Love and Hip Hop - Urban Belle Magazine

Mona Scott-Young Shuts Down Love And Hip Hop Critics

Mar 282013

Photo Credit: VH1

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

Reality television is a pretty controversial genre of entertainment and it seems like the more outrageous a show is, the higher the ratings. Well at least that’s the case for the first couple of seasons. Nowadays it does appear that reality television could be losing it’s steam with reality stars like Kim Kardashian experiencing a massive drop in ratings, and perhaps that’s the case with Mona Scott Young’s Love and Hip Hop New York cast. In it’s third season, the show’s ratings have been pretty terrible, and it appears the only bright spot in the franchise is the Atlanta cast, as the story lines and stars of the show were controversial enough to bring in record ratings. But the ratings couldn’t silence the criticism, and in most cases the executive producer of the series Mona Scott Young at often times finds herself having to defend her projects. In a recent interview with Hip Hop Wired, Mona says that whether or not people like to admit it, the stars of the show represent a real side to the Hip Hop industry:

“When I handed Joseline [Hernandez, of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta] her first check, she cried. It was the first time she’d ever seen her name printed on a check. So don’t tell me I’m not doing anything for these women.

“It’s about trying to present a total picture. I’m not here to judge them or to decide what aspects of their life should or should not make it onto television. This is Love and Hip Hop. I have navigated this world for twenty years of my career so I am probably as qualified as most to talk about what happens in this world. I’ve witnessed it.

“I’ve experienced it. There’s no one really of this world that can say with clear conscience that this stuff does not happen or exist. So what are we saying exactly? Not that this isn’t true, but that we should sweep it under the rug and act like it don’t exist. It’s that cousin that you love at the family barbeque but you don’t wanna bring to the company picnic. Stop it!”

And regardless of all the criticism Mona Scott Young faces for spearheading the series, she promises that the second season of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta will be even more outrageous than the first one:

“Atlanta was an anomaly. It was lightning in a bottle. Last season I was like, this is incredible, crazy, outrageous, over the top, what could they possibly do to top this? This season is better than last. It’s amazing.”

Love and Hip Ratings Drop to a Season Low

Reality TV 18 Responses »

Mar 202013

Photo Credit: VH1

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

Love and Hip Hop reunion rumors have been spreading like wildfire, and with the speculation that breakups, pregnancies, and even fight rumors will be confirmed at the reunion show; one would think all the hype for the reunion would translate into ratings. In fact, the rumor mill says that is exactly what Mona Scott Young was hoping the buzz would do, and once Joe Budden and Consequence confirmed that they did indeed fight (Consequence even “exposed” Joe Budden’s alleged boyfriend); Mona thought it would help the ratings that were already on the decline. But it turns out that despite the excitement people may have for the upcoming reunion, it seems like most of them have already given up on the show.

Despite a full week of reports of fights, breakups, and even cat fights at the reunion show; believe it or not, ratings for Love and Hip Hop have tanked to an all season low. The Monday after all the reunion show buzz, episode 10, which aired on March 18, only managed to bring in 1.51 million viewers. The numbers haven’t been that low since season one, and this is a massive drop considering the season premiere of season three managed to bring in 2.59 million viewers.

There’s a few reasons why the show just isn’t connecting with fans of the series. But one big reason is clearly the popularity of the spin-off show, Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. It’s obvious that viewers just find the Atlanta cast way more interesting than the New York cast, and just perhaps Mona’s plan to have yet another love triangle inspired by Stevie J. with Joe Budden/Tahiry/Kaylin may have backfired. Perhaps it didn’t intrigue viewers but reminded them how much Love and Hip Hop isn’t and never will be Love and Hip Hop Atlanta.

Source: Nielsen

More Outrageous Love & Hip Hop Reunion Rumors

Gossip, Reality TV 13 Responses »

Mar 162013

Photo Credit: @iamerica_mena Instagram

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

If all of the rumors are true, the reunion for season three of Love and Hip Hop will be more interesting than the entire season has been so far. In fact, we’re thinking that the general consensus for the season is that the cast is lackluster, and as a result, ratings have tanked terribly since the first episode. It has already been confirmed that Joe Budden and Consequence did get into a fight at the reunion, and Consequence was even jumped by Joe and his crew after filming for the reunion wrapped up. This led to Consequence then deciding he would “out” Joe Budden’s alleged secret sexuality, as Cons claimed in an interview with Hot 97 that he had Joe’s phone (he claims Joe dropped the phone during the jumping) and he read a text message from a man who sounded like he was Joe’s boyfriend. But Joe and Consequence’s drama is just the tip of the iceberg.

Here’s what else we’re hearing went down at the reunion show.

1. Erica Mena moves on from Rich and gets a girlfriend.

Erica and Rich are over, and she’s allegedly moved on to women. In fact, word on the street is that she has a girlfriend and the said girlfriend is actually rumored to be one of Rich’s exes. She has also been tweeting about said lady and claims that she’s in love.

2. Two cast members are engaged.

If you’ve been watching previews from the upcoming episode, it’s pretty clear that Mandeecees will be popping the question to Yandy Smith. The gossip mill is claiming that Yandy accepted and is still with Mandeecees despite his legal issues. Mandeecees is currently in jail for drug charges and is expected to go to court soon.

Rashidah Ali is also engaged. She told Eurweb recently that her boo popped the question and she’s very excited.

3. Winter Ramos is pregnant.

We don’t know how true this is either, but some people are claiming Winter is pregnant by her man who is rumored to be some street dude.

4. Joe Budden and Kaylin are over. Joe and Tahiry announced they are “working” on their relationship.

This is another rumor that has been gaining some traction for the last few days. Kaylin has been posting pictures of herself and Joe on her Instagram account, but we heard it’s just to keep people guessing and tuned in for the reunion, but it’s over for her and Joe.

5. Rashidah and Raqi Thunda almost come to blows.

Madame Noire learned exclusively that Rashidah and Raqi Thunda argued so tough during the reunion that they almost got physical. However, security intervened, and apparently things got out of hand because Rashidah threw a lot of personal insults.

If any of this is true, the reunion show is going to be a good one.

Love and Hip Hop Sees Drop in Ratings

Reality TV 9 Responses »

Feb 242013

Photo Credit: @iamerica_mena

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

Love and Hip Hop is back for a third season, but it’s clear that most of the drama has taken place away from the cameras. Yandy Smith’s baby daddy Mandeecees Harris was accused and later acquitted for child molestation, Rich Dollaz is having some issues involving a paternity case, while Erica Mena is fighting in nail salons and allegedly faking a pregnancy. Regardless, it’s been speculated that the show might have lost its touch, and fans of the show have been vocal in how disappointing they find the season to be. Although Mona Scott Young figured Tahiry Jose and Joe Budden’s storyline could hold a candle to Stevie J., Joseline Hernandez, and Mimi Faust; the cast hasn’t managed to strike a chord in viewers the way the cast of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta did on the very first episode. And now that the numbers are in, it’s apparent that ratings have dropped.

According to Nielsen, the season debuted pretty strongly with around 2.6 million viewers. Interestingly enough, that’s the highest ratings the season has had . The show’s viewership began to drop off week by week after the first episode, signaling that viewers lost enthusiasm for the new season just one episode into season three. Since episode three, the show has been pulling in about 1.8 million viewers per episode. That’s a huge drop from the premiere. Even the last episode which featured a confrontation between Tahiry and Kaylin, and a fight between Mandeecees and Yandy’s cousin wasn’t enough to bump up the ratings as it only brought in a disappointing 1.88 million viewers.

Last season, the show averaged well over 2 million viewers, and sometimes over 3 million each episode. With the massive drop in numbers, we have to wonder if Mona plans on pulling a Shaunie O’Neal and making some changes to the cast for season four.

Game Slams the New Love and Hip Hop Cast

Reality TV 8 Responses »

Jan 222013

Photo Credit: @thegame Instagram

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

Season three of Love and Hip Hop New York hasn’t been met with the best responses. In fact, since the first episode, people have been complaining that the show has gotten incredibly boring. One of the biggest complaints is people just aren’t excited about the new additions to the cast, but they are really disappointed that the originals and fan favorites of the show such as Chrissy Lampkin, Jim Jones, Emily B, and Kimbella didn’t return for the current season. And if that isn’t enough, it just seems like most of the drama is actually taking place away from the cameras, as both Rich Dollaz and Mandeecees Harris are having some major legal issues, and people have already come to the conclusion that Erica Mena’s relationship with Rich is fake.

Only a few episodes into the season, a lot of people feel like abandoning the show. Especially since Love and Hip Hop Atlanta was such a big hit and proved to have a more interesting cast and story line that mainly consisted of the “love triangle” between Mimi Faust, Stevie J., and Joseline Hernandez.

Well it does appear that rapper The Game agrees that the current season of Love and Hip Hop is a snoozer. Game took to his Twitter account the other day to slam the current season and even claimed he was just ready for Love and Hip Hop Atlanta to return to the small screen.

He tweets:

“The new Love & Hip Hop New York WACK AS F*CK ! Who r these b!tches ? Bring back Jimmy & Chrissy or hurr da f*ck up wit Love & Hip Hop ATL !”

Apparently this is a common complaint that executive producer Mona Scott Young has been bombarded with since the season premiere. Ratings haven’t folded yet, so Mona has been telling loyal viewers to keep watching and give the cast a chance.

And we have to admit, after watching last night’s episode, it’s getting increasingly harder to keep tuning in every week.

Is Erica Mena on Drugs?

Gossip, Reality TV 11 Responses »

Jan 162013

Photo Credit: VH1

By: Taren Vaughan

Is Erica Mena on drugs? Erica Mena has returned for season 3 of Love and Hip Hop after coming to blows with former cast member Kimbella last season after a casual conversation about their modeling careers over drinks took an ugly turn with the quickness and ended in the police being called to the scene. And not even before the very first episode of the new season of the show got a chance to air, the gossip started up about Erica as it was said that she was a newly engaged woman and that Olivia’s manager Rich Dollaz was the man who did the proposing to her. Rich Dollaz didn’t let the rumor go too long without addressing it and completely shooting it down. As Erica’s engagement to Rich Dollaz was exposed as a fake one, her beefs are nothing but as she looked to be starting up a whole new one with aspiring female rapper Lore’l who has made her first appearance on the show. During Monday night’s episode, Erica got into a heated argument with Rich Dollaz about not wanting to leave the club when she was ready to go. Lore’l eventually got involved in it, putting her two cents in and she sent Erica over the edge when she made a comment about Erica kicking her baby’s father in the head. Things switched gears as a heated exchange popped off between Erica and Lore’l. Lore’l however decided that she wasn’t done with what she had to say about Erica and took to her Twitter account to drag Erica, saying that she doesn’t claim her child and hints that Erica may be on drugs: (Read from bottom to top):

Erica and Lore’l had talked about and agreed to doing a song together much to Rich Dollaz displeasure as he told Erica that he didn’t think collaborating with Lore’l would be in her best interest. At this point, it doesn’t look like that will be happening anyway as the beef has officially started between Erica Mena and Lore’l.

Peep the clip of Erica and Lore’l getting into it below if you missed it:

Erica Mena & Rich Dollaz Engaged Already?

Reality TV 14 Responses »

Jan 062013

Photo Credit: VH1

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

Are Erica Mena and Rich Dollaz engaged? Season three of Love and Hip Hop hasn’t started yet, but already it’s clear from the recent trailers and promotional clips that this season could be an entertaining one. Although there a plenty of people who are doubting that the show will be able to clap back after that epic season of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, Mona Scott Young is hoping that the show will still be entertaining even though some original stars and fan favorites of the show aren’t returning (Chrissy Lampkin, Jim Jones, Kimbella, and Emily B) for season three.

With the new additions to the show (notably rapper Joe Budden and his ex girlfriend Tahiry) the return of fan favorites Yandy Smith, Olivia, and the most hated Erica Mena; the scene is already set for plenty of drama. Besides Joe Budden and Tahiry’s explosive relationship, there is a budding romance that could also pose a lot of problems on the show. Erica Mena might be getting more serious about her modeling career, but she’s also getting more serious in her love life. This season the up and coming model is dating Oliva’s manager Rich Dollaz, and rumors suggest Olivia isn’t too thrilled about it.

Now before the show has even premiered, it’s been said that Erica and Rich Dollaz are already engaged. We did hear that Rich is head over heels in love when it comes to Erica, but the engagement talk came a lot faster than we expected.

Here’s the report from AlHipHop. Illseed writes:

I don’t get into these reality shows, but I have a scoop for you! Last night, there was a party for the third season of “Love & Hip-Hop” in NYC. It was whatever whatever, from what I hear. BUT, this is the latest on the BS! Last night, the whole crew was there, Budden, Consequence, Tahiry and all those others. But, here is the SCOOP – EXCLUSIVE!

Rich Dollaz And Erica Mena are rumored to be ENGAGED! That’s right, I’m telling you! They might be engaged! Last night, that Ciroc was hitting and Rich apparently spilled the beans! In an interview with Hot 97, Erica openly said they were head over heels in LOVE! So, that’s the news.

If this is true, Erica Mena and Rich Dollaz are the second couple to get engaged in the Love & Hip Hop franchise in the last few months. Rapper Lil Scrappy and Erica are still standing strong in their engagement, and rumored to be making wedding plans now.

Congrats if true.

Photo Credit: VH1

Episode One of Love & Hip Hop Season 3 Sneak Peek Released

Reality TV 5 Responses »

Jan 032013

Photo Credit: VH1

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

Now that the cast of Season 3 of Love and Hip Hop has been revealed, people are anticipating yet another dramatic season from the very popular reality television series. Although the head honcho from the first two seasons isn’t returning (Chrissy Lampkin), Mona Scott Young has pulled all the stops to give fans of the show many more reasons to watch the upcoming season. After the insane popularity of the first season of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, word on the street is Mona was feeling pressured to stick to the formula that worked – and that is a ladies man who is involved in some kind of twisted love triangle that is pretty much going to cause a lot of drama and friction within the cast. No, we won’t be seeing Stevie J., Joseline Hernandez, or Mimi Faust on the show; but we will get just as much drama from newbies rapper Joe Budden, his ex girlfriend Tahiry, and his current “boo thang.”

VH1 has released a clip of the first episode, and in the clip, there’s plenty of drama to satisfy viewers who have come to expect that and more from the show.

The sneak peek starts off with the back story between Joe Budden and Tahiry, and Tahiry explains that although she and Joe have broken up, he is now reaching out to her and wanting to establish a friendship. But Tahiry finds that hard to do at this point because their breakup was so bitter. Regardless, she agrees to meet him for lunch, but the conversation turned so sour that it ended with her tossing drinks and cursing him out in front of everyone else in the restaurant.

Erica Mena is back for another season, and now attempting to get more serious about her modeling career. She’s experiencing the common problem that most urban models face when they fear they may have done too much booty modeling to ever get into high fashion modeling. She is dating her manager Rich Dollaz, who happens to still be Oliva’s manager (Olivia also returns for Season 3 and isn’t too happy about Erica dating her manager).

Yandy Smith also returns to the series, and now tackles the role of motherhood. Although she is in love with her baby’s daddy Mandeecees, she is learning quickly that he may not be mature enough for fatherhood. After telling her he’d rather go to the club than help her get their new baby shower gifts to their house, she becomes even more frustrated about their relationship.

Check out the clip:

Season 3 of Love and Hip Hop premieres January 7.

Sneak Peek of Season 3 of Love & Hip Hop Released, More Drama to Come

Reality TV 8 Responses »

Dec 212012

Photo Credit: VH1

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

Although the epic first season of Love And Hip Hop Atlanta is still fresh on everyone’s minds, the show that started it all, Love And Hip Hop, will make its return with the debut of Season 3. As we recently reported, Mona Scott Young has had to do a few things to shake up the cast and garner some interest in the upcoming season. So as an answer to Love And Hip Hip Hop’s leading star Stevie J., she has selected Joe Budden to be this season’s designated ladies man, as well as making sure to keep him in interesting situations by also selecting his ex girlfriend Tahiry to join the cast. Budden has already given people a preview of how messy he can be on his Instagram account, as well as that whole incident in which he kicked someone out of his recent performance for tweeting.

Of course, there had to be a few changes made to the original cast that has been a part of the show since season one. Chrissy Lampkin and Jim Jones left to film their own reality show after the couple felt like they were betrayed by Mona Scott Young (they didn’t like how they looked on TV and Chrissy felt like Mona purposely put her in bad situations for good TV), so they did not return for Season 3. Much to the surprise of many, Kimbella also will not be returning, as it is rumored that she did not come back because her on and off boo, rapper Juelz Santana, wasn’t too thrilled with her being on the show.

Regardless, the new cast was recently revealed a few weeks ago, and now the official trailer for season 3 has been released.

Check it out and take a quick look at the drama to come:

Season 3 of Love And Hip Hop Atlanta premieres Monday January 7 at 8/7c on VH1.

Cast of Love And Hip Hop Season 3 Confirmed

Reality TV 9 Responses »

Dec 062012

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

Love And Hip Hop Atlanta might still be on everyone’s minds ever since they were introduced to the crazy love triangle that is Stevie J., Mimi, and Joseline; but the show that started it all will be back for a third season and it’s rumored it might be able to go toe to toe with the Atlanta spin-off. For the last few months, speculation on who would be joining Season 3 of the show has been making its rounds on the gossip blogs. However, many felt like the show might have sealed its fate to failure after Chrissy Lampkin and Jim Jones confirmed that they would not be returning to the reality show, and instead decided to do their own spin-off about their upcoming nuptials. The couple even took former cast member Emily B. to join them.Well if the lineup that was just confirmed by the network is any indication, Season 3 of Love And Hip Hop Atlanta might be worth a watch.

VH1 just released an official statement on Season 3 of the show. Some of the people confirmed aren’t a shocker since rumors have been consistent but we were shocked about who did not return. Apparently contrary to the rumors, Kimbella has been cut from the show. But the originals that have been confirmed for Season 3 are Yandy Smith, Erica Mena, and Olivia Longott. Interestingly enough, Olivia’s manager Rich Dollaz is back as well, but he’s dating co-star Erica Mena.

Now the newbies is where things might get interesting. Joe Budden has been confirmed for the show, which isn’t surprising because he’s been on a mission through Instagram to secure his spot by posting some pretty outrageous photos of him and his “girlfriend” during “intimate” moments for the last few months. Obviously it worked. They say Mona needed an answer to Stevie J. and Joe Budden will serve that purpose. Budden is known for his very public and outrageous love life, that usually ends in very public and outrageous break ups. And because Mona just loves drama, his ex Tahiry Jose has also been confirmed to be joining the cast. Both made headlines not too long ago for a messy breakup which resulted in Joe Budden using some pretty ridiculous rap lyrics to take shots at Tahiry post break up. No word if his current boo thang will make an appearance or not, but we wouldn’t be surprised if she did. Especially since she’s worked so hard being flexible and over the top with Budden to help him secure his spot on the show.

The rest of the newbies includes New York rapper Consequence (who recently went on a media rampage against Kanye West), radio personalities Raqi Thunda and Jen “The Pen” Bayer, Fabolous’ assistant Winter Ramos who is currently writing a tell all book, “shoe consultant” to the stars Rashidah Ali. Ali is currently working on her upcoming shoe line, Encore.

Love And Hip Hop Season 3 premieres Monday, January 7th at 8PM.

Stevie J. And Mimi Faust Aren’t Together

entertainment, Gossip, Reality TV 11 Responses »

Jun 272012

stevie j. and mimi

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

Stevie J. and Mimi have to be one of the saddest couples on television. The Stevie J. Mimi Faust drama continues past the taping of the first season of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. We’ve already learned who K. Michelle’s ex boyfriend is that abused her, we’ve learned how Lil Scrappy and Diamond dating went sour, and we know that Joseline Hernandez would get pregnant by Stevie J., and that Stevie J. and Lil Scrappy would have an epic fight. Even for an urban gossip addict, that’s enough drama to last a lifetime. Despite the other storyline, Stevie J. and Mimi continue to be one of the most controversial and appealing. Yes we know Stevie J. is a dog and Mimi is naive for staying but perhaps it’s because women enjoy pointing their fingers at the woman who makes stupid dating decisions on television, while the others are smart enough to just do it in private and away from the cameras.

Stevie J. has a nasty reputation as a slutty music producer that he has earned from at least two decades of him sleeping around with famous women and women connected to the most influential of black celebrities. Stevie J. dated Eve and the couple called it quits when Eve discovered his cheating ways. Of course she would later find it difficult to separate herself from Stevie J. since the Stevie J. and Eve sex tape was released during the height of her career as a female rapper. Many speculated that tape has been released by a financially struggling Stevie J. who was so desperate for money that he’s do something as trifling to ex girlfriend ex to pay down his growing debt.

Despite all of this, Mimi Faust has been labeled as a desperate baby momma who doesn’t seem to understand when it’s time to call it quits. Stevie J. and Mimi has a long history together that stems over 15 years of an and off romance. While many have been critical of the relationship that was exposed on Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, Mimi may be smarter than people are giving her credit for.

In a recent interview with V-103, Mimi Faust low key admits that she and Stevie J. have broken up:

A lot has changed. You guys, when you’re in a relationship and things happen, it’s a process of getting out. One thing will happen and you just don’t leave your family because one thing happened. So it’s definitely a process of a transition and process stage that you go through so that’s what I’m going through right now.

I would love to keep my family together. But at this point I don’t see that happening so I’m willing to just let this do what it do.

There have also been whispers in Atlanta that the couple actually called it quits during the taping of the show (how convenient) and Joseline Hernandez is the cause of the demise of Stevie J. and Mimi.

Lil’ Scrappy Talks Paying For Diamond’s Butt Implants And Her Departure From The Cast

Lil Scrappy, Reality TV 12 Responses »

Jun 262012

By: Taren Vaughan

Rumors about Lil Scrappy and Diamond dating have been floating around a lot more here lately. Lil Scrappy and Diamond have become one of the more interesting story lines on Love And Hip Hop Atlanta, besides the Lil Scrappy and Stevie J. beef. Although the two haven’t been cordial since Diamond started dating Soulja Boy and Lil Scrappy and Buckeey started dating, the old relationship has been a hop topic the majority of the entire season. And recently, Scrappy has taken it upon himself to shut down any false claims that people have been making in reference to what he and Diamond had going on with each other.

Before the premiere episode of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta took reality TV addicts for a wild ride, there was much chatter about the former Crime Mob raptress being a member of the show’s cast. And her old flame reveals that the rumors had some truth to them.

In an interview with AllHipHop.com, Scrappy said that he was informed that Momma Dee and Erica Dixon, Scrappy’s mother and baby’s mama were the reason why Diamond quickly fled to the exit door and decided not to continue on with the show:

“I heard that my mom was on the show and my baby mom was on the show, two people who she don’t care to like. And okay, that’s half of it, that’s half of it. She think that they were gone get into it or they were gone fight or something like that”

His mama clearly isn’t afraid to speak her mind and get it poppin’ from what we’ve seen. And she probably wouldn’t mind getting at Diamond if necessary. Seeing how Scrappy left Erica hanging for Diamond, she too might not be opposed to stepping to her either. With Diamond getting a whiff of the potential drama waiting for her, she scratched her name off the casting roster.

The topic of the interview switched gears slightly, moving from his ex-girlfriend’s show departure to how she grew an ass overnight.

And when asked whether or not he came out of his pocket and funded Diamond’s derriere, he simply said this:

“I’m a put it like this, I been truthful all day – I had something to do with it, I put it like that. I had something to do with it.”

Momma Dee eluded to her son’s purchasing of Diamond’s booty on the season premiere of the show: “Scrappy paid for that a–”

From Diamond’s fake butt to the staged altercation between him and Stevie J…What or who will Scrappy expose next?

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