Poetic Since '90: Welcome to Nicole's Blog!

On November 28, 2010, about a weeks ago, Keri Hilson released her 'The Way You F*** Me' video on WorldStarHipHop.com. The single is the 3rd released from her upcoming sophmore album 'No Boys Allowed' (follow-up to her 2009 platinum 'In A Perfect World' debut), scheduled for release on December 21. As soon as the video hit the net, the controversial video was met with shock by bloggers and music fans all over the net. In the video Keri can be seen refering to herself as a "bad b***h", screaming sexually explicit terms (p***y, f**k me, etc), and most suprisingly dressing in underwear and a revealing top dancing in an EXTREMELY sexual way. Most Keri fans and music fans in general were asking "How did Keri go from the classy 'Breaking Point'(first video released from the album) and 'Pretty Girl Rock' videos (second video released for the album) paying homage to women in music such as the Supremes to this?" Many fans claimed she went this route to create a buzz in order to attempt to sell more records. Many people have now labeled her as a "hoe" and "slut" because of the video, some say she lost their respect, and some say they are no longer fans.

Keri's response to the negative views on the video was "It is racy.I can't allow other people or the media to dictate what I can and cannot do," and "I'm talking about one man in a relationship, I'm not talking about being a slut or whore and being paid to do things." Basically she described that it's how women feel, she was being real, and so on. My reaction to the video was shocked, because I never expected a video like this from Keri Hilson. I'll start on a positive note. I will say that Keri is an adult, so she has the right to say and do whatever she wants. It is true that women can relate to the majority of her music. Also, it's not the responsibility of music artists or celebrities in general to be "role models" for the youth.

One thing I disagree with was the way she was dressed half-naked in the video, dancing in a "promiscuous" way, and being sexually explicit with the song lyrics. Keri also refered to the video as "art," but it was definitely not to me, more like "trashy". I also disagree with some of the people commenting on YouTube, blogs, and other sites saying that video and the song was "sexy". A true definition of a sexy but classy video and song would be 'Unthinkable' by Alicia Keys, 'What's My Name?" by Rihanna Feat. Drake, 'Video Phone' by Beyonce Feat. Lady Gaga, and YES even the 'Single' video by Lil' Wayne. If you are a grown you clearly know what the artists are talking about, however the videos and songs are not outrageously explicit like 'The Way You F**k Me' is. The artists and others in the videos are respectably clothed, and the lyrics are clean (well Weezy drops the F bomb several times, but you can't compare the song or videos to Keri's).

Keri could have expressed herself in a more subtle and respectful way that didn't take away from her class. Being half-naked or practically naked in a music video, save it for your bf or husband. Using sexually explicit language telling everything you like to do or have done to you, save if for your bf or husband. All the overally sexual not "sexy" dancing (that was more like movement to be honest), save it for your bf or husband. There is no need to broadcast it to the world trying to claim it as art as a music artist or as a women period. Some have said that it's a double standard, and rappers talk the same way in their videos and are not criticized. First of all they are criticized for "demeaning" and having half-naked video models in their videos sometimes. Secondly, rappers don't dress half-naked in their videos, so that's probably why they aren't called "hoes" and "sluts", only the girls in the videos " video hoes". Many of them do glorify sleeping with multiple women, and I have heard many people (males and females) say negative things about it.

When you look at some of the most famous, and successful business women in our country and even the world like Oprah, Tyra Banks, Raven Symone, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, they all have class. You can't google their name to see them in too many scandals, half-naked music videos, pictures, or other things. You don't have to do those things to be successful, and should maintain a level of privacy. Most people's parents would be disgraced if they saw their daughter, no matter what age, in a video dressing and acting like that. I would never do something like that out of self-respect, and respect for my family. Also, it's one thing to be a certain way behind closed doors, but the public doesn't need to hear or see all your business.

- Nicole

The video...



Her response...




'Breaking Point' Video:



'Pretty Girl Rock' Video:

1. What were your inspirations to pursue modeling?

- Well there are a few reasons for me wanting to pursue modeling. The main reason is that I grew up with low self esteem, I was always called “fat and ugly” I never had a voice or someone to say that “you are beautiful”. As I grew older I realized that a lot of young girls looked up to me. Also, I have always loved fashion and getting glamorous and easily got the title “DIVA”. So I began looking into fashion shows, contacting photographers, and basically just learning the business.

2. When did you start modeling?

- I have been modeling for almost 3 years now.

3. Who are some of your favorite models and famous women in general that you think really give a good representation of plus-sized models or plus-sized women in general?

- I admire so many women I have a very long list. I love Monique, Queen Latifah, Toccara Jones, Kelly Price, Jill Scott, Chenese Lewis, Mia Amber, Mia Tyler. Every woman I listed is curvy, has lots of class, and has conquered it all. From movies to TV shows, to ripping the runway. I love all of these women.

4. What do you like best and least about modeling?
- I love the fact that you can become someone else in photos, I love the clicking of the camera, I love the runway, I love meeting new people, I love seeing the creative eye of the designer/make up artist, I love when other females say “Girl you representing for US plus size women) I feel so appreciated, I can say there is nothing else like it.

The lease thing about modeling would be other models and them trying to compete with you. It’s mainly like nobody is really happy for you and I feel like we should be happy and support each other. I understand that you may be up against your best friend for a gig but I just feel like what God has for me it’s for me. That’s mainly what just bothers me about modeling.


5. What has been the most challenging aspect of being a plus-sized model? In general?

- The most challenging thing for me was that I didn’t know what type of modeling I really wanted to be in. I was confused if I wanted to cater more to the urban market or stick with fashion, etc. Lately I have been getting a lot of love from the urban market but my heart is runway, commercial work, print work, etc. So that is challenging to me b/c I know where my heart is so do I get the exposure I want or wait my time for the fashion assignments.

6. How do you feel about the media and society not really representing or accepting plus-sized models on a wide scale (TV shows, magazines, runways, etc)?

- I think now that the media is finally accepting us. I know some people have made comments about US Plus models on the runway saying we are a joke etc, but I know a lot of plus models that can out walk any slim model. As a plus model we do have more to prove but in my eyes I don’t mind fighting a little harder.

7. All models go through criticism, sometimes positive and sometimes negative. Some are labeled too skinny, too overweight, alcoholics, drug abusers, untalented, promiscuous, attractive, unattractive, and the list goes on. How do you maintain your strengths despite the negativity?

- I have to say I pray every day for my strength. This is a very hard market and people will have their opinion about you from how you look, dress, and even act. I just try and make myself happy but over all I have been receiving a good response and I feel I am on the right path.

8. What has been your biggest accomplishment so far in modeling?

- I am so proud to say that I did an album cover for a rock band “Turbo Fruit” that was almost a year ago. I have had like 10 features back to back, and also, I just had a journalist follow me for a day and she will be writing a story up about me.



9. What path are you aiming towards with your career (music videos, print, runway, etc)?

- I mainly want to encourage women all over. I want to be a published model, print work, commercial, runway, beauty and glamour model.

10. If you could be featured on the cover or have a multi-paged spread inside any 2 or 3 magazines of your choice, which ones would they be and why?

- I would love to have a spread/feature in Plus Model Magazine, Essence, and Ebony.


11. Any embarrassing or funny stories you have experienced while modeling (photo shoot, etc)?

- YES, this summer I was at a video shoot for a specific rap artist and it was the last scene, it was late and everybody was tired. Well there was a model there and she fell down some steps. It was just really quiet and all of a sudden a huge BOOM!! She got up and kept working. She was a good sport about it. I probably would have cried, but she stayed strong and smiled and was ready to keep working.

12. What is your ultimate goal for your modeling career?

- My goal is to become a published model, I want features everywhere. I want to hit runways for Monif C, Evans Clothing, One Stop Plus, to be a well known successful Video Model, Cover Girl spokesperson, and open a Plus Size Boutique. Honestly I can say the sky is the limit in my book.



13. How do you feel about people with negative perceptions on models in general?

- I try not to focus on anything negative, I may read a comment about a model, and just keep it moving.

14. What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue modeling or are just beginning?

- I would say build a portfolio, do your research google anything you want to know. Just because you are pretty doesn’t mean you have potential to become a model. Learn your angles for poses, network with photographers, designers, etc. Also to have a great attitude!!

15. What are some of your talents and hobbies?

- My hobbies are that I enjoy reading, writing, shopping, I like to play cards, and just relax.

16. What are some of your upcoming projects?

- Right now I am working on a glamour calendar, I am in the works meeting with different agencies. I have 3 that I am looking into. There are a few things right now I am working on but everything is not finalized so I can’t disclose very much information. I just spoke with a representative from Ashley Stewarts and I am hoping for something big to come out of that. Since I am freelance it’s harder to book jobs with these big companies, but I believe in due time some great things will come.

Be sure to follow Kimmi on Twitter!!!

Hey everyone,

Thanks for checking out my blog! For those of you who logged onto my official website Nicolepoetry.net you see that my official website and blog are now different sites. This blog was previous my official website/blog, and the transition occured about 2 or 3 weeks ago. This blog is still under construction, as far as developing a new blog title, tagline, creating new features, along with other things. The blog will still feature my past and future interviews, but the posts for the blog will be on things unrelated to my work (check out my official website for that info) including: music, books, fashion, movies, celebrity gossip, electronics, and basically anything that interests me. Hope you all enjoy the new official website and blog, and please check back often for new content and updates. =)

- xoxoxo Nicole xoxoxo

Nicolepoetry.net had the opportunity to interview model/host/actress Christa Elise Graziano, who was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida. Many people may mostly recognize this multi-talented beauty from music videos such as 'Money To Blow' by Birdman Feat. Drake and Lil' Wayne and 'Bedrock' by Young Money (Lil' Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Gudda Gudda, Tyga, Jae Millz, and Lloyd). However, you cannot solely define Christa as a "video vixen". Her accomplishments definitely place her above the label.

When she's not shooting a video with some of the music industry's top male artists like Lil' Wayne, Birdman, Young Money, Ace Hood, DJ Khaled, and Rick Ross-Christa still shines. She is constantly pursing her dreams. A few of her accomplishments from her extensive resume include: runway modeling in the June 2009 Ed Hard Fashion Show, hosting events such as the 2010 Miami premiere of box office hit movie 'Lottery Ticket', being a correspondant for several Scoop The Magazine events such as 'Best of the Best 2010' with attendees like Rick Ross, P. Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Gucci Mane, DJ Khaled, and being featured in top Ethnic magazines such as Jet and Sophisticate's Black Hair.

In this interview Christa discusses how she got her start in the modeling game, her experiences on music video sets with Young Money and other artists, advice for young women trying to succeed in the industry, her most memorable and fun hosting and promotional modeling events, as well as her role in the upcoming 2011 movie 'Magic City' directed by Malcolm Jones, and more.

Be sure to add Christa on Facebook:

Christa On Facebook

Follow her on Twitter at:

Christa On Twitter

Nicolepoetry.net had the opportunity to interview music artist Miss Dade A.K.A. D‘Jai Dame, who hails from Dade County in Miami, FL. In addition to releasing solo music, she has collaborated several times with rapper Trina, including on the remix to the song ‘Stunt’ from Trina’s 2007 mixtape ‘Rockstarr Royalty’. She has also recorded several songs with Bobby Valentino including ‘I Love You No More’ by Bobby Valentino Feat. N.O.R.E. and Miss Dade County. The video made it to MTV Jams and numerous other music channels and countdowns back in 2008.

Music is not all Miss Dade is known for. She also has been seen in music videos with the music industry’s dominating male artists. Her music video resume includes work with The Clipse, Day 26, David Banner, Fay Joe, Akon, Ray J, Young Berg, Flo Rida, Nelly, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Timbaland, Plies, T-Pain, Snoop Dogg, Lil’ Boosie, T.I., Chris Brown, Lil’ Wayne, Birdman, and the list continues. Recently, she had a cameo in the 2010 big screen movie ‘Lottery Ticket’ starring Bow Wow, Ice Cube, Naturi Naughton, Charlie Murphy, Teairra Mari, Loretta Devine, etc as Nicki Swayze's (Mari)best friend.

In this interview this multi-talented musician, model, and new actor Miss Dade discusses how she started making music, her music inspirations, her acting debut in major motion picture ‘Lottery Ticket’, her new music and style reinvention, upcoming projects, and more in this exclusive interview. For more on Miss Dade County:

Miss Dade Official Website

Miss Dade Twitter

Miss Dade Myspace

Miss Dade YouTube or
Miss Dade On YouTube 2

Here's two REVAMPED interview videos of my interviews with video models Ayisha Diaz and Cuban Luxury that were released on YouTube a few weeks ago around the beginning of the month:


Ayisha Diaz - Pt. 1



Pt. 2



Cuban Luxury - Pt. 1



Pt. 2




UPCOMING PROJECTS:

1. New Website Layout/Photoshoot
2. New Interviews
3. Poetry Book E-Release

Those are 3 of the things I am currently working on. There are others, but I learned that it's never a good thing to reveal plans that have not come into works yet. So, stay tuned!

More new posts and projects soon,

-Nicole =)

J. WRIGHT is a Recording artist/Producer/Songwriter and Entrepreneur hailing from Davenport, Iowa. At the youthful age of 21 years old he is ready to take on the world. Already being tagged as "One of the artist to watch for 2010 and beyond" by Hip Hop Weekly Magazine, there is no doubt that J. WRIGHT is getting ready to face the world, stand up and begin his take over!

Though some may say that "real" Hip Hop is dead, J. WRIGHT is here to simply put those naysayers on alert and prove that Hip Hop is alive and breathing. The Midwest has produced a few recognizable names in the Hip Hop community, such as Kanye West, Common, Nelly and Twista, just to name a few. Soon, Iowa will be identified beyond just a place where corn is reproduced, but also the home of the talented J. WRIGHT. "I am ready to share my story with the world as I continue to find myself and grow into a man," says J.WRIGHT. "Though, my journey has been filled with ups and downs, I am still here," he adds. Musically inspired by the likes of Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Slick Rick and Kanye West among others, J. WRIGHT continues to spread the message that you must live your life as if you will not live to see tomorrow and that you must take all chances while leaving no regrets.

As J. WRIGHT adds finishing touches to his highly anticipated EP, "MISTER WRIGHT", available this spring, he prepares to hit the road on promotional tour to promote the single "Mister Wright featuring J Rome". The EP, "MISTER WRIGHT", will include production from Young Yonny, (Trey Songz - Say Ahh), along with a collective effort of young up and coming producers from the Midwest. "I am very excited about the direction the project is taking, as people will hear and see me for me," he affirms.

When J. WRIGHT is not busy recording, producing, songwriting and further establishing his new jewelry line, he gives back to the community by dedicating his time to The Boys & Girls Club of America and the 100 Black Men of America organization. "I aspire to be a Hip Hop mogul not just known for my skills but also known for my business sense and my compassion for my community. I have a dream that I will grace the covers of Time Magazine and Black Enterprise Magazine among many others and become an owner of a NBA basketball team. So, look out Chicago Bulls, I am coming for you", laughs J. WRIGHT. (Bio Courtesy of Camp Entertainment)





For More Info On J. Wright:


J Wright Official Website

J. Wright On Twitter

J Wright On Facebook

J. Wright On YouTube

Contact D-Boy Automatic:

E-Mail: DBoyAutomatic@gmail.com

D-Boy Automatic On Twitter
D-Boy Automatic On Facebook
D-Boy Automatic On YouTube
D-Boy Automatic On Myspace

D-Boy Automatic Bio

NEW UPDATES TO THE WEBSITE COMING SEPTEMBER 1!!! I know the site has been on a hiatus, but I'm back! I'm sooo excited for the new projects that I am working on in addition to the site, and features for the site that will be launching this Fall of 2010. Stay tuned... Be sure to follow me on Twitter at: Nicole On Twitter for the most up to date info on me, my projects, the website, and more.

Here's the new edited version of my interview with video model Ayisha Diaz that I just released today on YouTube. More new and improved interview videos, new interviews, and upcoming project details also coming September 1.

- Nicole =)

BIO: Far from an aspiring rapper; D-Boy Automatic is no stranger to the world of Hip- Hop. With his very first mix tape appearance, D-Boy Automatic has been making his name well known in the music industry. Being raised in the East New York section of Brooklyn, D-Boy Automatic is far from being immune to the craft of great music. With Brooklyn being the home to some of the best and affluent artists D-Boy Automatic has always felt the creative energy. From a young age D-Boy Automatic, was always musically inclined. He managed to harbor and develop a special ability that he still uses today. This is the ability to freestyle about anything in sight reminding many of his devoted listeners and fans of hip-hop from the 1990’s when it was true and raw. With the death of his brother in 1999, music became D-Boy’s instrument for emotional release. It was a few months after his brother death in 2000, that D-Boy recorded his first track. Through the years, after his first record, D-Boy has went through many struggles but his dedication to his craft was more than enough to keep him focused on his goals ahead. This focus on the future began paying off in spring of 2008, when his track Push baq ya Brainz appeared on DJ. Mami Fresh’s “Real Ballers” mix tape. This one track became not only a DJ favorite but a mix tape favorite being requested and played on numerous occasions all over the tri-state area. D-Boy Automatic is not just rapper he is also a producer. His ability to produce proved to be very becoming when Freck Billionaire of “Street Fam” reached out to him in February of 2010 and told him that “[he has] straight bangers and to keep it up” when Sick as hell was created. The year 2010 is proving to be an astonishing year for D-Boy Automatic. With the recent release of his single and video For a Favor; he has been doing nothing but creating a superb buzz for himself. D-Boy has been giving the edge to take the music industry by storm. Starting at the bottom D-Boy Automatic will only go to the top. Contact D-Boy Automatic at: DBoyAutomatic@gmail.com (Bio courtesy of D-Boy Automatic)

Check out 3 new songs and 2 new music videos from D-Boy Automatic below, and for more info:

D-Boy Automatic On Twitter
D-Boy Automatic On Facebook
D-Boy Automatic On YouTube
D-Boy Automatic On Myspace




SONGS

Call Me Back Feat. Arasmus