The new season of “Love & Hip Hop” is out with the old and in with the new. The VH1 cameras are back in their original stomping grounds and show producers found new ladies in New York City to follow.
While there are still familiar faces on the show — Yandy, Tahiry and Erica Mena — a handful of others got the boot, including Raqi Thunda, Rashidah Ali, Jen The Pen, Lore’l and our old time favorite Olivia.
Click through the slides to meet the new L&HH girls and tell us which old cast members you will miss most.
Introducing Tara Wallace!
According to her VH1 bio, Tara is a Southern belle from Mississippi. She moved to New York City to pursue her dream of acting and she is the long-time girlfriend of rapper Peter Gunz, the father of her two children, 5-year-old Jamison and 2-year-old Kaz.
“Tara is truly the epitome of brains and beauty,” it reads. “She holds a degree in Dramatic Art from Jackson State University and a MFA in acting from NY’s Actors Studio Drama School. During school and after graduating, Tara pounded the NYC pavement and was heavily involved in musical and off-Broadway theater, appearing in various productions. She is the manager and a well-known face at a hot-spot in NYC’s trendy meatpacking district, but has never lost sight of her dream of being an actress. In fact, she still continues to study and hone her craft.”
Introducing Erica Jean!
According to her bio, Erica Jean is New York-bred actress.
“Her love and drive for the performing arts lead her to attend Howard University as a Theater Arts major. Erica Jean has done several performances in the tri-state area including: James Baldwins’, Off Broadway production of Blues for Mister Charlie. Her love of acting continues, but as a hobby,” it reads. “Erica Jean’s main focus these days is raising her very energetic son, Stephen, aka “Lil,” B”, that she has with Rapper Saigon. Being a single mom at times can be taxing and tiring but that doesn’t keep Erica Jean from being upbeat and positive. Her love for her son Stephen has motivated her to advance her career. Erica Jean is now pursuing her second passion, working in the medical field. She is currently continuing her education to become a nurse.”
Introducing Amina Buddafly!
According to her bio, Amina Buddafly is a half-Senegalese, half-German singer songstress.
“In 2002, Black Buddafly (her music group) took a leap of faith and without a plan, packed their bags and flew to New York City with nothing but $600 and a dream. Leaving everything behind in Germany, they had no “choyce” but to make it in America. And they did! Black Buddafly was signed to Def Jam and J Records. After Black Buddafly disbanded, her sisters moved back to Germany. Amina went through all the ups and downs of the music business and then made the decision to only do what she loves without trying to please everyone else.” it reads. “Aside from her being an artist, Amina is very driven and determined to become a big-time songwriter/composer. Her catalog holds more than 400 songs that she has written over the past few years. She also has learned how to engineer and produce, even teaching herself LOGIC. By spending her life surrounded by accomplished producers/writers and having the opportunity to work with major labels, Amina gained tons of experience. Today, more than ever, she is ready and has what it takes to get to the top.”
Welcome to NYC, K. Michelle!
This L&HH ATL veteran joins the New York cast for this go-around. With a new chart-topping album and tour under her belt, we are sure K will bring the realness and laughs she has on previous season.
“I’m really at a point in my life where I wanna work on myself and just be happy,” she says. “I don’t want any drama. I just want to create that music that makes you feel so so good.”
