Atlanta rapper Shawty Lo’s Oxygen special ‘All My Babies’ Mamas’
Shawty Lo's reality special is generating outrage, which means it has to be darn outrageous in a world with "Mob Wives" and "Bad Girls Club." CREDIT: Oxygen
Atlanta rapper’s Oxygen special “All My Babies’ Mamas,’ which has yet to get a specific air date in the spring, is already receiving heavy backlash.
Why? He has had 11 children with 10 different women in what one person is calling “ghetto polygamy.” Here’s the original Oxygen press release from Dec. 26:
Oxygen Media announces production of a new one-hour special, “All My Babies’ Mamas” (working title), revealing the complicated lives of one man, his children’s mamas, and their army of children. Premiering in spring 2013, this real-life special from creative duo Liz Gateley and Tony DiSanto of DiGa Vision will capture the highs and lows of this extreme ‘blended family’ that is anything but ordinary, while also showing the drama and the passion behind life’s most unexpected situations.
“Oxygen will give fans an intimate look at unconventional families with larger than life personalities and real emotional stakes,” says Cori Abraham, Senior Vice President of Development, Oxygen Media. “’All My Babies’ Mamas’ will be filled with outrageous and authentic over-the-top moments that our young, diverse female audience can tweet and gossip about.”
This bold new series shows every second of the drama-filled lives surrounding a unique “modern” family unit, as they navigate their financially and emotionally connected lives. As the household grows, sometimes so does the dysfunction, leaving the man of the house to split his affection multiple ways while trying to create order. With humor and heart, this dynamically linked family must find a way to all get along… but sharing your man with several opinionated women is bound to create issues. Will there be a conflict over a family holiday, who needs school supplies and who holds the household finance purse strings, or can these feisty babies’ mamas band together and live peacefully as one family unit?
“All My Babies’ Mamas” was brought to Oxygen by Executive Producers Liz Gateley and Tony DiSanto, and will be produced by their company, DiGa Vision.
There are multiple petitions on change.org asking Oxygen to kill the program before it even airs.
The biggest one, posted by New York’s Sabrina Lamb, now exceeds 13,000 names. In part, it reads:
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
As dysfunctional and violent as so-called reality shows are, could you ever imagine a one hour spectacle where 11 children are forced to witness their 10 unwed mothers clamor for financial support, emotional attention and sexual reward from Shawty-Lo, the apathetic ‘father’?
Could you imagine that Oxygen Media, known for violent programming targeting young women with stereotypical images, would consider the embarrassment that these children will experience, being used as entertainment?
Could you imagine that Oxygen Media, would use a slur against mothers, fathers and children and entitle this debacle, “All My Babies’ Mamas”? Cori Abraham, Oxygen Media, Senior Vice President of Development wrote in a press release: “…..over-the-top moments that our young, diverse female audience can tweet and gossip about….leaving the man of the house to split his affection multiple ways while trying to create order… but sharing your man with several opinionated women is bound to create issues.”
Tragically, this day has come.
What is the difference between this train wreck and the other reality trash which clog the airwaves?
THE CHILDREN!….OUR CHILDREN!
And it is these children…our children who will hold all of us accountable by allowing them to be exploited, internationally, in this manner. Our children will suffer from these negativity and for someone like you standing up for them and saying:
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
What You Can Do?
“Sign today to tell Oxygen that their viewers will not tolerate a show that exploits and stereotypes Black children and families, and we will boycott any advertiser who chooses to support the show.”
Another, led by Shericka Johnson, has compiled 808 names, as of this writing.
Why are we praising the demeaning behavior of “baby momma’s” living together as a modern form of polygamy with one man?
Oxygen released a statement:
“Oxygen’s one-hour special in development is not meant to be a stereotypical representation of everyday life for any one demographic or cross section of society. It is a look at one unique family and their complicated, intertwined life. Oxygen Media’s diverse team of creative executives will continue developing the show with this point of view.”
Shawty Lo whose real name is Carlos Walker, is hardly a big star. He’s has one 2008 album and a single top 10 rap hit to his name. He was also part of a group called D4L which had a novelty No. 1 hit in 2005 “Laffy Taffy.”
But he obviously know show to woo the women and appears to have never met a condom he’s ever liked.
One more: here’s a Syracuse University professor Dr. Boyce Watkins’ thoughts. It ends with this:
Let’s go ahead and kill the stupidity so Shawty Lo’s children can become better parents than him. Also, this story is a reminder that we must show appreciation to those powerful men who take their parental obligations seriously. They don’t get the recognition they deserve, and they will never get a reality show. So, if there is a strong black man in your life, please go and tell him “thank you.”
Knowing that is going to generate a fair share of nasty comments, please keep it civil or I will shut commenting down.
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter. Oh, and Google +, too!
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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
141 comments Add your comment
DontSayItoldyaSo
January 4th, 2013
9:47 pm
I have to say this.
“….im often told “i perfer white guys because they offer a better future and treat me better”.
I guess you weren’t quite looking to offer them that “better future” after all were you?
Wayne stuck in AL
January 4th, 2013
10:12 pm
Another minstrel show targeting the BAP demographic by a network that caters to NYC white women.
Greg Camp
January 4th, 2013
10:13 pm
Anybody who watches this garbage needs to be relocated to a trailer park. That way, they can also watch episodes of “Honey Boo Boo”. It is nothing more than profiting from another racial/ economic/regional stereotype. Another setback for the “New South”.
Devan
January 4th, 2013
10:31 pm
After about a 4 year hiatus this might be the show that gets me back into reality tv.
Wayne stuck in AL
January 4th, 2013
10:36 pm
From Forbes.com:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/juliabricklin/2013/01/04/rapper-shawty-lo-needs-condoms-not-a-show-on-oxygen-channel/
J.A. Myopte
January 4th, 2013
10:42 pm
Atlanta is such an embarrassment thanks to these scummy loser so-called men. Real men have class and wear a condom..wonder if some of these baby mamas are collecting welfare and or food stamps. No wonder so many Atlantans have Aids. It’s called a condom. Even if you’re too small to keep it on, at least try!
Hip hop artists » Rapper Shawty Lo Needs Condoms, Not A Show On Oxygen Channel – Forbes
January 4th, 2013
10:45 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Levelhead
January 4th, 2013
10:53 pm
Reality shows exploit. That is thier premis. Black folks need not worry there will be more shows that will be’ told.
plez...
January 4th, 2013
11:16 pm
if you don’t find this scenario sick… you’re sick!
if you find other peoples’ train wrecks for lives entertaining… you’re sick!
if you can only make yourself feel better about your own miserable life by feeling superior to these dregs of our society and their misery… you’re sick!
and if your heart doesn’t ache for these poor children who must grow up modeling their behavior on their mothers’ wretched and pathetic lives… you’re sick!
enough is enough
January 4th, 2013
11:19 pm
So everyone is upset that a TV show is about Baby Momma Drama, yet these same people will listen to the rap songs glorifying the same dang thing? If you are protesting this show, you need to also be protesting Rap videos and rap music in general!
Ellen
January 4th, 2013
11:54 pm
With all those kids, Shawty Lo needs a paycheck. Please don’t deny him feeding his kids via reality TV.
theresa
January 5th, 2013
12:06 am
Wait this show is the future to come from this show http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Wives
I think its the same show right? One difference isn’t color its one show is exes and the other is multiple wives, but all living together.
Honey Boo Boo step aside..New TV show: "All my baby mamas" ATL based rapper - City-Data Forum
January 5th, 2013
12:09 am
[...] [...]
snailboy
January 5th, 2013
12:12 am
A new all time low. I am glad I don’t have a tv anymore.
ebony
January 5th, 2013
1:09 am
Give me a break…………. I am tired of this Baby Mama crap. It’s nothing to be proud of…………… Maybe when all the “baby mama’s start taking you to court for child support, you stop rapping about it. It’s so sad and degrading, but these are the times we are living in.
To the young ladies always carry yourselves like ladies ,then you don’t have to fall prey of being a “Baby Mama”.
April
January 5th, 2013
1:26 am
i dnt think this is gonna be a bad show. i think it will be very entertaining, thats y i watch tv for the excitment!
Billy
January 5th, 2013
6:57 am
This is only one program out of many that are just pure trash. 500 channels means the money is spread too thin, so you get these thug and redneck shows that no one of substance willl watch. Back in the day, when there were 3-4 networks, you had much better programming, and a much more moral product. Now, it’s like looking into a full trash can. Probably a “paternity 101″ show for middle schoolers in the COA, but as for me, you can keep it…
Jeff
January 5th, 2013
7:07 am
I don’t understand what would make the show entertaining to watch.
mambo
January 5th, 2013
8:16 am
wha’ do shawty lo mean?
nupesanity
January 5th, 2013
8:25 am
When will the stupity end.We allow this BS,in to our homes if we watch this fith stand up black people and be accountable.And we wonder why our kids are failing…..
Astrid G.
January 5th, 2013
9:12 am
Chica Negra at 6:21, 1.4: It should bother you if this man’s children are supported by taxpayers’ money.
enough is enough at 11:19, 1.4 – Bravo!
Anna
January 5th, 2013
9:27 am
it is a shame when the girl, lady have a lot of kids in ths world and dont have no husband to help them. If they have to pay the hospital bill them self mayabl it will slow down.
ATLPeach
January 5th, 2013
9:35 am
@Just Me, I was about to go off until I read your post….thank you! Nothing left for me to say!
Curious George
January 5th, 2013
9:49 am
Shouldn’t this be considered more of a Documentary than a “Reality Show?”
Tater in AFG
January 5th, 2013
9:50 am
As Grandpa always said, “Give trashy folks money and they are still trashy folks.”
Curious George
January 5th, 2013
9:51 am
How can a male with a nickname of “Shawty” (”Shorty,” for those of you who are educated) get it in that many females (not “Ladies,” obviously) to impregnate them?
beanster
January 5th, 2013
9:59 am
Disgusting. Why don’t they just cut to the chase and televise executions. Apparently there is a large segment of our country who will gladly watch.
beanster
January 5th, 2013
10:09 am
For the record, I find the O.J. saga disturbing because he got away with murder. Let’s not pretend that he wasn’t guilty. That said, the other portions of KnuckleUp’s post, specifically the portion that refers to the marginalization of the AA community, to be spot on. Well said.
beanster
January 5th, 2013
10:17 am
should read, That said, I find the other portions….
Terri with the Tea
January 5th, 2013
10:34 am
Shanty Lo with his 10 Baby Mama’s and 11 children are the white version of Sister Wives that has a white man with 1 real wife and 3 other women he lives with and they have a total of 17 children. This show gets a lot of negative comments yet it is renewed each season for more of this white man that is pimping four women on national television. Signing a petition is only giving more fire to the this television show. Don’t watch the show if you don’t agree with this man’s lifestyle, but remember this is his reality not ours. The Oxygen Network is a billion dollar empire and from what I understand through researching this reality show it will premiere in the Spring for a 1 hour special just to see how many people are interested in this show. More than likely it will become a highly viewed show because of the negativity it will offer its many viewers. Shanty Lo does not realize the exploitation that will occur once this show airs and probably cares less what White/Black America thinks about him. Money is and always will be the root of all Evil.
david c
January 5th, 2013
10:51 am
What offends me about this story is that the producers are referred to as a “creative duo”.
TG
January 5th, 2013
11:02 am
I don’t understand where Atlanta took a left turn. At one time not so long ago it was seen as a beacon of prosperity for everyone, but especially for Blacks. The Black Mecca–where educated, sophisiticated Blacks lived and thrived and did big, big things. What happened? When did it become the symbol for souther ghetto-ism? I just don’t remember when thugs and trash rap and stripping and seediness became Atlanta’s claim to fame. Even when we started to become known for “hip hop,” it was for “quality” rap like Outkast and Goodie Mob. I just don’t know what happened! Oh well. Suffice to say, I hope the protesters are successful in cancelling this garbage Shawty Lo idea, and I agree with the commenter “Enough is enough,” we need to start boycotting ALL of the trash that is being passed off as entertainment. We want our culture back!
I CAN'T WAIT!!!
January 5th, 2013
11:20 am
Finally, a real American superhero show for baby mamas to watch with their kids. Isn’t America great?
And to think we had to grow up watching Bill Cosby.
OTP
January 5th, 2013
11:39 am
Why did you write about this, Rodney? (Just curious, thanks.)
youngblacknsuccessful
January 5th, 2013
11:46 am
im kind of anxious to see the show. growing up my father had numerous kids from different women and never took care of any of them. At least this man is trying. You want to call it ghetto but not ghetto when whites make polygamist shows. Black ppl wake up he’s not perfect and neither are we. The thing is he may be making a way to care for his kids when you may not be. The shows not applauding him it showing the black community that there are fathers that actually care about there kids. black women dont wait for this show to realize tht you being exploited you been getting exploited the day welfare was created. GET SOME BUSINESS ABOUT YOURSELF AND STOP PASSING JUDGEMENT ON EVERYBODY.
guest
January 5th, 2013
11:57 am
that is nothing to be proud of
The Black Truth
January 5th, 2013
12:05 pm
First thing first! Do you honestly think as a Black Man in America, That White People are creating this problem? I’m about to take this where most Black folk are afraid to go these days. To the accountability, or lack of the Black Woman in this whole charade.Is it anyone on this blog that believes that baby mama #7,8,9,10, didn’t know about this guys kids! To often to many of you are opening up your legs with one thought in mind. Getting Paid! Not once looking long term at your kids future, there education of life, but your own short term pleasures.Now don’t get me wrong, because this happens in White America too, but the difference is the chance for redemption isn’t as great for you. Black women of today are so worried about Hair, nails, and toes looking pretty that you make it easy on Men. Don’t smile White Women, because you really aren’t but a half a step behind in the “upper crust”, and way ahead in the “lower crust”. Truth be told, women of today would rather be on there backs, side, etc,, than cooking a meal for a man.I’ve ha them in all races, and the one common denominator is you all think Men aren’t thinking while your plotting.There are plenty of Men out there just like this sad man(can’t even call him brother) just check Clint Eastwood, Tom Cruise, and America’s favorite Playboy Hugh Heffner portfolio of baby mama’s. Black folk aren’t the only ones, but the spot light shines brighter on the fool who lacks knowledge. Which in this case happens to be African American.
The Black Truth
January 5th, 2013
12:16 pm
Knuckle Up, Great post Bro. Valid points and HardTruth hits real good!!!
Ack.
January 5th, 2013
12:30 pm
Condoms and therapy indeed. So sorry that this is happening. Isn’t Honey Boo Boo enough bad publicity for the state of Georgia?
Now these people are going to be added like a circus sideshow, and people are going to think of this show (!) when they think of Atlanta.
Great. Just great.
Cant stand stupid
January 5th, 2013
12:59 pm
@ASRID G; How do you know these children are supported by taxpaper money.
No body ever said that they receive govenment assistance.
There you go jumping to conclusions.
Cant stand stupid
January 5th, 2013
1:01 pm
@ TG GHETTO is not culture… it is a way of life.
Cant stand stupid
January 5th, 2013
1:09 pm
Why are people angry that this show puts black men in a bad light when we are second class citizens in this country anyway… really.
To the chic that started a petition against this show… Find you something better to do.
You have shined a light so bright on this show that the ratings will be through the roof so I thank you on behalf of Shawty Lo and all his baby mommas as we say on the block… Money In da Bank
GeorgiaGirl
January 5th, 2013
1:09 pm
Another disgusting view of my home state. Please don’t show this and get rid of that trailer trash Honey BooBoo too.
The Goods
January 5th, 2013
1:35 pm
This is one of the big reasons why America is failing and how an incompetent bafoon like Obama can get re-elected.
Curious George
January 5th, 2013
1:55 pm
Who is more of a buffoon, 0bama JiveTalker or ‘The Goods’ @ 1:35 pm who calls other names (even though deserved) but cannot even spell “buffoon” properly?
Sash
January 5th, 2013
3:52 pm
Sad x 10 x 11 = saddest!
ME
January 5th, 2013
4:32 pm
Looks like a great show! Sold, very real premise, all the churrin are probably super cute, and 10 sets of rolling eyes and necks from da mamas! You can’t go wrong here! its almost formulaic!
Beatrice
January 5th, 2013
5:46 pm
Unfortunately pretty typical of what goes on in Atlanta. I know a fireman/nurse named Alfred. He has 2 kids from one woman, his wife was pregnant when she commited suicide, then he knocked up the therapist he was seeing about his wife’s suicide, knocked up another girlfriend, then knocked up an ex-girlfriend, then knocked up the previous girlfriend. Left her to live with another woman…who already had 2 kids from her boyfriend. And people wonder why STDs are so rampant. Here’s your answer right here.
Notbelievingthis
January 5th, 2013
6:14 pm
Really disappointed in the Oxygen Network for this embarrassing idea!!!!!
Octavius Jomar Chatman
January 5th, 2013
7:37 pm
I am outraged by this nonsense and I want to sign the petition to STOP THIS SHOW. What message is this sending to our youth??? The other part about this that has me outraged; is the fact that I have been on blogs and there are aotually BLACK WOMEN who don’t see anything wrong with this show being aired. ARE YOU SERIOUS. This CRAP IS MAINLY DEGRADING OUR BLACK WOMEN AND CHILDREN and you actually got sisters(IF THATS WHAT YOU CONSIDER THEM) out here saying to just turn the channel and mind your business. ITS OK; REALLY??? When is ENOUGH ENOUGH. At what price are we willing to sell ourselves out for in order to get a piece of this so called AMERICAN PIE. And please…DON’T DARE come at me with that crap about this man just trying to earn a living to support his kids; BECAUSE THAT A BUNCH OF BS. When he was on top and making hits; instead of spending his money making it rain in clubs; popping bottles, and going after all these different women; he should have invested in some condoms; and put that money away in trust funds for the kids he already had. I’m sick and tired of this nonsense FOR REAL!!!!