ERICA MENA

Erica Mena: A Multifaceted Journey in Entertainment

Early Life and Background

Erica Jasmin Mena was born on November 8, 1987, in The Bronx, New York City. She is of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, raised by her mother, Sonia Mena, and father, Brian Mena. Erica's upbringing in a culturally rich environment influenced her dynamic personality and passion for the arts. She has a sister named Lisa Mena. Erica attended the High School of Hospitality Management in Manhattan, where she graduated with a degree in business management. Her early exposure to the entertainment industry began at the age of 14 when she started modeling for print ads.

Modeling and Video Vixen Career

Erica's striking presence quickly made her a sought-after model in the urban fashion scene. She graced the covers of magazines such as King, Smooth, and Show. Her allure extended to music videos, where she became a prominent video vixen, appearing in works by renowned artists like Chris Brown, Fabolous, Akon, Fat Joe, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, and Ja Rule. ​

Reality Television Stardom

Erica gained widespread recognition through her appearances on reality television. In 2009, she featured as a Dash employee on E!'s "Kourtney & Khloé Take Miami." Her breakout role came in 2011 with VH1's "Love & Hip Hop: New York," where she joined as a supporting cast member in Season 2 and became a main cast member from Seasons 3 to 5 and again in Season 10. Her storylines included her tumultuous relationships and her journey in the music industry. Erica also appeared in "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" during Seasons 7, 10, and 11.

Acting and Writing Pursuits

Beyond reality TV, Erica ventured into acting, with roles in films such as "Almost Amazing" (2017), "I Got the Hook-Up 2" (2019), "Swag Inc." (2019), and "The Stepmother" series (2022–2023). She also appeared in television series like "CSI: Cyber" and "Master of None." As an author, Erica penned two autobiographies: "Chronicles of a Confirmed Bachelorette" and "Underneath It All," offering insights into her personal experiences and growth.

Personal Life

Erica is openly bisexual and has been candid about her relationships. She has three children: her first son, King Javien Conde (born 2007), with rapper Raul Conde; a daughter, Safire Majesty Samuels (born 2020); and a son, Legend Brian Samuels (born 2021), both with ex-husband Safaree Samuels. Erica and Safaree married in 2019 and divorced in 2022. She has also been engaged to rapper Bow Wow and has had relationships with Cyn Santana and Rich Dollaz. 

Controversies and Challenges

Erica's career has not been without controversy. In 2023, she was dismissed from "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" after using a racial slur during a confrontation with fellow cast member Spice. She later issued a public apology for her remarks. ​

Current Endeavors

As of 2025, Erica continues to engage with her audience through social media and various entertainment projects. Her resilience and adaptability have solidified her status as a multifaceted personality in the entertainment industry.