The Reality of Growing Up Hip Hop

AMC’s WE tv is looking to give the Lifetime network a run for its money by passing out checks to exploit those in need of a check and in this case it’s hip hop drama with a dash of R&B titled “Growing Up Hip Hop.” I would not agree this is WE’s real time version on Empire because we all know reality TV ain’t real…oh, yes it is….real scripted!

The six episode series promises to show the “real” stories and experiences of the children of the famous and legendary figures such as Master P, Rev Run (expect to see brother Russell make an appearance or three), Damon Dash, Pepa and Treach, the late Jam Master J, and El Debarge.

Episodes will focus on how their children are challenged with stepping out of the shadows of their parents while establishing and maintaining their own identity.

The cast includes:

Musician, actor and Dancing With The Stars contender, Romeo Miller (formerly Lil’ Romeo) and the son of Master P. who is on track to take over the music empire his father built, but is that really his passion? (Turmoil)

Angela Simmons, daughter of rap pioneer Rev Run and niece of Russell Simmons, is a philanthropist, model actress and fashion designer of her own line, Foofi who hopes to translate her fashion success into dollars away from her father’s fortunes.

(Determination)

Damon “Boogie” Dash is the namesake of his father, Roc-A-Fella co-founder and media mogul Damon Dash. Like father like son, “Boogie” is also an entrepreneur having co-founded Chipz Cookies as well as a to be revealed record label and New York art gallery. (Confusion)

Kristinia DeBarge, daughter of James DeBarge of the 80’s group DeBarge is a singer-songwriter. While her father in prison, yet again, Kristinia leans on her uncle, singer El DeBarge, as she struggles to make choices all while considered the outsider of her cast mates. (Drama)

Egypt Criss, the daughter of Sandra “Pepa” Dentonfrom Salt-N-Pepa and Naughty By Nature’s, Treach is pursuing a solo music career much to the dismay of her overprotective mother. (Liberation)

TJ Mizell, the son of the late Run DMC DJ, Jam Master Jay, has stepped into his father’s shoes as a DJ, spinning at the hottest events and venues around the world, yet always on his mind and ours is his father’s mysterious and still unsolved murder. (Seeking)