TINY AND TOYA: THE APOLOGY

When I first heard that BET has a new show chronicling the lives of Clifford’s baby momma and Lil Wayne’s ex-wife, let’s just say I was not a happy camper. I thought to myself, “Why do we need another show that glorifies the stereotypes of the day?” Does the black community really need another reality show that sets the Civil Rights Movement back another thousand years?

Since I am suffering from insomnia, I decided to go to BET.com and watch the first installment of what I believed would be another glorification of baby momma drama. Click here to watch Episode One. I could not have been more wrong. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the show is more about self discovery and growth of two young women.

The main characters of the show come from two different worlds; yet, they end up at similar place in their existence. Tiny (a former member of Xscape) comes from a stable and supportive two parent household. Her father is a member of the group, The TAMS. Her mother is very loving and supportive.

On the other hand, Toya, who is the ex-wife of Lil Wayne, was raised by a drug addicted single mom. As a result of her mother’s addiction, she had to live in different households through childhood. To date, her mother is still on drugs.

Although these women come from two completely different backgrounds, both women end up at a place where they have to make a decision to either continue to sell their self worth and dignity for the bling or dig deep within themselves and pursue their own personal goals.

I strongly feel we should give this show a chance.

I apologize to Tiny, Toya and Debra Lee for expecting the same old coonery that BET normally perpetuates in its programming. This show is definitely a step in the right direction.