Safaree Samuels: Career Insights and Personal Highlights

Safaree Lloyd Samuels, born on July 4, 1981, is a Jamaican-American rapper, songwriter, and television personality with a multifaceted career. He first came to public attention as part of the hip hop group Hoodstars, formed in the early 2000s. This early stint in the music scene laid the foundation for his subsequent solo endeavors.

Samuels gained further notoriety through his relationship and musical collaboration with rapper Nicki Minaj, serving as her hype man and contributing to her projects. This partnership lasted several years and significantly bolstered his profile in the entertainment industry.

Aside from music, the hip hop star has become a familiar face on television, most notably as a cast member of the VH1 reality show ‘Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood.’ His personal life, particularly his marriage and subsequent divorce from fellow ‘Love & Hip Hop’ star Erica Mena, and the birth of their children, has also been a subject of media attention.

Early Life and Career

Safaree Samuels, a Jamaican-American rapper and songwriter, began his journey in the music industry with notable collaborations and was part of the hip hop group Hoodstars. His early experiences and partnerships set the stage for his eventual solo career.

Early Beginnings

Born on July 4, 1981, in Brooklyn, New York, Safaree Lloyd Samuels was raised in a Jamaican-American family. He attended Midwood High School, where he discovered an early passion for music. Safaree’s formative years were spent in an environment rich in cultural diversity, which influenced his musical style.

Collaborations and Groups

In the early 2000s, Safaree became a founding member of the group Hoodstars, which included rapper Nicki Minaj. This period was critical in shaping his future in the music industry. His collaboration with Nicki Minaj extended beyond music, as the two shared a heavily publicized relationship. The foundation laid during his time with Hoodstars allowed Safaree to refine his skills as both a rapper and a songwriter, paving the way for his solo endeavors.

Television and Media Presence

Safaree Samuels has established a significant presence on television, primarily through reality TV shows on the VH1 network. He is notable for his appearances in several installments of the “Love & Hip Hop” franchise.

Reality TV Shows

Safaree Samuels first joined the cast of VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood in 2016, showcasing his life and career in the entertainment industry. The show provided a platform for him to share personal aspects of his life, reaching a vast audience beyond his music fans.

• Love & Hip Hop: New York: Safaree’s personality continued to shine as a cast member on this series, further expanding his reality TV portfolio
• Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta: Although known for his stints on Hollywood and New York series, his involvement with the Atlanta series marked his continued affiliation with the franchise
• Scared Famous: Not limiting himself to the Love Hip Hop franchise, he also competed on Scared Famous, another VH1 reality show that aired in 2017

Other Media Appearances

In addition to reality TV, Safaree Samuels has appeared on various other media platforms and television shows that have contributed to his public profile:

• TV guest spots: His charisma and recognition have led to guest appearances on game shows and talk shows, including Hip Hop Squares, where celebrities participate in a hip-hop themed trivia game
• Interviews and segments: Various entertainment news outlets have featured Safaree in interviews which helped him publicize new music and business ventures such as his line of coconut oil products

Musical Endeavors

Safaree Samuels made a name for himself with his musical talent both as a solo artist and through collaboration. His discography includes a mix of studio work, mixtapes, and notable singles, where his roles have ranged from performer to hype man.

Albums and Studio Work

Safaree’s musical career includes the release of mixtapes such as It Is What It Is and Real Yard Vibes. These mixtapes showcase his versatility and roots in hip-hop. While Safaree has not released a studio album, his presence in the music industry remains tangible through the body of work he has produced in the form of mixtapes. His mixtape Fur Coat Vol. 1 received attention for its catchy tunes and lyrical content.

• Mixtapes:
  • It Is What It Is
  • Real Yard Vibes
  • Fur Coat Vol. 1

Singles and Hype Man Roles

As a hype man, Safaree is recognized for his role alongside Nicki Minaj, especially during the era of her album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. His contribution to the energy and success of live performances cannot be understated. His work as a solo artist is marked by singles that have allowed him to maintain a presence in the competitive arena of hip-hop and popular music. Safaree has also been part of a group earlier in his career, which included the artist Seven Up. His singles often generate buzz and cater to his established fanbase.

• Notable Roles:
  • Hype man for Nicki Minaj during Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded
  • Group work with Seven Up in the early 2000s

Personal Life

Safaree Samuels’s personal life has garnered significant media attention, particularly his relationships and experiences as a father. His high-profile relationship with Nicki Minaj, subsequent marriage to Erica Mena, and the birth of his children have been focal points of public interest.

Relationships and Marriage

Safaree Samuels was in a long-standing relationship with rapper Nicki Minaj, which began around 2000 and concluded in 2014. Following the end of this relationship, Samuels became involved with Erica Mena, a television personality known for her appearances on reality TV. The couple married on October 7, 2019. However, their union encountered challenges, and they eventually faced rumors of estrangement and prospects of divorce.

Fatherhood and Family

The marriage between Safaree Samuels and Erica Mena produced two children. They welcomed their daughter, Safire Majesty Samuels, on February 2, 2020. Later, Erica Mena gave birth to their second child, a son, named Straittt Jr. As a father, Safaree often shares moments with his children on social media, showcasing his journey through fatherhood and family life. Despite the ups and downs in his personal relationships, his role as a father remains a central and cherished part of his life.

Legal Matters and Custody

In the legal spectrums concerning Safaree Samuels, the spotlight falls on his divorce proceedings and the responsibilities entailed in the custody of his children.

Divorce Proceedings

Safaree Samuels and Erica Mena formalized their separation with Mena filing for divorce. Their marriage, which began in October 2019, concluded with an official split supported by legal documentation. The process was marked by negotiations surrounding custody arrangements and potential child support obligations.

Parental Responsibilities

A central issue in the divorce was the determination of joint legal custody and physical custody arrangements. Parenting time and custody of their minor children were of utmost concern. Samuels expressed a desire for joint legal custody of their 1-year-old daughter, Safire Majesty, and their unborn child.

Matters of child support, while not specifically detailed in public records, are typically a component of divorce cases involving minor children and likely formed a part of their judicial deliberations.

Social Media and Public Image

The famous hip hop star harnesses social media to shape his public image and engage with his audience, with Instagram forming a central platform in his online presence.

Online Presence

Safaree Samuels maintains an active Instagram account, where he shares various aspects of his life, from career updates to personal reflections. His Instagram stories often give fans a behind-the-scenes look into his daily activities and are a tool for him to share immediate thoughts and experiences with a wide audience. This level of engagement helps to keep his fan base informed and connected to his personal brand.

Public Perception

His public image has been significantly influenced by his celebrity news appearances and the content he shares on social media. Safaree is known for candidly expressing his viewpoints, and this openness contributes to how the public perceives him. The authenticity he portrays on social media platforms like Instagram helps to solidify his standing as a relatable celebrity. His approachability through these outlets resonates with many, making him a figure that is both visible and influential in the entertainment industry.