Yandy Smith discusses contract lessons from ‘Love & Hip-Hop’

Yandy Smith, co-creator of the VH1 franchise ‘Love & Hip-Hop’, has expressed regret regarding the business contracts she signed during the show’s early years. Speaking on ‘Rickey Smiley’s On The Spot’ podcast, Smith noted that while she has earned millions from the series, she believes she should have earned “hundreds of millions” had she better understood the complexities of executive producing and franchising.

Smith, who co-created the long-running series with Mona Scott-Young, reflected on her lack of knowledge regarding contract details and the financial implications of different production roles. She emphasized the importance of legal protections, stating, “Contracts, they matter,” and noted that some other executive producers involved with the franchise became significantly wealthier than her.