We all know we have Mona Scott-Young to blame thank for bringing the likes of Stevie J, Joseline Hernandez, K. Michelle, Yandy Smith, and Consequence into our living rooms with the always riveting Love & Hip Hop franchise. She created VH1's original show and its insane spin-off Love & Hip Hop Atlanta.
In an interview with Texas' News Journal, Mona and some members of both casts discuss the show, it's draw, and why some people just love to hate it. Mona recalls leaving her established job in the music industry to start her own production company. She shares, “I was leaving something that I had built for nearly 20 years of my life, but it was exhilarating to start over because I had a new lease on life, venturing into territories unknown for me and just starting from scratch.”
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While the show doesn't focus on household hip-hop names, many of its stars are known within the industry. Of course, the focus is less on music and more on drama which has caused some viewers to petition for its cancelation citing a negative depiction of African American women. Those engaging in the onscreen drama don't see a problem though.
The reviled Stevie J treats the women in his life horribly (although they always come back for more), but he likes getting to play the bad guy on Atlanta's franchise. In fact he's more known for his womanizing ways than for being a Grammy-winning producer. He says, “Mona allowed these women to tell their story, and guys like me to be known. Before, people heard of my name but didn’t know what I looked like. I relish the character that I am on television. People are amused by our stories.” Amused, repulsed…same thing.
One side of Stevie's love triangle, former exotic dancer Joseline, doesn't have much tolerance for the show's haters. She tells the site, “I wish people would stop pointing the finger,” adding, “I know that I’m a good person, and I know where my heart is. I know that I’m talented and I’m a bad (expletive), so I don’t care what anyone thinks of me. We’re here to stay. People who criticize wish they were doing what we are doing.”
While the hip hop music may take a backseat to the craziness, K. Michelle credits the show for her new record deal with Warner Bros. She admits, “It gave people the awareness about my music. It gave people the opportunity to see me. Music that was out two years prior, they went back like it was brand new.”
Regardless of the criticism, Mona isn't going anywhere, and she hopes to expand the franchise. Mona reveals that she's looking into Houston, Miami, Chicago, or New Orleans for upcoming seasons. “Hip-hop is global, it’s international,” Mona explains. "I think the franchise is limitless. I’m here as long as they want me here.”
TELL US-ARE YOU WATCHING LOVE & HIP HOP ATLANTA? WOULD YOU LIKE FOR THE FRANCHISE TO EXPAND INTO NEW CITIES?
[Photo Credit: VH1]
