King Javien Conde: Erica Mena’s Son, His Private Life, Family, and Education

King Javien Conde is an American celebrity child who has attracted attention as the eldest son of reality television star Erica Mena and late rapper Raul Conde. Born on March 1, 2007, in New York, King is now 18 years old as of 2026. Unlike many children born into fame, he maintains a notably private life, prioritizing education and personal development over public attention.

His mother, Erica Mena, gained widespread recognition through VH1’s Love & Hip Hop franchise, appearing in both the New York and Atlanta editions from 2011 to 2023. His father, Raul Conde, was a respected music video director and rapper who worked with Fat Joe’s Terror Squad. Raul passed away on November 22, 2023, at age 52, following a heart attack.

Early Life and Cultural Background

King Javien Conde was born when Erica Mena was just 18 or 19 years old. His early childhood unfolded in New York, where he experienced both the privileges and pressures of growing up with famous parents. From an early age, he was exposed to the entertainment industry through his mother’s modeling career and reality television appearances, as well as his father’s work in hip-hop music production.

His Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage forms an important part of his identity. Erica Mena, born November 8, 1987, is of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, while Raul Conde shared similar cultural roots. This Latino heritage has influenced King’s upbringing, connecting him to vibrant cultural traditions and a broader community within the United States.

King currently resides in Newburgh, New York, with his mother. This location, about an hour north of New York City, provides a balance between proximity to the entertainment industry and a more private environment away from constant media attention. Erica herself graduated from Newburgh Free Academy, establishing roots in this community before King was born.

Parents: Erica Mena and Raul Conde

1. Erica Mena: Model, Actress, and Reality Star

Erica Jasmin Mena began her career as a model and video vixen, appearing in music videos for prominent artists including Chris Brown, Fabolous, Akon, and Fat Joe. She transitioned from modeling to reality television, where she became a household name through her appearances on Love & Hip Hop: New York starting in 2011. She later joined Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, appearing on the franchise until 2023.

Beyond television, Erica is also an author. She published two autobiographies: “Chronicles of a Confirmed Bachelorette” and “Underneath It All.” She has built a substantial social media following, with approximately 7 million followers on Instagram as of recent reports. Her career has been marked by her confident personality and willingness to share aspects of her personal life with the public.

Erica’s own childhood was challenging. She has spoken publicly about having an abusive father and a mother who was imprisoned during parts of her youth. These experiences shaped her determination to provide a better, more stable life for King and her other children. Her parents are Brian Mena and Sonia Mena.

2. Raul Conde: Rapper and Music Video Director

Raul Conde was born on July 29, 1971, in The Bronx, New York. He made his mark in the hip-hop industry as both a rapper and music video director, most notably as a member of Fat Joe’s Terror Squad. His most recognized work includes directing the music video for “Lean Back” from the 2004 album “True Story,” which received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance.

Raul’s contributions to hip-hop extended beyond his own performances. As a music video director, he helped shape the visual representation of hip-hop culture during a significant period in the genre’s development. His work with Terror Squad connected him to influential figures in the music industry and established his reputation as a creative professional.

Tragically, Raul passed away on November 22, 2023, after suffering a heart attack. He was 52 years old at the time of his death. His passing marked a significant loss for King, who was only 16 years old when his father died. The loss occurred during important formative years in King’s life, as he was completing his high school education and beginning to consider his future.

3. The Relationship Between Erica and Raul

Erica Mena and Raul Conde began dating around 2000, when Erica was still a teenager. Their relationship continued on and off for over a decade before eventually ending. Erica has publicly stated that the relationship ended due to aggressive behavior from Raul, though specific details have remained largely private out of respect for King.

Despite the challenges in their relationship, both parents remained part of King’s life. Following their separation, Erica took primary custody of King and raised him as a single mother before her subsequent relationships. The co-parenting arrangement allowed King to maintain contact with both parents, though he primarily resided with his mother.

Siblings and Blended Family

King Javien is not an only child. He has two younger half-siblings from his mother’s marriage to Jamaican-American rapper Safaree Samuels. The siblings are:

• Safire Majesty Samuels – King’s half-sister, born in 2020
• Legend Brian Samuels – King’s half-brother, born in 2021

Erica Mena and Safaree Samuels got engaged in December 2018 and married on October 7, 2019, at the Legacy Castle in New Jersey. However, their marriage was short-lived. On May 25, 2021, TMZ reported that Erica filed for divorce from Safaree while pregnant with their second child. Despite the divorce, the siblings maintain a close relationship under Erica’s care.

Safaree Samuels, a reality TV star and rapper himself, has shared insights into the family dynamics on social media. In a YouTube video, Safaree revealed that King expressed a desire to live away from his mother at one point, offering a glimpse into the typical challenges that can arise in blended families, particularly those in the public eye. These revelations highlighted the normal family tensions that exist even in celebrity households.

King’s role as the oldest sibling carries certain responsibilities. As the firstborn, he often serves as a role model for Safire and Legend, navigating the unique challenges of their family situation while maintaining his own privacy and independence.

Education and Academic Achievements

Unlike many celebrity children who attend private schools or follow traditional educational paths, King Javien Conde was homeschooled. This educational choice provided several advantages, including flexibility to accommodate his mother’s filming schedule and protection from potential bullying or excessive attention that might occur in a traditional school setting.

King’s dedication to academics became evident through his impressive achievements. He graduated from high school in 2023 at just 16 years old, a full year ahead of the typical graduation age. This early graduation demonstrated his commitment to education and his ability to manage an accelerated academic program.

During his high school years, King participated in dual enrollment programs, which allowed him to earn college credits while completing his secondary education. Erica has expressed immense pride in these accomplishments, often mentioning during interviews how King balanced his studies with the unique pressures of being a celebrity child. The dual enrollment credits position him well for college if he chooses to pursue higher education.

His mother publicly stated in 2023: “My son is actually an introvert. Not autistic. So, let’s clarify that rumor. He is in school with dual enrollment. He is 13 years old and will be graduating high school with college credits at 14 going on 15.” While the specific ages mentioned appear to reflect an earlier statement, the sentiment demonstrates Erica’s pride in King’s academic excellence and her protective stance regarding misinformation about her son.

Privacy, Social Media, and the “Introvert” Clarification

In an era where social media presence often defines young people, King Javien Conde stands out for his absence from public platforms. He maintains no known public Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, or Facebook accounts. This decision reflects a mature understanding of privacy boundaries and a desire to control his own narrative.

His choice to remain offline has sometimes been misunderstood. Social media users and tabloid readers have speculated about King’s personality and behavior based on limited public appearances. Some photographs showed King appearing reserved or uncomfortable, leading to unfounded rumors about potential disabilities or health conditions.

The most persistent rumor suggested that King might be autistic. Erica Mena addressed these speculations directly and firmly. She clarified that King is simply an introvert who prefers privacy and quiet environments over social situations and public attention. Being introverted is a personality trait, not a disability or health condition.

This clarification was important not only to set the record straight about King’s health but also to combat the spread of misinformation about children in the public eye. Erica’s response highlighted the importance of respecting individual differences and not making assumptions based on limited observations or photos.

King’s introverted nature explains many of his choices: his absence from social media, his preference for private celebrations, and his general avoidance of red carpet events and public appearances. While Erica occasionally shares glimpses of her family life on Instagram, she respects King’s desire for privacy and limits what she posts about him.

Despite having no personal social media accounts, King is sometimes referred to as the “King of the Vixens” due to his connection to his mother’s modeling career. However, this nickname largely exists within fan communities and media coverage rather than through King’s own self-promotion.

Growing Up in the Spotlight

Being the child of reality television stars and music industry professionals comes with unique challenges. King has spent his entire life aware of public interest in his family, particularly due to his mother’s prominent role on Love & Hip Hop. The VH1 reality show documented many aspects of Erica’s life, including her relationships, conflicts, and personal struggles.

King made occasional appearances on Love & Hip Hop: New York over the years, though these were limited and carefully managed. Unlike some reality TV children who become regular fixtures on their parents’ shows, King maintained boundaries about his level of participation. These rare appearances primarily occurred during family-focused episodes or significant life events.

The public nature of his parents’ relationship and eventual separation added another layer of complexity to King’s childhood. Erica’s subsequent high-profile relationships, including her engagement to rapper Bow Wow and her marriage to Safaree Samuels, played out partially in the public eye. Navigating these changing family dynamics while maintaining privacy required maturity beyond his years.

Despite these challenges, King has shown remarkable resilience. He has focused on his education, personal interests, and family relationships rather than seeking fame or attention. This grounded approach suggests strong guidance from his mother and an inner strength that has helped him avoid many of the pitfalls that sometimes affect celebrity children.

Current Life and Future Possibilities

As of 2026, King Javien Conde is 18 years old and transitioning into adulthood. Having completed high school and earned college credits through dual enrollment, he has multiple paths available to him. Whether he chooses to pursue higher education, enter the entertainment industry, or follow an entirely different career path remains his decision.

His family connections provide unique opportunities if he chooses to work in entertainment. His mother’s experience in modeling, acting, and reality television offers insights into multiple facets of the industry. His late father’s legacy in music production and video direction represents another potential avenue. However, King has shown no public indication of his career aspirations, maintaining the same privacy about his plans as he has about his personal life.

The entertainment industry has seen a shift in recent years, with social media influence becoming increasingly important. While King could theoretically build a following based on his family name, his consistent avoidance of public platforms suggests this may not interest him. His choice to remain private in an attention-driven world demonstrates an understanding of boundaries that many young people lack.

King’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $5 million, though this figure primarily reflects his family’s accumulated wealth rather than personal earnings. As a teenager without an established career, this financial stability comes from his parents’ success. Erica Mena has earned income through reality television appearances, modeling contracts, book sales, and brand partnerships. Raul Conde’s work in the music industry also contributed to the family’s financial foundation.

This financial security allows King to make career decisions based on passion and interest rather than immediate economic necessity. He can take time to explore different options, pursue education, or develop skills without the pressure that many young adults face regarding income generation.

The Impact of Raul Conde’s Death

Raul Conde’s death in November 2023 represented a significant loss during King’s teenage years. Losing a parent at 16 years old is challenging under any circumstances, but doing so while also navigating the pressures of being a public figure adds additional complexity.

While the family has kept most details about their grieving process private, the loss undoubtedly affected King deeply. Raul’s legacy in the hip-hop community and his role as King’s father remain important parts of King’s identity and story. The creative contributions Raul made to music, particularly his work on “Lean Back” and other projects with Terror Squad, serve as a lasting reminder of his influence.

Erica has publicly honored Raul’s memory on occasion, acknowledging his role as King’s father and the positive aspects of their relationship despite their eventual separation. This balanced approach helps King maintain connection to his father’s legacy while also acknowledging the complicated realities of their family history.

Lessons from King Javien Conde’s Story

King Javien Conde’s journey offers several important insights about celebrity children, privacy, and personal development:

• Privacy is possible even in public families. King demonstrates that children of famous parents can maintain boundaries and protect their personal lives with determination and family support.
• Education matters regardless of fame. King’s academic achievements, including early graduation and dual enrollment college credits, show that prioritizing education can provide stability and options for the future.
• Introverted personalities deserve respect. King’s story highlights the importance of understanding and accepting different personality types rather than making assumptions or spreading misinformation.
• Blended families face real challenges. The dynamics between King, his mother, stepfather, and half-siblings reflect the complexities many modern families navigate, made more visible by public attention.
• Young people can define themselves beyond their parents’ fame. King’s choice to remain private and focus on personal development rather than capitalize on family recognition demonstrates maturity and self-awareness.

Conclusion

King Javien Conde represents a refreshing example of a celebrity child who has chosen privacy, education, and personal development over public attention. At 18 years old in 2026, he stands at the threshold of adulthood with a strong academic foundation, supportive family, and the freedom to choose his own path.

His story reflects both the unique opportunities and challenges that come with being born into fame. Through his mother Erica Mena’s guidance and his own determination, King has navigated these complexities with maturity and grace. Whether he eventually enters the entertainment industry or pursues a completely different career, he has established himself as an individual beyond his famous parentage.

The legacy of his late father, Raul Conde, remains an important part of King’s identity. Combined with his mother’s continued success and his own achievements, King has multiple sources of inspiration and support as he moves forward. His choice to maintain privacy in an increasingly public world demonstrates wisdom and self-awareness that will serve him well regardless of which path he ultimately chooses.