One could roll one's eyes — or just yawn, or if that's too much effort maybe just sigh — at the thought of still more kinda-forgotten celebs getting their own kinda-reality shows.
I believe I chose option A when first reading of Pepa (of Salt n Pepa) and Chili (of TLC) getting their own shows on VH1 (where else?). Were they actively trying to kill off my best memories of female-fronted hip-hop hits? Its as if in some meeting, VH1 executives said, "Hmm, we've already done our best to destroy Public Enemy's legacy with all the Flavor Flav nonsense — what's next?" (Not that TLC or SnP are quite on the pioneering level of Public Enemy, but who didn't love "Push It" or "No Scrubs"? And any successful female rappers are still rare gems; even more so if they started out a decade or two ago.)
I was, however, moderately assuaged by the descriptions of their shows. Chili will be searching for love with the help of a relationship coach, which I assume means we're more in Scott Baio is 45 … and Single, self-help territory than Flavor of Love trashy-contest territory. At least that makes this a little more of a learning experience and a little less of an exploit-the-grossest undertaking.
But I'm more intrigued by Pepa's reality jam, which will follow her own struggles with dating after being celibate for several years. Choosing (or even not necessarily choosing) celibacy is a reality for many normal, thinking — and not necessarily super-Christian — adults. It could be interesting to see this lifestyle decision explored — even if mostly in the quest to end it — in the usually skank-infested waters of VH1 "dating" shows.
What do you think, Music Mixers? Will you watch Chili and Pepa's searches for love on VH1? Or would you rather see them making music again?
More from EW's Music Mix:
Michael Jackson's musical legacy: Tell us how you remember him
Mariah Carey as Eminem: Yes, that's really her
Jay-Z's 'D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)' video: Watch it here
The 2009 BET Awards: We live-blogged it!
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So Pepa’s other reality show ended and while it should result in a new Salt N Pepa CD, it failed to produce the results she wanted, so here is her 3rd attempt (Surreal Life was her first.) Ugh. Just put out the damn CD, and if that gets her back to being popular, be happy. She should go find a BF on her own, do she really NEED to have cameras there for the “fame” and money? Sheesh.
Actually, doesn’t SnP’s status as the first major female hip hop group kind of make them pioneers too? And TLC really crossed female hip hop into the mainstream. Why diminish their accomplishments?
I’ve had a crush on Chili for 15 years.. I’d be happy to put an end to these shennanigans before they even start.. too bad I’m a fat white guy
I’d rather remember them from their heyday. Reality TV show? Hell no. I stopped watching VH1 after the Flava Flav fiasco…
I will watch both of their shows. They were fabulous then, and they are still – fabulous. Beautiful black women living good productive lives. Who wouldn’t want to watch their shows?