Main cast members
Original cast members
Trina (top), Amara La Negra (middle) and Trick Daddy (bottom) are original cast members on Love & Hip Hop: Miami .
- Trina , born Katrina Laverne Taylor, is a rapper. [3] She grew up in Liberty City and was raised by a Dominican father and Bahamian mother. She made her rap debut on Trick Daddy's 1998 Billboard Hot 100 single "Nann Nigga" and rose to fame in the early 2000s with the release of her debut album Da Baddest Bitch . [4] Trina made her first appearance in the Love & Hip Hop franchise in an episode of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta: After Party Live , as well as Sguest appearances in seasons two and three of the spin-off K. Michelle: My Life , acting as K's friend and mentor and offering her career advice. The first season of Love & Hip Hop: Miami chronicles Trina's latest music projects, including the launch of TNT, a joint album with Trick Daddy, and her sixth solo album The One . The season also explores her family life, including her strained relationship with her flamboyant cousin Bobby, who is in a violent feud with her assistant Alvin, and her cousin Joy, who is trying to find closure after the failure of her marriage to Trick. [2] In season two, tensions between her and Trick Daddy explode as she struggles to get their album finished, before scrapping the project all together. In season three, while reeling from the death of her mother, she assembles a tour to showcase Miami's up-and-coming female rappers. However, she later scraps the idea after a "boot camp" rehearsal turns into an all-out brawl between the girls. Trina also appears as a guest star in season eight of Love & Hip Hop: New York , while filming a music video with her protégé Brittney Taylor, and in the special 40 Greatest Love & Hip Hop Moments: The Reboot.
- Prince (Seasons 1–2), born Christopher Michael Harty, is a promoter, brand ambassador, model and recording artist. He is the self-proclaimed "Fresh Prince of South Beach", born and raised in South Miami to Jamaican parents. [5] He endured a rough life as a teenager and young adult, including two years in a juvenile facility and several years homeless, which led to a series of arrests from 2010 until 2013 for theft, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He eventually turned his life around and landed a job with Varsity LG, one of Miami's largest event promotions companies. [6] In 2015, he appeared in Trina's music video for her single "Fuck Boy". The first season chronicles the excesses of his "party boy" lifestyle, which has put a strain on his relationship with Liz, his girlfriend of three years. He has an intense rivalry with fellow party promoter Michelle Pooch, sparked by a violent brawl at the launch of his denim line. Later, he and Liz break up, and at the reunion, he is exposed as having cheated on her with Gabby. Prince's close friendship with the openly gay rapper Bobby Lytes becomes a source of speculation in the show's second season, when the two have a violent falling out after Prince rekindles his relationship with Liz. During the season, he embarks on a music career under the name Papii Sham Poo. Prince was included as a cast member in the press release for season three, however ultimately did not appear. [7]
- Amara La Negra , born Diana Danelys De Los Santos, is an Afro-Latina entertainer, singer and actress of Dominican descent. She grew up in Miami as the only child of a single mother who immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic. [8] [9] In 2013, she released the single "Ayy" which became a hit in the Latin market. However, she has experienced difficulties being accepted in her home country due to her dark skin and afro, and was even parodied in blackface on the Dominican variety show Aquí Se Habla Español by former beauty queen Geisha Montes de Oca. [10] The series chronicles her attempts to crossover to the mainstream American market. In the first season, she comes into conflict with light skinned Latino producer Young Hollywood after he criticises her afro during a business meeting. After tearfully confiding in her friends Veronica Vega and Steph Lecor, they attempt to act as peacemakers, however this backfires, leading to a dramatic and violent falling out between La Negra and Vega. Season two chronicles her feud with comedienne and aspiring singer Jessie Woo, who accuses Amara and her manager Jullian Boothe of stealing her talk show idea, as well as flirting with her boyfriend. Later in the season, she ends her friendship with Jojo, after Jojo claims she put roots on her. Season three chronicles her relationship struggles with bachata singer Emjay, after he helps sever her ties with Jullian. La Negra was dubbed by Billboard as the show's "breakout star", landing a multi-album record deal with BMG hours after the show's premiere. [11] Her storyline, which explores with colorism and eurocentrism within the Latin community, has garnered significant media attention. [12] [13] [14] She also appears as a guest star in season two of Leave It to Stevie , while performing at his event, and in season five of Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood , while filming a movie with Paris Phillips, as well as the specials Love & Hip Hop Awards: Most Certified and 40 Greatest Love & Hip Hop Moments: The Reboot.
- Gunplay (Seasons 1–2), born Richard Morales Jr. and also known as Don Logan, is a rapper. He was born in El Paso, Texas to parents of Jamaican and Puerto Rican descent and grew up in Carol City in South Florida. [15] He is a practitioner of Santería. He made his rap debut as part of Rick Ross' Southern hip hop group Triple C's, before embarking on a solo career. He has had a very public battle with cocaine addiction. [16] [17] In 2012, he faced a life sentence in prison after being arrested for armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault. Charges were later dropped and he relocated to Atlanta. Gunplay made his first franchise appearance as a supporting cast member in one episode of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta , where he convinced his friend Lil Scrappy to move to Miami with him. The first season of Love & Hip Hop: Miami chronicles Gunplay's return to Miami and his battle with substance abuse and the temptations of gang life. It also explores his relationship struggles with Keyara, his girlfriend of two years, including his lingering feelings for ex-girlfriend Miami Tip, and a suspected relapse after the death of a close friend. In season two, the couple have separated after Keyara discovers he has been messaging other women, including Amara. During the season, he attempts to win her back, however he is unsuccessful. Gunplay was included as a cast member in the press release for season three, however ultimately did not appear. [7] He returned to the franchise briefly in 2021 in the special Inside the 305.
- Veronica Vega (Seasons 1–2), born Cristal Marye Cue, is a rapper and recording artist. She was born and raised in Hialeah, Florida to a Cuban father and Venezuelan mother. [18] She began her career under the name Cristal Q and appeared as a video girl in the music video for Chris Brown's 2007 single "Kiss Kiss". She is signed to Zone 4 under the mentorship of Polow da Don. Vega is known for her single "Wicked", which features Pitbull, and her viral hit "Pay Me", which caused controversy for her use of the word "nigga". [19] In the first season, Vega attempts to resolve Amara's issues with Young Hollywood by agreeing to go on a date with him, however it backfires, igniting a feud between the two girls. In the second season, she struggles with her career and providing for her family due to being labeled as "racist" from the events of the previous season. Later, she and Amara reconcile.
- Bobby Lytes (Seasons 1–3, supporting cast member in season 4), born Bobby Nico Wade, is a rapper. Lytes was born and raised in Homestead, Florida to Dominican parents. He is Trina's first cousin. [20] In 2014, he was arrested multiple times for grand theft, larceny and probation violations. Lytes is the first openly gay main cast member in the franchise's history. The series chronicles his career struggles as a gay rapper in the homophobic hip hop industry. In the first season, Bobby discovers that Jeffrey, his boyfriend of a year and a half, has been cheating on him behind his back with his ex Malik, igniting a violent rivalry between the two men. In season two, his intense friendship with Prince drives several storylines, with his jealously over Prince's relationship with Liz leading to speculation that Bobby is actually in love with him. Although still credited as a main cast member in every episode of season three, Bobby has little-to-no storyline of his own, instead playing a supportive role to Trina as she grieves her mother. Bobby also appears in the specials Love & Hip Hop Awards: Most Certified, 40 Greatest Love & Hip Hop Moments: The Reboot and Inside the 305.
- Shay Johnson (Seasons 1–3, supporting cast member in season 4) is an urban model, reality television personality and fitness guru, originally from Atlanta, Georgia. [21] A military brat, she also lived in Hawaii and Milwaukee as an adolescent. Shay is a former video vixen who appeared in hip hop videos for Fabolous and Young Dro, however, she is best known as "Buckeey" on the VH1 reality shows Flavor of Love and Charm School . Shay first appeared in the franchise as a supporting cast member in the first two seasons of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta as Lil Scrappy's "friend-with-benefits". She admits that she has feelings for Scrappy, but he refuses to claim their relationship as anything more than casual sex. In the first season of Love & Hip Hop: Miami , Shay relocates to Miami for her man, Pleasure P, who she has been in a long-distance relationship with for two years. She quickly clashes with his Pretty Ricky group mate Baby Blue Whoaaaa, before igniting violent feuds with Pleasure's ex Gabby, who she dubs "Mint Chocolate" after the ice cream she threw at her, as well as "Instagram science experiments" Chinese Kitty and Chinese Nicky. During the season, her relationship with P falls apart. In season two, she struggles with uterine fibroids, amid a violent feud with Jojo. In season three, Shay forms a sisterly bond with Amara, when she begins dating her brother, Emjay. Shay also appears in the specials Love & Hip Hop Awards: Most Certified, 40 Greatest Love & Hip Hop Moments: The Reboot and Inside the 305.
- Trick Daddy , born Maurice Samuel Young, is a rapper and record producer. He is the self-proclaimed "Mayor of the 305", born and raised in Liberty City. [22] Trick Daddy rose to fame in the early 2000s, with a string of Billboard Hot 100 hit singles and albums released on the label Slip-n-Slide Records. In 2009, he was diagnosed with lupus, which he refuses to take medication for. [23] He has a long criminal history of drug possession and weapons charges and in recent years has faced a number of financial difficulties, having declared bankruptcy three times. [24] He reportedly has ten children to eight mothers. [25] In April 2016, Trick confirmed that he would be joining the cast of Love & Hip Hop: Miami , which would eventually premiere in January 2018. In the first season, he is reunited with his estranged wife Joy, who he has been separated from for four years, but refuses to finalise their divorce. In season two, he clashes with Trina while attempting to finish TNT, their joint album together, eventually abandoning the project all together. In season three, he opens a soul food restaurant, Sunday's Eatery, and begins a celibate relationship with model and aspiring rapper Nikki Natural, however his lingering feelings for Joy eventually break up the relationship. Later episodes chronicle the aftermath of his 2020 arrest for DUI and cocaine possession. [26]
Season 2 additions
- Jojo Zarur (Season 2, supporting cast member in seasons 1, 3), born Joanna Nemar Zarur, is a celebrity stylist and entrepreneur, originally from Mexico City, Mexico. She grew up in Coral Gables, Florida, to a Mexican father and Lebanese-Arabic mother. She studied pre-law and economics at Stanford [27] before meeting Young Thug in 2015. She dropped out to become his stylist. Jojo owns the boutique store Zarur Boutique, which is featured on the show, and her clients have included Offset, T-Pain and Jim Jones. [28] Jojo appears as a supporting cast member in the first season, which focuses on her business ventures, amid tensions with her wealthy parents who are going through a divorce. She develops a close friendship with Amara, and sides with her in her feud with Veronica, Steph and Young Hollywood. She is promoted to main cast in season two, which chronicles her feuds with Miami Tip, Prince and Jessie Woo, while struggling to stay a loyal friend to Amara and Bobby. She begins dating Pleasure P, igniting a violent altercation with Shay, in which her wig is snatched. Later, she blames her recent bad luck on Amara putting roots on her, ending their friendship. Jojo returns in a supporting role in season three, after securing a deal with Tommy Hilfiger and entering a relationship with club promoter Big Larry. During the season, she reconciles with Amara, and ends her feud with Shay.
Season 3 additions
- PreMadonna (Season 3), born Nakeitha Chemera Felder Thomas and also known as PreMadonna87, is a fashion designer, entrepreneur and rapper. She grew up in Overtown. In 2006 and 2007, she was arrested multiple times for strong arm robbery, battery, petty theft and probation violations. She came into the public eye as the founder of Waist Gang Society, a line of women's shapewear and waist trainers, which were popularised by Kim Kardashian and Blac Chyna, and were the subject of a million-dollar class action lawsuit for misleading advertising. [29] [30] She has three children. [31] [32] PreMadonna first appeared in the franchise in a minor supporting role in season four of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta , as a friend to Joseline, Jessica Dime and Dawn, coming to Atlanta from Miami to promote her fashion line. After two episodes, she is not seen again, and does not attend the season's reunion special. In April 2016, PreMadonna was cast in Love & Hip Hop: Miami , with her storyline reportedly tied to Trick Daddy, her manager at the time, and focused on her attempts to kickstart a rap career. She filmed scenes throughout the year for the show's presentation tape, titled Love & Hip Hop: 4th City, including her wedding ceremony to Buck, however she was dropped from the show when it was picked up by VH1. PreMadonna was added to the cast in season three, returning to Miami to straighten out her business and repair her friendship with Miami Tip. The season chronicles her feud with Joseline, with who she had a public falling out with years prior. Later, she clashes with Amara, after exposing Emjay's alleged financial issues.
- Hood Brat (Season 3) is a rapper. She grew up in Liberty City. She started her rap career under the name Nenah Blaque as part of the rap duo The Step Sisters, with Mona Vinci. Season three chronicles her struggles to take her career to the next level, and provide for the children of her late sister. During the season, she is dating Kenny Nwankwo, who she eventually discovers is still married.
- Sukihana (Seasons 3–5A), born Destiny Henderson, is a rapper and social media personality, originally from Wilmington, Delaware. She grew up in Atlanta and rose to fame while through her posts on Instagram, and for her viral songs, such as "Blame Trina", "5 Foot Freestyle" and "Drug Dealer" featuring Cuban Doll. Previously, she was on an episode of The Jerry Springer Show called "Sex For Rent". [33] She has three children from previous relationships, the first she gave birth to at the age of 18. Season three chronicles her struggles to be taken seriously as an artist. During the season, she briefly enjoys a Instagram-fuelled "situationship" with the rapper Khaotic, and gets into violent brawls with Shay and Nikki Natural.
- Brisco (Season 3), born British Alexander Mitchell, is a rapper. He grew up in Opa-locka, Florida. He first gained notoriety after signing with Cash Money Records and collaborating with Lil Wayne, Flo Rida and Rick Ross, however his career was cut short when he was arrested in December 2016 and later sentenced to four years in federal prison on fraud charges. [34] Season three chronicles his life after prison, as well as his relationship struggles with Chello, his one-time fiancée and baby mama.
- Joseline Hernandez (Season 3), also known as "The Puerto Rican Princess", is a Latin-American entertainer, originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico. [35] [36] Joseline first appeared in the franchise on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta as one of the show's original cast members. She starred in the show's first six seasons, before dramatically quitting the series, amid tensions with executive producer Mona Scott-Young. [37] Joseline joins the cast of Love & Hip Hop: Miami in season three, which chronicles her relationship with producer DJ Ballistic Beats, as well as her feud with PreMadonna, who she calls "PreMa-piggy". Despite being credited as a main cast member for the entire season and heavily featured in its promotional material, Joseline disappears from the show entirely after four episodes, after a series of interviews in which she criticised producer Mona Scott-Young, dismissing her as a "talent scout". [38]
Season 4 additions
- Florence El Luche (Season 4) is a Haitian singer and self-professed "Queen of Kompa Music".
- Ace Hood (Season 4, guest star in season 1), born Antoine Franklin McColister, is a rapper, known for his hit singles, "Hustle Hard" and "Bugatti". He first appeared in season one as a guest star.
- Shelah Marie (Season 4) is Ace Hood's wife. She is a "meditation enthusiast", lifestyle entrepreneur and founder of the Curvy, Curly, Conscious movement.
- Noreaga (Season 4, guest star in season 2), born Victor Santiago, Jr. and also credited as N.O.R.E., is a rapper, originally from Queens, New York. He previously made guest appearances on Love & Hip Hop: New York and in season two of Love & Hip Hop: Miami .
- Neri Santiago (Season 4) is Noreaga's wife.
