The Real-Life Partners of The Chi Season 8

The streets of The Chi might be filled with drama, tension, and powerful storylines, but off-camera? The cast has their own rollercoaster of relationships, romance, and stories. Quiet love lives, public breakups, parenting, and first crushes. Here’s an inside look at the real-life partners of The Chi Season 8 cast. And yes, some of it might surprise you…

Jacob Latimore (Emmett)

If you’ve been following The Chi, you know Emmett’s love life is messy. But in real life, Jacob Latimore kept things pretty solid… until recently. The multi-talented singer, dancer, and actor was in a six-year relationship with actress Serayah (yes, the Tiana from Empire). They met at the 2016 BET Awards, and for a while, they were one of young Hollywood’s “it” couples.

But in early 2024, it was confirmed that they had gone their separate ways. Serayah posted a cosy pic with rapper Joey Bada$$ on Instagram, and fans connected the dots. Later, she confirmed it: no drama, no scandal, just growing apart. Now 27, Jacob is single and seemingly focused on music and acting. Still, fans are holding out hope this heartthrob won’t be solo for long.

Jacob Latimore is the heartthrob of The Chi, and in real life, he’s just as magnetic. But this year, he’s officially single after ending his long-term relationship with Empire star Serayah McNeill. The two were together for six years after meeting at the 2016 BET Awards. Fans were stunned when Serayah soft-launched her new relationship with rapper Joey Bada$$, confirming the amicable breakup with Jacob shortly after.

But love isn’t the only headline in Jacob’s life. He started singing at age 5 after watching The Temptations, guided by his musician father and uncle, known as The Latimore Brothers. By 2005, he had dropped his first single, “Best Friend,” and later released albums and even starred alongside Hollywood giants like Will Smith, Helen Mirren, and Kate Winslet. Though he’s been accused of plagiarism over a song resembling a Taeyang hit, which he says was co-written by T-Pain, Latimore has never let controversy overshadow his talent.

Today, he’s embracing singlehood, focused on music, acting, and his evolving legacy at just 27.

Birgundi Baker radiates strength both on and off-screen. Her role as Keisha has made her a fan favourite, and her real-life journey is just as powerful. Though she’s kept her romantic life largely under wraps, fans have spotted Instagram clues and sun-kissed trips to Jamaica and Mexico, suggesting she’s got someone special.

Birgundi Baker (Keisha)

She’s also a proud mom of two beautiful daughters. Her second pregnancy was actually written into The Chi, meaning that the iconic baby bump on-screen was all real. Birgundi juggled filming while preparing to welcome her youngest in early 2021, adding even more authenticity to her role. A graduate of Howard University’s musical theatre program, she’s living proof that you can chase your dreams while raising queens.

Alex R. Hibbert (Kevin)

Alex R. Hibbert became a breakout star as “Little” in the Oscar-winning film Moonlight. Now 19, he’s a seasoned actor with a quiet but compelling presence both on and off camera. In May, fans went wild when he posted a photo with a mystery girl on Instagram, a soft launch that crushed a thousand hearts. Though her name remains unknown, Alex's glow says it all.

But there’s more to him than first love. Hibbert donated part of his earnings to cancer research, revealing a dream to one day help cure the disease. He’s inspired deeply by Mahershala Ali, who he calls a “father figure,” and is an admitted Walking Dead fanatic. When he’s not filming or attending college, he’s obsessing over Andrew Garfield movies and dreaming of roles that challenge him even more. Net worth? Over $200K and rising fast.

Luke James (Trig)

Luke James is smooth, soulful, and now a dad-to-be! He is known for his Grammy-nominated R&B hits and unforgettable acting chops. Luke is expecting his first child with social media influencer Sunny Lewis. The two celebrated the news with a dreamy blue-themed baby shower, hinting at a baby boy on the way.

Luke has kept his love life relatively low-key, but fans may remember his brief relationship with British pop star Jessie J back in 2015. Now, he’s all about this next big role: fatherhood. Between music, film, and family, Luke’s future looks incredibly full.

Shamon Brown Jr. (Papa)

At just 19, Shamon Brown Jr. is already showing what it means to be multi-talented. Known affectionately as Papa, his journey began at the age of 5 in local plays and commercials. With his uncle being actor Cory Hardrict, showbiz runs in the family.

While fans speculate about his love life, Shamon appears single and laser-focused on building his music career. When his debut EP 717 dropped, he showcased a raw, authentic sound that proves he’s more than just a TV star. Between his day-one friendship with co-stars Alex and Michael Epps and his dedication to the craft, this young artist is just getting started.

Curtiss Cook (Douda)

Curtiss Cook may play a cold, calculating kingpin on screen, but in real life? He’s a survivor of heartbreak and a hero to his kids. After his first wife left him with three children, Curtiss raised them as a struggling actor. Today, he’s been happily married to Angelica Edward for over 20 years, and together, they share two more children, making a grand total of five kids and three grandchildren.

At 54, he still maintains a jaw-dropping physique and an inspiring presence. From Broadway to House of Cards to The Chi, Cook is proof that real men rise from hardship and build strong families, one role at a time.

Yolonda Ross (Jada)

Yolonda Ross brings raw power to the role of Jada, and she lives just as boldly off-camera. At 55, she’s never married and has no children, and yet she seems to be the happiest soul in every room. She’s deeply involved in causes supporting Black women battling breast cancer and proudly represents the Labyrinth Theater Company in New York.

As a director, her short film Breaking Night, a music video hybrid for Manfred Mann’s “Blinded by the Light," was critically praised. She also portrayed Robin Crawford, Whitney Houston’s close friend and rumoured romantic partner, in the Lifetime film Whitney. Yolonda proves that fulfilment doesn’t have to come from marriage sometimes; it’s art, impact, and independence.

Michael Epps (Jake Taylor)

Michael Epps, aka Jake, is the youngest of the crew but is already carving his own lane. At just 15 (as of 2020), he hasn’t made headlines for any romances; instead, he’s all about the music and hustle. Known in the hip-hop world as “Mikey,” he dropped his first single back in 2019 and continues to work on his sound.

Michael draws inspiration from artists like Lil Baby and G Herbo, and he’s deeply connected to his Chicago roots. When he’s not acting or rapping, he’s giving back, committed to supporting youth programs and homeless shelters in Chicago’s West Side. Off-screen, he shares a tight bond with co-stars Alex Hibbert and Shamon Brown Jr., and the trio often hang out, proving that brotherhood goes far beyond the script.

Jason Mitchell (Brandon)

Jason Mitchell’s journey is perhaps the most complex. Once a standout as Brandon on The Chi, his off-screen controversies led to a steep fall. He was accused of misconduct by co-star Tiffany Boone, which resulted in her leaving the show and Mitchell being fired. Other allegations followed, including inappropriate behaviour on the set of Netflix’s Desperados, leading to his dismissal from the project.

Things spiralled further when Mitchell was arrested in Mississippi on serious charges, including drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. Though he was facing up to 30 years, he struck a deal, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to five years probation with mandatory community service and drug rehab.

Despite it all, Mitchell is now in a serious relationship with music legend Mary J. Blige, and the couple reportedly shares two daughters, though their names remain private. Whether he’s seeking redemption or just peace, his story remains one of the most talked-about arcs in The Chi family.

Behind the Cameras, Real Love Stories Unfold

The cast of The Chi may be actors, but their real lives are anything but scripted. Some are navigating heartbreak, some are raising families, others are falling in love quietly, and a few are happily alone. Their stories are raw, human, and just as compelling as the show they bring to life.

So tell us whose off-screen journey surprised you the most? And who do you think is the real MVP of love in The Chi?