'Empire' season 3 episode 8 spoilers, news: Andre goes to extremes to launch Nessa's career; Nia Long tapped to recur

Andre (Trai Byers) goes to extremes in an effort to help Nessa's (guest star Sierra A. McClain) career in the upcoming episode of Fox's hit musical drama "Empire" season 3.

Titled "The Unkindest Cut," the show's 8th episode will explore Andre's darker side as he lets his emotions cloud his judgment. According to the official synopsis, Andre goes to extremes and sabotages Tiana's (Serayah) big appearance at a fashion event to put Nessa into the spotlight. Meanwhile, Tariq (Morocco Omari) seeks help from Leah (Leslie Uggams) in an attempt to bring down Lucious (Terrence Howard). Jamal (Jussie Smollett) works with Philip (guest star Juan Antonio) to get over his PTSD, which brings them even more closer to each other.

Aside from Tariq, Lucious is also currently dealing with his longtime rival Shyne Johnson (Xzibit). Speaking with Eurweb, Xzibit hinted that viewers will soon see where the friction between Shyne and Lucious is coming from. "... There's something that happened where they had to part ways, but Shyne has something over Lucious that nobody knows," he teased."That's going to be revealed later, and then you'll be able to see the dynamic of why they have so much tension."

On another note, it was recently announced that "Empire" is adding yet another familiar face for season 3. As noted by reports, "Uncle Buck" alumna Nia Long has been tapped by the show to play a recurring role. Long will portray the character of  Giuliana Giusi, a well-known queenpin who runs a club in Las Vegas. Described as sexy and cold-blooded, she makes brash moves in New York's gangster underworld to secure a deal with Empire. She also crosses paths with Lucious and goes toe-to-toe with Lyon matriarch Cookie (Taraji P. Henson), all while she deals with her own mysterious past.

"Empire" season 3 airs every Wednesday night at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.