'Growing Up Hip Hop' Season 5: Creator Datari Turner says focus will be on Angela Simmons and Briana Latrise
Datari Turner is all about positivity. He has been behind popular shows and films for over two decades now but has never let the scripted world of glamor consume him or his approach towards creating new content. Turner believes in authenticity and that reflects in all of his works.
We caught up with the former model-producer to chat up about 'Growing Up Hip Hop' Season 5, his upcoming projects, and more.
Reality shows thrive on gossip and the popular opinion is they are all scripted. But Turner doesn't believe in it. "I disagree with that. I mean obviously, you know, I mean you have hundreds of shows out there and I don't know what the process is for other shows but I can tell you with our show, it is very much authentic," he said and dished on what the viewers can expect from the upcoming season.
He teased an exciting season ahead with a special focus on Angela Simmons and Briana Latrise's storylines and the relationships they will be navigating through. "I think it is outstanding and I think that it is compelling and viewers would be really happy," he added and explained why it was the best season yet.
The OG cast will be returning and the spotlight will be on their evolution and how they are able to wade through life's many challenges, including business-related issues. But this isn't what separates 'GUHH' from the regular crop of reality shows. "Our show has real, A-list hip hop legends," Turner said and added that no other show has been able to gather such huge talent in one frame ever.
Easy-E, Snoop Dogg, Soulja Boy, and Reverend Run are some of the names who have appeared on 'GUHH' from time to time.
"How many TV shows can really say that they've had the bluebloods of hip hop that really like created the culture, on their show? I don't see the level of talent on other shows that we've been able to assemble," Turner said and it must be right given the volume of work that he has to his credit. But that never got to his head.
Even today, he enjoys creating opportunities for fresh talent because he believes in setting up a launchpad for young, creative voices. And this relentless want to be a vessel for young artistes is what keeps him going, makes him excited for work every morning.
Turner is currently working on as many as 40 projects.