Source: Instagram

When K.Michelle emerged on the reality television scene last year, her name almost instantly became synonymous with drama and ratchet-typed antics. So much so that the real reason many of us had already known and loved her, which was her ability to put out great music, was somehow beginning to fade to black. For nearly a year, fans have voiced their opinions through media outlets and social networking sites, begging the talented to songbird to leave the drama alone and focus on delivering the soulful melodies and ridiculously real and relatable hooks like only she can. Thankfully, it appears that she’s doing just that. Yesterday the Memphis native released a short trailer about her forthcoming album, Rebellious Soul and from the looks of it, we’re in for quite a treat! The video begins with a short note that reads:

“At the end of Love & Hip Hop K.Michelle decided to take a break from all outside distractions and locked herself in the studio to record her new album.”

Pardon my bird-like reaction but, YASSSSSSSSSSS! The video goes on to show K working in the studio with producers, studio techs and rapper T.I. as she narrates, explaining the inspiration behind her forthcoming project.

“This project means everything to me. A lot of people counted me out. A lot of people called me ratchet and yes I can be ratchet, but I’m a ratchet musician. I’m a person who lives, loves and breathes everything music. I was determined that with this project people were going to understand that music is still alive and I was determined with this project that people were going to finally see me for more than just a crazy ratchet reality star. I’m not a reality star. I’m a star that’s on a reality show.”

The “I Just Wanna” singer went on to discuss the meaning behind her album title, Rebellious Soul.

“A lot of people say ‘A rebel without a cause.’ I’m the rebel with the cause. I rebel against things that might be controversial to people, but I rebel against racism. I rebel against all of those things that society has placed upon us to try to make us feel inferior and try to keep us tamed. No one will tame me, ever, never. And it won’t begin on this album.”

The video closes with a brief snippet of K recording a song. It looks like it’s going to be a great project!

In other K.Michelle news, the singer’s “I Just Wanna” track is now available for sale on iTunes and she recently released some behind the scenes footage to the filming of the video, which is scheduled to debut today.

Check out her Rebellious Soul trailer below. Turn the page to check out a behind the scenes clip from her music video, “I Just Wanna.” Are you excited that the focus is finally back on her music? 

Source: KMichellefans.com

Reality star and singer K.Michelle has mentioned several times that Season 2 of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta will more than likely be her last season with the franchise. It seems that she’s tired of fighting with nearly all of her LHHATL co-stars and feels weird that she thanks God for blessing her in one breath and is cursing her co-stars out in the next.

“I’m announcing that, I won’t be on ‘Love & Hip Hop’…I just feel like when God is brining you to the positive, it’s very hard to say ‘Thank you Jesus and f**k you b****es’,” she told fans during a D.C. concert.

The “Bury My Heart” singer expressed similar sentiments during a radio interview back in February.

“I don’t want to do no more reality television. I’ve been talking to Mona about producing my own show. I really wanna do that… I think this probably will be my last season of ‘Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta’… Especially when God is taking you to a positive place. It’s really hard to be happy ‘Thank you, Jesus for these blessings,’ and then on Monday be like ‘F*** you b****.’ It’s real difficult to do that. You know what I’m saying?”

It appears that K.Michelle will be getting her own show after all. She excitedly shared the news with fans during a recent performance.

“God is just bringing me to a whole different place. My mouth is still bad. I drink and act a fool. But, I just don’t think that [Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta] is where I need to be. I do have my own show coming on VH1. You guys are gonna like that one a lot. You really are,” she said before going into her popular “I Just Wanna F**k” track.

It’s also interesting to note that according to The Jasmine Brand, K.Michelle was a no-show at the recent Love & Hip Hop:Atlanta premiere party.

While we don’t know the exact nature of the show that the Memphis songbird will be appearing on, it’s almost guaranteed to be entertaining. It could be interesting to see what a less “dramafied” K.Michelle is like when she’s not bickering with her cast mates. We’ll continue to keep you posted as this story develops.

Turn the page to see footage of K.Michelle sharing her big news. Do you plan on watching her spin-off?

Picture it: Richmond, Virginia, around 1996. It is Monday, mid-morning, and students on the campus of Virginia Union University are trying to figure out ways to pass the time between classes. While the library would be the most productive option, instead, dozens of students squeeze into the activity room at the Henderson Center and huddle around the television. With so many of us in the room, the temperature always managed to climb to a stifling degree, but whatever discomfort was felt from the heat paled in comparison to what was heating up on the small screen.

You see, between the hours of 11 a.m and 12 noon, it was known campus-wide as Jerry Springer hour. It was the time where we squelched our hunger for the shenanigans. There were public spectacles like a Nazi family reunion with a Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner twist; a deceitful lesbian, who tricked a straight exotic dancer into believing that she was actually a dude; and a love triangle involving an amputee man with no legs. It was crass, lewd and very ludicrous. It was the embarrassing part of America, of the community and heck even our own families. And yet here we were, W.E.B. Du Bois’ dream, sitting together in the hollow halls of a prestigious HBCU, hooting, fist pumping and booing every time someone manages to break free from the arms of Steve Wilkos and throw a fist or chair across the stage. Yes, it was shocking and appalling. But in between the tomfoolery, some discussions would happen; sides would be taken, and suddenly the real show was going on inside of the activity room.

Watching Mona Scott Young moderate the reunion episode for the third season of Love & Hip Hop on Monday, I realized how much she reminded me of that golden era of talk. I mean, that reunion episode had it all: lie detector tests, screaming matches, surprise twists, love triangles…and that was in the first 20 minutes. I watched as Mona was a referee between Raqi and Rashidah, who bickered over which of the two was a bigger industry “h*e” (I’m not being facetious; that was the actual conversation). My inside dialogue was like, well that’s just like debating Golden Delicious apples versus Granny Smith apples. However, Scott-Young took a different approach: She had respect for her guests, in this case, her cast mates. She didn’t mock them or make light of their petty disagreements. Instead, she tried her best to get to the bottom of their conflict by giving them the stage to air out their grievances. If the two wanted to deflect or skirt around the elephant – or should I say Joe Budden – in the room, well, that’s on them.

That’s why the whole, “she is bringing down the community”-talk just doesn’t work for me. Or if it does, I feel like this is a conversation we should have been having years ago when we were soaking up Donahue, Morton Downey Jr. and of course Springer. It’s so funny because so many people say that they don’t watch these type of shows and yet the numbers do speak for themselves. I don’t see why we folks have a hard time admitting to liking that there is something more realistic and pessimistically relatable about the people we see on her shows. It’s more than identifying with the characters themselves and what they do (very few of us can put video vixen on our resume), but rather an acknowledgment of the imperfect world we live in, where obscenity-laden screaming matches (with the occasional fist fight) and accusations of being h*e are pretty common. You don’t even have to be at the center of the drama. You could be standing in line at the supermarket or on the train and the drama will pop off around you. Believe me, I have been around some smack downs before and not once did anyone stop watching. Truth is, real life is messy and people can identify more with the emotional roller coaster (should I leave him or should I stay?) of dealing with a cheating partner more than they can the watered down, and often patronizing adversity we get from the Cosby Show-esque clones we have come to associate with more positive representational television.

It just seems like to blame Scott Young for the downfall of black television is a cop-out to all the not-so-kind images of black folks on television before her arrival. There was reality television, there was daytime television, and before that there were soap operas, or as the women in my family would call them: “stories.” No one ever complained about how black women looked on television when Drucilla Barber Winters was getting her Granny Golden Delicious Smith apples on with brothers on the Young and the Restless.  Scott Young has just managed to find a way to combine all the melodrama of the soaps with the tomfoolery of daytime talk and call it reality.

Source: Tumblr

When one thinks of reality TV series Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, chances are the outspoken, stripper-turned-recording-artist, Joseline Hernandez will come to mind. While the other characters may have interesting storylines, the Joseline-Stevie J-MiMi saga is arguably one of the most entertaining love triangles on the ratchet reality TV circuit. I mean really, what would Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta be without the slick-talking, heart-on-my-sleeve wearing Joseline Hernandez? If you watched the show’s “Dirty Little Secrets” special, which aired December of last year, you may have already heard a brief snippet of one LHHATL producer discussing how Joseline was added to the cast. During a recent press event, Love & Hip Hop visionary Mona Scott-Young revealed to The Drop FM just how thankful she is to have crossed paths with the reality television star we now know as Joseline Hernandez.

“Joseline was a gift from the reality gods. I actually wasn’t even anticipating meeting Joseline. I was meeting with Mimi and we were in the lobby of a hotel where I was doing the interviews. We were waiting on Stevie [J] to come and meet us. He came in with my partner and we were talking to them and I said, ‘Oh yeah, did you meet Mimi? And this is Stevie. Mimi is Stevie’s girlfriend.’ He pulls me to the side like, ‘Well, if MiMi is Stevie’s girlfriend, who’s the chick he was kissing in the parking lot?”

Yes, Joseline and Stevie’s sexual indiscretions are what landed her a spot on the show. While Mona is thanking the reality TV cosmos for allowing her to cross paths with Joseline, it appears that the feeling is mutual. Thanks to Mona and Steebie, Joseline doesn’t have to go “back to the strip club.”

“I will never forget the first time I gave Joseline a check and she cried. Prior to that she has never seen her name printed on a check because she was only ever paid in dollar bills,” Mona said last week before suggesting that her shows acts as a life-changing platform for cast members.

Something tells me MiMi Faust doesn’t share these sentiments.

Can you imagine LHHATL without Joseline? Do you think you’d still watch?

Yesterday we shared the Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta mini trailer that VH1 aired following the conclusion of Love & Hip Hop: New York‘s season finale. The brief trailer, lasting only 17 seconds assured LHHATL fans that their favorite ratch-pack would be sure to turn things up this season, just as they always do. But the newly released, extended trailer for the Atlanta-based telvision program is sure to leave fans with their jaws hitting the floor.

First, let’s address the obvious. Stevie J and Joseline Hernandez are still “together,” but it appears that he still may have something going on with Mimi, despite her newfound love in Atlanta “producer” Nikko. As if that isn’t interesting enough, it appears that this love triangle-turned-square has evolved into a pentagon. The big booty “artist” that we saw Stevie working with during the final seconds of  last season’s finale episode also makes appearance and seems to be a permanent fixture this season. You can probably guess that Joseline isn’t too happy about this, but you know what they say about karma.

In another scene, it appears that Rasheeda is regretfully informing her husband Kirk that she’s pregnant. Seconds later Kirk is demanding a blood test. Now we know that reality TV editing can make things appear to be more than what they are at times, but Rasheeda clearly utters the words “I’m pregnant,” and Kirk straight up tells her “That right there, we will need a blood test.” This especially insane since Rasheeda didn’t appear too happy about being pregnant by her husband of 12+ years.

Of course, Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta wouldn’t be Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta without a handful of fights breaking out. As to be expected, K. Michelle and Rasheeda are still going at it. K.Michelle and Mimi have their altercation. And Erica finally snaps on Momma Dee, attempting to lunge at her during what looks like some sort of family gathering. There’s a whole lot more going on, but we’ll let you check out the trailer for yourself.

Turn the page for a LHHATL Season 2 sneak peek.

Source: VH1

Monday night, the first episode of VH1′s newest reality show, The Gossip Game debuted. When we first reported on the show, some of you expressed that you were excited about its debut, as you expected that a reality show starring seven career-driven women would offer positivity. Others revealed that they expected nothing more than another ratchet reality show with a different name, concocted in the mind of media maven, Mona Scott-Young. Considering all of the backbiting, public screaming matches and verbal assassinations that went down, the premiere episode proved that drama is to be expected this season. But is that all we can expect from the show that once offered promise of positive images of Black women on television? In a recent VH1 blog post, The Gossip Game star and host of Power 105.1′s The Breakfast Club, Angela Yee discussed the show’s first episode. In the blog, the radio personality expressed that the show was actually supposed to rise above the craziness that we’re used to seeing on other reality television programs. An excerpt from her post reads:

“Why would you agree to do a reality show? That’s the first question I get in almost every interview. It seems that everyone and their mama has a show now, or is working on a pilot for a show, or has an idea for a show that could work. There’s a stigma about reality shows and the people who star in them. Reality shows mean your career will end, your marriage will be cursed, you have to fight and/or throw a drink, or you’re going to end up broke and a has-been when the series ends. Only a slim percentage of people will go on to profit and reap the benefits.

When I interviewed Marlon Wayans, he pulled me to the side after and warned me not to get into a fight or act crazy on TV. Of course, that was never my intention. I’ve seen people “turn up” for the camera, thinking that this is the best way to maximize their platform and get more camera time. This formula works, but it’s shortsighted. When the season ends, where do you go?

The Gossip Game is supposed to defy this formula. There are 7 women who have their careers and reputations on the line. After working over 8 years in radio to build my brand, I would never want to misrepresent myself. I’ve had to deal with racism, sexism, rumors, malice, a little bit of everything. I’m used to being around men at work all the time, and dealing with a cast of women is a completely different arena.”

So far, the show doesn’t exactly appear to be much different from any other reality television show, but I suppose that could eventually change.

Did you check out The Gossip Game? What do you think of the show so far?

D. Salters/WENN.com

Since her resurgence in 2010 with VH1’s hit “Love & Hip Hop,” Mona Scott-Young has reigned as an entrepreneur and hip hop mogul. The show, which featured emotionally unpredictable and unstable cast members wandering through New York’s hip hop scene, sought to shed light on an industry that was unfamiliar to the masses. The weekly series has since expanded Mona’s empire to additional properties such as “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” and her newest addition, VH1’s “The Gossip Game.”

Like any other entrepreneur, she has faced trials (the loss of her former Violator business partner Chris Lighty) and triumphs (Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta soaring as one of the top rated reality television shows in history). The hip hop mogul also recently expanded into the consumer products industry with her flavored “MYX Moscato,” as well as preparing for her upcoming reality show on BRAVO.

To continue reading this Q&A with Mona-Scott Young, click through to BlackEnterprise.com.

The Love & Hip Hop season finale aired last night and while some may have been a little sad to see Joe, Tahiry and the gang go, the good news is that they’re likely to return next season. The even better news is that their departure means that the Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta’s Season 2 debut will be airing soon! Monday, April 22nd at 8/7c to be exact!

The network recently dropped a trailer for the new season, and if your Olivia Pope gut instincts told you that we’re in for one hell of a ride, you were 100% correct! The trailer opens with a half-dressed Joseline Hernandez strutting into a home that I’m guessing belongs to Stevie. She quickly finds her way to the kitchen where Molly Mimi and Stevie are seated.

“I see you got on your maid outfit like you always do,” Joseline says to Mimi, looking her up and down.

You can probably guess that all hell broke loose after that. The clip quickly cuts to Mimi spazzing on Stevie in a bathroom.

“This b***h wanna call me and maid and you not gonna say nothing?” Mimi angrily yells at Stevie before throwing a cup of what appears to be water in his face.

Meanwhile on the other side of town, it appears that Shay is still running around Atlanta all teary-eyed over Scrappy going back to Erica (although it seemed obvious that she knew she was the other women to begin with. Go figure). During a scene that shows the former Flavor of Love reality star holding back tears, the Queen Momma Dee attempts to console her.

“Just watch out. Change is coming,” Momma Dee assures her.

I’m not really sure what change Momma Dee was referring to, but I’m sure it won’t be long before we all find out. Right after the video clip ended, all I could hear in my head was Kevin Hart saying, “It’s about to go down.”

Turn the page to see the madness for yourself. Will you be tuning in this season?

Source: WENN

Jennifer Williams hasn’t exactly disappeared since opting not to return for the fifth season of “Basketball Wives” in Miami. She’s still seen out and about at virtually ever reality TV red carpet event in NYC, but one place we haven’t been seeing her is on the television — yet.

While the ex-wife of Eric Williams attended the screening for VH1′s new series, “The Gossip Game,” Jennifer let on that she’s working on a spin-off reality show of her own and since we already know how the Viacom network gets down, you should know this project has Mona Scott-Young’s name all over it.

According to VH1′s blog:

“It came as a shock to many when word got out that Jenn wouldn’t return to the fifth season of Basketball Wives. Arguably the only “real” Basketball Wife, many revered Jenn for her class and maturity on screen. When asked about her departure she simply stated, “It wasn’t for me anymore.” But does that mean she’s over television, too? Lucky for us, Jenn revealed she’s in talks with Scott-Young to create a reality show of her own, embodying the philosophy that when one door closes, another surely opens. A glimpse into her new business ventures with Lucid Cosmetics, or her relationship with new boo Cisco Rosado (who happens to be the founder of CMG entertainment) could work, especially if we see another side of Jenn– the “real” her, and we aren’t talking about Drake songs.”

This doesn’t come as a total shock as Jenn obviously loves the spotlight, and VH1 is known for trying to milk every last ounce of juice they can out of their reality TV cohorts. What would be surprising though, and I hate to say it, would be Jenn’s ability to carry a show by herself. Among the hyper personalities of the women on BBW, her chill demeanor is a welcome presence, but on her own I can see her coming off as very…boring — unless there’s some drama to be seen between her and her man. And, personally, I wouldn’t wish that on them because too many reality relationships have gone by the wayside as a result of these types of television shows.

Despite the lack of a clear vision for the new series — or a premiere date — one thing we do know is the show will not have a storyline about Jenn reuniting with her long lost buddy Evelyn Lozada. According to VH1:

“[F]or those of you who are wondering if Jenn and her former costar, Evelyn Lozada, ever became friends again… Jenn uttered not a single word when asked about their onscreen quarrel. But there was a look! And that look read “Hell to the no.”

That’s probably a good move. What do you think about Jenn getting her own reality show. Will you watch?

Source: WENN

Since her emergence on the reality television scene with the original Love & Hip Hop, Mona Scott-Young has caught a bad rap for the way that she allows women of color to be negatively portrayed on her shows. During a recent press event in Atlanta, the entrepreneur addressed those allegations, claiming that while many are disapproving of the women that she casts to be featured on her reality shows, it is not her job to judge them, reports Vibe Vixen.

“Often times people tell me how horrible it is, or how these women should go crawl under a rock. I’m not here to judge them! I think that these women are a part of our population as African Americans. They live real lives and their stories deserve to be told as much as the other stories. I encourage them to use this as a platform. I will never forget the first time I gave Joseline a check and she cried. Prior to that she has never seen her name printed on a check because she was only ever paid in dollar bills, so don’t tell me I’m not changing lives,” the Love & Hip Hop visionary said.

Mona also says that people should stop pretending that the world being portrayed on the show doesn’t exist.

“This is Love & 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!” she told Hip Hop Wired.

Would you say she makes a valid point?