Bmaze

FU interviewed Florida rapper Bryan Henry aka Bmaze, who told us what keeps him motivated, why hip hop is so important to him and why we also be looking out for DreGargon.

What you do?
I’m an aspiring musician. I mainly do hip hop music, but I also collaborate in all genres of music including Dancehall, R&B, Pop and even alternative

How long you've been doing it for ?
I’ve been doing music since my high school days, so I'd say about 6 years.

How did you get your start ?

During high school I would make music with a couple local artists. But collaborating with my best friend DreGargon motivated me to do what I do.

Who are your musical influences?
I am influenced by any artist that appeals to me, Cassidy, Biggy, Tupac, 50 cent, Common, Kanye West etc

What you write about and how would you describe your music?
It depends on my mood. Each song has its own criteria, my music is never the same.

Have you been involved in any projects?
I’ve done a couple of tracks here and there with local people. I’m grateful to have done any work.

Who would you like to work with in the future?

My close friends and people who are serious about their music.

What’s next for you?
I am currently working on a demo.

For more info on Bmaze go to:

www.myspace.com/shottaboymaze

4u2nV Clothing

FU interviewed the lady behind clothing label 4u2nV who told us about fashion shows and why she wants to dress Kanye West.

How long have you been designing?

5 years

What made you want to start?

My love for fashion

How did you get your start?
I started by customizing my own clothes and everyone wanted to know where I got my stuff from. So then I ended up customizing other people's clothing until I decided I wanted my own line.

How would you describe your clothes?
Colourful designs, lettering etc

How would you describe your own image?

Everything all in one!

Do you think your personal style influences your clothing line?

Most definitely

Who are your clothes aimed at?

Anyone who likes them..

Have you been involved in any big projects i.e. Fashion shows etc?

Yes I have done local fashion shows..I actually have one coming up in a couple months.

What inspires you?

Colours, graphics, & life

Who would you love to dress?

Keri Hilson & Kanye West

There's loads of designers out there fighting to get noticed in Fashion Week etc what makes your designs so unique?

The name says it all...4u2nV...

Future plans/What's next for you?

To try and take my line as far as I can and also find a business investor.

For more info on 4u2nv or to view more designs go to:

www.myspace.com/4u2nv05

www.4u2nvclothing.com

DreGargon

Adrian Barton aka Dregargon is a singer, deejay and rapper hailing from St. Ann’s Bay Jamaica.
His early music career began in the church where dancehall and reggae music were seen as disrespectful. Regularly singing lead in the choir he was able to develop his musical talents.
It was through attending Cornwall college in Montego Bay where Adrian was first introduced to rap and hip hop.
At the tender age of 16 Adrian moved to Melbourne, Florida where he was introduced to a rapper by a fellow classmate and at 17 he recorded a song called "Why you niggaz wah play." Being mostly encouraged to rap as a rude boy or to sing gangster lyrics, local rappers began to enjoy his new sound and asked him to feature on their sounds.
Dregargon, who is a fan of the ladies
"I mostly do it for the ladies"- Dregargon
Has changed his lyrics to talk about the thing he likes most.
His first album "Making you dance" has taken the clubs by storm. Always putting God first this 20 year old is currently working on his new album "Versatility" which is due out early 2008 so look out for it as DreGargon is gonna be big!

For more info on DreGargon go to:

www.myspace.com/dregargontracks

Stephnie

Originally from Walsall 20 year old model Stephnie made the difficult decision to pack her bags, leave her hometown and head to London to follow her dreams.
“I decided enough was enough and if I wanted to go places in life i had to go and fetch them. So that’s what i am doing now” -Stephnie
Trained at LAMDA this focused young lady has been perfecting her craft for years and is qualified in Ballet, Tap and Modern and Contemporary dance and is still training continuously to keep up with the current trends:
“I am currently attending dance classes just to keep fit and know what’s going on in the world of dance today” - Stephnie
She has also been ‘treading the boards’ and has had leading roles in Fame, Grease, Alice in Wonderland , Les Miserables and Bugsy Malone
Not content with modelling and acting Stephnie is also an accomplished singer/song writer. Describing her voice as 'Edgy rock soul’ Stephanie even wrote a song for the Eurovision song contest, where she was lucky enough to get down to the last 8
Now in London The 5’7 (and a half) model is excited about potentially working with people in both the fashion and dance industry and is looking forward to ‘working the runway’ and doing hair and makeup shoots.
“I do have really long hair and if someone needs that look get in touch there’s no way will i have it cut off but you can colour and style it all you want” -Stephnie
With photoshoots already lined up we will definitely be seeing this determined young lady’s face a lot more in the future.

For more info on Stephnie go to:
www.myspace.com/miss_stephnie

Layla

FU Interviewed model Layla who told us about model life, beauty pagents and what it was like modelling for WAGs Boutique.


How long have you been modelling for?
I have been modelling for three years.

Who/What made you want to model?
I was approached by a football club, to be the face behind them and I realised how much fun I had doing it. It made me take an interest in modelling from then really (that was three years ago and I still model for them!). Then I got into beauty pageants and I went from there. The money and lifestyle that came along with it also helped.


Have you always been one of those people who just loves to be in front of the camera (or mirror) posing?
I wouldn't say I’ve always been posey but from a very young age I did dance and drama and I enjoyed being in the spot light!!

What's the best job you've been on?
Its a toss up between modelling at the clothes show last year and modelling at a fashion show for the Wags boutique shop a few weeks ago.

What's the worst modelling experience you've had?
Just this afternoon (Sunday), when I had a meeting with a "producer", in London who offered me some amazing work for brands such as Lancôme but explained that for a model to be successful she must fulfil her role as so much more then just what you think models do. He explained that the only way to the great jobs at the top was to very closely get to know all these "important" people in the industry. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing I was absolutely horrified and all my dreams came crashing down right before my eyes because I refused his disgraceful offer. I really hope to prove him wrong by succeeding without having to do anything like that, with pure ambition and determination.


What is it like on set/shoots, there's a lot of girls, is there any bitchiness?
I genuinely haven't had a bad experience on set. Most the girls I have met have been lovely people who I have kept in contact with. There can be bitchiness, but what line of work doesn't have a bitch or two.........right?

What do you do when you're not modelling?
I'm a fully qualified fitness instructor and since modelling is what I have chosen to do fulltime, I go to the gym and look after myself when I’m not modelling because it is a very important part of my job. I do a lot of research about magazine's and fashion to help me know more about the industry I’m in.

Who is your favourite model, do you aspire to be like any model in particular?
My favourite model is, Linda Evangalista because her modelling background was beauty pageants and that is also my background. I also admire her determination to succeed, because it took her nearly ten years from when she set out to be a model to when she got her first big break. Its inspiring to know that people who have made it didn't instantly make it, yet they kept trying.

What type of modelling would you never do?
I would never do topless or nude. I don't think there is anything wrong with it, I personally just don't want to get into that line of work.


Most people think that being a model is an easy job, they don't realize that it's a lot of hard work and new models face a lot of criticism and rejection are you ready for that?
I totally understand how much hard work it is, just Friday I left my house to get to a photo shoot at 9:15 am and didn't arrive back home till 8:30 pm because of the distance I had to travel to get there. That was a long day of hard work and if your not prepared for that your in the wrong business.
As for the rejection side of things, I've already explained about my meeting with that producer who basically said I have to sleep my way to the top or forget my modelling career so I am even more aware now of the type of criticism I may face and I’m even more determined now t o peruse my modelling further.


There's loads of girls who want to be the next top model how do you stand out?
First of all I'm half English and half Egyptian, so I definitely have my own unique look.
My look is very versatile, I can wear little make up and look good but I can also pull off big make up and look good. Look’s aside, as a person/model I am very professional and take direction and tips very well. I have a lot to offer and even more to learn so I always listen to advise.

Who would you like to work with in the future?
I would love nothing more than to work for a big perfume or cosmetic company.

What's next for you?
What's next for me, is to keep working hard on my modelling career and to do as well as I can.

For more info on Layla go to:


http://www.myspace.com/laylzy_pnk

Candy

Born in Spain of Portuguese, Brazilian and Angolan descent Candy is a model, actress and dancer hailing from west London.
Currently in college studying a National Diploma in Performing Arts, she also used to be a cheerleader for the Royal Angels where she studied street dancing.
Not only is she a street dance enthusiast, Candy also enjoys different genres of dance including ballet and contemporary.
"I just enjoy performing and have a great passion for it." -Candy
Citing Halle Berry, Julia Roberts and Marlon Wayans as her favourite actors Candy is aiming to be a triple threat in the entertainment industry.
"My dream role is to be a very successful and a world known model, actress and dancer." -Candy
This positive young lady who puts 100% into everything she does has the determination to succeed in all she does.

For more info on Candy go to:

www.myspace.com/candzakasweets

We Exist!! Why? Elizabeth Young

Elizabeth Young born number 8 in a family of 10 has definitely accomplished a lot. Born in Birmingham, England but raised in Hanover, Jamaica this talented musician and published author is ready to take the world by storm.
Young who plays the saxophone and writes her own songs is definitely someone in charge of her own destiny.
Inspired by artists such as Gladys Knight and Elvis to Motorhead Elizabeth continues to strive to reach her goal of becoming a singer without having to compromise who she is:
"Striving to become a big fish in a big pond."-Elizabeth Young
Elizabeth has already started along that path having had her book "Why We Exist" published. The book, which focuses on finding your life’s purpose, is available worldwide online.
This 5ft tall fitness enthusiast is also working on a facial fitness DVD and may also star in a reality TV programme about super fit super slim people.
A wealth of talent, strength and determination Elizabeth Young is definitely one to watch in the future as:

"Where she is now is where she has chosen to be."-Elizabeth Young

For more info on Elizabeth go to:

www.myspace.com/weexistwhy

Alexia

FU interviewed model Alexia who told us how carrying your camera with you on girly nights out can help you with your photoshoots.

How long have you been modelling for?
I’m a baby to this industry! I’ve been modelling for 4 months now and loving every minute of it

Who/What made you want to model?
I think secretly I’ve always wanted to be a model, but I’ve always had doubts about whether or not I could do it. Firstly I’m only 5’6 so I’m just below the standard height for a model which I thought would cause a lot of problems, but It didn’t so I’m glad I started. I was approached on Myspace by an agency who asked me to do a test shoot for them and I haven’t looked back since!

Have you always been one of those people who just loves to be in front of the camera (or mirror) posing?
Definitely! I’m the ultimate poser among my friends! I take a camera with me absolutely every time I go for nights out, which strengthens my poses when I do a real shoot.

What’s the best job you’ve been on?
The Kojo’s Angel’s calendar! Firstly because it’s for an amazing charity called the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust who aims to increase the number of Black and mixed race people on the UK bone marrow register. Secondly because I worked with a lovely young comedian called Babatunde who made the shoot really fun.

What’s the worst modelling experience you’ve had?
To be honest I’ve been really lucky with bad experiences. I suppose I could say a fashion show I did which required me to wear lingerie. I had to walk down the runway with my bum cheeks out!

What is it like on set/shoots, there’s a lot of girls, is there any bitchiness?
I love the buzz on a photo shoot! It’s exciting watching the other girls working. But yes there is bitching but to be honest there is always going to be bitching around a group of girls. I think if you carry yourself well and go and do the job you’re required to do then no one can fault you.

What do you do when you’re not modelling?
When I’m not modelling I’m a student studying English and Creative Writing at University. My education is extremely important to me so I make sure I’ve always got space in my schedule to balance my time between the two.

Who is your favourite model, do you aspire to be like any model in particular?
Tyra Banks. She’s a good role model to young black women and she always holds herself extremely well.

What your best feature?

Probably my abs- I’m lucky enough to have a really flat tummy!

What type of modelling would you never do?

Anything explicitly crude.

Obviously models have to have a tight body, what do you do to keep in shape?

I’ve pretty much danced my whole life so I think I shaped my body from an active childhood rather than hitting the gym. I just make sure I eat healthily, follow a good skin care regime and exercise regularly.

Most people think that being a model is an easy job, they don’t realize that it’s a lot of hard work and new models face a lot of criticism and rejection are you ready for that?
I’m very confident in my craft so can take almost all that’s thrown at me! I think you just need to remember that just because you weren’t right for one job doesn’t mean you’re not right for another. Rejection is always going to be there, its how you deal with it that counts.

There’s loads of girls who want to be the next top model how do you stand out, obviously your Fabulous and Undiscovered but what makes you so different?

My work ethic! I put 100% into anything I do. I think with determination and hard work you can get to anywhere you want to.

Who would you like to work with in the future?
I’d love to do an urban campaign such as Baby Phat or Roca Wear. I’d also like to move into television work and do some presenting.

What’s next for you?

Well I’ve got the launch of the Kojo’s Angels calendar and I’m doing my music first video next month so all exciting stuff.

For more info on Alexia go to:

www.myspace.com/alexia_online

Deja

FU interviewed new model Deja who told us about her Lynx advert and her plans on going to America to persue her modelling.

How long have you been modelling for?

Well I’d say a couple of months..I'm a newbie :)

Who/What made you want to model?

I think what made me want to model was the fact that it had always been a secret aspiration, that I decided yes this is something that I really want to do with my life.

Have you always been one of those people who just loves to be in front of the camera (or mirror) posing?

I’m always taking pictures of myself with my phone, but when I am in front of the camera (bearing in mind I’m shooting with a photographer I feel comfortable with) I tend to have a lot of positive energy so I guess I’d say I do love it!

What’s the best job you’ve been on?

I'd say the lynx online ad, though its very recent so its still up in the air but it was a reaction ad- though I was shocked by the scene I was involved in it was great fun!! and I would do it again.

What’s the worst modelling experience you’ve had?

I'd say a photographer indiscretely making suggestions to me !! argh lol

What is it like on set/shoots, there’s a lot of girls, is there any bitchiness?

I'd say it can be quite bitchy particularly if every female is vying for the limelight for example at music video shoots or if they see anyone who seems to be competition to them. But I’m not really bothered by that as at the end of the day I know that modelling is my dream therefore if I let those things get to me then it would take me away from my goal of establishing myself as a model.

What do you do when you’re not modelling?

At the moment I’m taking a year out from my studies which have been geared towards media and television otherwise I’m usually taking care of my son who I absolutely adore :)

Who is your favourite model, do you aspire to be like any model in particular?

I'd say Naomi Campbell.. and not because we both have the same name ;) but setting aside all the negative media she’s had. Naomi to me is a very grounded, strong and determined individual. Not only beautiful in her own right but is a successful black supermodel.

What’s your best feature?

I'd say my eyes.

What type of modelling would you never do?

Anything involving nudity.

Obviously models have to have a tight body, what do you do to keep in shape?

Well nothing really if I’m being honest.. maybe running up and down after my son- does that count.. :) or sit ups I was doing between 50-100 a day but I’ve not seen much of a change but truthfully I do actually walk quite a bit. But when I become more strict with myself I intend to go to the gym.

Most people think that being a model is an easy job, they don’t realize that it’s a lot of hard work and new models face a lot of criticism and rejection are you ready for that?

Bring it on... no seriously yes I believe I am ready and could handle rejection well because with an industry that is so big and trends that are for ever changing you have to be open to the idea that not every time you will be what people are looking for. With that it doesn't mean to say that an opportunity might not come knocking on your door all the same.

There’s loads of girls who want to be the next top model how do you stand out?
Well I’d say because I’m a very down to earth, honest and determined individual. not only that but being 5ft 5 its a lot harder to get jobs in the modelling industry as some areas seem to be determined by height. so it makes me want to give my up most best just knowing that I have to work 10 times harder.

Who would you like to work with in the future?

I’d like to work with up and coming UK urban designers as I feel we should support our own more. Otherwise I’d love to be the face of a product or be featured in a respectable magazine.

What’s next for you?

Hopefully, I would like to go to America next year sometime and see how I go out there- test the waters.. so watch this space!!

For more info on Deja go to:

www.myspace.com/deja86

Boys in the Hood

FU spoke to Boys in the Hoods CEO Linda who told us why she decided to start an all male model management company.
“The reason I started my management company is because I wanted to focus on something other then my modelling. Also I was trying to get my brother to model, but he didn't want to have any one but me managing him, so I thought as I’m getting a lot of links myself why don't I just start up my company now, sign my brother and get the ball rolling. Plus my friend is a model and a photographer so that made the decision even easier” -Linda Clare-Noel
Linda decided on the name Boys in the Hood as she thought this best described the look of her models as they’re just like the boy next door .Although they are not the stereotypical pretty boy models they all have a uniqueness which makes them stand out in such a competitive industry.
“My aim is to help models out there who might be a little different or not as commercial as some and to be one of the first male originated urban model management agencies to bring a sexy, street model to the scene.” -Linda-Clare Noel
Because of the many female and mixed model agencies saturating the market, Linda decided to focus on one category and take the male model route to try and open up the male model market and be remembered for doing so. Also as males are a lot more laid back she felt this would make her job easier:
“Like I said in my other interview I like to think outside the box. Plus I work better with men and I believe that it is a lot less stress, lol” -Linda-Clare Noel
CEO Linda stresses that Boys in the Hood, is not like your average company looking to just hire people and make money, they care about their models. Unlike other agencies Boys in the Hoods models are not just one dimensional and CEO Linda is happy to promote their other skills such as rapping, DJ-ing, Writing and Designing:
“I'm looking to expand my knowledge of the business and meet people who are interested in working with me. It is not going to be just one sided, but built into an empire and a family” Linda-Clare Noel

Boys in the Hood
C.E.O Linda-Clare Noel

Co-Manager-Photographer Kelly-Ann Taylor

P.A Sophina Wilson

If you think you have what it take to join Boys in the Hood or if you would like to hire a Boys in the Hood model :

Email: cereece6@hotmail.co.uk

Or go to www.myspace.com/bihnent

Also for photography go to:
www.myspace.com/klevelsphotography