WEtv dropped the mic and shook things up for the 12th season of their hit reality series,‘Marriage Boot Camp,’ by inviting an all Hip Hop flavored cast.

Their answer to VH1’s flagship series, ‘Love & Hip Hop,’ the women’s network called on the likes of rappers Soulja Boy, Waka Flocka, Lil’ Fizz, and their respective boos to fill out the roster of the highly anticipated reality venture.

With the first taste of its drama unfolding Thursday, January 10th at 10p ET/PT, official ratings have finally been uncovered and show just how many tuned in…

Viewership = 652,000

Undoubtedly a rebound for the ailing series (which saw its seasons 9, 10, and 11 premiere to less than 500k viewers), the ‘Hip Hop’s viewership – though ultimately in line with most of the show’s runs – still pales in comparison to its previous season kick offs, namely the record-setting 1.4 million who tuned in to see season 5’s ‘Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars’ edition.

Here’s hoping the social media chatter garnered and continued press runs of the cast push the future episodes’ ratings upward.  Coming in at #20 among the night’s top cable telecasts, look below to see who joins it in the rankings:

Your thoughts?