We were recently introduced to new cast member, Erica Mena, on season 2 of ‘Love & Hip Hop’ but many fans are wondering, what happened to Somaya Reece?
Somaya Reece, better known for her drive to become the next best pop/rap latin artist, has been noticeably missing in the last several episodes. In a recent interview with Mommy’s Dirty Little Secret, she addresses her absence from the show and all she’s been working on.
Here’s what she had to say.
MDLS: Why don’t we see you as much on Love and Hip Hop this season?
Somaya: I was in the first few episodes. I have no idea what happened because I did have a lot of story to add yet I don’t see it on the show. The fans made sure they bought me back! There was so much you didn’t see this season, my life is on fast forward right now with great stuff happening and they showed none of it. Like what happens with Swift, the album, the developing friendship with Chrissy, my rap single ‘Eh Mama’, my re-negotiation with Barry, my family issues, the image development, my signing with the top talent agency in Hollywood that I got by myself? What happened to all of that?
MDLS: The first episode was crazy!
Somaya: On the first episode, Chrissy if you can believe this – came and made amends with me. She even said she was willing to move on from what happened between us in season 1. She did see I was just huslin’ & grinding and she respected that. She was genuine and even complimented me…but they didn’t show it!
MDLS: So, what’s going on with you now?
Somaya: First of all I fired Maurice! After that everything fell into place. I got my investor to commit. Not only did I get an investor but I negotiated a half a million dollar contract to a million dollar contract! That s*** is unheard of and I’m so proud of that. My fans and girls should have seen that. A woman taking care of business behind the scenes. I had to do a showcase to get the final commitment and I did it and had a major wardrobe malfunction! It was on the front page of entertainment weekly, AOL and Yahoo. I showed the show will always go on when I’m on stage!
MDLS: Did you know you were cut out of so much of this season of Love and Hip Hop?
Somaya: Not at first, but I honestly am in such a good place, I am working on so many projects that it wasn’t until my fans got pissed that I realized how much I mattered to the show. I’m humbled by the love from the fans.
MDLS: Maybe you don’t have enough drama going on?
Somaya: Maybe my s*** is too together, I have a fabulous love life that is functional. Swift as you saw from the show has been nothing but great to me. They showed none of our relationship! I guess it’s not dysfunctional enough. The sad part is women would have loved to see some positivity along with the drama and seen me find love! Women need to see if a woman like myself who has been through so much s*** and hard times can finally find a nice guy that treats me nice. They have a chance!
MDLS: Speaking of music, what’s up with your music career?
Somaya: They are covering everyone else’s music process and career development on Love and Hip Hop….interesting! After I signed with my investor I made a mix tape series called “Rebel with a cause” drops in Jan 2012. Each tape has future album cuts on it! They didn’t show my team. Grammy award producer Richy Pena and a Denver team KMG. I just signed with Rebel entertainment partners who also rep Mario Lopez, Eva Longoria and the list goes on! I have evolved so much since season 1… But fans didn’t get to see any of it!
MDLS: Are you coming back for another season of Love and Hip Hop?
Somaya: Ratings are good but…… I need to decide what I’m going to do because other TV projects that will respect and see the value in my story are scouting me. I’m excited no matter what I decide. I love TV.
MDLS: What is your relationship with the other girls from the show like now?
Somaya: Do not mistake what you see on TV to be real relationships! None of those girls reach out to me really. I like the girls regardless but truth is the ones that reach out off the show are: Mama Jones, Kimbella and Yandy once in a while. Emily now and then!
MDLS: Do you and Olivia have something going?
Somaya: That’s all her! I tried to reach out to Olivia and her response was ‘you’re not on my level’! I made her a pair of heels-I brought her a gift of peace, all she does is talk about me everyday. I get new Google alerts often from her and her manager talking negatively and recklessly about me. I have an investor and creative control of my project that I got my myself; no one handed it to me, so maybe she should get on my level! I don’t feel the need to bash or think about her. I hope whatever is tormenting her and making her bitter, AKA Bitter Betty, she can let it go and finally learn to be happy with others connect with her fans and her music!
MDLS: How many more episodes will we see you in?
Somaya: Love and Hip Hop is on episode 6 out of 10 but I’m only on one more episode! Later there is drama with Kimbella and someone else… I walked Kimbella off the edge, I was a mentor because she is a nice person, I don’t want her to lose her children or go to jail. I realize what she said was just bad timing at Emily’s party. But she is a likable person in real life. I don’t want that to happen to anyone, I’m just not cold hearted like that. Oh and back to this note to anyone though, I can forgive but if you bring s*** to me it’s on! But I’m not looking for it.
MDLS: Seems you are a reality show success story….using season 1 to parlay new opportunities!
Somaya: Exactly! Maybe I’m not punching people in the face, but you know I always got something interesting going on! I don’t need to have violence unless defending myself to have an interesting storyline ya know? I guess I’m winning to hard both spiritually and career wise **laughs** I’m in a great place and life is so good. To have die hard fans like I have is the ultimate compliment!
I recently met Beyonce while we were shopping for shoes and she said “Congratulations Somaya on your career and what you’ve accomplished I’m proud.” Remember I told Olivia about Beyonce? Beyonce has everything she wants in life and did not have to even acknowledge my presence. Yet she was so humble and took the time to talk to me and tell me she knew me from the show and congratulated me. Now that shows class, and that is how all artists should be. If you know you a bad b***** then you don’t have to hate on another artist. I nearly fainted at her humility! She has inspired me to go harder.
All the drama makes for good TV but it would have been nice to see Somaya’s growth as an artist and all the positive developments. This is a perfect example of the many debates amidst reality television. Bringing in the ratings are great but we want to see some of those positive aspects to. Where’s the balance?
For much of the season, Chrissy has garnered the title of the “mean girl”, getting into arguments with several cast members and refusing to apologize where warranted. It would have been nice to see Chrissy’s apology to Somaya. As for Olivia, she still doesn’t get it. But I’ll say this much, Somaya is working pretty hard to claim her prize. Her debut album is set for release in early 2012.
What are your thoughts on Somaya’s role being cut drastically?
(Source: Mommy's Dirty Little Secret/Photo: Vh1.com)
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1 Comment
I think they down played Somaya a lot when she started doin better maybe they cut her scenes because there simply wasn’t enough drama in it…just her success. I think its wrong