West Coast Block Starz cover girl, Bria Myles, 24, was born in Los Angeles, California where she attended Fairfax High School. Bria made her big debut in the Kanye West and Rhymefest video Brand New in 2005; since then, she has appeared as the lead in music videos featuring industry heavyweights like 50 Cent, Pharrell, Gwen Stefani, and Ludacris.
Boasting a stunning 34-26-45 figure, Bria has also been featured in BlackMen, KING, SHOW, and XXL magazines respectively and recently played a video hottie in Don King Presents: Prizefighter on XBOX 360. A business-savvy career woman, Bria has a multimedia CD filled with exclusive images and behind-the-scenes footage of photo shoots available at her website www.briamyles.com.
Yo! Raps (www.yoraps.com) recently caught up with Bria for this Block Starz exclusive interview.
Who are some fashion/urban models in the industry that you respect and/or admire?
As far as fashion models I really admire Jessica White, Selita Ebanks, and Adriana Lima. When it comes to urban models I admire and respect Esther Baxter, Natasha Ellie, and Summer Walker
Who are your favorite photographers?
He goes by "Scaramanga" on Model Mayhem, but his real name is Ken. I like him a lot. I also like this guy Pablo Aguilar that I shot with. We got excellent results.
Who would you like to work with that you haven't already?
As for who I'd like to shoot with I like Tim Hale's work.
Who are your favorite West Coast recording artists; past, present, and future?
Past would be Tupac, Snoop Dogg and present The Game is the future. Actually, I heard this song not too long ago by this guy named Problem called Whereva You Like that I absolutely love. He's from Compton!
What's the most rewarding part of being a model?
The best part is the emails from young black girls who are of darker complexion who say that I've helped them to get past their ugly duckling phase. It's also nice being noticed occasionally and getting special treatment.
And also, what's the least rewarding?
The least rewarding part is all of the negative stereotypes that people have of urban models, and how disrespectful and unprofessional this industry can be.
What's the strangest online comment or request you've received from an admirer?
Well, I've been asked for worn panties/thongs, but I think that's pretty common.
What advice and/or tips would you give other young women interested in modeling?
A. To find a good photographer and develop a portfolio with him. Someone you can trust and that is really feeling you. Don't try to get good pics for free. Generally they will cost some money.
B. Hook up with an agent or manager who can put you into connection with the right people. Without that, it won't happen.
C. Don't give away too many good images of yourself for free. Keep your audience wanting more, this way they will buy your stuff.
When do compliments about your looks and/or figure from male fans cross the line?
I had one guy on MySpace just send me a picture of an erection with a note that said "This is what you do to me mama" That's too far.
When did you first realize you had what it took to become a professional model?
I friend of mine suggested I do this several years ago and after I did the Rhymefest video, with feedback I got, I knew I had potential.
Where (magazines, music videos, websites) can fans expect to see you this year?
As for now, since it is only January, you can see me in Akon's video Beautiful coming soon, and SHOW magazine coming out soon as well. Hopefully this year will be great and you will see me in all the mags!
Where do you want to see yourself professionally in the next three years?
I'd like to have built a solid body of work as a model and have a decent following. I'd also like to have stretched more commercial modeling, like catalogues and commercials. I'd also like to finish college and have the option to go in another direction if I choose to.
Why do so many men fantasize about having a California girl?
[Laughs] I have no idea. I think there's this preconception that California women are free spirits and good-natured.
Why are you the next model to make a big splash in Hollywood?
What I learned when I did the Prizefighter video game last year is that I have a cross over appeal. There's not a lot of dark, thick girls that have an all white production reach out to them for something like that. I think my universal appeal is why I could be the next big splash in Hollywood.
How do you maintain your fantastic measurements?
I try to run the canyons about 3 times a week, and eat right. I don't do it as consistently as I should but I am not a couch potato. I do it enough so that I can maintain my size but not lose it!
How do you feel about posing nude and/or other models that do?
My thoughts on posing nude are unless I do it the right way, which would be the cover of playboy, then I won't do it at all. As far as other models who do it, I don't knock them at all! Who am I to judge anyone? As long as you are happy with what you're doing, that's all that matters in my eyes.
Finally, how can people book you for modeling assignments?
Go to my website www.briamyles.com or email me at Bria@Briamyles.com
- By Todd Davis |
