Hip-Hop

Rap Royalty Angela Simmons, Romeo Miller + The Cast Of Growing Up Hip Hop Share The Best Advice From Their Parents

This ain't your typical reality show.
by 12/21/2015

Sons and daughters of rap royalty are coming to a TV screen near you thanks to WEtv’s anticipated series, Growing Up Hip Hop. Star Angela Simmons also executive produced the show, which follows these cool kids as they navigate their careers and personal lives both in and out of the spotlight. But their journey doesn’t come without snafus.

Thankfully, they have some pretty damn good teachers—their legendary parents! VH1 was lucky enough to sit down with the cast and wax poetic about the best advice they ever received from their famous folks about how to break out of the family shadow.

Romeo Miller (son of Master P and formerly known as Lil’ Romeo)

Romeo is set to take over his father’s iconic record label, No Limit Records, while also creating a name for himself in the acting world.

“Best advice from my pops… He has a very independent mind frame, and he’s always told me that if they can do it, we can do it, too.”

Damon “Boogie” Dash (son of entrepreneur and Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder Damon Dash)

Lil Dame has his own cookie business while carrying on the Dash name with pride.

“One thing that’s sticking in my mind is somebody else can really f-ck your fun up. So keep good people around you, and being lazy is contagious.”

Kristinia Debarge (daughter of James Debarge)

Kristinia is re-emerging from her pop princess beginnings into evolving her musical sound.

“The best advice my dad has ever given me is kind of universal. He always told me, be careful who you surround yourself with, because as much as you think that you’re not a follower, one day you’ll be gossiping, or one day you’ll be doing something that you normally wouldn’t be doing.”

TJ Mizell (son of the late Jam Master Jay of Run-D.M.C)

TJ is building his name as a DJ and producer while honoring his father’s legacy.

“I think it came with music. He taught me with drums to always practice and practice and practice…I feel like something I’ve taken is repetition. The more you do something, and put in those 10,000 hours, you’ll become a professional at it.”

Egypt Criss (daughter of Pepa from female hip hop duo Salt N’ Pepa and Treach of Naughty by Nature) 

Egypt is pursuing a solo music career with the help of her mother while trying to break out of the family’s shadow.

“The best advice that I got was to never let anybody take advantage of me.”

Angela Simmons (daughter of Joseph Simmons AKA Reverend Run of Run-D.M.C.) 

Angela has proven that she’s more than just a celebutante with her strong business sense. She’s not here for the bullshit.

“My dad always tells me to do my best and forget the rest and I kind of run with that and live by that.”

WEtv’s Growing Up Hip Hop premieres Thursday January 7th at 10 pm. If you don’t know, now you know!

I write. I host. I pop culture. I also have a healthy obsession for The Golden Girls. Love my Girls.