The WE tv series Growing Up Hip-Hop, which premiered in 2016, follows the lives of children of prominent hip-hop artists as they navigate fame and personal challenges. Spin-offs in New York and Atlanta expand the franchise, featuring heirs like those of Lil Wayne and T.I. The show highlights the tensions between privilege and ambition in this second generation.
The flagship Growing Up Hip-Hop, set in Los Angeles, debuted in 2016 and is currently airing its fifth season on Thursday nights. The cast includes Bow Wow, a former child-star rapper, and children of hip-hop icons such as Rev Run's Angela, Vanessa, and JoJo Simmons from Run-D.M.C.; Master P's son Romeo Miller; Sandra “Pepa” Denton’s daughter Egypt from Salt-N-Pepa; Briana Latrise, daughter of Mary J. Blige’s ex-husband Kendu Isaacs; Eric Wright, Jr., son of the late Eazy-E; and Lil Twist, a former member of Lil Wayne’s Young Money collective.
Spin-offs include Growing Up Hip-Hop: Atlanta, which featured Waka Flocka Flame—whose mother managed Nicki Minaj—and Lil Wayne’s daughter Reginae Carter alongside T.I.’s daughter Zonnique Pullins for one season. The New York edition spotlights Siaani Love, daughter of Charli Baltimore from Ja Rule’s Murder Inc. crew, and Ryan Cartagena, Fat Joe’s son pursuing rap independently, as well as Boogie Dash, son of Roc-A-Fella co-founder Damon Dash.
The series captures interpersonal conflicts, career pursuits, and family dynamics. Master P and Romeo Miller recently left the show, criticizing producers for emphasizing drama over positivity, such as montages mocking Romeo’s Bible verse texts. Serious moments include Angela Simmons discussing the death of her child’s father and experiences with domestic violence, and Boogie Dash’s past drug intervention and attempts to run a rehabilitation center.
Fathers often reflect on generational differences. Damon Dash told Treach, “We famous for different things than our kids. We’re first-generation millionaires… But there’s been nobody to teach us how to deal with second-generation kids.” The show echoes earlier series like Baldwin Hills (2007-2009 on BET) and Run’s House, portraying affluent young Black individuals in entertainment.
