New York played host to the premiere party for VH1’s new documentary soap series, “Love & Hip Hop.” Among those in attendance were Jennifer Williams of “Basketball Wives,” radio personalities Kay Foxx and Cherry Martinez, Vinnie from Naughty by Nature, Tocarra, Lil X and Jim Jones.
Created by Mona Scott-Young, former co-owner of Violator Management and, now, CEO of Monami Entertainment, the series follows five women in love with and deeply embedded into the hip-hop culture and lifestyle.
The cast features Mashonda, the ex-wife of Swizz Beatz; Emily Bustamante, girlfriend and stylist to Fabolous; Chrissy Lampkin, girlfriend of Jim Jones; Olivia, the first artist signed to Clive Davis’ J Records; and Somaya Reece, a Latino rapper.
Guests were treated to a private screening of the first episode, and, without spoiling it for you, here’s some of what you can expect:
Emily reveals that she is concerned about Fabolous’ resistance to publicly acknowledging their relationship. Although she is Fab’s stylist, she is not permitted to walk the red carpet with him.
Mashonda, freshly over her divorce and the surrounding controversy, reminds her, “You saw how hard I fought for my family, and it got me nowhere.”
Somaya Reece, seeking fame as a Latino rapper, is an outsider to the group until Chrissy hears about her being in the studio with her man, Jim Jones. Chrissy decides to investigate and finds some steamy photos on the Internet.
Rolling out caught up with the ladies and asked them what viewers can expect from the series.
Olivia assured us that people will get to see her real personality on the show. Surprised when she hears that people aren’t aware that she can really sing, she said, “What I said in [the show] trailer is true. If I couldn’t sing, I swear to God, I would slit my throat.” She also tells us that she does sign to a label, which will be revealed in an episode of the show.
Mona Scott-Young says she “chose these ladies for the show because … I think people tend to forget that these are people, behind the bling, behind the red carpet and behind the parties. I wanted to give these ladies an opportunity to show another side of their lives.”
“Love & Hip Hop” premieres on VH1, Monday, March 14.
–suncera johnson
