Post by Dark 7 Invader on Jun 23, 2006 9:49:26 GMT -5
Q: How did you get your start in modeling?
A: I began modeling after I was in a car accident. I was on bed rest for a month. When I was on bed rest, I'd search the Classifieds for a new job. The accident kept me away from work for so long that I was replaced. I would always see an ad for auditions. This sparked my interest. "Could they really make me famous?" I thought. I promised myself that once I got better that I would audition. To my surprise the agent liked the way I read and immediately sent me for pictures. Looking back I realize this was the path God had chosen for me. I don't think it was a coincidence that my accident happened at the corner of a church. Before the accident, I was driven to work in corporate America.
Q: How did you get your start in music videos?
A: After I had my photos done by the agency, I got a call to do a music video for a local artist. I showed up at a skating rink to work with a one man film crew. He was the director, cameraman and editor. I improvised with one of the girls to perform a fight scene. It wasn't much but what camera time did prepare me for was my first big opportunity which came with a role in a Beenie Man video. From there I did so many more videos. I have done videos for Kelly Price, Alica Keyes, P-Diddy, J-Z, Faith Evans, etc., etc. I enjoyed meeting and working with the artists and the label executives. I had always wanted to sing professionally and used this opportunity to make contacts, study the artist's style and develop my own style.
Q: Growing up in New Jersey, did you ever imagine you would be gracing the covers of national magazines?
A: You hardly ever see any celebrities growing up where I did in New Jersey. Since I was 9 years old, I knew I wanted to make something great from my life. I imagined myself in magazines, on television, performing in concerts. As I got older, people would try to discourage me by reminding me of the "real world". I went to school to become a hairdresser and soon afterwards I got my license. I even had plans of owning my own hair salon. Things changed quickly, opportunities presented themselves and my career changed dramatically.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring models and musicians?
A: One piece of advice I have for young models and up and coming musicians is to "network, network and network". You can never know too many people. If one door is closed another could be open. Models should be wary of people that have one interest, and it's not in your modeling skills. Also, I would say perfect your craft. This way you don't have to compromise your integrity and know you will earn roles and opportunities based on your talents and skills. This would be flawless.
Q: You are also an accomplished singer, tell us more about your music career?
A: While pursuing my modeling and acting career, I would also attend open "mic" auditions where they would have poetry, rapping and singing. On time Berettea 9 of Wu Tang Killarmy was in the audience and invited me to record a few songs with him. On one song I got the chance to sing the hook. That song was then brought to the RZA, the executive producer of Wu Tang. The RZA also took an interest in my work and invited me to Sony Studios where Wu Tang was recording their 3rd album. At that time the RZA was also working on a solo project called "Birth of a Prince". From there it lead to me being featured on Track 12 called "Koto Choton" and singing the hook for "Fast Cars", "Ghost Face Killas" and "We Pop". I then performed at the Apollo, the Carson Daily Show and toured the country playing at many House of Blues venues. When I returned from touring, the RZA offered to produce my own album. This album is currently being mixed and I am constantly recording. I brought cameras to the studio to watch me record in an MTV special called "MTV Video Honeys". I was able to show that models have various goals and interests. I was also on tour with the Wu Tang reunion this year. We toured Connecticut, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Baltimore, Florida and, of course, New York City.
Q: How has your life changed since appearing on the MTV Video Girls Special?
A: Along with my music, the MTV Special gave me more of a voice. I shared with America my life as a model. My career has grown since the MTV Special. I am no longer just the girl in the video. Now when I go out I hear, "that's the girl who raps." I have even heard my rap lyrics. After the special, I realized the impact TV can have on people. There have been times when children as young as 5 recognize me from the Special. I have mothers approach me and say, "My son loves you. Keep doing your thing!" It is encouraging to know that people want me to do well. Its not always good attention I receive. I also see some "Mary J Blige Hateration". There are times I've overheard women say, "That's the girl from MTV. If she can model then so can I." It will catch me off guard, especially if I am at a party and having fun. I have gotten used to it. There will be people that support you and there will those that want to discourage you. You just have to be strong and believe in yourself.
Q: What is like to work with The RZA and Wu Tang?
A: The RZA is an amazing person. He composes music from scratch. From guitar to piano to drums, he can do it all. It was a surprise one day when I was trying to take a nap after an exhausting recording session. I was awakened by the sound of drums. It was The RZA on drums. I watched him play different instruments and create chords on the piano. It was different seeing him create music in this way. His records have such a futuristic style (similar to the Bobby Digital era) and you may think this is all he has, but he has so much more. He will teach you to challenge and better yourself, yet still maintain your humility.
Q: What singer's style and sound do you think you most resemble?
A: I don't think that I sound like anyone, although people do say I resemble people. Every time I change my hair style, they say I look and sound like someone new. My goal is to make my music and style unpredictable so people are always wondering what's next.
Q: What upcoming projects will we see you in?
A: I was recently part of the Wu Tang Reunion Tour. I was the only woman on the Tour. At times we were packed aboard the tour bus. It was the first time I had been around all of Wu Tang at one time. Since the time I was introduced during an Iron Flag session, they were very receptive and gave me the title Artist 101. They pointed out to me that each of them had a special talent and skill. I watched each of them perform. I learned so much from them that it felt like a semester on Hip Hop Howard.
In the next several months, I anticipate I will jump aboard a few movie rosters and record a soundtrack. You will be able to find me dancing beside your favorite artist in a hot music video, on re-runs of Law & Order and Sopranos, or search for me online and watch me play a police officer in the Independent Movie, Shock Act, which has one many awards at film festivals. You can even contact MTV to get a copy of the MTV Honey Special and you can get a firsthand look at how I stay on my hustle. I recently did an interview and performed my new song, "Crazy", for Sky Rock Radio in France that was streamed live on line.
Q: What type of music do you listen to when you are relaxing?
A: When I'm relaxing I like to listen to either "oldies" like Al Green and Billy Holiday or music that I call "earthy" like Erykah Badu and the Majestic 12. I also love the Philly sound.
Q: What direction do you see Hip Hop headed?
A: To me, Hip Hop has come and laid the foundation for so much. It has transformed the music industry and has and will continue to leave its footprints on the world. It is still young compared to other types of music but it has grown so strong become the voice of the community.
Q: How would you reply to the critics who say that hip hop and its videos portray women in a negative light?
A: Some Hip Hop videos do portray women distastefully in an effort to sell more records. To be honest, some of them have no choice because the records are wack. I don't participate in these thong clad jiggle fests because that is not how I chose to live. That is not what I want to kids to see, admire and emulate. When I was young, television was the medium that introduced me to so much, and I understand the impact and affect it can have on children. I admired black and white films where the costumes were grand and elegant. You had to work hard to earn the right to wear one and develop the finesses and elegance to "rock it right". In today's videos, any pretty woman can buy a thong from the dollar store and shake it. Many of these girls can't even dance. I want kids and my children to see these videos and inspire them to work hard and be smart about their decisions. Show me a creative artist with direction to help spark dreams.
Q: What are your long term goals?
A: My long term goal is to make music that touches the soul and reaches people in the most joyful manner. I also want to inspire children and models to look and feel beautiful. I want to strengthen my business mind and build upon the work I have done so far. I also paint and would like to keep working on this. I also would like to open a spa one day that showcases beauty and promotes health and well being
Q: Where do you like to hang out?
A: I liked to hang out at venues where they have open "mic" and where people really like to dance. I liked to surround myself with artistic people.
Q: What is your favorite music video?
A: My favorite music videos are Outkasts's "Bombs Over Baghdad" and Michael Jordan's "Beat It" and "Annie are you OK"
Q: What is your favorite song at the moment?
A: My favorite song is "Yo" by Chris Brown.
Q: Are you single?
A: I am dating right now. Nothing too serious, just feeling my way around.
Q: What do you look for in a partner?
A: I look for someone that is open, honest and trustworthy. He would be confident, unafraid of challenges, balanced, hardworking and he would come from a strong family.
Props: soulsingles.com
A: I began modeling after I was in a car accident. I was on bed rest for a month. When I was on bed rest, I'd search the Classifieds for a new job. The accident kept me away from work for so long that I was replaced. I would always see an ad for auditions. This sparked my interest. "Could they really make me famous?" I thought. I promised myself that once I got better that I would audition. To my surprise the agent liked the way I read and immediately sent me for pictures. Looking back I realize this was the path God had chosen for me. I don't think it was a coincidence that my accident happened at the corner of a church. Before the accident, I was driven to work in corporate America.
Q: How did you get your start in music videos?
A: After I had my photos done by the agency, I got a call to do a music video for a local artist. I showed up at a skating rink to work with a one man film crew. He was the director, cameraman and editor. I improvised with one of the girls to perform a fight scene. It wasn't much but what camera time did prepare me for was my first big opportunity which came with a role in a Beenie Man video. From there I did so many more videos. I have done videos for Kelly Price, Alica Keyes, P-Diddy, J-Z, Faith Evans, etc., etc. I enjoyed meeting and working with the artists and the label executives. I had always wanted to sing professionally and used this opportunity to make contacts, study the artist's style and develop my own style.
Q: Growing up in New Jersey, did you ever imagine you would be gracing the covers of national magazines?
A: You hardly ever see any celebrities growing up where I did in New Jersey. Since I was 9 years old, I knew I wanted to make something great from my life. I imagined myself in magazines, on television, performing in concerts. As I got older, people would try to discourage me by reminding me of the "real world". I went to school to become a hairdresser and soon afterwards I got my license. I even had plans of owning my own hair salon. Things changed quickly, opportunities presented themselves and my career changed dramatically.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring models and musicians?
A: One piece of advice I have for young models and up and coming musicians is to "network, network and network". You can never know too many people. If one door is closed another could be open. Models should be wary of people that have one interest, and it's not in your modeling skills. Also, I would say perfect your craft. This way you don't have to compromise your integrity and know you will earn roles and opportunities based on your talents and skills. This would be flawless.
Q: You are also an accomplished singer, tell us more about your music career?
A: While pursuing my modeling and acting career, I would also attend open "mic" auditions where they would have poetry, rapping and singing. On time Berettea 9 of Wu Tang Killarmy was in the audience and invited me to record a few songs with him. On one song I got the chance to sing the hook. That song was then brought to the RZA, the executive producer of Wu Tang. The RZA also took an interest in my work and invited me to Sony Studios where Wu Tang was recording their 3rd album. At that time the RZA was also working on a solo project called "Birth of a Prince". From there it lead to me being featured on Track 12 called "Koto Choton" and singing the hook for "Fast Cars", "Ghost Face Killas" and "We Pop". I then performed at the Apollo, the Carson Daily Show and toured the country playing at many House of Blues venues. When I returned from touring, the RZA offered to produce my own album. This album is currently being mixed and I am constantly recording. I brought cameras to the studio to watch me record in an MTV special called "MTV Video Honeys". I was able to show that models have various goals and interests. I was also on tour with the Wu Tang reunion this year. We toured Connecticut, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Baltimore, Florida and, of course, New York City.
Q: How has your life changed since appearing on the MTV Video Girls Special?
A: Along with my music, the MTV Special gave me more of a voice. I shared with America my life as a model. My career has grown since the MTV Special. I am no longer just the girl in the video. Now when I go out I hear, "that's the girl who raps." I have even heard my rap lyrics. After the special, I realized the impact TV can have on people. There have been times when children as young as 5 recognize me from the Special. I have mothers approach me and say, "My son loves you. Keep doing your thing!" It is encouraging to know that people want me to do well. Its not always good attention I receive. I also see some "Mary J Blige Hateration". There are times I've overheard women say, "That's the girl from MTV. If she can model then so can I." It will catch me off guard, especially if I am at a party and having fun. I have gotten used to it. There will be people that support you and there will those that want to discourage you. You just have to be strong and believe in yourself.
Q: What is like to work with The RZA and Wu Tang?
A: The RZA is an amazing person. He composes music from scratch. From guitar to piano to drums, he can do it all. It was a surprise one day when I was trying to take a nap after an exhausting recording session. I was awakened by the sound of drums. It was The RZA on drums. I watched him play different instruments and create chords on the piano. It was different seeing him create music in this way. His records have such a futuristic style (similar to the Bobby Digital era) and you may think this is all he has, but he has so much more. He will teach you to challenge and better yourself, yet still maintain your humility.
Q: What singer's style and sound do you think you most resemble?
A: I don't think that I sound like anyone, although people do say I resemble people. Every time I change my hair style, they say I look and sound like someone new. My goal is to make my music and style unpredictable so people are always wondering what's next.
Q: What upcoming projects will we see you in?
A: I was recently part of the Wu Tang Reunion Tour. I was the only woman on the Tour. At times we were packed aboard the tour bus. It was the first time I had been around all of Wu Tang at one time. Since the time I was introduced during an Iron Flag session, they were very receptive and gave me the title Artist 101. They pointed out to me that each of them had a special talent and skill. I watched each of them perform. I learned so much from them that it felt like a semester on Hip Hop Howard.
In the next several months, I anticipate I will jump aboard a few movie rosters and record a soundtrack. You will be able to find me dancing beside your favorite artist in a hot music video, on re-runs of Law & Order and Sopranos, or search for me online and watch me play a police officer in the Independent Movie, Shock Act, which has one many awards at film festivals. You can even contact MTV to get a copy of the MTV Honey Special and you can get a firsthand look at how I stay on my hustle. I recently did an interview and performed my new song, "Crazy", for Sky Rock Radio in France that was streamed live on line.
Q: What type of music do you listen to when you are relaxing?
A: When I'm relaxing I like to listen to either "oldies" like Al Green and Billy Holiday or music that I call "earthy" like Erykah Badu and the Majestic 12. I also love the Philly sound.
Q: What direction do you see Hip Hop headed?
A: To me, Hip Hop has come and laid the foundation for so much. It has transformed the music industry and has and will continue to leave its footprints on the world. It is still young compared to other types of music but it has grown so strong become the voice of the community.
Q: How would you reply to the critics who say that hip hop and its videos portray women in a negative light?
A: Some Hip Hop videos do portray women distastefully in an effort to sell more records. To be honest, some of them have no choice because the records are wack. I don't participate in these thong clad jiggle fests because that is not how I chose to live. That is not what I want to kids to see, admire and emulate. When I was young, television was the medium that introduced me to so much, and I understand the impact and affect it can have on children. I admired black and white films where the costumes were grand and elegant. You had to work hard to earn the right to wear one and develop the finesses and elegance to "rock it right". In today's videos, any pretty woman can buy a thong from the dollar store and shake it. Many of these girls can't even dance. I want kids and my children to see these videos and inspire them to work hard and be smart about their decisions. Show me a creative artist with direction to help spark dreams.
Q: What are your long term goals?
A: My long term goal is to make music that touches the soul and reaches people in the most joyful manner. I also want to inspire children and models to look and feel beautiful. I want to strengthen my business mind and build upon the work I have done so far. I also paint and would like to keep working on this. I also would like to open a spa one day that showcases beauty and promotes health and well being
Q: Where do you like to hang out?
A: I liked to hang out at venues where they have open "mic" and where people really like to dance. I liked to surround myself with artistic people.
Q: What is your favorite music video?
A: My favorite music videos are Outkasts's "Bombs Over Baghdad" and Michael Jordan's "Beat It" and "Annie are you OK"
Q: What is your favorite song at the moment?
A: My favorite song is "Yo" by Chris Brown.
Q: Are you single?
A: I am dating right now. Nothing too serious, just feeling my way around.
Q: What do you look for in a partner?
A: I look for someone that is open, honest and trustworthy. He would be confident, unafraid of challenges, balanced, hardworking and he would come from a strong family.
Props: soulsingles.com