''Growing Up Hip Hop'' is the original installment of the ''Growing Up Hip Hop''
reality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that documents purportedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring unfamiliar people rather than professional actors. Reality television emerged as a distinct genre in the early 19 ...
franchise on
WE tv
We TV (stylized as WE tv) is an American pay television channel. Owned by AMC Networks since its September 1997 launch, it is oriented mainly towards lifestyle and entertainment programming.
As of February 2015, approximately 85.2 million Ameri ...
. The series premiered on January 7, 2016, and chronicles the lives of the children of hip hop legends. Its success has led to the creation of spin-offs ''
Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta'' and ''
Growing Up Hip Hop: New York''. The series is executive produced by Datari Turner Productions and Entertainment One Studios. On December 29, 2022,
WE tv
We TV (stylized as WE tv) is an American pay television channel. Owned by AMC Networks since its September 1997 launch, it is oriented mainly towards lifestyle and entertainment programming.
As of February 2015, approximately 85.2 million Ameri ...
announced the show's return for a seventh and the final season which premiered on January 5, 2023.
Cast
Main
Current
*
Romeo Miller
Percy Romeo Miller (born August 19, 1989), also known by his stage name Romeo (formerly Lil' Romeo), is an American rapper, actor, and television personality. He gained fame as a rapper in the early 2000s after signing with No Limit Records, the ...
(Seasons 1–5, 7)
: Son of
Master P
Percy Robert Miller Sr. (born April 29, 1967), known by his stage name Master P, is an American rapper, record executive, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He is the founder of the record label No Limit Records, which was relaunched as ...
and brother of
Cymphonique Miller
Cymphonique Miller (born August 1, 1996), known professionally as Cymphonique, is an American singer and actress. She is the daughter of Percy Robert Miller (also known as Master P) and is the younger sister of Romeo Miller (a.k.a. Romeo). She ...
. Miller's career began with the release of his debut studio
Lil' Romeo
Percy Romeo Miller (born August 19, 1989), also known by his stage name Romeo (formerly Lil' Romeo), is an American rapper, actor, and television personality. He gained fame as a rapper in the early 2000s after signing with No Limit Records, the ...
at the age of 11, which led to other opportunities including his own
Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon (often shortened to Nick) is an American pay television television channel, channel which launched on April 1, 1979, as the first cable channel for children. It is run by Paramount Global through its List of assets owned by Param ...
sitcom,
Romeo!
''Romeo!'' is a sitcom that aired on Nickelodeon from 2003 to 2006, totaling 53 episodes. The filming was done in Vancouver, British Columbia, while the show takes place in Seattle, Washington. The show stars Romeo as a fictionalized version of h ...
, running from 2003 to 2006. Miller appeared on
Dancing with the Stars
''Dancing with the Stars'' is the name of various international television series based on the format of the British TV series '' Strictly Come Dancing'', which is distributed by BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the BBC. Currently the forma ...
during its twelfth season. In 2016, Miller appeared on
Empire
An empire is a "political unit" made up of several territories and peoples, "usually created by conquest, and divided between a dominant center and subordinate peripheries". The center of the empire (sometimes referred to as the metropole) ex ...
during its third season as Gram. The series chronicles his business ventures with his father. He broke up with his ex-fiance of Angela in the fifth season. He quit the show. He rejoined the show for season 7.
*
Angela Simmons
''Run's House'' is an American reality television series that debuted on October 13, 2005. The series chronicles the family life of former Run–D.M.C. rapper and hip-hop music pioneer Joseph Simmons, also known as Rev Run.
Background
The se ...
:Daughter of
Rev Run
Joseph Ward Simmons (born November 14, 1964), better known by the stage name Run, Rev. Run or DJ Run, is an American rapper, producer, DJ and television personality. Simmons is one of the founding members of the influential hip hop group Ru ...
of
Run–D.M.C. and sister of Vanessa Simmons. Simmons first gained public attention when she appeared with her family on the reality TV series
Run's House
''Run's House'' is an American reality television series that debuted on October 13, 2005. The series chronicles the family life of former Run–D.M.C. rapper and hip-hop music pioneer Joseph Simmons, also known as Rev Run.
Background
The ser ...
. She has made a name for herself by making a clothing line. The third season chronicles her struggles of connecting with her family after becoming a mother. He's like the new music career in the seventh season.
* Egypt Criss
:Daughter of
Pepa
Performance Evaluation Process Algebra (PEPA) is a stochastic process algebra designed for modelling computer and communication systems introduced by Jane Hillston in the 1990s. The language extends classical process algebras such as Milner's ...
of
Salt-n-Pepa
Salt-N-Pepa (also stylized as Salt 'N' Pepa or Salt 'N Pepa) is an American hip-hop group formed in New York City in 1985, that comprised Salt (Cheryl James), Pepa (Sandra Denton), and DJ Spinderella (Deidra Roper). Their debut album, ''Hot, C ...
and
Treach
Anthony Criss (born December 2, 1970), better known by his stage name Treach, is an American rapper and actor. He is perhaps best known as the lead rapper of the hip hop group Naughty by Nature.
Career
With Naughty by Nature, Treach worked ...
of
Naughty by Nature and wife of Sammattick. Criss has the desire to create a name for herself musically.
*
Vanessa Simmons
Vanessa Jean Simmons (born August 5, 1983) is an American television personality. Her family is featured in the MTV reality show ''Run's House''. She was recently the host and judge of '' Project Runway: Threads''.
Early life
Simmons is the olde ...
(Season 3–present)
(supporting cast member in season 2) (guest star in season 1)
:Daughter of
Rev Run
Joseph Ward Simmons (born November 14, 1964), better known by the stage name Run, Rev. Run or DJ Run, is an American rapper, producer, DJ and television personality. Simmons is one of the founding members of the influential hip hop group Ru ...
of
Run–D.M.C. and sister of Angela Simmons. Simmons first gained public attention when she appeared with her family on the reality TV series
Run's House
''Run's House'' is an American reality television series that debuted on October 13, 2005. The series chronicles the family life of former Run–D.M.C. rapper and hip-hop music pioneer Joseph Simmons, also known as Rev Run.
Background
The ser ...
. In the third season, she struggles to become closer to Angela.
* Briana Latrise (Season 4–present)
(supporting cast member in seasons 2–3)
:Daughter of Kendu Isaacs. In the second season, Briana deals with an abusive relationship. The third season chronicles the fallout from the breakup of her father and
Mary J. Blige
Mary Jane Blige ( ; born January 11, 1971) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Often referred to as the " Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and " Queen of R&B", Blige has won nine Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, four American Music Award ...
. Boogie's ex-lover and Lil' Eazy-E's love interest.
* Tahira "Tee Tee" Francis-Rogers (Season 4–present)
(supporting cast member in season 3)
:Niece of Pepa. In the third season, Tee Tee goes to LA to watch over Egypt as Pepa goes on tour again, however, she becomes involved in a lot of drama.
* Jojo Simmons (Season 5–present)
(supporting cast member in season 4)
:Son of Rev Run and brother of Vanessa and Angela. Jojo will be joining the cast of ''
Growing Up Hip Hop: New York'' along with his father.
* Cree Campbell (Season 6–present)
:Daughter of
Uncle Luke
Luther Roderick Campbell (born December 22, 1960), also known as Luke Skyywalker, Uncle Luke and simply Luke, is an American rapper, promoter, record executive, actor, and former leader of the rap group 2 Live Crew. He also starred in a short- ...
.
* Sammattick (Season 7—present)
(supporting cast member in seasons 3—6)
: Husband of Egypt Criss.
*
Layzie Bone
Steven Howse (born September 23, 1974), known professionally as Layzie Bone, is a rapper known primarily for being a member of the group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. He has also gone by the names L-Burna and The #1 Assassin. He is the younger brother ...
(Season 7—present)
(supporting cast member in season 6)
: Rapper and member of
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
* Sakoya Wynter (Season 7—present)
(supporting cast member in season 6)
: Daughter of Joel "JoJo" Hailey and baby's mama of
Daniel Jacobs.
*
Lil Twist
Christopher Lynn Moore (born January 11, 1993), better known by his stage name Lil Twist, is an American rapper from Dallas, Texas. He is signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment.[Young Money
Young Money Entertainment is an American record label founded by rapper Lil Wayne. Young Money's president is Lil Wayne's lifelong friend and fellow rapper Mack Maine. The label was an imprint of Cash Money Records and is distributed by Republ ...]
.
* Tyran Denton (Season 7—present)
(supporting cast member in seasons 5—6)
: Son of Pepa and brother of Egypt.
* Shawn Rogers (Season 7—present)
(supporting cast member in seasons 5—6)
: Husband of Tee Tee.
*
Lil Eazy E
Eric Darnell Wright (born April 23, 1984), better known by his stage names Lil Eazy-E and Lil Eazy, is an American rapper. He is best known for being the son of Eazy-E. He is the president of Rich & Ruthless Records, an entertainment and busine ...
(Season 7—present)
(supporting cast member in seasons 4—6)
: Son of
Eazy-E
Eric Lynn Wright (September 7, 1964 – March 26, 1995), known professionally as Eazy-E, was an American rapper who propelled West Coast rap and gangsta rap by leading the group N.W.A and its label, Ruthless Records. He is often referred t ...
. Real name Eric Wright, Jr., he was previously in a relationship with Briana.
*
Bow Wow (Season 7—present)
(supporting cast member in season 3—5)
: Angela's ex-boyfriend & fiancee. In the third season, Bow Wow tries to rekindle his friendship with Angela. Bow Wow is also main cast
member of ''
Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta''.
Former
*
Kristinia DeBarge
Kristinia Jamie DeBarge (; born March 8, 1990) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actress. DeBarge first appeared on national television in 2003 as a contestant on the ''American Idol'' spin-off, ''American Juniors''. In 2009, DeBarge ...
(Seasons 1–4)
:Daughter of
James DeBarge
James Curtis DeBarge (born August 22, 1963) is an American R&B/soul singer. He was one of the members of the singing family vocal group DeBarge who became famous with their mid-1980s songs " All This Love", "Love Me in a Special Way", " Rhythm ...
of
DeBarge
DeBarge was an American musical recording group composed of several members of the DeBarge family. In addition to various solo projects completed by members of the family, DeBarge was active between 1979 and 1989. The group originally consisted ...
. DeBarge followed in her family's footsteps and went into music. DeBarge's debut single
Goodbye
Goodbye, Good bye, or Good-bye is a parting phrase and may refer to:
Film
* ''Goodbye'' (1918 film), a British drama directed by Maurice Elvey
* ''Goodbye'' (1995 film) (''Tot Ziens!''), a Dutch film directed by Heddy Honigmann
* ''Goodbye'' ...
released in 2009, went platinum and released an album
Exposed
Expose, exposé, or exposed may refer to:
News sources
* Exposé (journalism), a form of investigative journalism
* '' The Exposé'', a British conspiracist website
Film and TV Film
* ''Exposé'' (film), a 1976 thriller film
* ''Exposed'' (1932 ...
along with it. DeBarge has continued to make music over the years. She has the desire to find out if she has a half-sister whose mother would be
Janet Jackson
Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreog ...
beginning in the second season. The third season chronicles her desire to put out music, but faces rumors about sleeping with her producer.
* TJ Mizell (Seasons 1–2)
(supporting cast member in season 3)
:Son of
Jam Master Jay
Jason William Mizell (January 21, 1965 – October 30, 2002), better known by his stage name Jam Master Jay, was an American musician and DJ. He was the DJ of the influential hip hop group Run-DMC. During the 1980s, Run-DMC became one of the big ...
of
Run–D.M.C.
* Damon "Boogie" Dash (Seasons 1—6)
:Son of Linda Williams and music mogul / fashion designer
Damon Dash
Damon Anthony Dash (born May 3, 1971) is an American entrepreneur and record executive. Dash is best known as co-founder of Roc-A-Fella along with Jay-Z and Kareem Burke.
Early life
Born in New York City, Dash swept the floors of a local barbe ...
. The second and third seasons showcase his struggle with drinking
alcohol and hiding DUIS.
* Savannah Jordan (Season 6—present)
:Daughter of Stevie J and new love interest of Boogie.
Supporting
Current
*
Pepa
Performance Evaluation Process Algebra (PEPA) is a stochastic process algebra designed for modelling computer and communication systems introduced by Jane Hillston in the 1990s. The language extends classical process algebras such as Milner's ...
:Mother of Egypt Criss. Pepa is a part of the female rap trio
Salt-n-Pepa
Salt-N-Pepa (also stylized as Salt 'N' Pepa or Salt 'N Pepa) is an American hip-hop group formed in New York City in 1985, that comprised Salt (Cheryl James), Pepa (Sandra Denton), and DJ Spinderella (Deidra Roper). Their debut album, ''Hot, C ...
. Pepa serves as a support system for Egypt and looks out for her well-being. They clash about Egypt's singing career plan throughout the series.
*
Rev Run
Joseph Ward Simmons (born November 14, 1964), better known by the stage name Run, Rev. Run or DJ Run, is an American rapper, producer, DJ and television personality. Simmons is one of the founding members of the influential hip hop group Ru ...
(Seasons 1—6)
:Father of Angela and Vanessa Simmons. Rev Run was a part of the hip hop group
Run–D.M.C. Rev Run helps Angela with her stalker situation in the first season. Run will be joining the cast of the spin-off ''
Growing Up Hip Hop: New York'' along with his son Jojo.
* Tanice Amira (Season 5–present)
(guest appearance in season 4)
:Fiance & Wife of Jojo Simmons.
*
Treach
Anthony Criss (born December 2, 1970), better known by his stage name Treach, is an American rapper and actor. He is perhaps best known as the lead rapper of the hip hop group Naughty by Nature.
Career
With Naughty by Nature, Treach worked ...
(Season 5–present)
(guest appearance in seasons 1–4)
:Father of Egypt.
*
Uncle Luke
Luther Roderick Campbell (born December 22, 1960), also known as Luke Skyywalker, Uncle Luke and simply Luke, is an American rapper, promoter, record executive, actor, and former leader of the rap group 2 Live Crew. He also starred in a short- ...
(Season 6–present)
: Father of Cree. Uncle Luke is a rapper who was the lead rapper of
2 Live Crew
2 Live Crew is an American hip hop music, hip hop group from Miami, Florida, which had its greatest commercial success from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. The group's most well-known line up was composed of Luther Campbell, Luke Campbell, Fr ...
.
* Devin Hailey (Season 6—present)
: Son of
Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey
Cedric Renard Hailey (born September 2, 1969), known professionally as K-Ci (formerly Little Cedric as a member of Little Cedric and the Hailey Singers), is an American singer, songwriter and member of K-Ci & JoJo and Jodeci.
Although Hailey i ...
is a rapper.
*
Joel "JoJo" Hailey
K-Ci & JoJo is an American R&B duo, consisting of brothers Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey (born September 2, 1969) and Joel "JoJo" Hailey (born June 10, 1971). Natives of Monroe, North Carolina, they are also the lead singers of the chart-topping R&B ...
(Season 7—present)
(guest in season 6)
: Father of Sakoya Wynter.
* Tashaunda "Tiny" Hailey (Seasons 6—7—present)
: Mother of Sakoya Wynter and ex-wife of
Joel "JoJo" Hailey
K-Ci & JoJo is an American R&B duo, consisting of brothers Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey (born September 2, 1969) and Joel "JoJo" Hailey (born June 10, 1971). Natives of Monroe, North Carolina, they are also the lead singers of the chart-topping R&B ...
.
* Buck (Season 7—present)
: Stepfather of Tanice and rival of JoJo Simmons.
* Drew Sangster (Season 7—present)
: Girlfriend and baby's mama of
Romeo Miller
Percy Romeo Miller (born August 19, 1989), also known by his stage name Romeo (formerly Lil' Romeo), is an American rapper, actor, and television personality. He gained fame as a rapper in the early 2000s after signing with No Limit Records, the ...
.
*
Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey
Cedric Renard Hailey (born September 2, 1969), known professionally as K-Ci (formerly Little Cedric as a member of Little Cedric and the Hailey Singers), is an American singer, songwriter and member of K-Ci & JoJo and Jodeci.
Although Hailey i ...
(Season 7—present)
: Father of Devin Hailey.
*Aaliyah Wright (Season 7—present)
(guest in seasons 5—6)
:Wife of Lil Eazy E.
Former
*
Master P
Percy Robert Miller Sr. (born April 29, 1967), known by his stage name Master P, is an American rapper, record executive, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He is the founder of the record label No Limit Records, which was relaunched as ...
(Seasons 1–5)
:Father of
Romeo Miller
Percy Romeo Miller (born August 19, 1989), also known by his stage name Romeo (formerly Lil' Romeo), is an American rapper, actor, and television personality. He gained fame as a rapper in the early 2000s after signing with No Limit Records, the ...
. Master P is a rapper from
who is best known for his singles "
Mr. Ice Cream Man
"Mr. Ice Cream Man" is the first single from Master P's album '' Ice Cream Man''. The single reached number 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and it features Silkk the Shocker
Vyshonn King Miller (born June 18, 1975), better known by his stage name ...
" and "
Make 'Em Say Uhh!
"Make Em Say Uhh!" is the second single from Master P's 1997 studio album ''Ghetto D'', produced by KLC. The album was released in 1997, but the single was not released until January 1998 though Priority Records and Master P's No Limit Records. ...
". Master P supports Romeo throughout the series, while also clashing with him when it comes to business deals.
*
Damon Dash
Damon Anthony Dash (born May 3, 1971) is an American entrepreneur and record executive. Dash is best known as co-founder of Roc-A-Fella along with Jay-Z and Kareem Burke.
Early life
Born in New York City, Dash swept the floors of a local barbe ...
(Seasons 1–5)
:Father of Boogie Dash. Damon is one of the founders of
Roc-A-Fella Records
Roc-A-Fella Records was an American hip hop record label and music management company founded by record executives and entrepreneurs Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Damon "Dame" Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke in 1994.
History
1994–2000: Formation ...
Damon makes sure his son stays on the right path.
* Andre King (Season 2)
:Brother of
Swizz Beatz
Kasseem Daoud Dean (born September 13, 1978), known professionally as Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer, rapper, disc jockey (DJ) and songwriter. Born and raised in New York City, Dean embarked on his musical career as a DJ. At the ag ...
. The second season showcased King
coming out
Coming out of the closet, often shortened to coming out, is a metaphor used to describe LGBT people's self-disclosure of their sexual orientation, romantic orientation, or gender identity.
Framed and debated as a privacy issue, coming out of ...
to his friends and family.
* Kyndall Ferguson (Season 4)
:Daughter of
El DeBarge
Eldra Patrick "El" DeBarge (born June 4, 1961) is an American singer, songwriter and musician. He was the focal point and primary lead singer of the family group DeBarge. Popular songs led by El DeBarge include "Time Will Reveal", "Who's Holding ...
and cousin of Kristinia.
* Raquel Horn (Seasons 4–5)
(guest appearance in season 3)
:Girlfriend of Damon Dash. Also known as Rocky.
* Ava Dash (Season 5)
(guest appearance in seasons 3–4)
:Daughter of
Damon Dash
Damon Anthony Dash (born May 3, 1971) is an American entrepreneur and record executive. Dash is best known as co-founder of Roc-A-Fella along with Jay-Z and Kareem Burke.
Early life
Born in New York City, Dash swept the floors of a local barbe ...
and sister of Boogie Dash.
* Troy (Season 5)
(guest appearance in seasons 3–4)
:Former hairstylist and friend of
Pepa
Performance Evaluation Process Algebra (PEPA) is a stochastic process algebra designed for modelling computer and communication systems introduced by Jane Hillston in the 1990s. The language extends classical process algebras such as Milner's ...
.
* Maureen "Aunt Bev" (Seasons 5—6)
:Mother of Tee Tee and sister of
Pepa
Performance Evaluation Process Algebra (PEPA) is a stochastic process algebra designed for modelling computer and communication systems introduced by Jane Hillston in the 1990s. The language extends classical process algebras such as Milner's ...
.
*
Stevie J
Steven Aaron Jordan (born November 2, 1971) Note: Live HHS link goes to error page, but copy-pasting the URL works. is an American DJ, record producer, and television personality. One of the most successful record producers of the mid-to-late 19 ...
(Season 6—present)
:Father of Savannah, Dorian and Steven, Jr. Stevie is a record producer who has worked multiple artists including
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey (; born March 27, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. Referred to as the " Songbird Supreme", she is noted for her five-octave vocal range, melismatic singing style and signature use of the whi ...
,
Eve
Eve (; ; ar, حَوَّاء, Ḥawwāʾ; el, Εὕα, Heúa; la, Eva, Heva; Syriac: romanized: ) is a figure in the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible. According to the origin story, "Creation myths are symbolic stories describing how the ...
,
The Notorious B.I.G.
Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997), better known by his stage names the Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls, or simply Biggie, was an American rapper. Rooted in East Coast hip hop and particularly gangsta ...
and
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Manhattan-based conglomerate talent and entertainment agency Roc Nation. He is regarded as one of ...
.
* Steven Jordan, Jr. (Season 6—present)
:Son of Stevie J and brother of Savannah and Dorian.
Episodes
Series overview
Season 1 (2016)
Season 2 (2016)
Season 3 (2017)
Season 4 (2018–19)
Season 5 (2019–20)
Season 6 (2021–22)
Season 7 (2023)
Spin-offs
''Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta''
The first spin-off titled ''
Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta'' premiered on May 25, 2017.
''Growing Up Hip Hop: New York''
The second spin-off titled ''
Growing Up Hip Hop: New York'' premiered on August 29, 2019.
References
External links
*
*
*
{{WE tv programming
2010s American reality television series
2016 American television series debuts
Hip hop television
African-American reality television series
2020s American reality television series