I was curious to find out what this show was going to be about. After all, I am a Harlemite and I’m all for people being on their grind.

I was also curious as to how Harlem was going to be portrayed. Was it going to be positive, or was it going to be overly glamourized like the “Real Housewives of Atlanta”? Was it going to be “ghetto fabulous” (do people still say that?)? After watching the premiere (2 half hour episodes, go to BET.com to view), my overanalytical habits reared its ugly head.

The first episode was about Barack Obama being elected on election night. All of the friends were out celebrating. Prior to the election, everyone reflected on how this change would affect America and their lives personally. I had no problem with the first episode, it was positive, especially when you watch Jason talk to his daughter about the future of having Barack Obama as the first black president. However, I have issues with the club/lounge scenes. At Moca (one of my favorite lounges) and at Providence (not in Harlem), they are seen having drinks and discussing Election Night. What day was this where you can hear all of what they were saying? I guess it was a slow night at Moca or too early in the day? (Sidenote: love Moca still. Get into it, if you haven’t been there!)

The second episode is where I ran into problems. After the election night, we now turn our attention to Brooke (aka Kanye’s ex) and Ashlie’s broken friendship. Ashlie is having a birthday party and invites Brooke. Brooke is hesitant, unsure whether or not to attend. When we find out why they weren’t speaking, it was because Brooke’s attitude changed when she was dating Kanye West. I was counting on them not to mention Kanye, but lo and behold, they did.  Cattiness so soon? Say it ain’t so, BET!!

Brooke, to me, appeared to be craving attention like nicotine when she arrived “fashionably late” to Ashlie’s party with a dress (that looked more like a shirt) so short that one can perform a pap smear if she bent over. Graphic, I know. Yet and still, she gets asked out by Pierre.

This episode kind of reminded me of ”Housewives of Atlanta” with Sheree and Nene and the birthday party, except Nene wasn’t on the guest list. Drama went on from there.

I have concluded that this is “The Real World” mixed with “The Hills”, mixed with “Real Housewives of (fill in the blank)”. Some would say that the women are seditty and bourgie, the guys appeared to be more into their goals and less on what they were wearing, etc.. I will applaud its concept; young black people trying to make it in the world. I just hope that these next few episodes are focused more on them trying to achieve their career goals and less on the drama. (And hopefully no more name dropping.) But that’s asking for too much too soon.