Rashidah Ali is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma, and were’ here to lift the veil. You’re welcome, America.
As Love & Hip Hop New York’s resident celebrity “shoe consultant,” Ali is very busy these days. Ever since her fiery red hair made its debut onto VH1’s latest season of foolery as it relates to love and Hip-Hop, those unfamiliar with her back story were a little confused. For one, she had no obvious romantic ties to any rappers, which is usually how the female characters are introduced. Also, announcing herself as a “celebrity shoe consultant,” further raised our collective eyebrows.
We haven’t seen much of Ali this season, but Monday she finally got an extended storyline, from sleeping with Mendeecees Harris. It may be too early to call it, but the mini-scandal looks to build itself into something faintly interesting, at least for the next two weeks, or so. Keeping this in mind, we wanted to make sure you’re prepared for the forthcoming episode, so Hip-Hop Wired did a little digging into Ali’s bio, and came up with 10 things that you probably didn’t know about her.
Check them out below.
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Photos: VH1
Started From The Bottom (Now We Here)
Entering the industry as intern for Bad Boy and Def Jam, Ali worked her way up to an assistant for music notables, Phil Robinson and Harve Pierre.
She Kinda’ Is A “Shoe Consultant To The Stars”
Ali owned a couple of high-end shoe boutiques in Atlanta and New York. Starting the company at only 23, her client list included Alicia Keys, and Kim Kardashian. She’s since launched the shoe line, ENCORE.
You Might Not Wanna’ Run Up On Her
In 2011 Ali (allegedly) slashed a bouncer’s face with a razor blade, during a nightclub brawl. She was arrested, released on $10,000 bail, and was facing up to 25 years in prison. Criminal charges have since been dropped.
She Wears Many Hats
In addition to her shoe game, Ali owns 5 Approved, a promotional/artist development company.
This Reality TV Hustle Is Nothing New
Aside from LHHNY, Ali appeared on Real Housewives of Atlanta, and Basketball Wives.
She Has A Criminal Record
Aside from the (alleged) vicious fade she gave that bouncer, Ali faced grand larceny charges for not paying a hotel bill, and in 2005 was convicted of attempted larceny and sentenced to probation.
She Has An Alias
Aside from her government name, Ali’s is known as the “Blinged Out Bombshell.” Yeah.
She’s Been Awarded For Her Hard Work
In 2009, Russell Simmons presented Ali with the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding’s Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Award. The honor is given to those who display a “commitment to strengthening race relations and efforts in promoting diversity and ethnic tolerance through business and personal endeavors.”
She’s On Her Way To Millionaire Status
Her net worth is $600,000, which is just a hop, skip and a jump from a milli.
She Feels Misunderstood
In an interview with VH1, Ali said that people see her as being someone that she isn’t because “bad news travels.” True indeed.
