Love & Hip Hop: Why Are We Attracted To So Much Drama?

Mona Scott-Young and Jim Jones devised a plan to bring a larger audience to the Hip Hop culture with their own reality TV idea and that’s how Love & Hip Hop was born. Did Mona ever expect this?

Love and Hip Hop New York was the flagship but since its launch in 2011, the franchise has done nothing but expand. All in all, there are four Love & Hip Hop shows on primetime TV. Besides New York, there is Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, Love & Hip Hop Hollywood, and now, Love & Hip Hop Miami.

What makes these shows watchable are the cast of characters. The majority of these people have once in their time been big in the Hip Hop world while some are just starting out. When you throw 12 different characters together on camera weekly, there are sure to be some fireworks. Which characters have you grown close to over the years?

10. Maino

Reality TV was in desperate need of a character like Maino. When does he ever front for the cameras? He’s not a star and doesn’t have to play the role of one. His name rings bells in the streets of NYC and VH-1 was smart to pull him in. What’s surprising about Maino is the size of his heart and what he does for the people he loves. His mannerisms scream thug but his actions prove he cares.

No real beef regarding Maino but he’s quick to sit someone down and give them a hard speech for the choices they make and what the consequences could be if they choose wrong.

9. Yandy

Yandy first appeared and gave the impression that she was the best manager, caring friend, and loyal girlfriend. However, over the course of Love & Hip Hop New York, Yandy has changed. Now, that same dope manager is not as hands-on. The same caring friend has helped burn bridges and as far as her personal relationships, there was a big scandal and people are still wondering what she was thinking.

Can the viewers really trust Yandy? Apparently, she’s still holding down Mendeceee while he’s away in prison. Yandy is a single mom and for that, she earns some respect but she’s not the angel she portrays herself to be.

8. Lil Scrappy

“Put them paws on him”. With that, Lil Scrappy made reality TV history. He defended his woman’s honor with a fight between him and Stevie J. Besides those antics, Lil Scrappy has been pretty solid. Yes, he has issues, just the same as everyone else on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta but he’s a likable character. The issue with him and Erica regarding their daughter and child support just go to show that celebrities encounter the same issues in which normal people deal with.

Scrappy is now married to Bambi and they share a child. He’s not the hothead that he used to be in previous seasons as he’s a bit more mature, but he’s still known to fly off the handle from time to time. No reason for too much hate as he’s become one of the beloved characters throughout the Love & Hip Hop family.

7. Joseline

No longer with the franchise, Joseline surely made her presence felt from the beginning. As the side piece to Stevie J while in a back and forth relationship to Mimi, Joseline wanted the top spot. Joseline tried her best to get into the spotlight with a failed attempt in the music business despite having Stevie J as her manager and producer.

In breaking down her character, you’ll see that she’s funny and loves hard with a passion, but she was and still is a drama Queen. Everything about Joseline was messy.

6. Stevie J

The official bad guy of Love & Hip Hop. Over the years, Love & Hip Hop has had some crazy and outspoken characters. However, Stevie or Steebie (whatever you like to call him) has been one of the best in front of the cameras. At the beginning of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, Stevie played the villain role with pride. His messy relationship with Joseline and Mimi didn’t help win over any viewers. He’s crass, bold, and yet, he’s unpredictable.

What makes Stevie come across with the love/hate feeling is the same reasons mentioned above. It’s the same with how we fell about Scarface. You know he’s doing evil things but you can’t take your eyes off him regardless. Stevie is the ambassador for LHHA.

5. Bobby Lytes

Drama, drama, drama, and more drama. Why is Bobby so loud? If two people are having an argument, Bobby is the one who swings down from the Palm Tree in the middle of the dispute to offer his two cents into a conversation he was never a part of.

His anger stems from many things but most of it he will never put on himself. He wonders why Trina or any of the other artists refuses to work with him. Bobby just can’t be trusted or counted on when he needed. He’s toxic and who wants to be around that especially where there are careers, money, and reputations on the line?

4. Ray J

Ray J can be a bit aloof but as the lead on Love & Hip Hop Hollywood, he does have to set the bar. With that said, Ray J has also come a long way. As one of the main reason for the outrageous success of The Kardashians, Ray always felt he deserved more even if he’s never admitted it to the public. On LHHH, Ray, once a player, has finally learned the value of family.

The issue with Ray J has always been his bond to his family. They’re a close-knit group and Ray is always in between something with Princess and his family. He’s learning to have a backbone but it’s hard trying to deal with three different women (Brandy, Mom, and Wife) at one time. He still has some growing up to do but the end results are that he has decided to grow up.

3. Erica Mena

Everything about Erica screams messy. A beautiful woman, but Erica has the urge to make sure everyone in the room knows just how beautiful she is. It started from the moment she got in front of the cameras. Concerns about her daughter, her relationships and how she wants to rise in the entertainment world have made her come off as greedy and needy.

She’s a child but has yet to fully take the responsibility for the role she has played in damaged relationships. How many fights has she been in since coming on the show? How many times must we hear how big her chest is or how violent she was towards her baby daddy? It’s time to grow up, Erica.

2. Joe Budden

Everyone has to grow up at some time. Joe Budden is no exception to the rule. His first sting on Love & Hip Hop New York didn’t go so well for him. He publicly proposed to his on/off again girlfriend only to be turned down on National TV. Since then, he’s become more reserved and relaxed and in the process, has found a new love and a new purpose in life. However, there are times where we will still get that old Joe.

This past season, Budden officially became the father figure for the guys on the New York cast. Instead of being the first to fly off the handle, he’s the one pulling people to the side and offering sound advice. He’s done a wonderful job of doing this with Safaree. Joe is one of the characters where we could easily say, Love & Hip Hop New York has helped him change for the best.

1. Pooh Hicks

From the start, Pooh Hicks just rubbed everyone the wrong way. A former stripper (sounds familiar?) who started an affair with a married did what she had to do to get her spot. Now, the cast of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta are no strangers to drama and that’s why Pooh was able to fit right in. But what’s the reason for airing so much dirty laundry?

What Pooh represents is what Love & Hip Hop appears to be all about lately. Grab a messy person, put them in front of some cameras and give them the freedom to over-expose themselves. Although Pooh Hicks has caused a ton of drama with no end in sight anytime soon, she fits the mold in which the Love & Hip Hop Atlanta is after.