Terrence Howard Paid Off His Debt to Petey Pablo with a Role on Empire

An act of kindness paid off in a big way for rapper Petey Pablo.

On this week's episode of Empire, Pablo played Clyde, backing up Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) in his #FreeLucious concert. But it's not the first time they've collaborated: His music was featured in 2004's Hustle & Flow, which starred Howard.

Just before the premiere of the film, Howard's wallet was snatched, leaving him with no cash or ID. Pablo gave him $200 to help him out.

Watch Jimmy Fallon's spot-on Empire spoof

Recently, Pablo got a call from the Empire star. Howard wanted to pay him back in a big way: With a guest spot on Empire (complete with a $15,000 paycheck) and the chance to write a rap for Lucious. Pablo sat down and wrote four songs for him that night, including "Sneak Bitch," which was used in this week's episode.

Pablo said in an interview with North Carolina news affiliate WRAL that he hoped Clyde would stick around this season.

"I been talking to Terrence, and I'm like, 'I'm hoping I don't die,'" he laughed. "'Please, protect me, don't kill me!'"

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