Love & Hip Hop: New York season 1

Did You Know?

• Deleted and extended scenes from the season's episodes were released weekly as bonus content on VH1's official website.
• Two scenes feature Chrissy's personal trainer Scott, who appears in green screen segments like other supporting cast members, suggesting he originally had a larger role that never made it to air.
• Jon Caramanica of The New York Times praised the show's deconstruction of rappers' public image and the quality of production values, but was critical of 'needless filler drama' between Lampkin and Reese.

Production

Before it was called Love & Hip Hop, VH1 first floated the concept in early 2010 under the working title Diary of a Hip Hop Girlfriend. The network officially announced the show on January 4, 2011, setting a March 6, 2011 premiere for an eight-episode first season. That run was later extended to nine episodes, with the season one reunion airing on May 16, 2011. The cast featured Chrissy Lampkin (Jim Jones’ girlfriend), Emily Bustamante (Fabolous’s girlfriend), Olivia Longott, and aspiring rapper Somaya Reece. Supporting players included Jim Jones, his mother Nancy Jones, Somaya’s manager Maurice Aguilar, and Olivia’s manager Rich Dollaz. Mashonda, Swiss Beatz’s ex-wife, had a minor supporting role. The season hit DVD in region 1 on June 26, 2012.

Cast

Chrissy Lampkin appears in 9 episodes, Emily Bustamante in 9, Olivia Longott in 9, Somaya Reece in 8, Jim Jones in 8, Mashonda in 3, Maurice Aguilar in 6, Nancy 'Mama' Jones in 5, and Rich Dollaz in 7. Producer Cite On The Beat appears as a guest star in several episodes. Minor appearances include Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets, photographer Felix Natal Jr., Dipset members Freekey Zekey and Juelz Santana, Mama Jones' friend Freddie Robinson Jr., Somaya's ex-boyfriend X.O., producer K-Mack, music video director Rage, vlogger DJ Vlad, and Emily's children Taina and Johan.

Yandy Smith appears briefly in the background of Chrissy's proposal party and would go on to appear in a larger role in season two. The season's opening monologue includes archival clips from hip-hop videos such as 50 Cent's 'Candy Shop' and Fabolous' 'Baby Don't Go', featuring future Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta and Love & Hip Hop: Miami cast members Lil Scrappy and Shay Johnson.