I can see why some may not be as critically receptive of EMPIRE as other shows. It has more of an entertainment element than anything, whereas shows like HTGAWM dig a little deeper and make the viewer think a bit more. It's understandable why some many regard EMPIRE as "trash" "low class", etc.
I have to admit, watching the second episode, I just saw stereotype after stereotype. From hip hop, to the black men in prison, etc. But this is reality for many of us black men, so you cannot be too mad at the scripting.