The Love & Hip Hop franchise is set up to focus on the lives of women connected or in the industry, but the Atlanta installment of the Mona Scott-Young reality drama-fest is proving to be the Stevie J. show. While the constant one-liners of cast member K. Michelle, and the “gangsta sh*t” starting ways of Momma D (the mother of rapper Lil’ Scrappy) are enough to draw audience tune in; the back-sliding, womanizing antics of the one-time hit maker are quite alluring. But why? Clearly there is something about Stevie J —who has been dubbed “Steebie J” as of late—but what is it?

In the landscape of super producers who are still—dare I say—super, I had all but forgot about Stevie J (born Steven Jordan). A quick Wikipedia audit of his “receipts” (K. Michelle reference) brings up a string of mega hits for the likes of Mariah Carey, Brian McKnight, Beyonce, and Mary J. Blige. Not to mention he should be credited with “inventing the remix,” as he crafted most of Bad Boys biggest remixes throughout the 90s (*Side-eye to Diddy*). Then there was the sex tape with rapper Eve (who’s 2001 hit “Let Me Blow Your Mind” featuring Gwen Stefani he produced). But where are his recent receipts of achievement?

With less than a handful of hits in the last decade, you’d think that he’d leverage his new found spotlight as an opportunity to focus on the staging of some sort of comeback. But from the looks of things, it seems his love of women far outweighs his love of his craft.

For the past few weeks, we have seen Stevie in the middle of a tug-of-war. On one side there is Mimi Faust, his devoted child’s mother, who has dealt with his behavior for 15 years (wait, so she was there for his relationship with Eve?). And on the other side, there’s Joseline Hernandez, a feisty Latina who was “saved” by Stevie from a life of pole-dancing to the spoils of Chanel bags, high fashion Rihanna-like get-ups and music—he’s producing her debut album.

Each week, these women disrespect each other for Stevie’s love, affection and attention. But why? His disrespect is blatant, and it’s apparent the only person Stevie J. loves is Stevie J. I find myself cringing and wishing Mimi would finally walk away and tell this manipulative—and border line sociopathic—man to kiss her [insert: word that rhymes with 'pass'] as she exits stage left. But like the “devoted” and “faithful” woman she is, every week she returns and immerses herself in the drama. And the fact that Josaline would allow Stevie subsequent “dips” in her after going through with an abortion is just sad.

So what is it, his money (even though many outlets have claimed the well is not as wet as it once was)? His looks (he’s been compared to Master Splinter of Ninja Turtle fame)? Or is it the sex (he has said on the show that his “beef cake” game is tight—whatever that means). What is the mystique of Stevie J?

Can someone get Whoopi Goldberg’s daughter Alexandria Martin on the phone—oh yeah, she was married to him apparently?—I need answers.

TAGS: Atlanta, Joseline Hernandez, love, Mimi Faust, Mona Scott-Young, REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA, reality television, Relationships, Stevie J. Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, sueZette yasmin robotham, VH1