Love & Hip Hop: New York season 3

Did You Know?

• Love & Hip Hop New York: Check Yourself, featuring cast reactions to each episode, was released weekly on digital platforms.
• Deleted scenes from the season's episodes were released weekly as bonus content on VH1's official website.

Production

Season 3 of Love & Hip Hop: New York arrived on January 7, 2013, after a major cast shake-up. The previous season's reunion had seen all four original stars accuse producers of twisting storylines for drama. VH1 announced on September 7, 2012, that Chrissy Lampkin and Jim Jones were leaving for their own spin-off, Chrissy & Mr. Jones, taking Emily Bustamante and Jim's mother Nancy Jones with them. Somaya Reece quit entirely, while Olivia Longott was demoted to a supporting role.

Only Rich Dollaz and Yandy Smith remained from the original main cast, with Yandy stepping into the lead role. Erica Mena was bumped up to main cast, joined by Winter Ramos, Tahiry Jose, Raqi Thunda, Jen the Pen, and Rashidah Ali. Supporting players included Joe Budden, Mendeecees Harris, Consequence, and Lore'l. Former main cast member Kimbella Vanderhee appeared as a guest for two episodes. The season hit DVD in region 1 on June 19, 2013.

Synopsis

Yandy welcomed a baby boy with boyfriend Mendeecees and feels it is time for a proposal. Joe Budden deals with addiction and unresolved emotions for ex Tahiry. Erica mixes romance and work with manager Rich while launching her music career. Consequence and longtime partner Jen the Pen argue over his Muslim beliefs and parenting their son. The season's cast changes got a mixed response, and it had the lowest ratings in the franchise up to that point.

Cast

Main cast members included Yandy Smith, Erica Mena, Jen the Pen, Raqi Thunda, Winter Ramos, Rashidah Ali, Tahiry Jose, Joe Budden, Rich Dollaz, and Mendeecees Harris. Olivia Longott, Consequence, Lore'l, and Kaylin Garcia appeared in supporting roles. Kimbella Vanderhee returned as a guest star for two episodes. Guest stars included Joe's mother Fay Southerland, Cisco Rosado, Peter Gunz, Yandy's mother Laura Smith, Rich's mother Jewel Escobar, and his ex-girlfriend Tiffany Lewis. Minor appearances included Ebro Darden, Vado, Yandy's cousin Maurice Talton, and Angela Yee.