Parents' Guide to

Love and Hip Hop

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Reality rap soap puts emphasis on being sexy, aiding men.

TV VH1 Reality TV 2011
Love and Hip Hop Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 3 parent reviews

SMartinez2021
SMartinez2021 Adult
March 24, 2021
age 18+

Love & Hip Hop Franchise

Love and Hip Hop after 6 years did an ultimate cross over of all cast members from New York, Atlanta, Hollywood, and Miami. Performers, producers, managers, models, R&B and Hip-hop artist in the industry that have appeared since they aired on VH1 in 2014 come on TV and look back at some of the most memorable scenes. Love & Hip Hop documents the personal and “professional” lives of several well-known celebrities like Jim Jones, Cardi B, K Michelle, Ray J, Remy Ma, and Joseline Hernandez. This media franchise was used to not only make money in the Tv industry but also to promote and launch careers. Through fashion and music these celebrities use their lives to entertain viewers. This show has catty fights, drinks flying, and drama that narrates a soap opera. Different backgrounds, attitudes, and values are what brings this show together and is described as returning viewers, “guilty pleasure”. I think that Love and Hip Hop reminds us that celebrities are real people and go through real life issues. Although, some of it looks staged and others may say it’s all fabricated the show represents societal struggles and success through the music industry. In the new season, cast members react to unseen footage and spill tea about the show’s most unforgettable moments. This “family reunion” edition hosted by Kendall Kyndall gives viewers insight on new celebrity gossip.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
John M.
John M. Adult
February 12, 2018
age 15+

Inapropite and bad for kids

I think hip hop music is very damaging to kids because they swear so much and talk about to inappropriate stuff.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

LOVE AND HIP HOP chronicles the lives of four women connected to the rap music scene. The show focuses on Chrissy Lampkin, the girlfriend of rapper Jim Jones; Emily Bustamente, the stylist and behind-the-scenes girlfriend of rapper Fabolous; singer and former 50 Cent G-Unit member Olivia Longott; and model and up-and-coming rap artist Somaya Reece. Occasionally joining the group is R&B singer Mashonda Tifrere. Together they attempt to cope with the challenges they face living in the rap music world, which include being unable to get their rap artist partners to commit to them and struggling to make their own mark in the rap industry.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This docudrama attempts to show the flip side of the luxurious, high profile world of rap by featuring women who are struggling to build the careers and secure the relationships they want in a male-dominated industry that markets womanizing bachelorhood and female objectification. Unfortunately, the significance of this message gets lost in the endless catty arguments and trashy behavior exhibited by some of the cast.

The women featured here are choosing to be part of the rapper lifestyle, but some don't appear to be very happy with these choices. Meanwhile, the fact that some of them are defining themselves and their lives according to the needs and goals of their rapping romantic partners and business associates makes them less than ideal role models for young women. It's hard to figure out exactly what it is that you're supposed to take away from this series, but ultimately, the message it sends to women isn't very empowering.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Parents can talk about rap music. What's the history of rap music and the culture that surrounds it? Talk about the messages that rap music and hip-hop culture promote -- both the good and the bad.

  • Talk about the women in this show. How do they fit into hip-hop culture? How are women typically talked about in rap music and/or rap music videos? Why? Does this kind of music perpetuate specific stereotypes about the African-American community?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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