“I want it to be like okay if it’s Fridays I pick them up from school, then Monday’s I bring them back to school and then it’s like okay that’s what it’s going to be,” Samuels said, as caught by The Shade Room. He added that the length of time since he’s seen them “does bother him.” Additionally, he fired back against accusations on the internet of being a “deadbeat dad.” He said: “I really don’t let it to get me, because I know what’s really going on and you know, deadbeats ain’t paying what I’m pay in lawyer fees. It’s so expensive and I hate it so much and I just want it to be black and white, ‘hey look, let’s just let it be this.’ The only people that are benefiting from this are the lawyers.”
Safaree Samuels & Erica Mena Attend The MTV Video Music Awards
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Safaree Samuels and Erica Mena Samuels attend the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019, in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
Elsewhere in the interview, Samuels discussed his viral appearance at Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 World Tour event in Miami. “I’m not a jealous person. I’m not no hater, cause I’m still doing good I don’t gotta worry about nothing. I don’t need you for nothing,” Safaree explained. Fans had been shocked to see Minaj’s ex enjoying himself at the concert.
Safaree Samuels Reflects On Relationship With Erica Mena
Samuels and Mena married back in 2019 and welcomed two children over the course of the next two years. Mena ended up filing for divorce in May 2021. Check out Safaree Samuels’ full appearance on All Things Keyshia Ka’oir below.
Erica Mena and Nicki Minaj have a complicated history. Both women had relationships with Safaree Samuels, and Mena even has kids with him. These circumstances have led to some fraught exchanges on social media, as well as some passive aggressive remarks made about one another during interviews. That being said, they can occasionally see eye to eye. Nicki Minaj recently posted a video in which she discussed the difficulties of being a mother, and Mena actually showed support.
Minaj’s post threw many fans off due to the rapper’s appearance and speech. She can be seen wearing a hair-cap and speaking very slowly. She seemed on the brink of tears at points. Regardless of what was going, Erica Mena showered the rapper with support. “You got this,” she commented. “Sending real love. Mom life isn’t easy.” Fans were even more surprised to spot Mena’s positivity, given the negative things she’s said about Minaj in the past. In 2018, Mena posted photos of Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, Lil Kim and Remy Ma on her Instagram with the caption: “Inspirations.” When a user asked whether Minaj was an inspiration, Mena fired back by asking “who?”.
In 2022, the reality star asserted that she wasn’t a fan of Nicki Minaj’s music. She went as far as to claim that the rapper blew up by copying Lil Kim’s style. “Honestly I grew up on Kim so heavy,” she told Hot 97. “When [Nicki] came out, I was like ‘ugh she’s biting my girl.’ It just was what it was.” The tension between these two women have cooled off in recent years, however. Part of it may be due to their shared issues with Safaree Samuels. Minaj’s split from the producer/rapper was messy, as was Erica Mena’s divorce in 2022. Mena attacked Samuels for cheating on her with Love And Hip Hop Miami star Amara La Negra. She even pointed out that Samuels gave more attention to La Negra’s kids than the ones he had with her.
“It’s just very interesting how my kids NEVER received gifts like this by this waste man,” Mena wrote on Instagram in 2023. “My daughter just turned 3. All she got was a birthday cake and a few balloons in his living room. And please don’t get me started on how he didn’t do anything for my son’s 1st birthday until two weeks after the fact.” It’s obvious that Erica Mena holds resentment against Safaree for being a bad dad. It’s not a stretch to envision this experience, which was partially shared with Minaj, was the impetus for her supportive comments about being a mother.
When it comes to reality television, Puerto Rican beauty Erica Mena has become one of the most infamous stars to grace, or maybe disgrace, the tube. And for the past decade, she has subsequently gained just as many enemies/frenemies as she has loyal followers and fans. Unfortunately, many fights with her co-stars have caused chaos in her personal life.
Most recently, she rubbed Love & Hip Hop producers the wrong way after calling fellow cast member and dancehall queen Spice a “blue-haired monkey.” The fight between the two mothers cost Erica Mena her job and subsequently started an uprising of comments on whether her insult was racially based. And although it seems like her days on LHH are over, who’s to say that she couldn’t return to the show that’s known for returning old cast members for a surprise factor? But this beef is only the latest of many for Erica. Here are her seven biggest and most memorable beefs.
On the viral episode, mutual friend Shekinah attempts to mediate a conversation between Erica Mena and Spice. The two were already at odds because of Spice’s friendship with Erica’s ex-husband Safaree Samuels. He basically cried for Spice when she was near death in the hospital, but showed little emotion when Mena and their newborn were in the hospital. “Why did you feel the need to compare us,” Spice asks. “I was his wife and he felt nothing,” Mena responded. “That don’t have nothing to do with me,” Spice responded.
Things took a turn for the worse when Spice took the low road and mentioned Erica’s distant relationship with her eldest son from a previous relationship. “With your son that don’t like you. My son loves me.” The words cut Mena like a knife. She proceeded to flip the table and started a rant on how Spice should have died (when she was previously hospitalized back in Oct 2022.) “That b**ch should have died. You want to mention my kids,” she said and shouted, “You monkey, you f***ing blue monkey.”
Erica was soon fired. The franchise series released a statement that included, “….viewers will see the impact of Erica Mena’s remarks play out in the final three episodes of the season…Effective immediately, she will not appear in the next season of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.”
The statement almost sounds like someone behind the scenes may have had it in for Erica Mena and used the fight to get rid of her. Especially considering that only days later, Spice called cast member Bambi a “giraffe” in another heated argument. She has yet to receive any retribution from the show.
SafareeSamuels
The Stepmother star constantly seems to fight with her ex-husband and children’s father Safaree Samuels, whom she divorced in May 2021. It all started with a whirlwind romance that led to a public proposal and an extravagant wedding. Rumors of infidelity would soon surface before Erica gave birth to their second child Legend.
Erica was always weary of Safaree’s relationship with Spice. Her suspicions only increased when he seemed extremely broken during Spice’s hospitalization. Samuels definitely seemed inconsiderate toward Erica’s feelings and downright messy. Not only did he reveal private things about his wife to Spice, he also recorded Erica talking ish about Spice. All this led her to believe that Safaree and Spice were intimate during their marriage. The two even mocked Erica after her exit from the show.
His blatant disrespect for his ex-wife also seemed to go a lot farther than Spice. Erica has called Safaree a “dead beat dad” many times, saying that he never sees their children. He also (reportedly) has not been paying the court ordered $4300 in monthly child support.
Erica Mena started dating music exec Rich Dollaz in season three of LHHNY. He was also her manager at the time. The drama started early when former G-Unit artist Olivia warned Erica that Rich was a playa. Erica was quick to tell Rich that she didn’t need him or his BS. And after walking out on him at an N.Y. hotspot, she soon realized that he did not have her best interest at heart; either romantically or career-wise. Not only did he give a song (that he had promised her) to Olivia, but Erica admitted that she never really felt safe with Rich. And he stuck with the reasoning that since she never actually signed a contract with him, he couldn’t truly be down for her 100%.
DJ Envy
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: DJ Envy visits SiriusXM Studio on April 20, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
Long before LHHNY, Erica Mena dated DJ Envy for quite a while until one day she received a call from his wife, Gia Casey. In an interview with Carlos King, she claimed that she had no idea Envy was married. The two spent a lot of time together and Erica says that nothing seemed unordinary about their relationship. According to an interview, once The Breakfast Club’s host found out that his wife knew of his infidelity, he soon came clean and confessed on-air in Feb. 2013. And although he never mentioned Mena’s name directly, he did call her “a bird” and “a liar” that was “beneath him.”
Cyn Santana
Cyn Santana joined LHHNY in season four asErica Mena’s love interest. They seemed very happy, but the relationship was soon tested when Erica started back working with her ex Rich Dollaz to get her music career off the ground. Santana was offended by Dollaz’s disrespect.
At one point she accusedErica of being physically abusive to her. They had a hard breakup the following season. And shortly after, Cyn started to date Joe Budden. At some point, the two must have repaired their friendship because in 2019 she and Joe did attend the baby shower for Safaree and Erica’s daughter, Safire.
Another ferocious fight on LHHNY (season two) was between Erica Mena and co-star Kimbella Vanderhee, the now-wife of Dipset legend Juelz Santana. From their initial meeting, Erica’s problem with Kimbella seemed minimal, petty and almost as if she just needed a little something to ignite a feud for the show. But once Mena’s temper blasted off, the ladies soon needed to be separated by security. The incident shocked viewers and further solidified her reputation as a hot head. Although the two women have since moved on from their beef, their infamous hair-pulling fiasco remains one of the most talked-about moments in Love & Hip Hop history.
Erica Mena and founding Terror Squad member Raul Conde started dating in 2000. They separated in 2007 after Mena reportedly claimed that Conde was being abusive towards her. That year, Erica gave birth to their son King Javien Conde.
A fight between Raul Conde and Erica Mena was once featured in an episode of LHH. The toxic pattern eventually stopped when the two reportedly resolved their issues for their son. They seemed to be co-parenting cordially up until the Conde’s passing in Nov 2023 of a heart attack. He received a great send-off from Erica and friends like Fat Joe and DJ Khaled. “My son officially has a broken heart…” Erica Mena wrote on her Instagram story on Nov 23, along with a picture of Conde with King. “Life is so short. Please love your people.”
Erica Mena recently sat down for a revealing interview with Carlos King, stirring up a buzz among fans. She discussed her involvement in DJ Envy’s infidelity, her time on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, her relationship with ex-husband Safaree, and the challenges she has faced in her life. Erica Mena Opens Up On Tuesday, Oct. […]
Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta cast members gathered for a roundtable discussion with Dr. Sarah L. Webb, focusing on the recent Spice and Erica Mena incident, highlighting the challenges of racism and colorism. Following the interview, Mena’s response ignited further conversation and debate on these important topics. ‘Love & Hip Hop Atlanta: Racism, Colorism and […]
Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta is addressing some uncomfortable truths head-on. The reality TV franchise recently announced an exclusive episode called “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta: Racism, Colorism, and the Uncomfortable Truth.” The roundtable discussion will delve into the recent events that led to the show’s decision to stop filming with Erica Mena. ‘Uncomfortable Truths’ […]
After being fired from the set of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, Erica Mena has issued an apology for the racial slur she directed at her co-star, Spice. The reality star expressed her remorse for her offensive comment, referring to the Dancehall legend as a “blue monkey.” Erica Mena Apologizes On Tuesday, September 12, Erica […]
Erica Mena has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Following a controversial incident involving the reality star and her co-star Spice, reports now indicate that she has been fired from her role on Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta. Erica Mena Terminated & Cancelled After recently facing immense backlash for spewing a racial slur toward […]
Erica Mena is under fire for using a racial slur against co-reality star Spice, during a recent episode of Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta. The heated exchange between Mena and Spice occurred during a sit-down arranged by their co-star, Shekinah. The Breakdown Erica Mena is currently facing backlash after a recent episode of MTV’s Love […]
Safaree Samuels, known for his flamboyant personality and musical prowess, has steadily climbed the ladder of success. This has helped him create a substantial net worth. The blend of his reality TV presence, music career, and entrepreneurial pursuits has resulted in an impressive fortune that reflects his varied talents. His reach has earned him a net worth of $3 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
From New York To Global Sensation
Samuels was born in Brooklyn, New York. His love for music began at a young age. However, his breakthrough came when he joined the group The Hoodstars. This move laid the groundwork for his upcoming career, and he later found substantial fame as a songwriter and hype man for rapper Nicki Minaj. The duo’s professional and personal relationship marked the early stages of his career and contributed to his initial earnings.
When Samuels ventured into a solo music career, he faced several challenges. Yet, his persistent efforts led to a moderately successful musical journey. His singles like “Hunnid” have contributed to his overall wealth, with earnings from record sales and live performances.
Success In The Love & Hip Hop Franchise
His tenure on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood added another dimension to his fame and financial success. His charismatic personality, along with the drama of his relationships, made him a fan favorite. This increased his earnings considerably through the show.
Beyond his television and music pursuits, Samuels has built a diverse portfolio of business ventures. He has capitalized on his fame by launching his own line of coconut oil and men’s grooming products, contributing to his net worth significantly. The line’s success reflects his knack for business and understanding of branding. Further, Samuels’ use of social media platforms also contributes to his wealth. With millions of followers, he has leveraged his online presence. Safaree has secured brand endorsements and sponsored content, creating an additional income stream.
Divorce From Erica Mena
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Safaree Samuels and Erica Mena Samuels attend the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
Despite a turbulent personal life marked by public breakups and an intense robbery incident, Samuels’ finances have remained steady. His marriage to fellow Love & Hip Hop star Erica Mena, although ended in a highly-publicized divorce, further amplified his celebrity status, indirectly contributing to his net worth.
Safaree Samuels Net Worth: Recap/TLDR
As of 2023, Safaree Samuels’ net worth is a combination of his earnings from his music career, reality TV participation, and successful business ventures. His investments reflect his entrepreneurial spirit, and his music career underscores his talent. Samuels’ journey is one of resilience and business acumen. From his early days in the music industry to his current status as a reality television star and entrepreneur, he has proven himself to be a formidable force. His net worth in 2023 is a testament to his multifaceted career and his ability to successfully navigate the entertainment industry.
(@ericamena)
