Why I’m Obsessed With The Love And Hip Hop Franchise
Reality TV tends to elicit two reactions. You either despise it wholeheartedly or you consume it at such a rate that it causes concern. When it comes to Love & Hip Hop, I am part of the latter. It is important to acknowledge that VH1 was very successful in getting me hooked with one of their weekend marathons. With Love & Hip Hop Hollywood on its fifth season, it seemed like a good time to figure out why I’m obsessed with the Love and Hip Hop franchise.
1. The Drama
Typically I will turn to sitcoms or feel good shows where things are relatively mellow and controlled. What I love about Love & Hip Hop is the fact that it is the exact opposite. Everyone’s emotions are always all over the place, most of the time for good reason, and the adrenaline level is always rising. We can claim that we’re not here for any drama but there’s one way or another that we fall into it. For me it’s through Love & Hip Hop and I am here for all of it.
2. Escape My Reality
Some of my best days have been coming home from a draining night of class and hearing the Love & Hip Hop theme song blaring as I step in the door. I get to forget about my problems for an hour and focus on Mariahlynn jumping over a picnic table or Amina flying off to Germany to visit her twin sister. Focusing on all these newcomers trying to make it into the business gives me a momentary break from taking care of my business. This Love and Hip Hop franchise is amazing.
3. Shared Interest
I’m obsessed with Love & Hip Hop because of how it connects me to different people. It became a shared interest between my older sister and I along with fellow watchers all over Twitter. Since I spend a lot of time watching shows that have gone off air many years ago, it’s a pleasant change to be able to connect with others about something that is current. A majority of the time it brings us together but in those times that it doesn’t, those hashtags sure get going!
4. All The Jokes
From insults to sessions in the booth, this franchise has some of the funniest episodes I’ve ever seen. Whenever someone comes back in a fight, it often results in more hilarity than their intended purpose. Recent moments in history like Erica Mena calling Just Brittany Ronald McDonald and every facial expression Keyshia Cole graced us with remind me that I am not going to find this level of humor anywhere else. I love all of it! This Love and Hip Hop franchise is the bomb.
5. On Trend
I adore Love & Hip Hop because it introduces audiences in different locations to established artists as well as those who are on the rise. The greatest recent example is Cardi B. She was one of my favorites the minute she stepped onto Love & Hip Hop New York and her hustle was clear from the start. I don’t have to explain how huge her glow is now but it’s cool to know that I’ve seen her from the start so to speak. The younger generation is also exposed to some of the greats like Remy Ma, Trina, Trick Daddy, and a few choice B2K members.
6. So Many Seasons
We have Love & Hip Hop New York, Atlanta, Hollywood, and Miami to indulge on. The cycle is so efficient that there is 1-2 weeks between each season when the problems another location was facing resurfaces. Along with the seasons there are reunions that are split into two halves which provides even more drama. Most of the time when one show is on hiatus you must resort to watching something else, but I get to stay in the realm of Love & Hip Hop. The VH1 marathons also allow anyone to catch up before the newest season which is how I got hooked. It’s never too late to start! This Love and Hip Hop franchise is hysterical.
7. Hype You Up
Although there is a lot of fighting, there is also a huge confidence element present throughout the show. There are so many women who come on my screen and stand up for themselves without hesitation. This is inspiring for someone who is relatively shy and gives me a little pep in my step. Sure, the confidence may not arise in the most flattering circumstances, but I love that this show reminds you to stand your ground!
8. Heart
With the title suggesting the relationship aspect, there is a lot that these couples endure. From infidelity and surprise pregnancies to love triangle messes, there are a lot of palpable feelings present. You want all these couples to succeed, to have a thriving music career, and for their friend groups to remain strong. Although there are some situations I can’t relate to at times, a lot of it is extremely relatable. We all want success and someone to share it with.
Which Love and Hip Hop franchise is your favorite? Let us know below.
Featured Image: weheartit
Rebecca was born in Hayward, CA and still resides there today. She received her BA in English Creative Writing from San Francisco State University and is the first in her family to graduate from university. She is a Poetry student in the MFA program at Saint Mary’s College of California and is furthering her involvement in the literary community. In her spare time, she likes to lose her voice at Giants games, read Young Adult novels, make lists, and aims to cross become a writer off it.