Last year VH1 confirmed the rumors that the infamous Love & Hip Hop franchise was adding a new city to their empire—Miami! Premiering New Years Day, Love & Hip Hop: Miami is set to explore the hip hop, Latin, and reggaeton music scene in Miami as well as the rich Latinx culture. The newest installment will chronicle the lives of several people in the Miami area and one of those individuals is Prince Michael.

Born Christopher Michael Harty, Prince Michael is a party promoter, model, actor, TV Host, and a prominent staple in Miami’s nightlife. Prince is a top host and promoter for the hottest venues in South Beach where he provides VIP service to celebrities, athletes, and socialites like Amber Rose, Trey Songz, and Floyd Mayweather. Prince stars in Love & Hip Hop: Miami alongside Trina, Trick Daddy, Gunplay, Shay Johnson, Amara La Negra, Veronica Vega, JoJo Zarur, and Bobby Lytes. On the show, Prince and his longtime girlfriend, Liz Cifuentes, will be at odds over his late nights and constant party boy lifestyle. In addition, Liz’s friendship with D.J. Michelle Pooch, Prince’s rival, will cause even more problems for the couple.

Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Prince, who is also set to launch a denim line in the near future. Check out my interview with Prince where he discusses Love & Hip Hop: Miami, his denim line, what’s next for him, and more below.

1-At what point did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment world?

I think it developed as a child. I saw The Real World and similar shows, and I knew that I would be on one of those one day. I told myself that over and over again. My first taste was when I made it to America’s Next Top Model two years ago. From there, I REALLY started pushing. When I got my first taste, I instantly knew that this was for me.

2-How did you transition from modeling and acting to party hosting?

Well, it’s actually the other way around. I transitioned from party hosting to modeling & having an intense interest in acting. I was a simple promoter when all of a sudden everyone started reaching out to me saying you should really pursue modeling. From that point, acting came naturally because they’re so closely related. Coupled with the fact that I am actually good at acting and have the potential…why not?

3-What is the inspiration behind your denim line, Roielte Denim?

Making lots of money! Outside of that, I see Mike Amiri, I see Jerry Lorenzo, I see Balmain…and they all charge these ludicrous prices for denim designs that I have in my head, so why not start my own? I’ve always been fashionably adept & figured why not come out with my own designs that are high end in quality but still affordable, look dope, and are in sync with my own fashion sense. 

4-How did you become part of Love & Hip Hop: Miami?

It’s the craziest thing: I was literally sitting on my bed when I received a DM from Felisha Monet, a really big radio personality on WEDR/99 Jamz in Miami. She gave me her number and told me to contact her. When we spoke, she told me that Mona Scott(Young) & the LHH team wanted to interview me because my name had come up about a dozen times. We did the interview, fast forward a year & a half—and we are filming the pilot. Fast forward a few more months and we’re filming the real deal. It was totally surreal—still is.

5-Were you reluctant to do reality TV?

Pfft(scoffing), LOL. HELL TO THE NAAAH. I was extremely excited, stoked, and overwhelmed with emotion. I’ve been waiting for this my entire life. Even more so, after making it to ANTM 2 years in a row and being unable to go because of certain circumstances, I was all for it and willing to do whatever was asked of me—while remaining true to who I was as a person, character, and personality wise.

6-What was the first day of filming like?

It was like a dream come true, it was legit. I had production crew around me with these big RED cameras following my every move as I was mic’d up. They picked me up hours before it was time to shoot my scene. It’s called “hurry up & wait” but I loved it all. It was like, “Wow, this is where I’m supposed to be.”

7-Were you a fan of the Love & Hip Hop franchise before joining and if so, which city(NY, Hollywood, ATL) is your favorite?

I’ve actually never watched an episode until recently. Having filmed a whole season, I’ve been watching to prepare myself on how they’re going to edit things—and just experience what it’s going to be like once LHH: Miami drops.

8-What is one thing you hope viewers will understand about you from watching the show?

I hope they see ME for ME. I hope people get to learn, experience, and FEEL my struggles—along with what I go through, my insecurities. I’m extremely vulnerable this season and most importantly an open book. I show every facet of me this season: happy, angry, sad, distraught, charismatic, charming, flirtatious. I just really hope people look past the facade, the illusion of the bright lights and beautiful women, and see what I really stand for. Most of them can probably relate to my trials and tribulations.

9-What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in entertainment/party hosting?

Honestly, in the entertainment industry there’s SO much you can do in front of the camera AND behind it. There are so many opportunities for people in the entertainment industry. All you have to do is work hard at your goal—and never give up. I know that sounds cliché—but it’s the truth.

Party hosting is different. It’s like, either you have it or you don’t. Yeah, sure anyone can slap together a flyer, get a host, and throw it on Instagram—but party hosting is more than just bringing people to a club. It’s about an experience and that’s what people should be paying for. I pride myself on that. Each night with me should be an experience—one you’ll never forget.

10-What is NEXT for Prince Michael?

Honestly, I’m waiting for the premiere and seeing the reception from the fans. Hopefully, I’m loved. But what’s NEXT in life for me? I WILL be the next Will Smith. Watch me work.

VISIT Prince Michael’s official website, FOLLOW him on Twitter, and FOLLOW him on Instagram.

Photo Credit: Prince Michael/Lamont D. Johnson/VH1