MUA: Kim Bui
LRG gets to know Miss Vanna Black
LRG: What is your nationality?
Vanna: I'm all mixed up [laughing]. My father is African American and Cherokee, and my mom is French, Irish, and Dutch.
LRG: Wow that's a pretty good mix! How did you get into modeling?
Vanna: I started modeling about four years ago because I knew it would help me promote my music career. I attended a fashion show and when one of the models pulled a no-show, they asked me to fill in for her. I had no experience, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. The show led to a magazine spread, which led to more magazine and music video work.
LRG: What do you do for fun?
Vanna: I love movies--horror, comedies, action, and American and British gangster films especially. I also love writing, music, traveling, and I recently started my own modeling agency, Mlange Models, because I enjoy helping other models pursue their dreams.
LRG: That's cool! So, when did you discover your talent as well as your love for rapping?
Vanna: In high school. I was a bit of a tomboy and hung out with a lot of boys. That was something they were all doing and I loved rap and was always a great writer, so I decided to write some rhymes of my own. It turned out I was better than most of the boys! [Laughing]
LRG: How do you think your style is different than other MCs out there?
Vanna: I'm different in a lot of ways: my voice and flow definitely stand out, and I can sing as well. Also, I'm from Philly but live in Charlotte, so I have kind of an East Coast/down south swag. Plus my experiences are unique, and my content reflects that, and unlike a lot of artists, I write my own material.
LRG: That's always a plus when you're able to flow as well as have the ability to write your own rhymes, it's hot! How do you think women rappers are perceived in the industry? Do you think they are misunderstood?
Vanna: Definitely. It's a male-dominated industry, so as one of the minorities, women always have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. Being an attractive female rapper alone comes with its own set of stereotypes. You have to prove you're a real artist, not just a pretty face.