EXCLUSIVE: Chrissy Monroe Of 'Love & Hip Hop' Talks Relationship Drama And How Reality TV Has Changed Her Life

Chrissy Monroe is the newest member to the Love and Hip Hop cast and she fits like a glove. She’s sweet as pie but has a fierceness and street savvy that has made her a season five favorite.  AllHipHop caught up with her at the “40z & Waffles Brunch” during All-Star Weekend and she dished on how she has been dealing with her new found fame and her relationship with Chinx Santana.

The Baltimore native says that she joined the show to “bring something new” to the cast and has had no complaints since bringing her life onto the small screen.

“I don’t know why reality TV gets such a bad rep,” Chrissy told All Hip Hop. “It’s been a very positive experience for me personally.”

The show’s creator Mona Scott-Young has gotten backlash from some cast members who felt that they were exploited, set up for fights and portrayed in a negative light. Chrissy says Mona isn’t the blame and that producers/editors can only edit what is given to them.

“So if I wanna come on and act ratchet that’s on me! They can only use what I give them. If I choose to conduct myself as a classy woman then they’re gonna use that. Actually, they focus more on our relationships. They don’t condone violence whatsoever on the show contrary to what a lot of people think. They actually don’t want us fighting. It’s Love and Hip Hop. It’s supposed to be about love and out our relationships so I don’t know how some people take it left.”

Her relationship with her boyfriend, producer Chinx Santana, has had its ups and downs on the show and took a turn for the worst when she revealed to him that she stopped taking her birth control without telling him. The lovebirds later reconciled and agreed to work on having a baby, but last week’s episode showed that Chinx’s family was not willing to support his new love. A convo with his brother revealed that his father and the rest of his family were not willing to accept any other woman in his life accept his wife, who Chinx is separated from.

When asked about the resistance from Chinx’s family, Chrissy called their reaction “wack” and said they could either take her or leave her.

“I remain myself and I don’t take no s###… It’ll play out when you guys watch. I think I’m a wonderful person so we’ll see what happens. My whole take on that topic is that I’m with Chinx. I’m not laid up with his family. Yes, it would be nice if they accept me but if they don’t I’m not losing any sleep at night either. I’m dating one man not the whole family. Can’t please everybody.”

Chrissy isn’t just a reality star, though. She also runs a model management company, Le Jeu, and has been using the show as a platform to become involved in charitable causes. Before our chat she had attended a Celebrity Cat Walk event with her beloved dog Marge Tiffany, which benefits local pet rescues, and says that she wants to continue to give back and not only focus on helping our furry friends but inner city women as well.

“So many people come on this show and it’s all about them. You’d be a fool not to go on and give back and make differences in other people’s lives…I can reach so many people and teach them about things that they may want to get involved in or where they can donate money, time and resources to help save animals or whatever other causes. I’d like to work with inner city women and youth and encourage them to follow their dreams. A lot of these ladies don’t have any mentors or anyone to look up to just to teach them the basic things in life.”

Chrissy says she would also like to become an author, penning an autobiography and a book about relationships. Someone who could probably take a page from the book about love is her cast mate Rich Dollaz, who Chrissy wishes could find that special someone.

“He really goes through it with the women,” she said about Rich. “He needs one good girl and I think his life would be complete.  He’s not a bad dude and he really treats his women nice. He’s a classy guy but he just can’t seem to find the right chick.”

Besides enjoying the New York seasons of Love and Hip Hop, Ms. Monroe says she loves watching the Atlanta cast, specifically Joseline Hernandez.

“I love Joseline and Stevie J. She is just so over the top. I love her. She’s so real and I love the way she dresses. I love her ‘I don’t give a f###’ attitude. I think they really struck gold when they casted her.”

Tune into Love and Hip-Hop on Mondays at 8 p.m EST on VH1.

Ryan B Hyeeze – "The New Kid"

New artist Ryan B Hyeeze hits the strips in South Beach promoting his brand Shut Your Mouth Music and Performing Fat Tuesdays giving the people music based on reality, the struggle and the come up. Check out the music video for his single “The New Kid”. Download Ryan B Hyeeze’s latest project Elm City Prince now on Datpiff.

Adrian Marcel Releases Fifty Shades of Adrian: Unplugged

Adrian Marcel has dropped his Fifty Shades of Adrian: Unplugged. The mixtape features four acoustic versions of songs from his mixtape 7 Days of Weak & Weak After Next, plus a cover of an Avril Lavigne track and a slow-burning take on the currently resurgent Screamin’ Jay Hawkins classic “I Put a Spell on You.” Subjective or not, Marcel is one of the few artists staying true to the sound of “real R&B.” The R&B singer gives fans more acoustic material best suited for the bedroom. Light some candles, grab that special someone and enjoy! Take a listen below.

Audemars Piguet To Take Legal Action Against Ray J Over RSNL Watch Line

Ray J recently began tackling a new business venture when he signed a deal with his business partner David Weintraub and became the face of RSNL Watches last year. Before the jewelry line could get up and running they have been hit with a major blow.

[ALSO READ: Ray J Partners Up With A Watch Company]

It has been reported that Ray J has been hit with a cease and desist letter from luxury watch company Audemars Piguet because they feel that the RSNL watch is a clone of their Royal Oak watch. They claim that there are too many similarities in between the two lines, like the hexagonal screws on the octagon-shaped face of the watch.

audemar piguet rnsl watches

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Watch                                            RSNL Watch

Audemars Piguet had given the Love and Hip Hop star until Feb. 3rd to put an end to this watch venture but Weintraub told TMZ that they are continuing with the launch, which means a lawsuit is on its way.

 

Lil' B To Give Lecture At Carnegie Mellon University

Lil’ B has been penning speeches instead of songs for a while now. He has been invited to give food for thought at some of the country’s top schools and he has snagged yet another invitation. The Based God announced on Twitter that he would be taking the stage at Carnegie Mellon University on Feb. 25th.

The global research university is stationed in Pittsburgh, PA and is a world leader in robotics and green power and is one of the top 25 universities in the world.  The Wall Street Journal also ranked CMU  at number one in computer science, fourth in finance and seventh in business.

The Bay area rep has also given lectures at New York University, UC Riverside, Virginia Tech and Massachusetts Institute Technology.

Bobby Brown To Take Bobbi Kristina Off Of Life Support This Week

Bobby Brown has reportedly decided to take his daughter Bobbi Kristina off of life support at the end of this week. She has been in a medically induced coma at Atlanta’a Emory Hospital after being found face down in her bathtub on Jan. 31st.

A source told Radar Online that Brown came to this decision after talking with Whitney Houston’s family and that he is praying that she survives. It was recently reported that the 21-year-old would be taken off of life support on Feb. 11th, which was the anniversary of her mother’s death, but it was later revealed that those reports were false. Last week, Bobby Brown’s sister, Leolah, told FOX Atlanta that Bobbi Kristina was “doing well” and that her condition was “improving.”

How Bobbi Kristina came to be unconscious is currently being investigated.

 

Three Questions With Kenn Starr

Virginia rapper Kenn Starr began to build a following back in 2006 with his debut Starr Status. Not long after the album grabbed the attention of Hip Hop fans and media, the Low Budget Crew member’s label folded. The set back halted Starr’s musical progress, but he eventually found a new label home at indie powerhouse Mello Music Group.

Even with a new business situation, the DMV artist’s meticulous approach to crafting a project caused more time to elapse between albums. Before he knew it, 9 years had passed. Fortunately, 2015 finally saw the return of the man also known as Kenneth Cold with the 13-track LP Square One.

Starr teamed back up with his fellow Low Budget comrade Kev Brown to handle half of the production on Square One. For Starr, working with the Maryland maestro again was a no-brainer. He credits Brown with bringing out the best in him like on the previous cuts “Relentless” and “Another Day.”

The new album also features beats by Black Milk, 14KT,  Roddy Rod, and Kaimbr. Square One includes guest appearances by Sean Born, Melanie Rutherford, Hassaan Mackey, yU, Wordsworth, and Supastition as well.

AllHipHop.com connected with Kenn Starr for participation in the “Three Questions” series. As part of the interview, Two Nz Two Rz names his picks for the greatest Hip Hop representatives from DC/Maryland/Virginia and shares advice to some rap hopefuls struggling to find their way.

[ALSO READ: Three Questions With Jay IDK]

Who would you put on the Mt. Rushmore of DMV Hip Hop?

Kev Brown and Diamond District (Oddisee, Uptown XO & yU) because they’re dope as hell, and I gotta represent my folks.

If you could possess the powers of any superhero for one day, who would you pick and what would you do for that day?

Superman. Between flying, x-ray vision and being invincible, I would do whatever the hell I wanted for that day. Who’s gonna tell me otherwise?

Can you share one lesson for “dumb rappers” about the definition of making it happen rapping?

Take pride in your craft! Regardless of what lane you’re in, put some genuine effort and sincerity into how you present yourself. It goes a long way!

[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Diamond District Returns To Encourage Washington DC Hip Hop To March On]

Follow Kenn Starr on Twitter @kennethcold and Instagram @twonztworz.

Stream/purchase Kenn Starr’s Square One below.

Raekwon Talks Legacy & The Purple Tape Files Documentary

The Wu-Tang Clan’s members have quite the expansive discography, including Raekwon’s ’95 debut ‘Only Built 4 Cuban Linx’ album. This year Raekwon and Ghostface Killah celebrated the 20th anniversary of the album by releasing a documentary that chronicles the historic Hip Hop masterpiece.

AllHipHop caught up with Raekwon to discuss his legacy and why he felt creating the documentary was a necessity.

“It’s important to the game. I feel like every artist doesn’t get the opportunity to have a 20 year expansion in the business, and I’m just doing it for my fans. At the end of the day these are the ones who allowed me to be where I’m at today,” he stated.

Check out our interview with Raekwon below.

Marvelous Mag Ft. Hus Kingpin and SmooVth – "Fetti"

The Winners crew united for a new track. Brownsville emcee Marvelous Mag recruited Hus Kingpin and SmooVth for the cut “Fetti.” The song was produced by Camoflauge Monk.

Yoshi Thompkins – "Gucci Mane" (P###. By Ronny J)

Liberty City representative Yoshi Thompkins pays homage to an Atlanta Hip Hop legend on the first single off his collaborative EP. Thompkins worked with fellow C9 member producer Ronny J on the upcoming project. The 19-year-old rapper decided to drop “Gucci Mane” on the birthday of C9 front man Denzel Curry.

Bobby Shmurda Says Epic Records Is Not Standing By Him During His Incarceration

(AllHipHop News) Less than a year ago, Bobby Shmurda was one of the hottest rappers coming out of New York. The success of his YouTube hit “Hot N****a” led the young rhymer to sign a deal with Sha Money XL and Epic Records. According to Bobby, the status of his relationship with his label has changed since his arrest in December.

[ALSO READ: Bobby Shmurda & GS9 Hit With 32 Additional Charges]

Billboard interviewed Shmurda over the phone from jail. The 20-year-old Brooklyn native revealed Epic has not been very supportive of him during his ongoing legal troubles.

“No, no. They’re not bailing me out. They’re not standing by me that much. Every time I call them, there’s excuses about [parent company] Sony, this and that,” said Bobby. “So, nah. It’s more people on the streets that’s standing by me more than them. I haven’t gotten a visit from one of them yet. Nah.”

Shmurda’s uncle and manager Debo Wilson claims he warned his nephew certain people would not have his back when he needed them most. Last month, Wilson told VladTV that Bobby has basically been used and abandoned by the industry.

“When we left him, his s**t’s been going down hill,” Wilson stated. “He got all the d**k riding n***as in the industry that runs around behind him. They’re not trying to help him. All they’re trying to do is live off his fame.”

Bobby did tell Billboard he has spoken to Meek Mill, French Montana, Migos, and others during his incarceration. While his mother has also been very supportive, Shmurda is no longer expecting backing from Epic.

“At first I thought it was love. Now everything is all business,” declared Bobby. “I just stopped looking towards them.”

[ALSO READ: Bobby Shmurda’s Uncle Calls Out The Industry For Not Supporting His Nephew (AUDIO)]

Facts Major – "Get It Right"

Valentine’s Day may be over and done, but that doesn’t mean the love has to stop anytime soon. As he gears for the Spring 2015 release of his upcoming Simone project, Facts Major (formerly Raw Facts) of Rochester drops a smooth tune for the ladies titled “Get It Right” produced by Jayze.

Download “Get It Right” on iTunes HERE.

Kanye West Talks Learning To Respect Women + Getting Acknowledged By Established Fashion Designers

(AllHipHop News) Kanye West was once again attempting to take over the entertainment world last week. After performing twice at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, the G.O.O.D. Music leader debuted his new Adidas collection in New York City on Thursday.

[ALSO READ: Kanye West Reveals Adidas Yeezy Season During NYFW]

Mr. West is never short on words, and he gave plenty to Complex in an interview. Ye spoke about his new “Yeezy Season 1” line. He also explained how working with his DONDA creative company and his relationship with wife Kim Kardashian caused him to evaluate his level of respect for women.

Kanye said:

Before, when I drove down the street I would see these brands and think they’re really desirable for a girl who would dream of one day walking in that runway show or something like that. And that’s a, you know, dated view and degrading to women, in a way.

Because when I was a single bachelor rapper, and with the access that I had, I realized that I wasn’t respecting women the way I needed to. God has an amazing way of teaching people, and literally for two years I lived with all alpha females and a daughter, you know? [Laughs] So I had to learn to really do what my mother taught me, and become the man she always knew I could be, and bow as a creative.

While West’s collection has faced some criticism, the “Power” rapper insists he has received positive feedback from his fashion designer friends like Riccardo Tisci, Alexander Wang, and Olivier Rousteing.

They support me one hundred percent. They sent flowers, emails, and just love. They know I’m in that design office. They know I’m there giving an opinion. They know the concept of celebrity designer is so far out the window.

I feel like I’m Eminem, you know? You don’t think “white rapper.” You just think Eminem. You don’t think celebrity designer, straight designer, black designer, all these types of things that kind of held me back conceptually in being accepted as a designer. You just think of those words. But when those moon boots come out, you put them on your feet and just swag out and go somewhere with your friends, those words don’t matter.

There were numerous celebrities in attendance at Kanye’s “Yeezy Season 1” fashion event. Kim K, Jay Z, Beyoncé, Diddy, and Anna Wintour were all seated in the front row. West’s latest song “Wolves,” featuring Vic Mensa and Sia, also premiered at the showcase.

[ALSO READ: Kanye West Taps Sia & Vic Mensa For “Wolves”]

EXCLUSIVE: Get to Know 5th Ward JP

Houston has delivered several iconic MCs. While some have earned global acclaim and others have snatched regional support;  lyricism and listeners have enabled both  to appreciate longevity. 5th Ward JP –guess which part of Houston he reps– is dedicating his time and creative endeavors to, The Sauce Factory. Sharing realistic sixteens is garnering the burgeoning artist his time to shine.

Foxy Brown Shouts Out Longtime Rival Lil Kim

(AllHipHop News) Several 1990’s beefs were officially let go of this weekend in New York City. Sean “Diddy” Combs and Snoop Dogg united East Coast and West Coast at their “Tip Off” Concert. Then Faith Evans expressed she was ready to bury the hatchet with Lil Kim after acknowledging the “No Time” rapper’s performance at Snoop and Diddy’s event.

[ALSO READ: Hip-Hop Rumors: Faith Evans Squashes Beef With Lil Kim!]

Last week also saw another Kim adversary show her love on Instagram. NYC rapper Foxy Brown mentioned the Queen Bee on an IG post. Brown wrote, “(Personal S**t Aside) Music Will Never See Another FOX & KIM Period!”

Foxy and Kim had been involved in a feud going back to the 90’s. Both Brooklyn natives released tracks dissing the other in the past. In recent years, Kim also had issues with Brown becoming close to her other rival Nicki Minaj.

Check out Foxy Brown’s Instagram post below.

Foxy Brown IG-AllHipHop

[ALSO READ: Taraji P. Henson Talks Her ‘Empire’ Character Being Inspired By Foxy Brown, Lil’ Kim And Salt-N-Pepa]

Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, Joey Bada$$, Bun B & More Share Their Most Romantic Moments

(AllHipHop News) Love was in the air this past weekend as couples around the country celebrated Valentine’s Day. Rappers have a romantic side as well, so Montreailty compiled footage of a few Hip Hop stars sharing stories about times they have had with a special lady.

Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q, Machine Gun Kelly, Freddie Gibbs, Joey Bada$$, Kid Ink, Ty Dolla $ign, and Bun B each reminisce on romance. From literally setting a bed on fire to vacations in Paris, the eight guys reveal memorable lover’s moments.

[ALSO READ: Kid Ink Drops New Album Full Speed]

Watch Montreality’s “Rappers & Romance” video below.

Drake's "If You're Reading This It's Too Late" Expected To Open With Huge Sales Numbers

(AllHipHop News) Is Drake’s new project an album or a mixtape? When it comes to sales, in the end it may not even matter. HitsDailyDouble is reporting the Young Money artists’ If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late is expecting to go gold in less than a week.

[ALSO READ: Drake Writes Letter About “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” Project]

According to the site, IYRTITL could top 550,000 units sold first week. The total is remarkable considering Drake released the project without any promotion and the “mixtape” is not available for physical purchase.

There are even predictions If You’re Reading This could sell over 700,000 digital copies out the gate. That means Drake could set a new single week iTunes record, besting Beyoncé’s self-titled album haul of 618,000 in 2013. Beyoncé was also released overnight on iTunes without any promo.

[ALSO READ: The Numbers Are In: Beyonce Sells Over 610,000 Copies In Three Days]

Bobby Brackins Ft. Zendaya & Jeremih – "My Jam"

Continuing his streak for creating radio-ready hit records, Bobby Brackins has released his latest single, “My Jam.” Joined by Disney Channel star and Teen Vogue’s February cover girl Zendaya and RnB favorite, Jeremih with production by Dem Jointz. “My Jam” follows the release of Bobby Brackins’ previous single, “Hot Box”, featuring G-Eazy and Mila J, which has amassed nearly 4 million SoundCloud plays and 1 million YouTube views.

Earlly Mac Ft. Drey Skonie – "Another Level"

New dope tripped up R&B track from Earlly Mac featuring Drey Skonie called “Another Level”, produced by Drey Skonie and Roger Goodman. “Another Level” is on Earlly Mac’s latest mixtape “God Knows”. Stream below.

Vivica Fox: 50 Cent Was The Love Of My Life

Vivica Fox made a startling revelation on “The Meredith Vieira Show” in a recent interview that has yet to air.

The 50-year-old actress revealed that 50 Cent “is absolutely the love of my life.”

The pair dated over 10 years ago and had a turbulent relationship that ended in 2003. Viv said that dating 50, now 39, was “difficult.”

“I really, really cared for him and I loved him very, very much and I always will, but he just wasn’t right for me,” Vivica told host Meredith Vieira. “That’s hard when you really, really love a person in your heart, you want to be with them, but you finally have to say, ‘He’s just not right for me.'”

Viv said that she hopes for the best for her former flame.

“I wish him the best, he is amazing and baby, he’s fine, but… sometimes love ain’t always right,” she explained. “The heart wants what it wants, but sometimes it’s just not right. [I learned] to trust in my heart and know to take the time not to settle,” she spilled. “I think as women sometimes we’re afraid to be alone or we think, ‘Oh my god, he’s a great catch.'”

The episode airs Monday, Feb. 16.