Being associated with a famous name can be a huge foot in the door. Still, Toya Johnson-Rushing and her daughter Reginae Carter are not relying on Lil Wayne's notoriety in the rap and hip-hop game to get a seat at the table.
As they each continue to build their empires, the doting mother and daughter will tag team in a fresh new prime-time reality show series. WE TV's Toya and Reginae – set to premiere August 24 at 9/8 CST– will focus on how the women keep it real while navigating life's ups and downs. "I don't mind sharing it [my life] because if I'm going to do something, it's going to be something authentic to who I am," said Johnson-Rushing.
Reginae Carter Continues The Rap Legacy
Reginae –the daughter of Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Wayne and Johnson-Rushing, who married Robert Rushing last year— is excited to chart her course while telling her story unapologetically, an area where she suggests blogs miss the mark. "I feel like I'm maturing. I'm stepping into my independence," she said.
Johnson-Rushing also believes the series is an opportunity to help others. "I feel like this might be my calling, to share my life and my world because I never know who I can help in a process," she shared.
BET.com caught up with the melanated dynamic duo, who discussed why they decided to sign on to do the unscripted series and how being in the limelight has affected their trajectory.
BET.com: What can fans expect from the debut season of Toya and Reginae?
Toya Johnson-Rushing: I want people to understand that nothing and no one is perfect. It's okay to be vulnerable. It's okay to have a village of people that you can go to and talk to. Like with my family, we go through ups and downs; nothing is perfect, but we understand and know that we still have each other no matter what.
Reginae Carter: Everybody watched me grow up, but now you can see me as this 24-year-old, young adult. People have a persona like, 'Oh, she's Lil' Wayne's daughter, and she's Toya's daughter, so she doesn't have to work for anything.' I feel like people are going to see that I actually do work for what I want. I don't want everything off the dime of my parent's name. I stand alone, and I have my parents' support behind me.
BET.com: This is not the first reality TV show; you each appeared on Growing Up Hip Hop. But was this the first time you were asked to do one together?
Toya Johnson-Rushing: This was our first time being approached to do a show together. And I thought it'd be a good time to do it because we're going into different chapters of our lives right now [and] there's so much growth.
Reginae Carter: Reality TV has been a part of my life. And with everything on the show, in the media, and with my career, I want people to see it from my view. So I'm glad that I did it. I feel like everybody's always joining in on the blogs. [Now], I feel like I can talk for myself, and you can actually see me.
BET.com: What has been the biggest life lesson you have learned from being in the public eye?
Toya Johnson-Rushing: I don't regret anything [and] I wouldn't change anything because all of those things [life experiences] made me the person I am today. So, without those life lessons and all of those different experiences, I wouldn't have the knowledge I do now. Being in the public eye, I definitely have blocked out what others have to say about me, but I still hold on to personal things with my family. As I'm getting older, I'm learning to not even let [those things] affect me.
BET.com: The connection you share is infectious. Did filming this series bring you closer together?
Reginae Carter: We've always been close and filming together, so it's nothing new. I felt like it was like, 'Let's Go! You on it? You ready?'
Toya Johnson-Rushing: We've always had a really good relationship. And now that she's getting older, it's getting even better. So you get her perspective of her life and my perspective of my life. That's what made this cool.
BET.com: From the trailer, we know that your close loved ones will be featured on the show. Will this also include Lil Wayne?
Reginae Carter: You guys will just have to wait and see.
BET.com: Speaking of Lil Wayne, how did he react when you told him about the show?
Reginae Carter: This is me and my mom's lane, so we've always done reality TV. So he's never really had to tell us how [to go about it]. My dad always supports everything that I do. He's always right there cheering me on. So, of course, he's like, 'Go for it, baby.'
BET.com: Toya, last year, you tied the knot with Robert Rushing. Congratulations on that and being a newlywed. How is married life?
Toya Johnson-Rushing: Life is great. My husband is a different breed. I feel like I found my person. It's been really, really good.
BET.com: And Reginae, curious minds want to know. What is your relationship status?
Reginae Carter: You guys will have to stay tuned!
This article has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Toya JohnsonReginae CarterLil Waynereality show
