Source: VH1

We know you all remember Jen the Pen’s famous words on the last season of “Love & Hip-Hop New York” when she told Raqi Thunda she was white and it would get done. The “it” was getting a new job after the two radio hosts realized they couldn’t work together — based on the fact that Raqi liked to throw it at whoever came in the studio and Jen had no clue what to ask artists — but now it appears the reality star has made good on her declaration since VH1 decided to give her a job outside of her reality gig.

Yup, the network who put her and her foolishness on in the first place has now named Jen the host of “Very VH1.” Apparently this is an interactive chat show that the channel is rebooting this morning with its “charming new host.” The way the show works is Jen will basically be skyping on the computer with different guests and viewers can also hop on their cameras to ask questions and make comments as well. According to VH1′s blog, for the premiere show airing at 10 am EST this morning, “ Jen dives into some of the biggest pop culture stories and chats with Off Pitch stars Rob Jones and Tim Rortvedt.”

So far there aren’t a lot of details about how often the show will air or who else might appear as a guest. I just wonder what Raqi Thunda is doing right now…

What do you think about VH1 giving Jen a web show?

If you were watching Monday’s episode of Love & Hip Hop New York, you probably watched the ordeal Mendeecees and Yandy were going through as he prepared to turn himself into Federal agents. They didn’t go into detail of why he was being investigated on the show, but as previous reports stated, it has to do with drug trafficking charges after allegedly moving drugs from 2005 to 2012 in New York. He turned himself in at the end of January, and while we couldn’t really tell if he was going in to stay or not, in an interview with VH1, Yandy confirms that he is indeed incarcerated.

The reality star and businesswoman opened up about how she’s handling things seeing as they were hoping to prepare for a wedding in the future, and how she is trying to keep their house together with two little boys by herself.

VH1: Is Mendeecees currently incarcerated?

Yandy: He is.

Vh1: How are you holding up?

Yandy: You know, it’s a hard situation, especially when you don’t have any answers yet. It’s kind of just a waiting situation to see what this is all about, and that’s the hard part – the unknown is the hardest part.

VH1: It has to be tough. You’re recently engaged. One minute you’re in pre-wedding bliss then you’re hit with this news.

Yandy: Yeah, it’s hard. It’s absolutely hard. It’s hard when you kind of see your life flash before you. I know the life that we live together which has been like a storybook, like a fairytale with ups and downs of course, but it’s been good, and the love has been good, so for something like this to happen and to happen now, it’s like, “Ugh, why!” And you know you read about it with all the articles everywhere talking about the engagement. This case is from all these years ago. It’s just like, why now? You know? That’s just how I feel, like, why now of all times?

VH1: Are you putting everything wedding related on hold?

Yandy: Oh yeah, absolutely.

VH1: How do you keep your mind occupied so you’re not worrying and sad about him not being there with his sons?

Yandy: Well, you know I go through spurts, especially at night. I just keep busy. Like I told you, I haven’t had a day off, so I don’t even know if I’ve really soaked up what’s happening in my life because I’ve just been so busy. We both were busy during the day so it really hits me at night when I come home and I’m with the boys in the house, that’s when it’s like, “Aww, dag.” But I’m really faithful and hopeful that this situation will be cleared up and he’ll be back with us soon.

I feel for Yandy, because things seemed to be on the up and up for them with the baby, him getting found not guilty with the child abuse charges, their engagement–and then this happens. But then again, these things happen when your man has a history of selling drugs, which I’m sure she knew about. Can’t get too comfortable. But let’s hope that as she says, he’ll be back soon for the sake of his family.

Check out a clip of Mendeecees saying goodbye to his family from Monday’s episode on the next page:

Source: Blog.VH1

If you jumped on Twitter last night and wondered why “I’m white” was trending, you can thank Love & Hip-Hop. During Monday’s episode, a heated exchange took place between Raqi Thunda and Jen the Pen after the ladies realized it wasn’t going to work for them to do a radio show together. Jen essentially tried to tell Raqi she didn’t want to work with her because “internet p***y” seems to be less of a nickname for her and more of a way of life, as exemplified by her overly flirtatious behavior during their trial Hot 97 interview. As expected, Raqi didn’t take that feedback too well and subsequently tried to belittle Jen’s whole life, claiming that Consequence, Jen’s man and the father of her child, tried to sleep with her, and adding that she was the one who put Jen on and the chances of her getting another shot at radio were slim to none.  At this point, Jen decided to do Raqi even one lower and remind her, “I’m White. It will get done.”

Excuse me?

Immediately my mind went back to our “I Always Wanted to Ask” series in which we posed the question,”Do White people understand White privilege?” The consensus seems to be that though there may be plenty who would try to deny it’s existence, I can only suffice that that very denial, like Jen’s statement, is proof that White people are quite aware of how the system works, most times they just don’t want us to know — except, of course, for when they want to remind us of our place. Though Jen’s comment rubbed me all types of the wrong way, it’s not because I think she’s racist like so many viewers have accused her of being, it’s because she’s absolutely right — and her boldness is making that statement was further more proof of that privilege. What’s most unfortunate, though, is she’s not talking about Jen Bayer and Antonique Jenkins vying for the same spot in the Senate. She’s talking about another urban radio station jumping at the chance to employ a white woman, who doesn’t appear to be too enthralled in the rap game, to disseminate information to a predominately Black audience, over another Black person.

In all honesty, Jen wasn’t telling Raqi anything she didn’t know. After all, Raqi was the one who pointed out Jen’s marketability to “white her wrong.” She picked Jen to be her co-host for a particular reason — because she’s White — and now that racial reality is probably going to bite her in the butt even harder than Ebro probably got in it when she practically tried to bounce up on Vado when he was on their audition show. For that reason, I’m mad at Jen, but I’m not mad. What she said during her spat with Raqi was about the equivalent of  another girl calling her friend the b-word when things get a little too real during a heated argument. It was said out of frustration that Raqi might be right about Consequence trying to get on, anger that their opportunity at Hot 97 was now blown, and ego because Raqi tried to blow up her unemployed spot. It was wrong, but not racist. I just wonder what Jen is going to tell her biracial son when he’s passed over for a job because it went to someone as lily White as his mom is?

Check out the clip to see the drama that went down last night. Who do you think was in the wrong?

Source: Twitter

Every reality TV star has some skeletons in the closet that are bound to come out once the cameras start rolling, but some skeletons are far worse than others. Case in point: disturbing news that has just surfaced about the father of “Love & Hip-Hop” star Yandy Smith’s baby and her rumored fiance, Mandeeces Harris.

It appears Mandeeces is awaiting trial after being accused of having inappropriate sexual conduct with a 15-year-old girl in Lodi, New Jersey two years ago. The 34-year-old who now appears alongside Yandy on LHH is charged with performing various sexual acts with the girl and inappropriately touching her at his former home there.

According to North Jersey’s The Report:

Bergen County prosecutors allege that Harris asked for and received oral from the girl and fondled her on various occasions between September 2009 and April 2010. He was arrested later that year and charged with aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual contact and child endangerment. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Mandeeces is free without bail which is why he has time to appear on Love & Hip-Hop, but on Wednesday the jury was selected for his trial in Hackensack and opening remarks are expected to begin January 29.

Since it took me a little while to put these pieces together in my mind, let me lay out some background details for you. Yandy and Mandeeces have been together off-and-on for six years which means he caught this case while they at least knew each other. Whether they were on at the time is currently unknown, but it’s surprising that she would have a child with this man while these serious legal allegations are flying around, let alone bring him on the show with her, and furthermore, seemingly get engaged to him.

Even more disturbing is the rumor floating around that the 15-year-old girl in question is the daughter of a woman Mandeeces has another son by. Sure this girl isn’t his biological child but the creep factor there cannot be denied. This also makes his and Yandy’s relationship seem super suspect. How long were they off to be having a child with someone else and racking up this kind of charge? Still, this situation also raises the question of whether there’s potential here for bitter baby mama strife and Mandeeces is innocent. I can’t fathom any other explanation for why a man who has remained behind the scenes this long would suddenly step in front of the cameras with all of this going on. I’m also curious whether Mona Sott-Young knows about this. Yandy, girl, good luck.

Source: WENN

During season two of Love & Hip Hop, we were introduced to Erica Mena, a Latina video vixen from the Bronx with a firecracker personality and the temper to match. If you’re having difficulty recalling which girl she was, she’s the one who immediately popped off on Kimbella during their first encounter last season. Erica picked up a pretty poor reputation for being overly impulsive, aggressive and lacking self-control, but she’s claiming that she’s learned her lesson and that she’s a changed woman. In a recent interview with Vibe Vixen, the Love & Hip Hop sophomore shares some of the lessons she’s learned from last season. Check out some of what she had to say.

On her erratic behavior last season:

 ”One thing I kind of learned real quick was think first. I’m so passionate. Once I feel it, I kind of go for it and deal with the consequences later. That’s kind of as real as it gets for me. I kind of go with the punches and then I’m like ‘Uhhh I could’ve done that better’ or ‘I should’ve never said that.’ At least I’m being myself, but in that sense I also need to learn to kind of think things through properly [...] Sometimes it’s best to kind of think and then go through things instead of going off of emotion and things like that. I’ve definitely taken that into consideration and this year. I’m thinking things through in the sense of just life in general.”

On her change of heart during the reunion show:

“The reunion was kind of my time to let people know ‘Yeah, I did go crazy. Yes, I was serious.’ I wasn’t so much apologetic about how I felt, but how I reacted and how I let everything just spiral out of control.”

“Once I messed up it was kind of a big mess up that made me say ‘Okay, I have a lot of cleaning up to do,’ but it was good. It was a time where a lot of things were kind of falling into place and there were a lot of things I was getting rid of that really kind of polluted my environment. It was a strange but really necessary and good transition.”

It seems like Erica is claiming to have had an Evelyn-Iyanla “fix my life” moment. Although Erica has been known to have a pretty over the top temper even prior to her debut on Love & Hip Hop, if her claims are sincere and she has genuinely discovered the error of her ways and is actually going to practice self control, then we say good for her. I have a feeling most folks aren’t buying her story though.

Click here to watch a video clip from Erica’s interview. Do you believe that she has learned her lesson or do you suspect that she’ll revert back to her drink tossing ways?

Jazmine Denise is a news writer for madamenoire.com. Follow her on Twitter @jazminedenise

Source: VH1

You know that it’s almost show time when television networks release supertrailers for their highly anticipated reality shows. VH1 recently released the extended trailer for the upcoming season of Love & Hip Hop and I am so tempted to say “It’s about to go down” in my Kevin Hart voice. The trailer reveals that there will be much more to this season’s storyline than boyfriends and baby daddies who won’t commit. The season appears to tackle some pretty hard-hitting issues including the clashing of culture and religion between couples as well as what seems to be some sort of drug addiction.

Of course, Love and Hip Hop wouldn’t be Love & Hip Hop without substantial amounts of ratchetness being thrown into the storyline. Don’t worry; there will be plenty of slapping, backbiting, and drink throwing.

Many speculated that this season would not be able to measure up to previous seasons because key characters such as Chrissy Lampkin, Jim Jones and Emily Bustamente would not be participating. The trailer also indicates no sign of Kimbella or Somaya Reece. The show however, looks like it will be fairly interesting without them.

With the queen b, Chrissy Lampkin out of the way, it looks as if Love & Hip Hop sophomore, Yandy Smith just might be taking over as this season’s “It” girl. With her adorable baby boy and her boyfriend being added to the cast, it appears that Yandy’s story may dominate this season, even more so than it did last season.

Unfortunately, it’s looking like Olivia is still struggling to get back into the limelight, which is sad since it seemed that she was finally on the right path with her single “Walk Away” at the conclusion of last season.

My Spidey senses tell me this season will be extremely entertaining with a ton of surprises. The first episode is set to premiere Monday, January 7th at 8PM.

Check out the Love & Hip Hop supertrailer on the following page. Will you be tuning in?

It seems like just yesterday we were watching Chrissy throw them bows at Kimbella and cuss out Yandy every chance she got, but Baller Alert is confirming that it’s already time for the next season of Love & Hip-Hop NYC, and that the next cast members have been officially confirmed by VH1. Though we suspected a few of these folks would be a part of the crew, there are a few interesting names added to the mix. Check out the list:

 Joe Budden- Fierce free-styling artist Joe Budden is widely considered one of hip hop’s most gifted lyricists. His Grammy award-winning song “Pump It Up” was featured in the hit movie 2 Fast 2 Furious. This ladies’ man is also known for posting about his very public relationships and break-ups online.

Tahiry Jose- Tahiry is a charismatic urban model who is best known for her rapid-fire sarcasm as well as her painful and very public break-up with Joe Budden.

Raqi Thunda- Radio personality and DJ Raqi Thunda has no problem keeping it real. Raqi and Joe Budden insist they are just long-time friends. However, Raqi and Joe’s ex, Tahiry don’t see eye- to- eye and have a tumultuous relationship.

Consequence - NYC rapper Consequence has established a successful career working with the likes of Kanye West and A Tribe Called Quest. His five year relationship with fellow cast member Jen Bayer and their 1-year old son Caiden has left the couple bickering about how to raise the child based on differing cultural and religious beliefs.

Jen “The Pen” Bayer - Known for dishing up gossip with DJ Whoo Kid and The Hot Boyz of Chicago, Jen has spent the past year raising Caiden, her son with cast member Consequence.

Winter Ramos - With a brief appearance in the second season of “Love & Hip Hop,” Winter Ramos, former assistant to rapper Fabolous, is making her name in hip hop history as she writes a tell-all book on her roster of famous ex-boyfriends and her life in the music industry. She is currently the Creative Costume Designer for Flavor Unit Films.

Rashidah Ali - Known as the “Blinged Out Bombshell,” Rashidah is most known for being a shoe consultant to the stars and is currently working on launching her own shoe line, Encore.

On top of this, BA says that Yandy, Erica Mena, Rich Dollaz, and Olivia will be returning for next season which means this cast is officially on steroids. I’m assuming Mona Scott-Young and ‘dem are trying to get the NY cast to live up to the foolery of Atlanta so they figure the more the messier? I don’t ever recall this version of the series having quite this many players.

BA says the series will premiere Monday, January 7 at 8pm and it looks like we’re in for a hot mess of a time, especially since Joe Budden and Tahiry have already kicked off the dramatics on Twitter. Let the scripted games begin.

Will you be checking out the next season of LHHNY?

Source: Bossip

Perhaps minorities won’t be the only ones critics can say are poorly represented on “Love & Hip-Hop” next season when it comes back around to New York. Back in July, Bossip speculated that Rapper/Producer/Songwriter “Consequence” and his longtime white girlfriend Jen The Pen would be joining the cast, and now SoFurious.com is confirming it’s true—along with a few other potentials we mentioned before.

I’ve been informed that Mona Scott-Young has so far pulled in rapper Consequence and his white girlfriend/baby mama, Jen The Pen for season four. Also joining the cast are Tahiry José (Joe Budden’s ex of five years), a female rapper named Lore’l (pronounced like the cosmetics), a woman named Raqi Thunda (who apparently also dated Joe Budden), and Winter Ramos (Fabolous’ ex-assistant/friend).

Anyone else read that as messy, messy, messy?

Having a white girl in the crew will likely be the least of the worries next season if two ladies who used to date Joe Budden have to be captured behind one small camera screen together. And if Fabolous has the nerve to appear on the show with Winter when he wouldn’t with Emily? Side eyes until kingdom come.

Though the cast doesn’t sound that exciting since no one knows any of these people, when you remember that nobody knew who Joseline, Stebie, Mimi, or any of the other Atlanta crew were two months ago, and now we can’t get enough of them, we’ll probably be addicted to these unknowns in a few months too.

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