Saucy Santana has built a career on being unapologetically himself, but during a candid conversation with Cam Newton, the Love & Hip Hop star revealed that his confidence was tested at home long before he became a star.
While discussing family, identity, and acceptance on Newton's podcast, Santana was asked whether his relatives supported him when he came out as gay. His answer was immediate: "Uh initially no. Me and my mama beefed real bad."
Born Rashad Jamiyl Spain, Santana first broke through as a makeup artist for the City Girls before launching his own music career. He later became a viral sensation with tracks including "Walk," "Here We Go," and "Material Girl," helping establish himself as one of the most visible LGBTQ voices in hip-hop and pop culture.
But while speaking with Newton, Santana explained that his family situation was especially complicated because his parents were divorcing around the same time he came out.
"My daddy acted like he was cool, but later on I just felt like it was only to spite my mama," Santana said.
He went on to explain that he grew up with both a biological father and the man who raised him. According to Santana, his biological father received a life sentence when he was around seven years old and had spent much of his childhood in and out of jail. Meanwhile, his stepfather became a central figure in his upbringing.
Despite the tension he faced at home, Santana made it clear that he never allowed criticism to change who he was. When Newton asked whether he ever tones himself down for family members, the rapper shot back: "Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody."
The only exception? Church.
"Only time I turn myself down is probably if I'm going to church with my mama," Santana joked before revealing another surprising detail: "My mama a pastor."
Even then, Santana said he isn't exactly blending in.
"I probably won't wear hair, but I'm still nails. I'm still bag. I'm still lashes," he told Newton.
