website Rotten Tomatoes giving it an 80 percent rating based on 48 reviews. Its critical consensus reads, "Though heavy on melodrama, 'Empire' elevates the night-time soap with its top-notch cast, musical entertainment, and engrossing plots."